Building health
St Joseph’s Primary School works to build healthy communities
ST JOSEPH’S Primary School is bringing the community together as part of Western NSW Local Health District’s 2025 Building Healthy Communities Challenge.
Grenfell was selected as a nalist in the 2025 Building Healthy Communities Challenge along with Manildra by an independent panel and will receive $8,000 in funding and intensive support to deliver and promote their project.
The project will run until April 4, 2025, and following the challenge period the independent panel will assess the success of each initiative and crown a champion to receive an additional $4,000 in funding support.
Grenfell’s initiative will promote sustainable, healthy eating and physical activity, by building and utilising community garden beds and using local, expert knowledge
to build skills around growing and utilising fresh produce.
“We are excited to be working with Grenfell Food Hall, Grenfell Multipurpose Centre (MPS), Weddin Landcare, Grenfell Preschool, and Grenfell Men’s Shed to help support people in the community to access fresh produce,” Natalie Caruana, from St Joseph’s Primary School, said.
“This project is very much a
team driven enterprise, and these organisations give us access to a large pool of knowledge and experience that we can pass onto our students.”
Alex Makin, from the St Joseph’s School Community Council, said it will be wonderful to have the students involved in a weekly garden group where they can make a real di erence in the community.
■ Continued page 3
Natalie Caruana and Melanie Cooper installed compost bins and irrigation systems for St Joseph’s initiative in the Building Healthy Communities Challenge.
New code of meeting practice to increase confidence, transparency
In December last year the NSW Government announced changes to the way council meetings are conducted that it said would ensure greater transparency and increase community con dence in council decision making.
All councils are required to adopt a code of meeting practice based on the Model Meeting Code issued by the O ce of Local Government.
Late last year the government released a consultation dra of amendments to the Model Meeting Code for public comment.
According to Minister for Local Government Ron Hoenig the changes aim to simplify the Model Meeting Code and ensure councillors are making decisions in the full view of the communities they are elected to represent and also aim to increase the dignity of the council chamber and remove the general manager’s involvement in council politics.
“Council meetings are where a council’s most important decisions should be made,” Mr Hoenig said.
“It concerns me that these decisions are increasingly being made behind closed doors in private brie ngs, locking out the community and protecting councils from public scrutiny.
“As a former mayor, I want to see all councils conducting their business in an open and public forum, where communities can
engage with their council on issues that directly a ect them.”
Key changes, some of which have been recommended by the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) include:
- preventing councils from holding private councillor brie ng sessions - requiring information considered at closed meetings to be made public a er it ceases to be con dential
- requiring councils to give reasons when making decisions on planning matters that depart from sta recommendations
- de-politicising the role of the general manager by removing the requirement for them to prepare reports on councillors’ notices of motion
- expanding the powers of the mayor to expel councillors from meetings for acts of disorder requiring councillors to stand when the mayor enters and when addressing the meeting
Mr Hoenig said changes to the Model Meeting Code were agged in a discussion paper outlining the government’s proposed reforms to the councillor code of conduct system.
“The current Model Meeting Code has become unwieldly and is prone to drawing the general manager into political disputes which should be le to elected councillors to resolve,” Mr Hoenig said.
“These changes are part of the government’s commitment to restore public trust in local government which has been eroded by years of neglect and a cultural shi towards secrecy over public service.”
Submissions will be accepted until Friday, 28 February 2025. To learn more and provide feedback, go to: https://www.olg.nsw. gov.au/councils/governance/model-codeof-meeting-practice/reforms-to-the-modelcode-of-meeting-practice/
Productive meeting for Senior Citizens Committee
By TED PICKWELL
There were 14 members in attendance and two apologies for the recent meeting of the Grenfell and District Senior Citizens Committee.
Business arising from the previous meeting was for the purchase of two replacement washing machines and approval was given.
Unit inspections would be carried out on March 24 and letters would be sent to Tenants.
The Grant Application has been transferred back to State Government and meetings are to be held in Cowra and Bathurst.
Correspondence out was a thank you letter to Bianca Hughes and Kim Berry on the donation from the Deb Ball.
A letter was sent to all Tenants in respect of an increase in rent.
A letter was received from Weddin Shire Council with Street stall dates for 2025 being May 23 and November 14. The Garden Committee reported on a problem of ivy encroaching on our premises but resolution had now been nalised.
The Drum Muster would be end of February or early March.
President Dennis will advise accordingly.
Daryl Spalding will chase up Weddin Shire Council in respect of drive way maintenance.
Irene Cornish and Don Graham were welcomed as new tenants in George St Units and replaced Dale Scott and Don Greaves who have moved on.
The AGM will be held on February 25 at Grenfell Bowling Club commencing at 3.00pm.
All are welcome to attend this meeting.
Drum Muster
drumMUSTER is a nationwide program dedicated to the collection and recycling of empty agricultural chemical containers.
Since its launch in 1999, the initiative has diverted over 42 million plastic drums (equivalent to 43,000 tonnes) from landfill, significantly enhancing environmental sustainability through the safe disposal and repurposing of used chemical drums.
Participating in drumMUSTER helps protect the environment by reducing waste and promoting recycling, supporting cleaner, safer environments and sustainable agricultural practices while enhancing community image.
New year classes start for Uniting Church leisure group
- Needlework and Wool
– Tapestry, Embroidery, Knitting, Crochet, Hardanger and more.
- Papercra s – Make your own Cards, Colour-
This week sees the return of the Grenfell Uniting Church’s Leisure Group courses. Beginning on Thursday, February 6, the Leisure Group will be hosting ve courses every Thursday over the school term. These courses include:
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ing and Scrapbooking
- Basic Sewing Machine Skills
- Jigsaw Puzzles
- Guitar Lessons
The cost is $3 each week and includes morning tea. The Leisure Group will meet from 10am to 12pm at the Uniting Church Hall, located on Camp Street. The nal week of this term’s courses will be on Thursday, April 3. The Grenfell Leisure Group is a volunteer run group which meets each Thursday at the Grenfell Uniting Church Hall during school term to socialise and share skills. It is open to men and women of all ages.
Grenfell and District Senior Citizens Welfare Committee hosted a productive meeting.
PHOTO: File
Late in 2024 the NSW Government announced Councils are required to adopt a code of meeting practise
Working together for healthy Grenfell
■ From the front page
“There is an opportunity to involve the high school in growing larger crops as well,” Mr Makin said.
“We plan to get the parents involved wherever we can with working bees.
“I’ve already got my dad growing seedlings,” he said.
Stage one of the project
will see garden beds built at St Joseph’s Primary School and the Grenfell MPS, along with greenhouses, compost bins, and worm farms.
With community involvement to help grow fruit, vegetables, and indigenous bush foods.
Gina Chalker, from the Grenfell Food Hall, said there is a de nite need from the community for fresh food
“It isn’t easy to get fresh produce from our supplier. Because the food we receive must travel overnight, we are usually limited to carrots or potatoes. So, any other fresh produce will be very welcome,” Ms Chalker said.
The produce grown in the garden beds at St Joseph’s
and the Grenfell MPS will be donated to Grenfell Food Hall and recipe cards will be developed to help promote healthy eating.
Emma Stowe, from Grenfell MPS, said a big focus for the MPS is the intergenerational engagement between the kids and the residents
“But it also has the bene t of getting the residents outside and keeps them active and moving,” she said.
The MPS involvement is to grow seedlings and have a garden bed built in the courtyard for residents to tend.
Workshops with visiting schools and daycare groups will also be run to help foster intergenerational connections.
Melanie Cooper, from Weddin Landcare, said said it’s great to be part of such a positive project that can bring so much to the community.
“We aim to support local wherever we can,” she said.
Melanie has been leading Weddin Landcare’s
lists, irrigation plans, and advice on project strategy.
Olivers Hardware, Stevens Sand and Gravel, the Grenfell Men’s Shed and the Weddin Community Native Nursery have been engaged.
There is enthusiasm to keep the momentum running a er the garden beds are established and the working group is looking at the longevity and
engagement.
Natalie Caruana said they have established a Facebook page and hope to have more residents come forward to lend a hand.
“We would love to see people donating seedlings or produce and helping wherever they can,” she said.
“The support from the team at Western NSW Local Health District has been
“They are excited to see us succeed with this project in the long term, whether we are successful in winning the next round or not,” Ms Caruana said.
“We have had a signi cant response from the community already.
“We are grateful to have received a $500 donation from the Grenfell Food Hall, which we will use for soil.
“Other members of the
working group have o ered shade cloth, star pickets, seedlings and have been very generous with their time,” Ms Caruana said. You can follow the Grenfell Community Produce Facebook page at www.facebook.com/ grenfellcommunityproduce. If you would like to join the Working Group, get in touch with Natalie Caruana at natalie.caruana@ cg.catholic.edu.au
Local library, community to benefit from Central West connection
Save the date for March
Weddin Services Day
By BRENDAN MCCOOL
Those looking to find out what sort of services are available to residents in the Weddin Shire are encouraged to attend the Weddin Services Day on Thursday, March 13 when it returns to Grenfell.
The day is an initiative of Weddin Interagency, a group of services providers who meet regularly in Grenfell to discuss the needs of the communities within the Weddin Shire.
The Weddin Services Day will be hosted in the Community Hub Conference room at 88 Main Street.
Event organisers hope that by being closer to Main Street, more people find the event to access the services in attendance.
This is the second time the Weddin Services Day has taken place, with the first Services Day hosted last year on November 12 at the Salvos Hall/
It is anticipated that three further Weddin Services Days will be held later this year on:
- Tuesday, June 17;
- Thursday, August 14;
- Tuesday, October 20.
The aim of the Weddin Services Day is to make the community aware of the range
of service providers who have Weddin in their service footprint, as well as the specific types of support these services are able to provide to residents.
Members of Weddin Interagency believe this type of day would benefit many people in the Weddin community by making connections with and gaining access to a wider range of community support services and organisations.
At last year’s Weddin Services Day, service providers such as Servces Australia, Weddin Community Health, Cowra Information and Neighbourhood Centre, Grenfell Food Hall, Legal Aid, Binaal Billa, LiveBetter, CanAssist, Weddin Community Transport and Disability Advocacy NSW were in attendance.
All local residents are encouraged to attend the Weddin Services Day between 10am and 2pm.
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Journalist Brendan McCool can be contacted by emailing bmccool@midwestmedia.com.au or by calling 0447 238 254.
Hotham were excited for St Joseph’s Primary School to be named Finalists.
Celebrating youth achievements on Australia Day across shire
Quandialla
By MARLENE TAYLOR
On Australia Day, we re ect on our history, its highs and lows; while celebrating all the things we love about Australia, especially all the freedoms we enjoy.
Australia Day 2025 was celebrated, in Quandialla, by an enthusiastic crowd at the Bland Hotel.
It was lovely to see friends and neighbours gather again on the back lawn of the Bland Hotel. Appreciating the mist fans with the high temperatures we had experienced over previous days.
Local residents were joined by Weddin Shire Deputy Mayor Colleen Gorman, her husband John and Councillor John Niven.
The evening started with Mr Robert Reeves, President of the Quandialla Progress Association, welcoming everyone and reminding us that on this day of celebration we must be inclusive of all who call Australia home.
The crowd then enjoyed the playing of, the well know song by the Seekers, “I am Australian” and the singing of the national anthem.
Our thanks to Narelle Gault for providing the music for this.
Mrs Gorman, who was elected as Deputy Mayor in last year’s Weddin Shire elections, spoke brie y about her new role before presenting Jane Johnston with her Australia Day Youth Achievement Award.
Jane, a Year 6 student in 2024, was nom-
inated by Quandialla Primary School and will continue her education in Bathurst this year.
A er the o cial part of the ceremony came to an end everyone shared a meal of BBQ meats and salad plus lamingtons for dessert.
The meal prepared by the Bland Hotel was enjoyed whilst listening to music by Michael Buining.
Michael has a family connection with the local area and enjoys coming back to celebrate Australia Day at Quandialla.
The annual Yabby Races, organised by Geo Edgerton, were again a highlight of the evening for both young and old.
However, this year the lucky partici pants were returned to the dams in the hope of breeding bigger and faster racers for 2026.
The Quandialla Progress Association would like to thank the Weddin Shire for their ongoing sponsorship of this event.
We would also like to thank the Dan and all the crew from the Bland Hotel for once again hosting our villages celebrations.
Caragabal
In Caragabal’s Australia Day celebra tions, the achievements of local student Emily Maslin were celebrated when she was presented with a School Youth Achievement Award.
Residents gathered at the Caragabal Park for a BBQ breakfast and award ceremony.
Fact check: Trusted journalism key for factual reporting
META’S plans for the removal of fact-checking services on content posted to its platforms and the government’s decision to introduce age limits for access to social media has brought a renewed focus on the importance of regional, rural and local news publishers, according to Country Press Australia (CPA).
Andrew Schreyer, Country Press Australia president, said publishers have never been tasked with so many layers of responsibility, and it’s never been more vital for the work they do to be appropriately recognised and valued by government and the broader community.
“The decisions local newsrooms make about content, photo selection, accuracy, fairness, balance and integrity go to the heart of the cra of journalism,” Mr Schreyer said.
“Our papers don’t engage in clickbait, they don’t produce or publish fake AI content, they work hard to ensure mis and dis information are not allowed to fester in the communities we serve.”
Mr Schreyer said the vast majority of Country Press Australia publishers are the only local media outlet with boots on the ground in these communities, producing public interest place-based journalism that ful lls a vital role in our democracy.
“Country Press Australia is disappointed at Meta’s decision to abandon third-party fact checking on its Facebook and Instagram platforms in the US.
“Third-party fact checking has not yet been abandoned on Meta platforms in Australia, however the move in the US may be an indica-
tion of Meta’s intentions worldwide and is a worrying development regardless.”
Equally, Country Press Australia has welcomed Communications Minister Michelle Rowland’s strong comments that came in the wake of Meta’s announcement and her support for high quality fact checked information for the public, such as the place-based public interest journalism produced by Country Press Australia’s 240 member mastheads.
“We are also heartened by comments from eSafety Commissioner Julie Inman Grant on the harms of social media and the responsibility to comply with Australian law,” he said.
“The mis and disinformation that spreads on Meta’s platforms are harmful to people’s health, wellbe-
ing and to social cohesion.
“This information can be hard for consumers to recognise.
“The removal of third-party fact checking will see the levels of mis and disinformation on social media increase exponentially.
“Without any fact checking mechanism the rates of mental health issues caused by social media will no doubt rise.”
He commended the government for its recently announced News Bargaining Incentive and News Media Assistance Program funding which will help Country Press Australia member publishers continue to produce the quality local public interest journalism that is so well trusted by its audiences.
“Professionally produced local public interest journalism, such as that produced by Country Press
Australia mastheads, is the antidote to mis and disinformation and this has been well recognised by the government,” he said.
POSITION VACANT
COWRA BUS SERVICE is seeking a Heavy Vehicle Mechanic to join our team. This position is based in Cowra and involves hands on mechanical duties including all aspect of bus repairs, maintenance & other duties involved with the daily operation of the business.
THE SUCCESSFUL APPLICANT MUST:
• Qualified Heavy Diesel Mechanic;
• Experience in Heavy vehicle maintenance;
• Be hands on;
• Work well under pressure;
• Preferably be proficient in bus electronics;
• Preferable hold a airconditon ticket or experience;
• Preferably hold a MR drivers licence
• Preferably hold a NSW Bus Driver Authority;
Jane Johnston received her Australia Day award from Deputy Mayor Colleen Gorman. PHOTOS: Supplied
congratulate Emily Maslin on receiving the Youth Achievement Award.
DATES TO NOTE
WEDDIN SHIRE COUNCIL
Wednesday 5 February 2025 - Garbage Collection | Villages
Wednesday 12 February 2025 - Recycling Collection | Villages
Friday 14 February 2025 - 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 bluegreen 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.
COMMUNITY NOTICE | INTERACTIVE WORKSHOPS COMMUNITY STRATEGIC PLAN FOR 2035
Weddin Shire Council invites you to our interactive workshops, as part of developing our Community Strategic Plan for 2035. These workshops are designed to understand the vision, aspirations and key priorities of our communities, and your input is needed and valued. We are excited to be partnering with Steph Colman who will be delivering these workshops on behalf of Council. Come join us at:
Greenethorpe Monday 10 February 2025 10am to 12pm Greenethorpe Soldiers Memorial Hall, Louth Street Greenethorpe
Quandialla Tuesday 11 February 2025 10am to 12pm Quandialla Soldiers Memorial Hall, 12 Second Street Quandialla
Caragabal Wednesday 12 February 2025 10am to 12pm Caragabal Memorial Hall, Wyalong Street Caragabal
Grenfell Monday 17 February 2025 6pm to 8pm Community Hub Building, 88 Main Street Grenfell.
Grenfell Tuesday 18 February 2025 10am to 12pm Community Hub Building, 88 Main Street Grenfell.
You are welcome to attend any session regardless of where you live. How do you want Weddin to look in 2035? How do we get there? Let’s talk!
RSVPs are encouraged but not essential to Council’s Economic Development Office Auburn Carr on 02 6343 1864 or auburn@weddin.nsw.gov.au (this will help us with catering).
COMMUNITY NOTICE | GRENFELL AQUATIC CENTRE CHANGE TO OPENING HOURS
The Grenfell Aquatic Centre opening hours from Thursday 6 February for the remainder of the season will be as follows:
Monday to Thursday
6:00am - 8:00am | 10:00am - 1:00pm | 3:00pm - 7:00pm
Friday
6:00am - 8:00am | 10:00am - 1:00pm | 3:00pm - 6:00pm
Saturday 6:00am - 8:00am | 10:00am - 7:00pm
Sunday 11:00am - 7:00pm Public Holidays 11:00am - 7:00pm
*Please note: Quandialla Swimming Pool hours remain the same.
SERVICE NOTICE | GRENFELL AQUATIC CENTRE
The Grenfell Aquatic Centre will be closed to the public for School Swimming Carnivals on the following dates:
Thursday 13 February 2025 10:00am – 3:00pm
St Joseph’s Primary School
Friday 14 February 2025 10:00am – 3:00pm
Grenfell Primary School
Wednesday 19 February 2025 10:00am – 3:00pm
The Henry Lawson High School
Wednesday 26 February 2025 10:00am – 3:00pm
Primary District Carnival
Sunday 2 March 2025 From 4:00pm Business House Relays
DEVELOPMENT APPLICATIONS
ENVIRONMENTAL PLANNING & ASSESSMENT ACT 1979
DA 42/2024, (NSW Planning Portal No: PAN-467928)
Council has received an Application to demolish the existing shed and erect principle and secondary dwelling on LOT: 14 DP: 1268603, known as 29 Middle Street GRENFELL NSW 2810. Inspection: Development Application (DA) 42/2024 to demolish the existing shed and erect principle and secondary dwelling may be viewed online through the NSW Planning portal from 9 January 2025 to 6 February 2025.
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.
REQUEST FOR TENDER
Council wishes to advise that a request for tender has been issued for the following:
RFT 43/2024 | Repair of Hail Damaged Weddin Shire Council Buildings -Scope of Works 02 | Closes 5:00pm, 27 February 2025. Further information can be obtained from Council’s website https://www.weddin.nsw.gov.au/Council/ Tenders-Quotations-and-Expressions-of-Interest or through Vendorpanel: https://www.vendorpanel.com.au/PublicTenders. aspx?profileGroupId=7126
FROM THE MAYOR’S DESK
I hope everyone is keeping well and cool, a typical summer week in our Shire!
You will have seen advertised that Council is conducting a number of workshops across the Shire for our Community Strategic Plan, seeking input from residents on how they want the Shire to look in 2035. This is your opportunity to have a voice and to consider and put forward long term, achievable goals for sustaining and growing Weddin into the future. If you are unable to attend any of the workshops, a digital and telephone survey will be conducted after the March Ordinary Council Meeting, you will also have the opportunity to provide direct comment into the draft plan when it is placed on Public Exhibition.
Last week, the General Manager and I attended the 7th Mayoral Summit hosted by Ms Steph Cook, Member for Cootamundra. A number of Minister’s, Shadow Minister’s or their representatives presented on Housing, Planning & Public Spaces, Regional Transport and Roads, Water, Community Transport, and Health and Regional Health. Robust conversations were held. I will be providing a Mayoral Minute on the Summit to the February Ordinary Council Meeting if you would like to have a read.
I am pleased to share that Council will be partnering with Central West Libraries to commence the transition of Grenfell Library to Central West Libraries, this will occur later in the year. This exciting decision is set to enhance library services, providing our community with increased access to resources and new opportunities for learning, engagement, and personal development. Central West Libraries is a regional library service based in central west New South Wales, with branches in Blayney, Canowindra, Cowra, Forbes, Manildra, Molong and Orange. This regional library service is sponsored by Orange City Council and delivers high-quality, professional library management services across its member branches and allowing our local staff to be supported in this expertise network.
Have a great week, take care.
Paul Best MAYOR
Mayor Paul Best
Councillor Wezley Makin
Councillor Michael Neill
Councillor Jan Parlett Deputy Mayor Colleen Gorman
Jeanne Montgomery Councillor John Niven
Councillor Simon Rolls Councillor Chad White
Health & Wellbeing Guide
Ability Network is Cowra’s leading not-for-profit disability support service, with a committed team of support staff providing services to adults and children with disabilities.
Working with participants and their support coordinators/family, our team build a range of individually-tailored supports based on every participants goals and individual needs. Supports can be arranged for both short term or longer term enrolment with Ability Network, helping to provide assistance for both Cowra’s permanent disability community, as well as those visiting for a shorter time.
SERVICES WE OFFER:
In-home/Personal Care Supports
Respite/Short Term Accommodation (both in our facility, or in the home)
Centre and Community-Based Group and Day Program Activities
Therapies including Speech Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Allied Health, Counselling
Ability Network has Cowra’s only purpose-built day program facility (due to open end February 2024), providing over 400m2 of space to provide a range of day and group programs for our participants.
The facility is located on the site of our Respite/Short Term Accommodation house in Lyall Street Cowra. The house is situated on 5 acres with chickens and gardens for our participants to enjoy a unique “farm” experience while in our care.
Local and Interstate Travel Support (where approved by NDIS or privately funded)
Skills Development, including life and vocational skills
Support Coordination (via Little Wren Co – an independent business of Ability Network)
Operated by our team at Ability Network, the Cowra Livestock Saleyards Kiosk offers a unique opportunity for our participants to develop vocational and life skills in food preparation and hospitality. It also serves as a valuable fundraising initiative for Ability Network while delivering delicious food to the community!
OUR TEAM
Our holistic approach to disability support ensures that both participants and family members are our focus – we are here to help provide meaningful participation in community for those with disabilities, as well as support the family network surrounding the participant with guidance about compliance with NDIS requirements and assist in building independence for their family members.
Program Facility
Cowra Livestock Saleyards Kiosk
Holistic Approach to Disability Support
Ability Network expands to support the region
ABILITY Network (AN) has undertaken an ambitious expansion project to address growing needs across the region. A cornerstone of support for individuals with disabilities in the region, the community driven organisation is dedicated to enhancing the lives of its 95 and counting clients, ranging from young adults to older individuals managing various developmental, acquired, and degenerative conditions.
The not-for-profit organisation is currently finalising the construction of a purpose-built facility at it’s Lyall Street site, designed to meet the unique requirements of people living with disabilities.
The $1+ million, 600-square-meter upgrade includes office space, staff training facilities, and a state-of-the-art open-plan day support area. This new facility will allow the organisation to run more extensive and effective programs, including enhanced cooking and life skills classes.
“This new facility is the result of over five years of work by the board and management, and we’re excited to move in at the end of February,” Shane Kruger, CEO said. “The entire facility is fully accessible and is designed specifically for people with disabilities. We even have wheelchair height benchtops and cooktop in the new kitchen, to allow everyone to participate” .
Along with the new facility opening this month, Ability Network has merged with Little Wren Co., Cowra’s leading disability support coordination business, and Erin Green will join the leadership team as General Manager Disability Services, bringing with her a wealth of disability sector experience, and 90+ clients who will continue to be managed with independent support coordination with the back office support of Ability Network’s administration team.
While the completion of this new facility and the merge with Little Wren Co are significant milestones, Ability Network’s
vision for the future extends far beyond these announcements. The organisation has identified two major priorities for the coming years: building long-term accommodation and constructing a heated hydrotherapy pool.
With an aging population, many of the organisation’s adult clients are cared for by elderly parents. The prospect of what happens to these individuals when their parents are no longer able to provide care is a pressing concern for many families. Ability Network plans to develop group homes or other longterm housing solutions to address this, offering clients and their family’s peace of mind into the future.
A hydrotherapy pool project is another critical initiative. Collaborating with other community organisations such as Carinya and Bilyara, Ability Network aims to create a facility that serves the therapy needs of its clients and the broader community. “We have the space to build on our site, and we’re eager to work with other community-led organisations to make this a reality,” Mr Kruger said. Collaboration is clearly a cornerstone of Ability Network’s approach.
of their clients. The organisation runs day programs that focus on vocational and practical life skills, such as cooking, banking, and internet use, and creative activities like painting and woodworking. On their five-acre property, clients participate in gardening and animal husbandry, caring for sheep and chickens as part of their engagement with nature and the broader world.
The organisation also provides one on-one community-based supports, helping clients with daily tasks such as shopping, banking, and attending medical appointments.
Our focus has always been on the needs of our community.
- SHANE KRUGER, CEO
These individualised services ensure that each client’s needs are met with care and attention. In addition to these day support programs, Ability Network operates short-term accommodation and respite care facilities. Respite is an invaluable service for participants and their families, especially when caregivers need a break from their care responsibilities, or participants need to travel to other centres for medical and specialist appointments.
challenges shared by other community-run organisations in Cowra. With the organisation supporting over 95 clients (and an additional 90+ clients in support coordination) spread across a wide geographic area, including towns like Grenfell, Forbes, and Blayney, finding enough staff is an ongoing concern.
“We provide over 1,100 hours of support per week, so we must continually strive to recruit and retain skilled workers passionate about this line of work. We are always looking for new staff to join our busy team and a career in disability support is incredibly rewarding” Mr Kruger said.
The organisation’s commitment to working closely with other not-for-profit, communityled groups ensures that resources and expertise are pooled to benefit the region.
For example, once the new Lyall Street facility is operational, the current Berowra Street property will be offered to another community organisation. “This house is a community asset,” Mr Kruger said.
“We’re excited to see it continue to serve the community meaningfully, with an announcement expected soon about the new use for that building.”
As Ability Network grows and evolves, its core mission remains steadfast: enhancing individual abilities through choice.
With over 45 staff, the organisation provides a wide range of services to foster independence, improve life skills, and encourage community engagement. “We’re Cowra’s oldest and only dedicated not-forprofit disability support organisation,” Shane Kruger, CEO, said. “As a registered charity, we are entirely focused on meeting the needs of our community.”
Ability Network’s services are comprehensive and tailored to the needs
Group activities are another cornerstone of the organisation’s offerings. From trips to the local pool to social events, and even outings to football games in Canberra or bowling competitions in Bathurst, these activities allow clients to enjoy social and recreational experiences that most of us take for granted.
A Friday night social club further enhances this sense of community, giving participants the opportunity to enjoy outings to local venues and fostering connections with others in the community.
Despite its successes, Ability Network faces
With over 20 support programs available, clients can select the activities and services that best suit their needs and aspirations. The organisation’s focus on fostering independence and community engagement is unwavering, from life skills classes to employment opportunities.
“Our focus has always been on the needs of our community,” Mr Kruger said. “This is an exciting time for us, and we look forward to continuing to make a positive impact.”
Ability Network’s dedication to innovation and collaboration ensures that it will remain a vital resource for individuals with disabilities and their families for years to come.
Allied health professionals here to help you
Find a local service for physiotherapy, podiatry, occupational therapy and so much more
by 200,000 allied health professionals who deliver more than 200 million health services annually.
As demand grows across aged care, mental health, disability and health sectors the allied health workforce is growing rapidly - and in our regional communities as well.
Allied health professionals provide a broad range of diagnostic, technical, therapeutic and direct health services to improve the health and wellbeing of the consumers they support with specialised expertise in preventing, diagnosing and treating a range of conditions and illnesses.
In many cases allied health interventions can reduce or remove the need for medical interventions.
Allied health professionals are not part of the medical, dental or nursing professions.
Key areas of allied health practices include aged care, chronic disease, disability, mental health, musculoskeletal health and rehabilitative care but the allied health sector is extremely diverse.
Local allied health professionals from Kerin Health and Central West Allied Health Services provide a range of allied health services in our communities, supporting locals.
Kerin Health provides reformer pilates, physiotherapy, early intervention services, swimming lessons, speech pathology, occupational therapy, women’s health services, allied health assistance, exercise physiology, massage therapy, lactation consultations, nutritionist services, Parkes mother’s group and sensory playgroup.
Kerin Health is based in Parkes but also service Canowindra, Grenfell, Cowra, Forbes, Peak Hill, Trun-
dle, Yeoval, Cudal, Condobolin, Dubbo, Narromine and surrounding areas.
Central West Allied Health Services, also based in Parkes provide a range of services to surrounding communities.
At Central West Allied Health Services you can nd physiotherapy, podiatrist, exercise physiology, 1:1 rehabilitation and group classes, clinical psychologist, on-site rehabilitation gyms, physiotherapy for children and pre-employment medicals.
You can book an appointment now at Kerin Health online at kerinhealth.com. au/book-an-appointment or call in to make an appointment at 28 Armstrong Street, Parkes.
You can also book online at Central West Allied Services at central-west-physio. cliniko.com/bookings or book in person at 91 Clarinda Street, Parkes.
PHOTO: Supplied
6.00 Rage Charts. 7.00 Weekend Breakfast. 9.00 Rage. 12.00 ABC News At Noon. 12.30 Beyond Paradise. 1.30 Optics. 2.00 Hippo Watch With Steve Backshall. 2.45 Mozart: Rise Of A Genius. 4.00 Eat The Invaders. 4.30 Muster Dogs: Collies And Kelpies. 5.30 Dr Karl’s How Things Work. 6.00 Australian Story. 6.30 Back Roads. 7.00 ABC News. 7.30 Beyond Paradise. Final. 8.30 Vera. 10.05 The Newsreader. 11.00 Unforgotten. 11.45 Rage.
6.00 Morning Programs. 10.00 My Greek Odyssey. 11.00 Escape To The Country. 1.00 Better Homes. 2.00 Escape To The Country. 3.00 Horse Racing. Inglis Millennium Day and Caulfield Family Day. 6.00 Dog Patrol. 6.30 Bondi Vet. 7.30 The Yorkshire Vet. 8.30 Escape To The Country. 9.30 I Escaped To The Country. 11.30 Late Programs.
6.00 Morning Programs. 2.30 ER. 3.15 Doctor Who. 4.00 A Bite To Eat. 4.30 MythBusters. 5.20 Love Your Garden. 6.10 Amazing Spaces. 7.00 Spicks And Specks. 7.30 QI. 8.00 Guy Montgomery’s Guy Mont Spelling Bee (NZ) 8.50 Live At The Malthouse. 9.45 Ab Fab. 11.15 ER. 12.00 Rage. 1.00 Not Going Out. 1.30 QI. 2.00 Late Programs.
6.00 Morning Programs. 12.00 Horse Racing. Inglis Millennium Day and Caulfield Family Day. 3.00 Sri Lanka Vs Australia: Pre-Game Show. 3.30 Cricket. Second Test. Sri Lanka v Aust. Morning. 5.00 Seven News At 5. 5.30 Border Security: Australia’s Front Line. 6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Border Security: Australia’s Front Line. 7.30 MOVIE: The Bourne Identity. (2002) 10.00 MOVIE: Taken. (2008) 12.00 Late Programs.
6.00 Morning Programs. 2.00 Rides Down Under: Workshop Wars. 3.00 NDRC Top Doorslammer. Spring Nationals. 4.00 Counting Cars. 5.00 Second Test. Sri Lanka v Aust. Morning. 5.30 Lunch Break. 6.10 Second Test. Sri Lanka v Aust. Afternoon. 8.10 Sri Lanka Vs Australia: Tea Break. 8.30 Second Test. Sri Lanka v Aust. Late arvo. 11.00 Late Programs.
6.00 Kids’ Programs. 4.05 Grace’s Amazing Machines. 4.20 Odd Squad. 4.45 Gardening Australia Junior. 5.10 Zog And The Flying Doctors. 6.05 Kiya And The Kimoja Heroes. 6.45 Ben And Holly. 7.05 Riley Rocket. 7.30 Kids BBQ Championship. 8.15 Chopped Jnr. 9.05 Fresh Off The Boat. 9.50 Speechless. 10.10 Officially Amazing. 10.40 Late Programs.
Long Lost Family. Final. 4.15 Extraordinary Escapes. 5.00 Maggie Beer’s Big Mission. 6.00 Antiques Roadshow. 7.00 ABC News. 7.30 Muster Dogs: Collies And Kelpies. 8.30 The Newsreader.
From The Bush. 11.55 Late Programs.
6.00 Morning Programs. 11.00 I Escaped To The Country. 12.00 Escape To The Country. 1.00 My Greek Odyssey. 2.00 South Aussie With Cosi. 2.30 Better Homes. 3.30 Cities Of The Underworld. 4.30 Steam Train Journeys. 5.30 I Escaped To The Country. 6.30 Escape To The Country. 7.30 Rosemary & Thyme. 8.30 Vera. 10.30 Extreme Railways. 11.30 Late Programs. 6.00 Morning Programs. 3.00 Fishing Addiction. 4.00 Hustle & Tow. 5.00 Second Test. Sri Lanka v Aust. Morning. (Alt schedule may be shown). 5.30 The Lunch Break. 6.10 Second Test. Sri Lanka v Aust. Afternoon. 8.10 Sri Lanka Vs Australia: Tea Break. 8.30 Second Test. Sri Lanka v Aust. Late arvo. 11.00 Late Programs.
Gordon McDonald Partridge. 6.05 Kiya And The Kimoja Heroes. 6.45 Ben And Holly. 7.05 Riley Rocket. 7.35 Moominvalley. 8.00 Horrible Histories. 8.30 Fresh Off The Boat. 9.10 Speechless.
ARIES (March 21 to April 19) All that flattery and fawning shouldn’t affect any decision you have to make. Keep your focus on the
and ignore
the hyperbole, especially if it gets uncomfortably personal.
TAURUS (April 20 to May 20) Your Bovine instincts are on the mark about a “favor” that you’re being asked to do. Agree to nothing unless you get a full explanation, which you would check out first, of course.
GEMINI (May 21 to June 20) A somewhat-unsettled recent period should give way to a smoother time going through the week. Use this quieter time to catch up on matters that you might have had to let slide.
CANCER (June 21 to July 22) Feeling a little confused is understandable with all those mixed messages. Take time to list the questions you have. Then present them and insist on answers that make sense.
6.00
7.00 A Current Affair. 7.30 Taronga: Who’s Who In The Zoo. 8.30 MOVIE: The Equalizer. (2014) Denzel Washington, Chloë Grace Moretz, Marton Csokas. 11.10 MOVIE: The Founder. (2016) 1.15 Innovation Nation. 1.30 Late Programs. 6.00 Morning Programs. 12.00 Days Of Our Lives. 12.55 The Young And The Restless. 1.55 Keeping Up Appearances. 3.15 Antiques Roadshow. 3.45 MOVIE: The Blue Lamp. (1950) 5.30 Our Yorkshire Farm. 6.30 Antiques Roadshow. 7.30 Yes Minister. 8.30 MOVIE: Letters To Juliet. (2010) 10.40 The Closer. 11.40 Late Programs. 6.00 Flushed. 7.00 It’s Academic. 8.30 Get Arty. 9.00 Shopping. 10.30 House Rules: High Stakes. 12.00 Buffy. 3.00 Ed And Karen’s Recipes For Success. 4.00 Bondi Vet. 4.50 The Goldbergs. 5.50 Britain’s Got Talent. 7.00 MOVIE: Evolution. (2001) 9.00 MOVIE: Erin Brockovich. (2000) 11.35 MOVIE: Deuce Bigalow: European Gigolo. (2005) 1.15 Late Programs.
6.00 Morning Programs. 12.00 Destination WA. Return. 12.30 My Way. 1.00 Let’s Eat With George. New. 1.30 MOVIE: Buckley’s Chance. (2021) 3.30 Taronga: Who’s Who In The Zoo. 4.30 Explore TV. 5.00 9News First At Five. 5.30 Country House Hunters Australia. 6.00 9News Saturday. 7.00 A Current Affair. 7.30 Space Invaders. Return. 8.30 MOVIE: The Blind Side. (2009) Sandra Bullock, Tim McGraw. 11.10 MOVIE: Stronger. (2017) 1.20 Late Programs.
6.00 Morning Programs. 10.00 Weekender. 10.30 Weekender. 11.00 Ed And Karen’s Recipes For Success. 12.00 Rebel Wilson’s Pooch Perfect. 1.15 Dream Home. 2.20 Holey Moley Australia. 3.50 Britain’s Got Talent. 5.00 The Goldbergs. 5.30 MOVIE: Evolution. (2001) 7.30 MOVIE: West Side Story. (2021) 10.40 MOVIE: The French Dispatch. (2021) 12.50 Late Programs.
6.00 Morning Programs. 12.00 Australia By Design: Innovations. 12.30 Exploring Off The Grid. 1.30 Frugal Foodie. New. 2.00 4x4 Adventures. 3.00 What’s Up Down Under. 3.30 Roads Less Travelled. Return. 4.00 My Market Kitchen. 4.30 GCBC. 5.00 News. 6.30
6.00 Morning Programs. 7.00 Weekend Today. 10.00 Golf. Jack Newton Celebrity Classic. 11.00 For The Love Of Pets. 12.00 Fishing Australia. 12.30 The Pet Rescuers. 1.00 MOVIE: The Cutting Edge. (1992) 3.00 Space Invaders. 4.00 David Attenborough’s Green Planet. 5.00 9News First At Five. 5.30 RBT. 6.00 9News Sunday. 7.00 Married At First Sight. 8.30 60 Minutes. 9.30 9News Late. 10.00 See No Evil. 11.00 The First 48. 11.50 Late Programs.
6.00 Morning Programs. 8.30 Tomorrow’s World. 9.00 Turning Point. 9.30 TV Shop. 10.00 Helping Hands. 10.30 MOVIE: Sailors Three. (1940) 12.15 MOVIE: Hobson’s Choice. (1954) 2.30 MOVIE: The Courtneys Of Curzon Street. (1947) 4.50 MOVIE: Khartoum. (1966) 7.30 MOVIE: Chariots Of Fire. (1981) 10.00 TBA. 12.30 Late Programs.
6.00 Morning Programs. 12.00 I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! 1.30 Cook With Luke. 2.00 Everyday Gourmet With Justine Schofield. 2.30 Farm To Fork. 3.00 10 Minute Kitchen. 3.30 All 4 Adventure. 4.30 Good Chef Bad Chef. 5.00 10 News First. 6.00 The Sunday Project. 7.00
6.00 Morning Programs. 8.00 Invictus Games: Opening Ceremony. 10.30 MOVIE: Daleks’ Invasion Earth 2150 A.D. (1966) 12.20 MOVIE: Quiet Weekend. (1946) 2.15 MOVIE: Pacific Destiny. (1956) 4.15 MOVIE: Sabata. (1969) 6.30 M*A*S*H. 8.30 MOVIE: Rambo: First Blood. (1982) 10.25 The Closer. 11.25 Chicago Med. 12.25 Late Programs. 6.00 Flushed. 7.00 It’s Academic. 8.30 Get Arty. 9.00 Get Clever. 10.00 Holey Moley Australia. 11.30 Dream Home. 12.30 Home And Away. 3.45 TBA. 5.30 Dr Harry’s Animal Encounters. 6.30 Puppy School. 7.30 Law & Order: Criminal Intent. 8.30 Law & Order: SVU. 10.30 Bones. 12.30 Monk. 1.30 Alias. 2.30 S.W.A.T.
LEO (July 23 to August 22) Cupid can be very helpful for Lions seeking a love connection. The chubby cherub also brings warm and fuzzy feelings to paired Leos and Leonas who already share a special love line.
VIRGO (August 23 to September 22) Travel is favored this week, whether you’ll be globe-trotting or taking a trip to a nearby getaway. You might be surprised (or maybe not) by the person who wants to be your traveling companion.
LIBRA (September 23 to October 22) Getting advice on your next business-related move is a good idea but only if your advisers are trustworthy. Get references you can check out before you make
SCORPIO
SAGITTARIUS (November 22 to December 21) Make time to deal with family matters, especially where they concern your elderly kinfolk. Being there for them from the start can help resolve problems sooner rather than later.
CAPRICORN (December 22 to January 19) Getting a project started can often be difficult, but the good news is that you won’t want for lack of assistance from colleagues who would like to work with you. So, let them!
AQUARIUS (January 20 to February 18) A lot of workrelated issues might be raised this week, and you need to be prepared for whatever comes along. Things should be easier when it comes to matters in your private life.
PISCES (February 19 to March 20) What might appear to be a very much unwanted change in your life right now could turn out to be a very welcome event after all. Give yourself a chance to see where it might take you.
Grenfell Aquatic Centre provided free entry and inflatables on Australia Day. Here are Ray, Roary, Jo, Katt, Nixon, Hannah, Harry and Mitch enjoying the day down at the pool on January 26.
PHOTO: Brendan McCool
These youngsters were having a ball at the Grenfell Aquatic Centre on Australia Day.
ACROSS
GENERAL KNOWLEDGE CROSSWORD
4 What are the titles of emperors of Japan (7)
8 Name another term for lucerne (7)
9 Which radioactive element is the basis of nuclear reactors (7)
10 Name that part of the skull that encloses the brain (7)
11 Which name is popularly used to refer to the USA (7)
12 What is a written summary, note, or memorandum (6)
14 Who is the treasurer of a college or university (6)
18 To be harsh in manner, is to be what (7)
21 Name a mythical tribe of female warriors in South America (7)
22 To be more mirthful, is to be what (7)
23 Name a colourless, flammable liquid obtained in the distillation of petroleum (7)
24 Who was the Biblical disciple and companion of the apostle Paul (7)
DOWN
1 Name a silver-white divalent metal occurring in limestone, gypsum, etc, symbol Ca (7)
2 Which term describes anything worthless or discarded (5)
3 That which is unlawful is considered to be what (7)
4 Name a political movement among the Kikuyu of Kenya, aimed at driving out European settlers (3,3)
5 What is an alternative name in cards for the Jack (5)
6 What are small ornamental table napkins (7)
7 Apia was formerly the capital of which group of islands in the Southern Pacific (5)
E-QUATIONS
13 What is a patent medicine known as (7)
Letters have a number value
Some values are in the right hand cells. Create remaining values using clues in centre cells.
E-QUATIONS
Letters A to Z have a number value. Some are shown in the right-hand cells. Create remaining values using clues in centre cells.
15 Kyiv is the capital of which eastern European republic (7)
16 Name the male of the domesticated fowl (7)
17 To be close at hand, is to be what (6)
18 To confess is to do what (5)
19 What is a decree issued by a sovereign or other authority (5)
20 Name a specific poisonous product that might cause tetanus, diptheria, etc (5)
Find the following words in the grid. They may be read in any direction, even diagonally. Some letters are used more than once.
Solve the crossword. Each answer has four letters.
1 FATUOUS (a) Prophetical (b) Silly (c) Obese
2 NUPTIAL
(a) That may be numbered or counted (b) Pertaining to marriage (c) Nourishing
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:
Causing pain (7)
Companion animal (3)
Engaged an employee (5)
Mouse genus (3)
Prefix: one millionth (5)
Recall: ... To mind (5)
Sale by bidding (7)
Unity (3)
Vertically hung fishing net ( 5) Wheel centre (3)
Strong day of racing at Bathurst
HORSE RACING
By COLIN HODGES
The outstanding win by Capital Mac at Bathurst on Friday underlined both the ability of the lightly raced galloper and the skills of Dubbo based trainer Brett Robb.
Taking on a big field of mainly well performed horses with up to 6 individual wins, in the 1100 metres Donnelly Construction Group Benchmark 66 Handicap, the five year old Capital Mac had not raced for nearly two years after winning a Maiden Handicap at Newcastle at the second start in a race.
Racing midfield at Bathurst, Capital Mac (Shayleigh Ingelse, $7) emerged with a strong run in the straight and after a stirring battle with Champers Girl (Clayton Gallagher, $12) won by a long neck with the leader Brogans Creek (Jake Pracey-Holmes, $31) battling on well for third.
Owned by Steve Allam and
partners, Capital Mac was sired by Capitalist and is from Bonnie Mac which in the early stages of her career won 5 races in succession in New Zealand and Australia including the Listed-Proud Miss Stakes in Adelaide.
Costing over $1 million at the Inglis Easter Yearling Sales in 2021, Capital Mac was first trained by Greg Hickman at Warwick Farm and then Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott at Randwick before coming to Brett Robb at Dubbo.
The very much in form Shayleigh Ingelse had earlier won the 1200 metres Thank You Karla McDiarmid Maiden Handicap on Sashabella for trainer Michael Mulholland to whom she is apprenticed at Dubbo.
ing third place.
Resuming from a spell, Sashabella ($5.50) set the pace and lasted to win by a short half head from Feimazou (Nick Heywood, $2.15 favourite) with Niccolina (Claire Ramsbotham, $5.50) fill-
During a good day for Dubbo trainers, Connie Greig won the 1400 metres Benchmark 58 Handicap with I’m Scarlett ridden by Clayton Gallagher.
Unwinding with a good run from well back, I’m Scarlett ($3.80) beat
home Magnace (Tilly McCarroll, $8) and Geostorm ($5.50).
At his first ride since making a comeback, talented jockey Brodie Loy won the 1100 metres Nigel Frisby Painting & Decorating Maiden Plate on the Bjorn Baker, Warwick Farm trained Battle
Leading most of the way, debut maker Battle Hyme ($3.10 to $2.20 favourite) cleared out in the straight to score by almost five lengths from Call Me Mighty (Jessica Drury, $6) and Indie Mae (Mitchell Bell, $5).
Brodie Loy (28) who had ridden well over 500 winners decided to take a break from racing in March 2024 after years of battling with his weight.
Flying the flag for the locals was Bathurst trainer Dean Mirfin with Chico Casino in the 1200 metres Bathurst Plumbing & Gas Fitting Benchmark 58 Handicap.
Taking the lead from East Har-
lem on the home turn, Chico Casino (Nick Heywood, $8) won by over two lengths from Commando Jack (Clayton Gallagher, $5.50) and Tommy’s Girl (Olivia Chambers, $10).
Other winners were the Greg Hickman trained Prorata (Jean Van Overmeire, $3.10 favourite) and Benamera (Mitchell Bell, $1.75 to $1.50 favourite) trained at Hawkesbury by Stephen O’Halloran.
COMING UP
Bathurst continues to attract increased crowds and will race again on Monday, February 10. Meanwhile, the popular Gilgandra club will host racing next Saturday.
SHARE YOUR NEWS
Get in touch with the Grenfell Record editorial team. Journalist Brendan McCool can be contacted by emailing bmccool@midwestmedia.com.au or calling 0448 238 254.
Cod added to Wyangala Dam for summer season
Anglers across NSW are invited to return to the water, with Murray Cod season ocially starting last December.
About 60,000 cod were transported to Wyangala Dam ahead of the summer holidays and shing season.
“The annual closure, which runs from September 1 through to November 30 and applies to all inland waters except for Blowering Dam and Copeton Dam, is a key conservation measure designed to safeguard Murray Cod during their vulnerable spawning period,” NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) Acting Executive Director Fisheries Peter Turnell said.
“The seasonal closure, implemented nearly two decades ago, along with successful breeding and stocking initiatives, has played a crucial role in improving the health of Murray Cod populations across NSW’s lakes and rivers.
“In the 2023–24 stocking season alone, more than 450,000 Murray Cod were released into waterways across inland NSW, with another bumper production season at our Narrandera Fisheries Centre native sh hatchery already underway”.
Mr Turnell said the reopening of the Murray Cod shing season is a great opportunity for anglers to target this great
native sport sh, however it is important to follow the regulations designed to protect the species.
“We encourage all shers targetting Murray Cod to adhere to the legal bag and size limits along with all other shing rules that apply,” he said.
Endemic Murray Cod are also crucial to the health of waterways, Mr Turnell added, with strict protections in place.
“Protecting iconic native species like Murray Cod is crucial for ensuring that future generations can continue to enjoy them.
A daily bag limit of two Murray Cod per person and a total possession limit of four applies when shing in any inland waters,” he said.
“Fishers are required to carefully release Murray Cod which are smaller than 55cm, or bigger than 75cm”.
ture generations can conA daily bag limit of two Murray Cod release Murray smaller than 55cm, or bigger than 75cm”.
Braddons take a winning treble in a great night at at Dubbo track
GREYHOUNDS
By CARA KEMP
Paul and Pam Braddon once again took training honours at the Dubbo meeting 26 January with the couple landing a winning treble.
Blazing Force made amends for a disappointing run last time out scoring an easy win in 18.01, while Travelling Gem recovered quickly after a steady start to rip along the rails racing away in 18.19 with Swift Secret completing the treble in 18.25.
The Richard Griffiths Trained Rhi’s Girl was a narrow winner at the Temora Meeting January 28.
Beginning smartly Rhi`s Girl shot to an early lead and although getting tired in the run home hung on gamely to score in 26.33.
My Mate Timmy was another local to score at the Temora Meeting with the Rod Mcdonald chaser making it back to back victories taking out the Top Grade in 18.91. Buddy Moses continues to impress with the Ricky and Caitlyn Brewer Trained speedster scoring at the Temora Meeting Wednesday, beginning safely Buddy Moses soon found the front racing away to score in a good 18.89.
Murrumburrah-Harden Golf Day returns with fantastic prizes
GOLF
As part of Hilltops o the Beaten Track, the Rotary Club of Murrumburrah-Harden Golf Day returns with fantastic prizes.
Golf enthusiasts are in for a treat as the Rotary Club of MurrumburrahHarden gears up to host its annual Rotary Golf Day on Saturday, March 8, 2025 at the Harden Country Club.
The popular event, featuring a 2-person Ambrose format, will tee o at 10 am with a shotgun start.
Players can secure their spots by calling 0428 863 713, with tee-o bookings available.
Entry is priced at $30 per person, which includes access to the course, snacks, and a delicious lunch at the clubhouse.
A drinks cart will also be available
on course to keep players refreshed throughout the day.
This year’s event promises prizes galore, thanks to the generous support of local sponsors. Competitors will vie for impressive rewards, including:
- Team Winners Nett: $500 (sponsored by Graymont)
- Team Runners-up Nett: $200 (Graymont)
- Team Winners Gross: $200 (Graymont)
- Team Runners-up Gross: $100 (Twomeys)
- Nearest the Pin (Front Nine): $100 voucher (Supabarn Harden)
- Nearest the Pin (Back Nine): $100 Esky (Delta Agribusiness Harden)
- Longest Drive: $50 cash + $50 meat voucher (Ziems Quality Meats)
- Ladies Longest Drive: $60 gi
voucher (Ohana Collection)
- Bradman’s Team Award: $50 voucher (Harden Bearings and Hardware)
- Rotary Challenge: $400 cash (ABC Freighters)
- Junior Golfers Best Nett Score (Under 16’s): Two $50 golf equipment vouchers (Sachs Dental)
- Random Draw Prizes: Golf balls and artwork (Kaleidoscope Elephant). The event is proudly supported by Graymont, along with Supabarn, Twomeys, Delta Agribusiness, ABC Freighters, The Ohana Collective, Ziems Quality Meats, Harden Bearings and Hardware, and Sachs Dental. With great prizes, a friendly competition, and the chance to support Rotary’s ongoing community e orts, this is an event not to be missed. Gather a team, secure a booking, and enjoy a fantastic day at the Harden Country Club.
Anglers across the Central West have had a strong chance to bag a Murray Cod with 60,000 released at Wyangala Dam ahead of the summer holiday fishing season. LEFT: About 60,000 Murray Cod were transported to Wyangala Dam in December. PHOTO: Reflections Wyangala Waters.
Rugby touch comp kicks off
By BRENDAN MCCOOL
The Grenfell Rugby Union Club’s touch football competition has kicked o on Monday, February 3 with six teams taking to the pitch.
The touch football competition will run for 10 weeks, with eight rounds of play followed by two rounds ofnals, with each team playing one match per week.
Grenfell Rugby Union Club’s Caitlin Dixon said they decided to run the touch football competition to line up with the school term to allow for players to go away during the school holidays if they wished to.
The results of the rst round of games include:
No Mercy defeated Bye Week 6 - 1.
Iandra Knights defeated GrassHoppers 6 - 0
Bin Chooks defeated The Hustlers 15 - 3
Due to the current warmer weather, Ms Dixon said the games are being played in 10 minute quarters, when the temperature begins to cool down they will return to playing two 20-minute halves.
Ms Dixon said so far everyone is fairly equal with abilities on the eld however there are some teams who have some speed behind them and are bolting out in front with some substantial try di erences.
Due it being several years since Grenfell last hosted a rugby union touch competition, Ms Dixon said it has taken a little bit of time to get everyone used to the rules and what is expected, however it has been quite positive.
Ms Dixon said to have six teams take to the eld a er so many years without the touch competition running has been great.
Teams are comprised of six players, which will include at least two female players.
This aims to encourage female participation in rugby union and get the message out there that rugby is open for both men and women.
This touch competition has also served as an extra bit of tness training in the build up to the main rugby union competitions for those who are looking to play this season.
