Light up the night
Work begins on Grenfell Motel Mural as Light Up the Night approaches
THE transformation of the Grenfell Motel wall is o cially underway.
Renowned artists Daniel Walton and Scott Nagy have begun work on this stunning mural, which celebrates community and creativity.
This year’s Light Up the Night is also set to take over the streets of Grenfell with the support of the NSW Government’s Open Streets Program.
Minister for Roads, Arts, Music, the Night-Time Economy, Jobs, and Tourism,
John Graham, said they’re excited to support the event in Grenfell.
“Too o en, our main streets are something we drive through rather than drive to,” he said.
“Our streets are a critical part of our public and social infrastructure. Great streets make great towns and centres, re ecting the local community and culture.”
“The Open Streets program is about temporarily transforming our main streets into vibrant and welcoming
public event spaces.
“The colour and diversity of these 130 events celebrate the unique personality of each town or suburb. This is what our vibrancy agenda is all about backing locals to create events and entertainment that work for their local community.”
The mural’s o cial unveiling will play out at the Light Up the Night New Year’s Eve Street Party on 31 December 2024. This spectacular event, running from 5:00 pm to 10:00 pm, is
packed with entertainment, food, and fun for the whole family.
Enjoy an incredible line-up of talented artists:
5pm – Amber Lawrence kids show
6pm – Dean Haitani
6:55 pm – Clancy Drive
7:45 pm – Mickey Pye
8:45 pm – Amber Lawrence
Other highlights include: market stalls, street dining, kids entertainment.
At dusk, the o cial lighting of the new Main Street festoon lights.
Mural artists Daniel Walton and Scott Nagy begin work on the Grenfell Motel Mural. PHOTO: Courtesy of Jenn Graham
STAFF of St Joseph’s School past and present came out to recognise the commitment of Leslie King. Story page 6.
PHOTO: Supplied
Grenfell Public School’s adventure in Canberra
By GRENFELL PUBLIC SCHOOL
On Friday, 6 December, Stage 1 students from Grenfell Public School embarked on an exciting excursion to Canberra. The day was lled with fun and adventure as they watched a live performance of The Gru alo and enjoyed a magical ride on the historic carousel.
The Canberra carousel has a history dating back to 1915 in Melbourne.
It was purchased by the City of Canberra in 1973 and refurbished and opened to the public in 1974. It features 52 hand-carved wooden horses and two intricately detailed elephant carriages imported from Germany. Its brass poles were made in Scotland.
The Gru alo stage show brought Julia Donaldson’s beloved story to life with vibrant characters and engaging storytelling.
Students were captivated as Mouse outwitted the Gru alo and other forest creatures in a delightful performance lled with humour and creativity.
Year 2 students, George Armstrong and Arthur Bateman were eager to share their memories and have provided their own recounts of this unforgettable day.
We went to Canberra and the bus drive was very slow. I sat next to Arthur. When we got there, we walked through the centre of Canberra and got to the carousel. The carousel is probably over 100 years old.
The Year 2s got to have the rst turn. Mack, Henry, Arthur and I when on the elephants. The elephants didn’t go up and down so I probably would’ve preferred to go on the horses. The Year 1s had a go when we got o . The Gru alo Show
By Arthur Bateman
Once we le the carousel, we walked to the theatre. We had to wait a while for the show to start. It was really dark inside the theatre. There were lots of other schools there to see the show too. The music was cool and had a good beat.
We watched ‘The Gru alo’ and it was real people who were acting and wearing costumes. There were some things that were di erent to the book like some extra characters. The Gru alo costume was very big and a bit weird. The fox, snake and owl were played by the same person. I give the show 4/5 stars.
The Grenfell Record and Bland Advertiser welcomes your thoughts and feedback on issues in the Grenfell community. If you have a story lead or prepared article and photographs you’d like published contact the Senior Journalist Renee Powell on 0448 238 023 or visit the o ce at 50b Kendal Street between 8.30am and 5pm Monday to Friday.
Royal Far West hosts successful Christmas raffle: thank you all
By MARGARET CUDDIHY
THE Grenfell branch of the Royal Far West Christmas raffle was held in November and thank you to all the valued members of Grenfell Business for your generous donations, with these we were able to have four substantial prizes.
The community folk and visitors were so generous with their raffle purchases and donations we made a very successful profit with no outlay.
My thanks also go to the members and friends who gave their time to sell our tickets.
Many thanks to Makcrete for the use of their window to display our prizes.
The raffle was drawn on November 28 by a young man named Lachlan. The winners were:
1st: Karen Brenner 25535, 2nd: Margaret Cuddihy 52432, 3rd: Ringo Walker 25681, 4th: John King 52178.
All were delighted by their luck.
Royal Far West members wish you all a happy, healthy, peaceful and safe Christmas and New Year in 2025.
Senior Journalist
Renee Powell 0448 238 023 rpowell@midwestmedia.com.au
Journalists Brendan McCool 0448 238 254 bmccool@midwestmedia.com.au
Lots happening at Caragabal Public School
CARAGABAL PUBLIC SCHOOL NEWSLETTER for Term 4,
end of the term has arrived so quickly! Monday kicked o with our rst intensive swimming session, and as always, the bus trips were lled with excitement and chatter.
As the 2024 school year wraps up, here are a few important dates to mark on your calendars: Presentation Night: December 17.
Last day of Term 4 for students: December 18
First day of Term 1, 2025: February 6
Forbes Small School’s Swimming Carnival: February 12 (more details to come)!
School swimming has been super fun!
We have been super busy with play practice although everyone is coming along really well with learning their lines o by heart.
I would also like to announce that I only have nine days le at Caragabal P.S.
It has been a great last term and I hope to see people around at events!
Classifieds 02 6342 1044 mbrown@midwestmedia.com.au
Advertising Courtney Gambrill 0448 238 080 cgambrill@midwestmedia.com.au
Caragabal Public’s intensive swimming program is PHOTO: Supplied
Eddie Essex, Casey Liebich and Rex Brenner sit astride the beautiful hand carved horses on the historic Canberra Carousel. PHOTOS: Supplied
George and Arthur enjoying the elephant carriage with their friends.
The Historic Carousel By George Armstrong
Shop local this Christmas
WEDDIN Shire Council has launched the Shop Weddin This Christmas campaign, an initiative designed to encourage residents to support local businesses and keep holiday shopping within the community.
At a time when many are tempted to shop online or visit larger regional centres, this campaign aims to remind everyone of the importance of shopping locally.
By choosing to shop locally, residents are helping small businesses thrive, keeping money within the community, and creating job opportunities for their neighbours.
Every purchase made at a local business helps to ensure that Weddin Shire remains prosperous.
Mayor Paul Best expressed the importance of supporting local businesses this festive season: “As we approach Christmas, I encourage everyone to shop locally and support the small businesses that make Weddin unique.
“Every purchase contributes to the strength of our community, and together we can ensure Wed-
din Shire remains a vibrant place to live and work.”
The Shop Weddin This Christmas campaign will run until Wednesday, December 18, 2024, with the lucky winners to be drawn on Friday, December 20, 2024, at the Lions Christmas Carnival in Vaughan Park.
It’s easy to enter, simply ll out a coupon with every purchase made at a participating business and drop it in the entry box for a chance to win one of three exciting VISA gi card prizes:
• 1st Prize: $500 VISA Gi Card
• 2nd Prize: $300 VISA Gi Card
• 3rd Prize: $200 VISA Gi Card
Whether shopping for a loved one or treating yourself, your support of local businesses will make a signi cant impact on the local business community. Let’s think locally this festive season and ensure our local economy remains strong.
For more information on the project, contact Weddin Shire Council’s Acting Director Corporate Services
Mrs Auburn Carr on 02 6343 1864 or auburn@weddin.nsw.gov.au
Cherry auction raises huge support for Little Wings
A BOX of cherries from the Warby Ranges in North East Victoria has gone under the hammer for a record breaking $165,000 at the annual Sydney Markets Foundation Cherry Ball.
The box of cherries was from Smiths Fruit in Wangaratta, which has been in operation for almost 150 years, and was specially selected at an o cial tasting event ahead of the Cherry Auction.
The cherry auction will see the full $165,000 go to 2024 charity partner, Little Wings. The organisation provides free, safe and professional air and ground transport for seriously ill children across regional and rural towns in NSW, the ACT and QLD.
The organisation helps families like that of Rene Baird-Jones and Kobi.
“When we found out Kobi had cancer, it was just an instant shock to our bodies.
The winning bid of $60,000 was from Talal and Joanne Khanafer from Trims Fresh Merrylands, with additional pledges totaling $105,000; including $25,000 from Sydney Markets Limited on behalf of its shareholders, $20,000 from Sydney Markets Credit Services, and a further $60,000 from a consortium of Sydney Markets Businesses and individuals.
I just felt like I didn’t know what to do from that point,” Rene said.
“You grow up trying to protect your children as much as you can and hearing that news. It was just like the world had stopped. The world had stopped and I didn’t know a way forward hearing that news… how I was going to protect him and how we were going to get him through this,” she said.
“At the age of 21-months for Kobi, he was diagnosed with retinoblastoma, which is cancer of the eye. And we didn’t know what that was. It came on pretty suddenly. Kobi’s le eye started getting
a little bit bloodshot one day.”
“Going to pick cherries means so much for our family. It’s a time that we all come together, o en some family from Sydney come down and it’s something we like to do together as a family,” Rene said.
The annual Cherry Auction has raised about $2M since its inception in 1980. Sydney Markets Foundation
CEO Meegan George said the Cherry Auction allows the Markets community to celebrate the stone fruit season in style alongside the wider fresh produce industry and corporate donors.
“We’re incredibly proud of the beautiful produce that
comes through Sydney Markets and there are few Aussie traditions greater than the bowl of cherries on the Christmas table,” Ms George said.
“The Cherry Ball is more than just a celebration of the start of the stone fruit season, it’s a chance for us to come together and change lives. By supporting Little Wings and their incredible work, we are ensuring children in rural and regional areas get the care they need, no matter the distance.
“Every bid at the auction brings us closer making a real impact for these brave kids and their fami -
lies,” Ms George said.
“Congratulations to Talal & Joanne Khanafer from Trims Fresh Merrylands on winning the 43rd Cherry Auction and showing your support to a great cause.”
CEO of Little Wings Clare Pearson was delighted by the outcome and support shown from the Markets community.
“The funds raised by Sydney Markets Foundation will help support families in our regional communities to continue to access vital transport services so their kids can get to appointments, surgeries and treatments,” Pearson said.
We’re always on the lookout for
Contact Rebecca on 0436 000 660 or rhewson@midwestmedia.com.au GOT SOMETHING WORTH
Cr John Niven, A/g Director Infrastructure Services Mr Anthony Prpic, Cr Simon Rolls, Cr Michael Neill, Cr Jeanne Montgomery, Cr Jan Parlett, and General Manager Ms Noreen Vu are encouraging people to shop local this Christmas period.
Grenfell Food Hall provide another year of assistance to community
GRENFELL Food Hall Report for December, 2024.
ANOTHER year has almost gone and the Food Hall is thriving. During the cold winter our customers have still come almost every week and a large number of them stayed for morning tea and a chat. Thank you to all our customers for your great support.
We have helped a large number of people with the emergency hampers and vouchers and it’s clear to see the ‘cost of living’ is biting into everyone’s budget.
Some of our customers have experienced some sad times while others keep on coping with their everyday concerns. We pray for God to comfort and strengthen them all when life appears di cult.
Our customer numbers on Fridays have increased and we are now seeing at least 110 plus their partners, friends and children come in every Friday which can total around 130 plus every Friday. This is great to see as the Food Hall is serving people within the Weddin Shire [and beyond] well.
We have also assisted Trungley Hall to set up their own Food Hall. This will be well needed in that district. With our nances going well, we continue to donate to many services and groups within our area. Some of these groups areGrenfell Hospital Auxiliary, Far West Children’s Service, both the public and
Catholic schools, the Grenfell Country Education Foundation, the Christmas Boxes for Samaritan Purse and other Groups. It is a privilege that we can help our Community.
Last month, we hosted the Breast Cancer Barbecue Breakfast organised by Amanda from Community Transport, which was a great success.
We also contributed to the Services Day and Barbecue in Taylor Park organised by Elly at Community Health and the Weddin Shire Council and we have contributed to the Salvo’s Services Day held near the TAFE building and organised by Jodie at the Salvo’s.
We have given donations to Karen Stuttle who provides meals to people in Grenfell. We continually help with food to Kids Club and Holiday Kids Club at the Uniting Church and giving donations to other Community Groups through-out the year and it’s a delight to be able to work in with all these groups making life a little easier for everyone. We attend the monthly Interagency meeting which helps organise the various groups that come to Grenfell to assist people in our district.
There’s a lot of assistance available to people in the Weddin Shire but it’s di cult getting it known to the ones who need it.
We plan to continue our work and assist anyone who needs a little help. It is sad at times to hear that someone
is homeless or struggling and yet, we can’t reach out to them as we don’t know or did not know at that time.
It is a great help to have the Salvo’s also helping those in need and together, we can make a di erence when their life and struggles gets overwhelming.
Our Volunteers [as usual] have worked very hard this year as we have more stock coming in each week now and without each one of them, we would struggle. They all go “out of their way’’ to have the Food Hall run-
Weddin Whispers School friends maintain Grenfell connection
By DEIDRE CARROLL
A GROUP of ex-Grenfell schoolfriends met at the Old Bus Depot Markets in Canberra recently.
This group all attended The Henry Lawson High School in the 80’s and try and get together every year for a catch-up in Canberra.
The photo is courtesy of Madeleine
Gri ths, (not in picture) who was a former contributor to the Grenfell Record with her weekly column “Madlines”.
Karin Ingrey, Toni Sweeting, Kerry Birch, Devi Kemp, Donna Chalmers and Leanne Angel are among a group of school friends who regularly try and meet up.
Madeleine Gri iths
ning smoothly and ready for Fridays.
We are delighted to welcome Paul, a new volunteer member to our Wednesday and Fridays.
There are many people to thank who work tirelessly for the Food Hall.
All our wonderful volunteers [and I’m sure you are looking forward to having a spell over the Christmas period] thank you to every one of you for a great e ort all year.
Our volunteers are –Gina, Helen, David, Cathy,
Brett, Joalee, Alex, Allen, Jenny, Anita, Marg, Chris and Dennis, Paul, Tony and Pauline. We certainly have a great team who work so well. I’d like to thank our cooks, Eunice, Glenice, Dorothy and Chris, who do a great job cooking the cakes and slices and for Chris and Anita for the sandwiches.
Also a big thank you to Alan Stokes who also makes sandwiches for us at times. and for Dennis doing all the washing up every Friday. A great job from everybody. We have had more food
pallets than Peter can bring over, so a big thank-you to Allen who goes over most weeks to collect the extra pallets and to Phillip and Dennis who also helps.
There are a number of people who work behind the scenes and work extra hours and days when needed. Thank you.
For Gina, who does the ordering – it’s a tremendous task and thank you doesn’t seem enough and for David and Helen doing the nances and they do an extraordinary job each week – thank you so much.
It was wonderful to see Ross Craven again, now retired and living here in Grenfell. Everyone will be able to catch up with him next year as I’m sure he will be a regular each week.
We may hold a few more functions next year at the Food Hall to raise money for various Groups as it is a good meeting place for breakfast barbecues etc. We couldn’t do any of this without our Lord’s help and I am so thankful. I pray that the Food Hall can continue to thrive and assist everyone. Many thanks, Joan. God bless.
Joan Cations – Manager of Grenfell Uniting Church Food Hall. The Food Hall will close at 11am on December 20 and will re-open on Friday, January 24, 2025.
Wishing everyone a very happy and blessed Christmas and a good rest before we start all over again!
PHOTO:
DATES TO NOTE
WEDDIN SHIRE COUNCIL
Thursday 12 December 2024 - Grenfell Voices Against Violence | Street Stall
Thursday 12 December 2024 - Late Night Shopping | Main Street Grenfell
Friday 13 December 2024 - Services Australia Mobile Service Centre | opposite Criterion Hotel
Friday 13 December 2024 - Grenfell Salvation Army | Street Stall
Saturday 14 December 2024 - Grenfell Salvation Army | Street Stall
Saturday 14 December 2024 - Grenfell Salvation Army | Street Stall
Sunday 15 December 2024 - Grenfell Town & District Band | Street Stall
Wednesday 18 December 2024 - Recycling Collection | Villages
Thursday 19 December 2024 - Ordinary Council Meeting | 5:00pm | Council Chambers
Friday 20 December 2024 - Recycling Collection | East
ROAD & TRAFFIC CONDITIONS
Latest Road and Traffic Conditions information for Weddin Shire Council is available from NSW Live Traffic see: https://www.livetraffic.com/
Weddin Shire Council staff regularly monitors and updates the information on Live Traffic NSW. Should any further information be required please contact Council’s Infrastructure Services Department on (02) 6343 1212.
PUBLIC NOTICE | COMPANY DAM
Weddin Shire Council advises residents and visitors that blue-green algae has reappeared at Company Dam. We urge everyone to refrain from any contact with the water until further notice due to the presence of this algae. Blue-green algae naturally occurs in lakes and dams, thriving in warm, nutrient-rich waters with sunlight exposure. Recent rainfall followed by warmer temperatures has created favourable conditions for its growth. Unfortunately, this has led to increased levels at Company Dam. Blue-green algae impacts a number of lakes and dams across the state. Council Officers are actively monitoring the situation to ensure community safety. We apologise for any inconvenience caused and appreciate your cooperation. For more information, please contact Council’s Environmental Services team on (02) 6343 1212.
SHOP WEDDIN THIS CHRISTMAS
Weddin Shire Council has launched the Shop Weddin This Christmas campaign to encourage residents to support local businesses during the holiday season. This initiative promotes shopping locally, helping small businesses thrive, keeping money within the community, and creating local job opportunities. The campaign runs until 18 December 2024, with winners announced on 20 December 2024, at the Lions Christmas Carnival in Vaughan Park. Shoppers can enter by filling out a coupon with each purchase at participating businesses for a chance to win one of three VISA gift card prizes. For more details contact the Economic Development Officer auburn@weddin.nsw.gov.au or 02 6343 1864.
ON PUBLIC EXHIBITION
At the 21 November 2024 Ordinary Council Meeting, Council resolved to go out for public exhibition for the following:
1. Draft Community Engagement Strategy
2. Draft Recruitment & Attraction Policy
The public exhibition period for these two (2) items is 42 days providing the community the opportunity to provide submissions. Submissions close 5:00pm Friday 10 January 2025.
We welcome any input or submissions to mail@weddin.nsw.gov.au by the due date.
How are we notifying you?
See ‘Public Exhibition’ section on Council’s website https://weddin.nsw.gov.au
On our Facebook feed
See ‘Council News’ in the Grenfell Record
DEVELOPMENT APPLICATIONS
ENVIRONMENTAL PLANNING & ASSESSMENT ACT 1979 DA 20/2021 MODIFICATION, (NSW Planning Portal No: PAN-473119)
Council has received a Modified Application for an Alterations and additions to commercial premises (Verandah and Awning) - Change to Verandah Detail on LOT: 2 DP: 233852, known as 66 Main Street GRENFELL 2810. Inspection: Modified Development Application (DA) 20/2021 for an Alterations and additions to commercial (Change to Verandah Detail) may be viewed online through the NSW Planning portal from 5 December 2024 to 26 December 2024.
If any technical issues are experienced on the NSW Planning Portal preventing the development application being viewed, please contact Council via email mail@weddin.nsw.gov.au or by phone on 02 6343 1212 and details of the development will be forwarded to you.
Submissions: Any person may make a submission via the NSW Planning Portal https://www.planningportal.nsw.gov.au/daexhibitions within the advertised period. Submissions objecting to the development are required to specify the grounds for objection.
COUNCIL | POSITIONS VACANT
Council is seeking applications from suitably qualified and/or experienced staff to meet Council’s operational plan requirements for the following positions:
• Parks & Gardens Operative | Temporary Fulltime (Maternity Relief Position)
The primary purpose of the position is to carry out day-to-day activities in the Parks and Gardens team. Weddin Shire Council may be prepared to complete training for the right applicant who does not have all the essential horticultural qualifications. However, an important prerequisite is well established gardening, mowing, lawn care and general labouring ability.
Indicative grade is Grade 3 with a negotiable range from $1,017.60 per week plus superannuation.
• Profiler Operator & Ganger | Temporary Fulltime (Up to 12 months with possibility of extension) Weddin Shire Council may be prepared to complete training for the
right applicant who does not have all the desirable accreditation/ certifications e.g. Certificate III in Civil Construction or equivalent. However, an important pre-requisite is demonstrated extensive experience in Skidsteer/Profiler operation ideally gained within a civil works environment.
Indicative grade range is Grade 12 to Grade 15 with a negotiable range from $1,310.30 per week plus superannuation.
Applications close 5:00pm, Friday 20 December 2024. Further information can be found at: https://www.weddin.nsw.gov.au/ Council/About-Our-Organisation/Employment
FROM THE MAYOR’S DESK
As Christmas approaches, I’m thrilled to invite you to festive events and activities across Weddin Shire that celebrate the holiday spirit and our cherished Grenfell traditions.
Join the Grenfell Association of Churches for Carols in the Park at Taylor Park on Sunday 15 December 2024. Enjoy a BBQ hosted by St Joseph’s Primary School at 5:30 pm, followed by carols at 6:00 pm.
Our Shire will sparkle with local Christmas competitions. Grenfell’s Best Christmas Display winners will be announced at the Lions and Community Christmas Carnival on Friday 20 December 2024. Caragabal’s Lights, Ramp, and Mailbox Competition judging is on Thursday 19 December, with winners revealed at the Caragabal Street Party on Friday 20 December. Greenethorpe’s Lights and Gate Competition winners will be announced at the Australia Day ceremony in January 2025, while Bimbi’s Best Farm Gate or Village Display winners will be revealed at the Bimbi Christmas Party. Quandialla’s Christmas-themed Display Competition winner will be announced at the Quandialla Bowling Club Community Christmas Party on Friday 13 December 2025.
Don’t miss the Light Up the Night 2024 Photography Exhibition, showcasing stunning regional photographs from 20 December 2024 to 29 January 2025. For holiday magic, visit the Christmas Carnival in Taylor Park on Friday 20 December 2024. Meet Santa, enjoy live music, and soak up the festive cheer!
I’d also like to thank our Council staff for their dedication, with special recognition to Freuin Forsyth for 15 years of service, and Linda Woods, Jess Troy, and Stephen Kermath for five years each. Your contributions are deeply appreciated.
For event details, visit www.visitweddin.com.au.
On behalf of your elected Council, I wish you a joyful Christmas season and a wonderful New Year!
Paul Best MAYOR
Mayor Paul Best
St Joseph’s Primary School community celebrate Leslie King
By SHERIDAN BOWDEN
ON Saturday, November 23, a recognition evening was held in honour of Mrs Leslie King.
Leslie devoted 28 years of her teaching career ful lling many important roles at St Joseph‘s Primary School.
Past and present colleagues, families and students of St Joseph’s, as well as many of Leslie’s friends and family, all gathered for this special occasion to celebrate Leslie.
Leslie has not only been a dedicated teacher but also a shining example of kindness, grace, and strength.
Leslie’s dedication to teaching at St. Joseph’s School has shaped the lives of countless students, colleagues,
and families. She not only imparted knowledge to her students, but also instilled in them the values of compassion, integrity, and faith.
St. Joseph’s has always been more than just a school. It is also a community, a family, and Leslie has been at the heart of that.
It is no surprise that her impact has been so far-reaching. Leslie has proven that teaching is not just about conveying information, but about nurturing the heart and soul of every child.
We know that the lives Leslie has touched are better for having known her, and that she has truly made a difference to many.
Following a number of speeches, Leslie was pre-
sented with a gi by current school Captains of St Joseph’s, Saskia McLelland and Georgia Conron, to recognise and acknowledge Leslie’s dedication to St Joseph’s.
To end the formal proceedings, Leslie was invited to cut a cake, which was shared and enjoyed by all in attendance.
Leslie and her family, and the entire St Joseph’s School community, would like to thank everyone who was able to attend the night or send their well wishes to Leslie.
Hayden Rhodes, Brydie Hunter, Sophie Hancock, Penny Reid and Amber Atkins.
John, Caitlin, Patrick, Sean, Leslie King and Megan Starr.
Leslie King, Gav Johnson, Danielle McFarlane, Jacqui Mitton, Sharon Grant and John King.
LACHLAN MARTENS AND LESLIE KING.
Sister Mary, Leslie and Jacqui Mitton.
LOY BEST AND LESLIE KING.
CMA welcomes release of NSW Government report
THE Country Mayors Association of NSW (CMA) Executive Board and members have welcomed the release of the NSW Legislative Council Standing Committee report on Ability of Local Government to fund infrastructure and Services.
“Financial sustainability is consistently a top priority concern of rural and regional Councils in NSW. Our submission to this inquiry comprehensively covered the broad range of barriers to nancial sustainability in rural and regional councils in NSW,” CMA Chairman and Temora Shire Mayor Cr. Rick Firman OAM said.
“From our initial reading of the report and recommendations, the CMA is certainly encouraged,” he said.
The inquiry received 129 submissions and held 10 public hearings, half of which were in regional locations.
“It appears that the Standing Committee Chair the Hon. Emily Suvaal and her fellow members have obviously listened to, read and absorbed the testimonies presented to them,” Cr Firman said.
“The 17 recommendations that the Standing Committee have determined, on the surface, re ect what the CMA and countless others have advocated for consistently.”
“It is particularly encouraging for the CMA to see a proposed
redesigning of our local government rating system is being referred to the NSW Government,” Cr Firman said.
“Above all, it was also pleasing to see the Committee’s recommendation that the NSW Government advocate to our Commonwealth Government to increase its Financial Assistance Grants to Local Government (known as FAGs) from .5% to one 1% of Commonwealth taxation revenue (which it was originally).”
“It is particularly pleasing to see the Committee’s recommendation that the NSW Government seek to amend the Rural Fire Service Act 1997, that RFS assets are rested in the RFS. This is particularly what our CMA Board and members have been consistently and strongly advocating for.”
Successive NSW Governments have made RFS assets the on-paper responsibility of Local Government. The collection of assets Councils do not actually own but negatively impact their nancials has been known as ‘the Red Fleet’.
Submit expressions of interest for new round of Volunteer Grants
FEDERAL Member for Riverina Michael McCormack is inviting community groups to apply for funding under the 2024-25 Volunteer Grants Round, which is now open for expressions of interest.
The CMA will also be formally writing to the Premier the Hon. Chris Minns, to support the Standing Committee’s recommendations in full.
“We take our collective hats o to the members of the Standing Committee. They’ve done a thorough and fair-dinkum job, in our view. We thank them for their efforts,” Cr Firman said.
“A total funding pool of $66,225 has been allocated to the Riverina electorate to support eligible not-forprofit organisations whose volunteers assist our community,” Mr McCormack said.
“This funding represents a great opportunity to recognise the wonderful work volunteers across our region do every day for the benefit of others.”
Each eligible applicant may apply for a grant valued between $1,000 and $5,000.
“This funding makes such a difference to the organisations and the communities in which they serve,” Mr McCormack said.
“Last year’s successful applicants received funding for a range of projects, including barbecues, groundskeeping equipment, first aid equipment and
“I look forward to seeing more organisations across the region benefit under the 2024-25 round to support volunteers’ efforts.”
Further information about the Volunteer Grants program can be obtained via Michael McCormack’s Wagga Wagga Electorate Office on (02) 6921 4600 or by email at michael.mccormack.mp@aph. gov.au
“Let’s hope and pray the Government backs the report and we see its recommendations promptly adopted and implemented by the NSW Government,” Cr Firman said.
186mm(h) x 260mm(w)
CMA Deputy Chairman and Bega Valley Shire Mayor, Cr. Russell Fitzpatrick also welcomed the report.
Instant health advice when your GP is closed
If you are unwell or injured call healthdirect for free on 1800 022 222 A registered nurse will help you access the health care you need from anywhere, day or night. health.nsw.gov.au/anywhere Healthcare
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“I congratulate the committee on their recommendations. It supports all the points that the Country Mayors Association have put to The State and Federal Enquiries,” he said.
“I just hope the time from recommendation to implementation is short,” Cr Fitzpatrick added.
More information is also available by visiting the Australian Government’s GrantConnect website at www.grants.gov.au
The EOI period closes at 5pm on Monday, January 6, 2025. Mr McCormack will then consult with a local advisory committee on which EOIs progress to the application stage. Successful EOIs will be invited to apply for a grant.
Country Mayors Association of NSW Deputy Chairman Cr. Russell Fitzpatrick and Chairman Cr. Rick Firman OAM. PHOTO: Supplied
Hilltops Council wins excellence award
By REBECCA HEWSON
HILLTOPS Council has picked up one of the top prizes at the 2024 Local Government NSW Excellence in the Environment Awards at a special event held at Cockle Bay Warf in Sydney last week.
Hilltops Council picked up the top award for Invasive Species Management and was one of 32 Local Government Areas to be awarded at the event.
Hilltops Biosecurity O cers Thomas Pickering and Ben Mott were both in attendance at the awards ceremony to receive the award.
“We are so stoked to receive this award and be recognised for our hard work and achievement,” Thomas said.
“The project involved looking at di erent alternatives to herbicide use, resulting in less impact on the environment.”
Mayor Brian Ingram has congratulated the sta on the development and instigation of the program.
“It is an honour to receive this prestigious award, recognising the innovative and cost-e ective work Council is achieving in this area,” Mayor Ingram said.
“I extend my congratulations to the sta who delivered this project and express our gratitude to the NSW Government for their nancial support. This accolade is a testament to the e orts of Hilltops Council sta , and we
are proud of their achievements.”
Hilltops picked up the award for its Bribbaree Velvety Tree Pear Biocontrol Program which was launched at the end of the drought in 2018.
The site at Bribbaree was highly infested with the invasive cactus Velvety Tree Pear.
“Chemical spraying for weed control was deemed impractical, whereas natural biocontrol o ered a less harmful, more environmentally practical method of controlling this cactus over a longer period of time,” Council said.
“Through trials and tribulations, Hilltops Council sta have grown a small facility into a large scale greenhouse, enabling multiple annual releases of the biocontrol agent known as Cochineal.”
Cochineal (Dactylopius opuntia), is a scale insect that lives on cacti and produces a natural red dye.
Cochineal are tiny, at, oval-shaped, wingless insects with so bodies that is invasive to the Velvety Tree Pear.
“As the site is located close to a village, it was important to control the cactus safely,” Council said.
“Chemical control through spraying was not deemed feasible, so Council sta designed a program to breed and release cochineal insects onto the cactus over a period of three to ve years.
“The female cochineal in-
sect burrows into the cactus, sucking nutrients from the plant until the plant is exhausted and dies.”
When coming up with the plan, Council sta travelled to Lightning Ridge to gather information on how Castlereagh Macquarie County Council (CMCC) grow and release cochineal to control Hudson Pear.
“With the help of CMCC and Parkes Shire Council, Hilltops Council procured some cochineal insects to control this speci c species of cactus - there are nine different species of cochineal,”
Council said.
“Initially the cochineal was grown in small amounts using a recycled IBC plastic 1000L container.
“This process was very slow, but in early 2023, Hilltops Council was successful in receiving a Weed Action Program grant from South East Local Land Services to build a large scale greenhouse, which enabled it to grow more cochineal rapidly and release it multiple times a year.”
Council is now able to grow up to 16, 60L tubs at any time, that enable to cochi-
neal to also be distributed to the community or regional weeds partners.
“Large releases of the cochineal were made in the eastern portion of the Bribbaree site,” Council said.
“The insect is spread by wind and have now spread several hundred meters to the western end of the project site.
“The long term goal of this project is to eradicate the cactus.
“Several visits are made throughout the year to observe the spread of the insect and the reduction of the cac-
tus population.”
Local Government NSW president Cr Darriea Turley AM congratulated all the winners and said this year’s submissions were exceptional.
“The need to protect and enhance our environment has become one of the most critical challenges of the modern day, and these awards demonstrate how local councils across NSW are leading the way,” Cr Turley said.
“It’s important that we celebrate and recognise the amazing work being done by councils and council sta .”
Hilltops Council weed o icers Thomas Pickering and Ben Mott receiving the award from Costa Georgiadis.
ADVOCATING FOR WEDDIN COMMUNITIES
We are fortunate to live in the best place in the world – make no mistake.
From clean air and waterways, to friendly faces, to not having to sit in peak-hour traffic that eats into your family time – living in a regional area such as Grenfell offers a lifestyle like no other.
The Nationals are committed to delivering better outcomes for regional, rural and remote Australians and I remain entirely focused on continuing to listen to your concerns and fiercely representing you in Canberra.
Fighting for your fair share
The regions are often forgotten when Labor is in Government with policies that continue to place undue pressure on those who choose to live, work and raise families in the regions. Cost-of-living pressure continues to be a significant issue.
Under Labor’s poor economic plan, Australia continues on the trajectory of higher taxes and reckless spending, which is affecting everyone. The Coalition plans to get the nation back on track by fighting inflation and driving productivity growth.
The over-zealous 2030 renewables target is putting avoidable stress on our energy network. Vast arrays of solar panels are being hastily approved on prime agricultural land much to the distress of multigenerational farming families living in proximity of these industrial eyesores. If we are serious about meeting our international obligations and maintaining our increasing
energy needs, we need to have a national, rational discussion about nuclear energy.
Labor is scrapping the Mobile Black Spot Program in 2026-27.
The program has been pivotal in addressing regional mobile phone connectivity. I will continue to advocate for this program to be reinstated.
The Nationals continue to fight to hold supermarkets accountable
for anti-competitive behaviour by committing to deliver competition policy to support consumers and smaller businesses to ensure a more competitive sector, putting downward pressure on prices.
Time to wind down after a busy year
Whilst celebrating this special time of year, we pay tribute to and thank those who give their time to serve and support others, many of whom
will be continuing to work through the Christmas period: our volunteers, health care workers, emergency service and Defence Force personnel, aged care, child care and disability workers, the farmers who have been harvesting to ensure we have food on our tables and those assisting the homeless and less fortunate. Please be safe on our roads and be patient and kind to those around you. If you plan on using our beautiful
waterways, please remember to be sun smart and water wise.
Remember to support local small businesses when buying Christmas gifts.
Thank you to those who have offered support and kindness to my family, staff and me.
Catherine, my family, staff and I wish everyone a peaceful Christmas and a healthy 2025.
– MICHAEL McCORMACK
Federal Member for Riverina Michael McCormack and his wife Catherine say thank you to those who have o ered kindness and support over the past year and wish everyone a happy and safe Christmas.
Wonderful wattles in spotlight
Weddin Landcare is holding a Wonderful Wattles exhibition as part of their 2025 Wattle Day celebrations and is calling for community members to submit artwork, sculptures, ceramics, and memorabilia.
The exhibition will also be the base for launching the Wattles of Weddin handbook, detailing all the Acacia species in the Weddin district and where to nd them.
The Wonderful Wattle exhibition will celebrate all the colour, vibrancy, diversity,
and important ecological value that Wattles hold in our local landscapes. Weddin Landcare has been
raising awareness about Wattles through our annual Wattle Day celebrations since 2011 and they hope to outdo themselves next year with not only the art exhibition but also the launch of the Wattles of Weddin handbook. The handbook will be a local eld guide that will make it easy to identify 35 species of acacia found in the Weddin district and be launched during the exhibition.
This is a great opportunity to show some of your work (or create something new!)
or share a piece of memorabilia that means something to you and help promote the wonders of Wattles.
If you have wattle-themed artwork or memorabilia that you would like to have included in the exhibition Weddin Landcare would love to hear from you.
The exhibition will run from July 25 to September 3, 2025 at the Grenfell Art Gallery in the Community Hub, Main Street, Grenfell. Set up for the exhibition is on July 24 and pack down on
CSI techniques track down elusive weeds
Crime scene investigation techniques straight from the forensics playbook are helping track down some of the state’s most invasive weeds across NSW waterways and landscapes.
The NSW Government is using environmental DNA (eDNA) to seek out the weeds we can’t see, including hidden and dormant Amazon frogbit, yellow burrhead, alligator and parthenium weeds. NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) scientists have sampled NSW waterways to test eDNA levels of Amazon frogbit, Limnobium laevigatum, in the Sydney, Illawarra and Shoalhaven areas.
This year, NSW DPIRD weed researchers, Dr Karen Bell and Dr Xiaocheng Zhu, have returned four times to sample frogbit infestation sites where the weed was found near Wollongong in late 2023.
“This frogbit work is part of a bigger project to develop eDNA techniques which support weed management and the effective detection and eradication of new weed incursions,”
Dr Bell said. “We are investigating how the genetic material or DNA of target weed species can be extracted from water and other materials, which can include soil, pollen, faeces and air, to reveal where weeds may be hidden.
““The aim is to increase the reliability of weed detection methods, improve interpretation of our results and test the potential of the new methods we are developing to measure eradication e ectiveness.”
Detecting the plant’s presence through its eDNA allows biosecurity and weed management teams to target unwanted weeds before they infest our environment and farmland.
Early detection, intervention and weed control saves money, by eradicating the weeds or re ducing their impact before they take over.
NSW DPIRD is working with Illawarra Shoalhaven Joint Organisation (ISJO) to track frogbit eDNA throughout the eradication process and netune their new eDNA detection method.
ISJO Chief Weeds O cer, Da vid Pomery, said eDNA is o er ing land and waterway manag ers a valuable new tool.
“Frogbit and other weeds can be hard to detect as surveys for new incursions heavily rely on visual detection with support from weed o cers, contractors and the public,” Mr Pomery said.
“Visual monitoring of frogbit is hindered by the presence of a very similar looking species, Hydrocharis dubia, also known by the common name frogbit.”
September 4.
All artwork will be reviewed by Weddin Landcare and the Art Gallery Committee prior to display.
There are a couple of requirements for artworks that are to be hung, they need to be no smaller than A4 and either framed or stretched canvas. Large stretched canvas pieces are to have D hooks a quarter of the way down on both sides. There will be other options available for smaller works on plinths or in a display cabinet.
You are also welcome to list your artwork for sale, with the Grenfell Art Gallery taking a 20% commission. Get in touch with Claire with any questions at weddinlandcare1@outlook.com or 0421 716 170.
If you have a piece you would like to submit to the exhibition please enter your details below. The information provided will be used for artwork labels to be included in the display.
Submissions close Friday, June 27, 2025.
Free healthchecks rolled out through state’s preschools
Take part in their Wonderful Wattles Exhibition. PHOTO: supplied
ACROSS
GENERAL KNOWLEDGE CROSSWORD
1 Name a Greek or Roman deity (6)
8 Which Siberian peasant posed as a monk (8)
9 To be red-faced, is to be what (6)
10 Name a crewed orbiter, used in the US space shuttle program (8)
11 To be more irritable, is to be what (6)
12 Name a repository for money, jewels, papers, etc (4)
13 What, colloquially, are sausages (5)
16 What are pits in which liquid is collected (5)
19 To encourage by aid, is to do what (4)
21 What is a meal also known as (6)
22 Name a large S American snake of the boa family (8)
23 What are funeral songs or tunes (6)
24 What is a song performed by a man under the window of his sweetheart (8)
25 Which term describes a holiday place (6)
DOWN
2 Name a knightly or heroic champion (7)
4 What are authoritative directions (6)
5 Which term describes globular masses (7)
6 What is reversion to an earlier type (7)
7 What are dishes served at dinner before the main courses (7)
13 Name a renowned Austrian composer, Johann ... (7)
15 Which hotel bars are the dearer ones (7)
17 What are referees also known as (7)
18 Name the French chemist considered to be the founder of microbiology (7)
20 What might we call a merchant (6)
Find the following words in the grid. They may be read in any direction, even diagonally. Some letters are used more than once.
WHICH WORDS
1 PECCANCY
(a) A trifling fault (b) Richness (c) Sinfulness
2 RATIOCINATE
3 To be lying in concealment, is to be doing what (7)
E-QUATIONS 7
14 What are matters of interest or concern (7)
Letters have a number value
E-QUATIONS
Some values are in the right hand cells. Create remaining values using clues in centre cells.
Letters A to Z have a number value. Some are shown in the right-hand cells. Create remaining values using clues in centre cells.
(a) To approve and sanction (b) To reason (c) To put on an allowance
BIYWORD
Build it yourself using the clues and each of the twenty-four letters once only to form ten words: five across and five down. A key word (bold clue) builds on the letter set in the grid.
CLUES:
Bachelors of Arts (3)
Film studio’s outdoor area (7)
Firm (5)
Loose coil of yarn (5)
Mobility aids (7)
Ordinary (abb) (3)
Small lizard (5)
State of matter (3)
Under (5) Was victorious (3)
Solve the crossword. Each answer has four letters.
FRIDAY, DECEMBER
10.30 MOVIE: Fighting With My Family. (2019) 12.30 Tipping Point. 1.30 Late Programs.
6.00 Flushed. 7.00 It’s Academic. 8.30 Left Off The Map. 9.00 Shopping. 10.30 House Rules. 12.00 Big Brother. 2.25 Bondi Vet. 3.25 First Dates UK. 4.30 Jabba’s
6.00 Shopping. 8.30 Travel Oz. 10.00 Escape To The Country. 12.00 Horse Racing. Caulfield Christmas, The Ingham Charity Raceday and Grand Prix Stakes Raceday. 6.00 Horse Racing. Gold Rush Day. 9.00 I Escaped To The Country. 10.00 Australia’s Amazing Homes. 11.00 The Yorkshire Vet. 12.00 Animal Rescue. 12.30 My Greek Odyssey. 1.30 Late Programs.
6.00 Morning Programs. 2.10 ER. 2.55 Penn & Teller: Fool Us. 3.40 Speechless.
4.00 Would I Lie To You? 4.30 MythBusters. 5.25 Amazing Spaces. 6.10 Car S.O.S. 7.00 Spicks And Specks. 7.30 Would I Lie To You? 8.00 QI. 8.30 Live At The Apollo. 10.00 The IT Crowd. 11.15 ER. 12.00 Rage. 1.00 Not Going
2.00 Cricket. Third Test. Australia v India. Day 1. Afternoon session. 4.00 Test Cricket: Tea Break. 4.20 Cricket. Third Test. Australia v India. Day 1. Late afternoon session. 6.00 Seven News. 7.00 NSW Schools Spectacular. 9.30 Victorian Schools Spectacular. 12.30 Late Programs.
6.00 Morning Programs. 2.00 Rides Down Under: Workshop Wars. 3.00 Motor Racing. Sunraysia Safari. 4.00 Desert Collectors. 5.00 Counting Cars. 6.00 Cricket. Third Test. Aust v India. Late arvo. 7.00 Storage Wars. 7.30 Aussie Salvage Squad. 8.30 Heavy Tow Truckers Down Under. 9.30 Air Crash Inv: Accident Files. 10.30 Late Programs.
6.00 Morning Programs. 12.00 News. 12.25 All Creatures Great And Small. 1.15 Miniseries: Douglas Is Cancelled. 1.55 Question Everything. 2.25 Spicks And Specks. 3.15 Julia Zemiro’s Home Delivery. 3.40 Solar System With Brian Cox. 4.40 Headliners. 5.35 Landline. 6.00 Take 5. 6.30 Muster Dogs: Where Are They Now. 7.00 News. 7.30 All Creatures Great And Small. 8.20 Vera. 9.50 Miniseries: Douglas Is Cancelled. 10.30 Late Programs. 6.00 Kids’ Programs. 4.00 Grace’s Amazing Machines. 4.20 Odd Squad. 4.35 Little J And Big Cuz. 5.20
Officially Amazing. 10.40 Late Programs.
6.00 Morning Programs. 12.00 Surfing Australia TV. 12.30 Drive Safer. 1.00 Our State On A Plate. 1.30 My Way. 2.00 Great Getaways. 3.00 Eatwell Christmas With Emma Dean. 4.00 The Garden Gurus. 4.30 Helloworld. 5.00 9News First At Five. 5.30 Country House Hunters Australia. 6.00 9News Saturday. 7.00 A Current Affair. 7.30 MOVIE: Elf. (2003) 9.30 MOVIE: Candy Cane Lane. (2023) Eddie Murphy. 11.50 Late Programs.
6.00 Morning Programs. 8.30 Kitty Is Not A Cat. 9.00 Get Clever. 10.00 Weekender. 10.30 TBA. 11.00 Jordie, Sam & Ted’s Adventures. 11.30 Bringing Sexy Back. 1.15 Blow Up. 2.40 Aust Got Talent. 4.40 Declassified: The Royal Scandals. 5.35 MOVIE: The Angry Birds Movie 2. (2019) 7.30 MOVIE: Sing 2. (2021) 9.45 MOVIE: Happiest Season. (2020) 12.00 Late Programs.
6.00 Morning Programs. 12.00 Christmas With Australian Women’s Weekly. 1.00 Silvia’s Italian Masterclass. Final. 1.30 The Yes Experiment. 2.00 Pat Callinan’s 4x4 Adventures. 3.00 The Placemakers: Expedition Kimberley. 3.30 My Market Kitchen. 4.00 All 4 Adventure. 5.00 10 News First. 6.30 Bondi Rescue. 7.00 MOVIE: The Lion King.
6.00 Morning Programs. 10.00 Helping Hands. 10.30 The Baron. 11.40 Edgar Wallace Mysteries. 1.00 MOVIE: Crooks Anonymous. (1962) 2.45 MOVIE: The Party. (1968) 4.45 MOVIE: Yours, Mine And Ours. (1968) 7.00 World Aquatics Championships. Budapest 2024. Day 5. Heats. 10.00 MOVIE: Octopussy. (1983) 12.40 Late Programs.
Christmas Kitchen. Final. 3.05 Long Lost Family: What Happened Next. 4.00 Fake Or Fortune? 5.00 Antiques Roadshow. 6.00 Grand Designs Australia. Final. 7.00 ABC News. 7.30 Muster Dogs: Where Are They Now. 8.00
Big Cuz. 5.15 Octonauts. 5.35 Peter Rabbit. 5.55 Octonauts. 6.40 PJ Masks Power Heroes. 7.05 Riley Rocket. 7.30 MOVIE: A Shaun The Sheep Movie: Farmageddon. (2019) 8.55 Fresh Off The Boat. 9.35 Speechless. 10.00 Doctor Who. 10.45 Late Programs. 6.00 Morning Programs. 2.20 Penn & Teller: Fool Us. 3.00 Not Going Out. 3.40 Speechless. 4.00 Would I Lie To You? 4.30 MythBusters. 5.25
6.30 Heathrow. 7.00 St John Ambulance Carols By Candlelight. 9.30 St John DriveA-Thon. 10.00 The Highland Vet. 12.00 Late Programs. 6.00 Morning Programs. 2.00 Merv Hughes Fishing. 2.30 Step Outside With Paul Burt. 3.00 Mark Berg’s Fishing Addiction. 4.00 Building Giants. 5.00 Duck Dynasty. 6.00 Cricket. Third Test. Australia v India. Day 2. Late afternoon session. 7.00 Border Security. 8.30 MOVIE: Elysium. (2013) 10.45 MOVIE: Pacific Rim: Uprising. (2018) 1.00 Late Programs. 6.00 Morning Programs. 11.00 Maritime Masters: Expedition Antarctica. 12.00 Drive TV. 12.30 Bondi Vet. 1.30 MOVIE: Merry And Bright. (2019) 3.30 Endangered: Expedition Kimberley. 4.30 Helloworld. 5.00 9News First At Five. 5.30 RBT. 6.00 9News Sunday. 7.00 2024 The Year That Was. 8.00 John Farnham: Celebrating 60 Years. 9.50 MOVIE: The Bee Gees: How Can You Mend A Broken Heart. (2020) Barry Gibb. 12.00 Late Programs. 6.00 Morning Programs. 10.00 Thunderbirds. 10.30 My Favorite Martian. 11.00 Building Icons. 12.00 MOVIE: Silent Dust. (1949) 1.40 MOVIE: The Big Country. (1958) 5.00 M*A*S*H. 7.00 World Aquatics Championships. Budapest 2024. Day 6. Heats. 9.00 MOVIE: A View To A Kill. (1985) 11.35 Late Programs. 6.00 Morning Programs. 10.00 Farmer Wants A Wife. 11.40 Behave Yourself. 12.40 Blow Up. 2.10 Zumbo’s Just Desserts. 3.15 A Moveable Feast. 3.45 The Voice. 5.30 A Year On Planet Earth. 6.30 Dogs Behaving (Very) Badly. 7.30 Law & Order: Criminal Intent. 8.30 Law & Order: S.V.U. 9.30 Law & Order. 10.30 Bones.
ARIES (March 21 to April 19) A change in holiday travel plans might be more vexing than you’d expected. But try to take it in stride. Also, it couldn’t hurt to use your Aries charm to coax out some helpful cooperation.
TAURUS (April 20 to May 20) Your Bovine determination helps you deal with an unforeseen complication. And, as usual, you prove that when it comes to a challenge, you have what it takes to be a contender.
GEMINI (May 21 to June 20) Although a romantic theme dominates much of the week, all those warm and fuzzy feelings shouldn’t interfere with the more pragmatic matters that you need to take care of.
CANCER (June 21 to July 22) Best not to ignore doubts about an upcoming decision. Instead, recheck the facts you were given to make sure nothing important was left out. Meanwhile, a weekend surprise awaits you.
LEO (July 23 to August 22) No time for a catnap -- yet. You still might have to straighten out one or two factors so that you can finally assure yourself of the truth about a troubling workplace situation. Stay with it.
VIRGO (August 23 to September 22) News from an old friend could lead to an unexpected (but nonetheless welcome) reunion with someone who had once been very special in your life. Be open to the possibilities.
LIBRA (September 23 to October 22) It might be time for a family council. The sooner those problems are resolved, the sooner you can move ahead with your holiday preparations. Don’t let the opportunity pass you by.
SCORPIO (October 23 to November 21) Take some time out to give more attention to a personal relationship that seems to be suffering from a sense of emotional neglect. Provide some muchneeded reassurance.
SAGITTARIUS (November 22 to December 21) Cheer up! An unusual circumstance that might faze most people can be handled pretty well by the savvy Sagittarian. Look at it as an opportunity rather than an obstacle.
CAPRICORN (December 22 to January 19) Someone you believe has hurt you in the past might now need your help. Reaching out could be difficult, but the generous Goat will be able to do the right thing, as always.
AQUARIUS (January 20 to February 18) Prioritizing is an important part of your preholiday scheduling. Try to give time to both your workday responsibilities and any personal matters you might have neglected.
PISCES (February 19 to March 20) With the vestiges of your anger about a painful incident fading, you can now focus all your energy on the more positive aspects of your life, including a certain personal situation.
Successive wins for Peter and Colleen Dwyer at Dubbo
By COLIN HODGES
THE well known yellow and cerise colours of Peter and Colleen Dwyer and their racing partners were carried to victory by Bush Telegraph and Zahdi in successive races on Monday at Dubbo.
Both gallopers are trained at Scone by Scott Singleton and were very well ridden by his mature age apprentice Ella Drew.
In the rst year of her apprenticeship, Ella Drew (34) formerly from New Zealand, has now ridden 24 winners.
A last start winner at Narromine, Bush Telegraph again had Ella Drew in the saddle for the 1600 metres Robertsons Motorcycles/ Kubota Benchmark 66 Handicap at Dubbo.
Positioned on the rails be-
$3.20 favourite) and Quick Onyx (Cobi Vitler, $10).
The lightly raced 6 year gelding Taormina Sailor was a $21 winner at Dubbo in late September and 2 starts later was a $12 chance on Monday when winning the 1000 metres Latitude Liquor Country Boosted Benchmark 58 Handicap at Dubbo.
Locally trained by Myron Cooper and owned by his wife Corinne Cooper, Taormina Sailor was well ridden in the lead by their daughter, apprentice Angela Cooper.
Holding on strongly in the straight, Taormina Sailor won by a half neck from Candid (Jake Pracey-Holmes, $19 ) and Desirous (Mitch Stapleford, $6).
Dubbo trainers were o to a good start when the Cindy Monaghan trained Trust A Nestor, $26).
Beauty Edge, a recent addition to the Clint Lundholm stable at Dubbo, had Kody Nestor aboard in the 1300 metres Latitude Liquor Wholesalers Maiden Handi-
Leading throughout, Beauty Edge ($3.50) to $2.70 favourite) breezed home over two lengths clear of Platinum Warrior (Shayleigh Ingelse, $8.50) and Grandini (Jan Van
In the following race, the 1000 metres Westside Cellars Maiden Plate, the Rod-
ney Northam, Scone trained debut maker Speedy Henry (Leeshelle Small, $3.90 to $3.20) raced handy to the lead before winning by a half length from Eastern Odyssey (Jessica Brookes, $31) and Bloomin’ Hell, Ken Dunbar, $17).
Completing a good day for Dubbo stables, the Michael Mulholland trained Shadow Dane (Shayleigh Ingelse, $7.50) reeled in the leaders to win the 1300 metres Total Diesel Services Benchmark 58 Handicap from I’m Scarlett (Jan Van Overmeire,
$7.50) and Star Intrigue (Jake Pracey-Holmes, $7.50).
Dubbo will next race on Saturday 21st December while in the meantime Warren will host a twilight meeting on Friday with a host of attractions likely to attract a very good crowd.
Orange is racing next Monday while the other meeting before Christmas is Bathurst on Monday 23rd December Wellington hosts the very popular Boxing Day meeting followed by Gilgandra (Saturday 28th) and Orange (Monday 30th).
weekend,
to
register to play on the day at 11am on Saturday, December 14, with play to begin at 12pm. The club members are encouraging players to get a team of three together and take part in the annual day of golf, with no handicap required. Previously, the Grenfell Country Club hosted their 2024 Presentation Night on Friday, December 6. More to come.
Group win a family effort for McDonalds and Fusion Mint
IN ANOTHER winning week for Cowra greyhound connections the highlight came from a former local with Wes McDonald taking out the $40,000 Maitland Cup.
McDonad’s charge, Fusion Mint, a er being moderately away raced away to take out the Group 2 feature event, landing the former local the biggest win of his training career.
Following the race McDonald gave much of the credit for the win to his wife Kylie and their children.
Wyangala Danglers brave wet weather for memorial comp
WET weather couldn’t dampen high spirits and great catches during the Michael Clarke Memorial Fishing Competition at Wyangala.
The Wyangala Danglers Fishing Club hosted the event, bringing together members of the Cowra community to celebrate life, shing and a good yarn shared between mates.
“Michael grew up in Cowra and was a kind and fun member of the community,”
the shing group shared online.
“Michael loved nothing better than spending time at the dam shing, swimming and relaxing with family and friends.”
While more than 55mm of rain on Saturday wasn’t what one may describe as ‘relaxing’ the competition, which ran from Friday night to Sunday afternoon saw Brian Howarth take out Overall Winner for the competition.
Gemma Smith scored the biggest bag in the women’s, with Olivia Howarth snatching the largest sh for the women’s side.
Ian Glover took out biggest bag for the men’s, and Brian Howarth snagged another win with biggest sh for the men’s side.
The Wyangala Danglers announced a further competition in the new year; a junior carp competition which is scheduled to be held on 11 January.
“It was Kylie that put the idea in my head and gave us the courage to chase the race,” McDonald told Greyhound Recorder.
McDonald is the son of Sue and the late Peter (Ace) McDonald of Cowra.
On Saturday at Dubbo the Cowra district juggernaut continued on its winning way with wins to the Braddon, Britt and Brewer kennels.
Stand Guard and Swi Secret gave Paul and Pam Braddon a winning double.
Stand Guard led throughout to break his maiden in 18.57 while Swi Secret had a harder time getting up to score in 18.57 defeating kennelmate Jayla Magic.
Ricky and Caitlyn Brewer,
new additions to the local ranks, now based out of Woodstock, kept their recent good run going when veteran chaser Boaz made it back to back victories at the Dubbo meeting.
Boaz, who will celebrate his sixth birthday in January, jumped fairly before leading throughout to score in a best of the night 18.22.
Saturday’s win was victory number 30 and took Boaz’s prizemoney from a 59 start career to just over $50,000.
At the same meeting Dancing Jess was a narrow winner for Canowindra trainer Paul Britt.
McDonald found winning form with My Mate Timmy jumping smartly leading all the way to score, defeating kennel mate Dana Scoot in a slick 18.80. The unusually named Cheerful Cow scored a rst up victory for Richard and Matt Gri ths. Capping o the week, Cheerful Cow, after settling mid eld, swept around the eld to score a debut win in a maiden over 330 metres in a good 18.96.
A er a slow start Dancing Jess raced to a mid-race lead before hanging on to score in 18.54. At Temora last Wednesday, December 4 Rod McDonald and the Gri ths camp both returned home with winners in their trailers.
This Saturday will see the return of the Oliver’s Hardware three person ambrose.
PHOTO: Supplied
This
golfers will be able to head down
the Grenfell Golf Course for the return of the annual Oliver’s Hardware three person ambrose. Golfers can
Wes McDonald (centre) with Fusion Mint.
PHOTO: Greyhound Recorder.
Rugby club celebrates 2024
By JOSH TAYLOR
Recently the Grenfell Rugby Union Club held their presentation night upstairs at the Criterion Hotel.
A fantastic night was celebrated by a large crowd of Grenfell Panther men, women and their partners.
The Cri supplied a lovely atmosphere and some delicious food.
During the evening the awards were announced. The Best and Fairest and Players Player for the men was won by Waisake Lala and for the women the same awards were taken out by Amber Taylor.
Henry Mitton was presented with his 100th game mug.
The full list of award winners for the evening were: MENS AWARDS
Encouragement Award - Seth Anderson
Best Newcomer - Hamish Dye
Best Trainer - Alastair Ramsay
Most Improved - Pascal Brunett
Most Dedicated - George Ma leo
Best and Fairest - Waisake Lala
Player’s Player Waisake Lala
Bill Eastaway Medal - Waisake Lala
Golden Boot - Chris Hodges
CLUB AWARDS.
Best Clubperson - Alan Leobick
Best Supporter - Breigh McKeown
LADIES AWARDS
Best Newcomer - Rachel Tomlinson
Best Trainer - Casey Walker
Most Improved - Jasmin Morton
Best and Fairest - Amber Taylor
Player’s Player - Amber Taylor
100 First Grade Games - Henry Mitton
A large thank-you to all our major and minor sponsors for the year, the CEF, the many spectators and supporters.
I would also like to thank our long list of players, our groundsmen, our executive, committee and all our volunteers who help out throughout the year.
Without this long list of people and their dedication to the Club it would not exist.
So once again thank you and we look forward to the 2025 season.
Before the regular 2025 season is set to kick o , players can get into the swing of things in the rugby union touch competition.
This competition is set to begin on Monday, January 20, 2025 and will run for 10 weeks to coincide with the rst school term.
Teams will be comprised of six players, with a minimum of two female players per team.
Games are set to be played from 6pm each Monday and have twenty minute halves, for those looking to play in the rugby touch competition, or to nd out more, contact Caitlin Dixon 0437410603 by December 20 to register your interest.
truck Truck & Dog Experience: Preferred but not essential. (Training provided) APPLY NOW for an Immediate Start. CONTACT DETAILS
Phone Stephen on: 0414 717 861 or 02 9679 2922 email: eggboys@jb .com.au
The Grenfell Rugby Union Club has recognised the achievements of its members at a presentation ceremony. PHOTO: Supplied