TCW22012025

Wednesday January 22, 2025

Volume 40 No. 01

$2 inc. GST

The Cobar Weekly RFS dedication to a lost fire fighter Pg 2

Long list of worthy Aust Day award nominees Pg 3

Have your say on new coach timetables Pg 4

Paul’s someone you’d want on your side Cobar’s 2025 Australia Day Ambassa- In the situations where injuries have ocdor Paul Featherstone BM ASM is no curred, Paul is skilled and equipped to stranger to trouble and is definitely access, treat, recover and transport injured someone you’d want on your side. individuals whether by foot, road, air or Paul is a Senior Instructor For NSW Am- sea. bulance’s Special Casualty Access Team Paul has developed unique training meth(SCAT). ods in high-risk areas based on “real He’s spent the past 35 years perfecting world” experience, with strong emphasis skills in the recovery and care of people in on self-motivation and teamwork. life threatening situations, and on countless This is where Paul now focuses a great occasions has placed his own life at risk in deal of his time and energy as a SCAT order to save the lives of others. instructor in order to pass on his vast In addition to his regular Paramedic du- knowledge and skills in the training of new ties, Paul has played a role in aiding multi- team members. ple victims from a number of major emer- He has twice been the recipient of the gencies including the 1977 Granville Rail Ambulance Service’s highest award for Crash, 1990 Nyngan Flood, 1997 Thredbo bravery, the Distinguished Service Medal.

Disaster, 2002 Bali Bombing, 2002 De- Paul has also received the Australian cember fires, 2003 Waterfall Rail Disaster Bravery Medal, the Humane Society’s and the 2006 Beaconsfield Mine Rescue.

Bronze, Silver and Gold Medals, the He was also involved with Special Re- Prince Phillip Helicopter Rescue Award sponse Operations for the Olympic Games and received the Ambulance Service Medin 2000 accounting for Aquatic, Helicop- al as part of the 2007 Queen’s Birthday ter, Chemical/Biological and Radiological Honour List. attacks, crowds, VIPs and terrorist attacks.

Paul was honoured as the 2007 SutherJoining the NSW Ambulance Service in land Shire Citizen of the Year and has 1972, Paul pioneered the Ambulance Ser- served as an Australia Day Ambassador vice’s acclaimed Paramedic system in since 2007.

1976.

His experiences will make him an interHe conceived and developed the Special esting guest speaker at Cobar’s Australia Casualty Access Team (SCAT) in 1986, Day awards presentations at the Cobar and has since been a team leader in devel- Memorial Swimming Pool on Sunday. oping patient access methods and high In addition to the presentation of this levels of care under hostile environments. year’s awards winners, Cobar Shire CounPaul experience positions him as a spe- cil is coordinating a day of ‘Aussie’ enter- Paul Featherstone BM ASM, a senior instructor cialist in situations where lives may be at tainment and Mayor Jarrod Marsden will for NSW Ambulance, has been involved in stake, situations where perfect planning, officiate at an Australian citizenship cere- numerous major emergencies, and will be quick assessment and responses are critical mony to welcome another new Australian Cobar’s 2025 Australia Day Ambassador on for the prevention of injury. citizen.

Sunday. Photo contributed

News

50 years dedication to lost fire fighter Neil Hudson The Cobar Rural Fire Control Centre’s At 39, Ernest Neil Hudson paid the ultimate Neil’s family and Rural Fire Service (RFS) Operations Room has been dedicated to sacrifice when he lost his life on January 4, staff members along with members of the honour a former Noona Brigade member 1975 after he suffered severe burns fighting Noona and Cubba fire brigades were invited Neil Hudson. bush fires on December 19, 1974. to attend his dedication ceremony on January 10 to mark the 50th anniversary of his passing.

Neil’s son, Craig Hudson, was almost 18 when his father died and said he is remembered as a hero.

Craig recounts his father and other members of the Noona brigade were conducting a burn back on December 19 when the wind changed direction and brought the fire back over the top of them.

Craig said despite sustaining severe burns to his upper body, Neil was heroic in leading the group through a gap in the fire which saved the lives of the five other men.

“Dad lasted 17 days with first, second and third degree burns,” Craig said.

An RAAF Hercules transported Neil to Sydney for specialist medical treatment and Craig said many of the top burns, heat and lung specialists who treated his father, were full of praise for the efforts of Dr Allan Brady and Dr Keating who had prepared Neil for transport.

“They said Dr Brady gave him the best chance he could have had.”

After being revived three times, Neil however eventually died of heart failure on Janu4, 1975.

Pip Hudson, Craig Hudson, Nancy Mosely, Doug Hudson, Annette Hudson, Paul ary The 1974-1975 fire season was the most Hudson and young Archie Thomas were among the family members present at the Rural severe the far west of the state had experienced Fire Service’s recent dedication ceremony remembering volunteer brigade member Neil in 30 years with 3,755,000 hectares burnt out, Hudson who lost his life fighting fires in the Cobar area 50 years ago during the 50,000 stock were lost and 10,170km of fencing was destroyed with one and a half million devastating summer of 1974/1975. Photo contributed hectares burnt out in the Cobar Shire.

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Page 2 The Cobar Weekly Wednesday January 22, 2025

News

Long list of worthy nominees for 2025 Australia Day awards There’s a long list of worthy nominees for Stingemore and Anita Neate nominated for ity category.

Cobar’s 2025 Australia Day awards with 24 their service to the Cobar Amateur Pistol Club.

Cobar Shire Council’s Australia Day coordiindividuals and 11 groups nominated for the Also nominated are Narelle Kriz (golf), Troy nator Demi Smith said the awards judges had a eight award categories. and Brenda Knight (Little A’s) and Genie particularly hard time with the judging this Among the nominees for the Citizen of the McMullen (rugby league). year.

Year category are entertainer John Peebles, The nominees for Community Event of the She said many of the nominations only supRural Outback Animals Respite/Rescue volun- Year were: Dancing Under the Stars, Nymagee plied one or two lines of information about the teer Lorraine ‘Wizzy’ Knezevic, historian and Spring Ball, Cobar Show, Christmas Street nominee, others only spoke of their achieveauthor John Collins, local doctor Dr Indra Parade & Gala Night, Nymagee Gymkhana, ments of past years and some outlined contriKaralasingham and performer, emcee, volun- PGA Golf Legends Pro-Am Tour, ‘Reach for butions that were made in a working capacity. teer and all round nice guy, volunteer Colby the Stars’ Prom Night and the ANZAC Ball Demi said while many were outstanding Lawrence. fundraiser.

Cobar citizens, according to the awards criteJohn Peebles, John Collins, Wizzy and Colby Cobar Youth Centre’s community garden ria, the winners are chosen based primarily on have also been nominated for the Bossie and WIRES volunteer Louise McKervey were their volunteer contributions and achievements Mitchell—Service to the Community award nominated for the Environment & Sustainabil- over the past year. along with golfer Narelle Kriz, the Cobar Camels Rugby Union Club (who run the Return and Earn recycling program), music teacher Judy Toomey, Wings4Kidz fundraisers Simone Martin and Jodie Jones, Rural Fire Service duty officer Greg Martin, fundraiser Emily Miller and Nymagee Gymkhana committee president Katie Nicholson.

Katie was also among the six nominations for the Young Citizen of the Year category which recognises the efforts and achievements over the past year of a young person under the age of 25.

Other nominees were: church kids club leader and junior soccer coach Isaac Theakston; sportsman and youth volunteer Caleb Theakston; sportswoman and committee volunteer Pearl Blackburn; youth centre volunteer Reece Josephson; and Lucy Kilpatrick who has been a volunteer on numerous committees over the past year.

The six nominees for the Sports Person of the Year category have also been nominated for the Kerrigundi Junior Sports Person award.

They are Isaac Theakston (triathlon, soccer, tennis and marathon running); Ryan Urquhart (rugby league, representative cricket, touch and Fast 5 netball); Henry Knight (swimming); Cobar Roosters Under 18s team (acknowledging their Castlereagh Youth Morning teas at the Brennan Centre have recommenced with regular morning tea goers League grand final win); Pearl Blackburn Jan Johnson, Beryl Martin, Jean Poulter and Ruth Bradshaw pictured on Monday with (track and field and cross country runner); and entertainer John Peebles. John regularly volunteers his time to entertain various Reece Josephson (representative rugby community groups, including at the Brennan Centre, and his efforts this year have again league).

For this year’s Service to Sport category, been recognised with an Australia Day nomination. John joins a list of 24 individuals and there were eight nominees with four people, 11 groups who have been nominated for the eight categories in this year’s Australia Day Robert Neate, Michael Garbutt, John awards.

Wednesday January 22, 2025 The Cobar Weekly Page 3

News

Residents invited to have a say on proposed new timetables Cobar residents, along with others in the ing communities and providing links to rail Also as part of the new timetables, Wilcanwestern NSW community, have been invited services and larger centres. nia, Cobar and Nyngan would have a new dayto have a say on proposed NSW TrainLink The proposed changes to NSW TrainLink’s return service option to Dubbo on Tuesdays. coach timetable changes that are due to coach network include adjusted timetables to The planned changes are based on extensive come into effect in mid-2026 to better meet meet passenger needs, additional services on community and stakeholder feedback from a the needs of the travelling public. some existing routes, new stops to improve range of sources including regular customer NSW TrainLink is the state’s long distance local access and better connections to other and operator feedback, and the NSW Bus Taskregional public transport operator. modes of transport. force.

Its coach network services an area including Of interest to Cobar residents is a proposed The proposed coach timetable would not Bathurst, Bourke, Brewarrina, Broken Hill, new Dubbo Airport stop that would be added impact train times or services.

Condobolin, Dubbo, Grenfell, Lightning Ridge, on routes to and from Nyngan, Bourke and Following public consultation, a final service Mudgee, Mildura, Orange and Parkes, connect- Broken Hill. plan will be developed and coach operators will be able to apply for new NSW TrainLink contracts that are proposed to take effect from mid 2026.

Community members can find details of the proposed routes and provide feedback at haveyoursay.nsw.gov.au/trainlink-coachnetwork-review.

Across the NSW TrainLink network there are currently 571 coach services each week across 39 routes, with over 420,000 passenger journeys made each year.

Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Jenny Aitchison said the proposed NSW TrainLink coach plan will deliver improved connections to strategic centres and major cities.

“This will lead to better transport integration with other modes such as train, bus and plane so that members of the community are better able to access vital services including health, education and employment,” Minister Aitchison said.

“Improved NSW TrainLink coach services also allow community members to stay connected with family and friends and enjoy entertainment and recreation in major centres, so there are numerous wellbeing benefits.

“We know that the NSW TrainLink coach The NSW TrainLink coach currently picks up and puts down passengers in Cobar twice a network particularly helps some of the most day en route to Broken Hill and Dubbo. disadvantaged in our society, including those in rural and remote areas and Aboriginal communities, who often have little or no access to other forms of affordable, accessible transport.

“I encourage everyone to provide feedback so we can best plan for future need and make sure people can get where they need to go when they need to travel.”

State Member for Barwon Roy Butler encourages residents to take part in the bus survey.

“Given the vast distances separating towns in Barwon, public transport plays a vital role in the lives of my constituents,” Mr Butler said.

“Many people in Western NSW rely on buses to get them where they want to go. NSW TrainLink is proposing changes to the timetables and routes, based on passenger feedback, but they want more public input.

“I would urge anybody who relies on public transport to take part in the survey.”

Page 4 The Cobar Weekly Wednesday January 22, 2025

Wednesday January 22, 2025 The Cobar Weekly Page 5

News

Reminder from RFS to make your home bush fire ready As we approach the middle of summer, the NSW Rural Fire Service (RFS) has issued a reminder that it’s not too late to reduce the risk of bush fire damage to your property.

The RFS recommends five steps that every home owner in a bush fire risk area should undertake: Clear and remove all the debris and leaves from the gutters surrounding your home (burning embers can set your residence on fire).

Mow grass and remove the cuttings. Having a cleared area around your home will give firefighters a safe area to work.

Remove material that can burn from around your home. This includes items such as door mats, wood piles, mulch, leaves and outdoor furniture.

Trim overhanging trees and shrubs. This can stop a fire spreading to your home.

Prepare sturdy hoses that can reach all around your home. Make sure you have a reliable source of water (pool, tank, dam) and a diesel/petrol pump available.

RFS North West Zone Inspector Boyd Townsend said that with the summer months bringing an increase in grassland curing, that As we approach the middle of summer, the NSW Rural Fire Service is reminding heightens the likelihood of bush and grass fire residents that it’s not too late to reduce the risk of bush fire damage to their property. ignition, and landowners should also be giving attention to fire breaks.

Photo contributed “Being a proactive landowner increases your chances of protecting your property from fire,” Inspector Townsend said.

“Maintaining fire breaks around buildings, crops, pasture, storage areas, and along fence lines, can help to prevent fire escaping from, or entering, your property.”

RFS research shows that only about 70 per cent of people living in bush fire risk areas have an emergency plan, and of those, only half have actually enacted it.

There can never be a fire truck at every home, which is why the RFS asks everyone to have a plan in place and know what they will do if threatened by fire.

The most important thing every family can do is have that five-minute conversation about important decisions, such as when to leave and what to take in a fire emergency.

Help to create an emergency plan can be accessed at rfs.nsw.gov.au.

Page 6 The Cobar Weekly Wednesday January 22, 2025

Wednesday January 22, 2025 The Cobar Weekly Page 7

News

Buffalo Lodge donates again

The Cobar Youth & Community Centre has benefited from another $500 donation from the Cobar 44 Buffalo Lodge. The donation will go towards the centre’s Awards Program for youth which recognises outstanding achievements in arts, environment, good sportsmanship and good deeds. The Lodge’s donation means the program will be able to continue in 2025. Pictured are some of the Lodge members with local youth and Youthie staff member Dusty Good at the cheque hand over. Photo contributed

Page 8 The Cobar Weekly Wednesday January 22, 2025

Organisers are revved up for next festival

Cobar Dust Bowl Fuel Burners club president, Mick Haines, has taken on a dual presidency role and was last week elected as president of the 2025 Running On Empty Festival (ROEF).

Initially the first ROEF event (based on the classic Australian 1982 movie, Running On Empty) was held in Cobar in 2018.

Cobar’s link to the movie was that some of the rural scenes were filmed here, including at ‘Rebel’s Garage’ where Australian actor Max Cullen delivered the movie’s most famous line: “Green. Green is nice!”

The first ROEF event was coordinated by John de Bruin and Ben Hewlett with the help of a small group of volunteers and was a huge success.

The sequel festival in 2022 proved to be even better when Cobar Shire Council came to the party to help coordinate the event.

The Cobar Dust Bowl Fuel Burners Club put their hands up to take over the running of the festival this year, with the festival’s original coordinator John de Bruin and committee member Emily Miller continuing to play major roles in the event’s coordination.

Haines heads up the new sub committee with Perry Stylianos elected as vice president, Marie Lawrence as secretary and Wendy Maher fills the role of treasurer.

Wednesday January 22, 2025 The Cobar Weekly Page 9

News

A new pharmacist joins the John Mitchell Pharmacy team The John Mitchell Pharmacy has recently farewelled their resident pharmacist Russell Smith (and his wife Lesley) and welcomed new pharmacist Parvez Salman.

Originally from Fiji, where there’s “sunshine all year round”, Parvez came to work in Australia.

“I worked in Hamilton (Victoria) and Warrnambool and now I am in Cobar,” Parvez said.

The father of four said his family is currently still living in Warrnambool but he hopes his wife and children will soon be able to join him in Cobar.

“I’m still finding my feet and once I get settled and my wife can find some work and we get the kids in school, they will probably move.”

Parvez said his wife is currently studying childcare and would be looking for part time work.

While their three eldest are all school age, their youngest child is just three years old and his wife would like to maintain a good work/ life balance.

In his spare time Parvez likes to play cricket.

“I also love to watch cricket. I believe last year’s Boxing Day test match was quite a good one and was a good result for Australia.

“I love Cobar so far. The team is great and very supportive and the locals are quite welJohn Mitchell Pharmacy staff members Susie Loughran and Kate Maloney have coming. I hope to be here for a long time,” welcomed new pharmacist Parvez Salman to work in Cobar.

Parvez told The Cobar Weekly.

Pest training

Local Land Services has launched a new and improved training course for landholders using restricted pesticides to manage pest animals.

The refreshed Vertebrate Pesticide Induction Training (VPIT) course features more interactive elements, better visuals and improved accessibility.

The upgrades offer participants a more engaging and user-friendly experience and aim to increase learning outcomes.

Available online and face-to-face, the free VPIT course takes landholders through the legal responsibilities, safety requirements and practical considerations for the safe and effective use of baits and pesticides to control pest animals.

All NSW landholders must hold an AQF3 Chemical Accreditation or VPIT certification to acquire and use pesticides and bait products for feral pigs, rabbits, wild dogs and foxes.

Local Land Services’ Principal Program Manager Biosecurity, Jake Tanner, said the upgraded VPIT course made it easier than ever for landholders to gain this certification.

“Education is a key part of Local Land Services’ role in supporting and providing best practice advice to farmers and landholders across NSW,” Mr Tanner said.

“As with all our pest control programs, we want as many landholders as possible to participate to ensure the best results.

“We’re encouraging landholders to attend one of our face-to-face training sessions or save time and complete the course online.”

The online course is a streamlined version of the face-to-face workshop and takes only a few hours to complete.

Certification is valid for five years.

Visit the Local Land Services website for more information or to register for Vertebrate Pesticide Induction Training.

Page 10 The Cobar Weekly Wednesday January 22, 2025

News

“Highly positive” Temperature is warming up again test results at Bulla Park Project

After a slight reprieve from high tempera- once again be warm with 38 degrees the pretures, the thermometer is climbing again dicted maximum. and we’re heading for a very hot high of 42 The mercury is set to rise again on Monday degrees today. with 40 degrees the expected top temperature.

Tomorrow should reach a maximum of 37 Last Tuesday was our hottest day of the week West Cobar Metals has reported degrees. when the thermometer rocketed to 42.5 de“outstanding” recent float testwork results Friday is expected to be cooler with a top of grees. (According to the Bureau of Meteoroloat their Bulla Park Project near Cobar.

32 degrees while Saturday’s forecast is for a gy, that’s 7.5 degrees warmer than the long The company reports the latest results are top of 36 degrees. term average of 34.5 for this time year.) “highly positive”.

Australia Day celebrations on Sunday will Wednesday was also hot with a top of 38.6 Managing Director, Matt Szwedzicki said degrees. the results delivered a high-grade copper, The mercury then dropped 10 degrees overantimony and silver concentrate with excelnight to record a much cooler maximum temlent recoveries. perature of 28.6 on Thursday.

“These exceptional results well exceeded Friday’s top was 31.6 degrees. expectations for this initial test phase,” Mr Local police seized boxes of goods from a The weekend was a warm one with 34.2 recSzwedzicki said. home in Wilga Crescent last week which orded on Saturday while Sunday’s top was 34.8 “It appears that Bulla Park’s high tetrahe- are believed to have been stolen or unlaw- degrees. drite content, without other significant sul- fully obtained.

All of our nights were in double digits last phides, causes the material to respond well to Police conducted a search of the Wilga week, including an overnight low of 28.7 deCrescent premises at 9.30am last Wednes- grees last Wednesday (which was our warmest flotation. night of the month so far).

“The macroeconomic drivers for copper, day. antimony and silver continue to be strong, Several boxes of clothing items, which po- It dropped to 17.9 degrees overnight on and the float work demonstrates high recover- lice believe have been stolen or unlawfully Thursday, 16.6 on Friday, 18.6 on Saturday, obtained, were located and seized.

20.9 on Sunday and 19.3 was the overnight low ies of each of these key metals,” he said.

“A fundamental first milestone has been Investigations into the matter are continuing. on Monday. met and we are now considering several options to separate the antimony minerals from the copper minerals and thereby generate an optimal mix of high value saleable product streams.”

The company plans to conduct further float testwork this month to optimise and improve concentrate grades and recoveries.

In addition, West Cobar Metals is investigating options to leach the float concentrate, with the aim of producing separate high-grade copper (with silver credits) and antimony concentrates.

Suspected stolen goods seized

Wednesday January 22, 2025 The Cobar Weekly Page 11

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News

Attracting more vets to regional NSW NSW Farmers has welcomed a new gov- “If we want to build a sustainable veterinary ernment initiative to address acute shortages workforce here in rural NSW, then we need a of vets across rural NSW. range of solutions that address the complex Under the NSW Government’s Welcome challenges that have caused this shortage in the Experience program, vets, vet nurses, vet tech- first place,” Dr Alders said. nicians and their families are now eligible to “Incentives such as waiving student debt for receive assistance with sourcing housing, graduate vets who take up work in rural NSW childcare and other services when moving to would make a real difference in attracting vets rural NSW. to rural communities, as would more partnerNSW Farmers’ Member Dr Robyn Alders ships between the public and private vet sectors AO said news of the initiative had been warm- in support of rapid exotic animal disease detecly welcomed by farming communities across tion and control in NSW. the state, as they continued to grapple with “Around the world governments are supportcritical workforce shortages. ing a range of initiatives to ensure the availa“Farmers know that healthy animals are pro- bility of appropriate, affordable veterinary ductive animals and it’s in their best interests services to livestock producers, and it’s critical to care for their livestock – but the reality is our government does the same.” they need to have access to vets if they are to successfully protect animal health on-farm,” Dr Alders said.

“Effective surveillance, detection and reNBN CO has announced it will upgrade sponse to animal disease is also reliant on a the remaining Fibre to the Node network strong veterinary sector, and this has been across Australia, benefitting about 622,000 proven time and time again during recent out- homes and businesses with more than half breaks of exotic animal disease in southern located in regional Australia.

Australia, and detections of notifiable animal Federal Member for Parkes Mark Coulton disease in NSW. said the upgrade will mean that more than 95 “We need our vets, and it’s great to see our per cent of 622,000 homes and businesses will government recognise this.” have the option to upgrade to nbn full fibre via However, Dr Alders warned further solutions nbn Fibre to the Premises, which is faster and to address the shortage of veterinary workers more reliable than Fibre to the Node. were still necessary, with mentoring, training “Faster broadband speeds will enable more and incentive programs just some of the solu- people and devices to be online at the same tions proposed by NSW Farmers in a recent time with minimal disruptions, meaning inquiry into vet shortages last year. smoother streaming, faster downloads and uploads, and stronger connections,” Mr Coulton said.

“While details about specific locations are yet to be announced, I’m hoping towns across the Parkes electorate will benefit from this upgrade.”

To register for updates to find out if your home or business is eligible, visit: Police are appealing for information about www.nbnco.com.au/check a car fire that occurred on the Kidman Way Editor’s note: A check if The Cobar Weekly office was eligible for upgrade has revealed south of Cobar last week.

At about 2.55am on Friday police and Rural that we (and many surrounding businesses) Fire Service personnel attended the scene ap- were in a ‘Service available area’ and most proximately 20kms south of Cobar following likely would be able to connect to services over the nbn network “but may require addireports of a vehicle on fire.

The fire was extinguished, however the vehi- tional work to be completed first”. NBN CO cle, a Holden Commodore Station Wagon was advises “on rare occasions, some premises cannot be connected. The ‘rollout status’ and completely destroyed by the fire.

Police have not been able to identify the vehi- ‘service type’ may not be up-to-date in upcle or the owner. Anyone with information is grade areas. Rollout areas and boundaries are urged to contact Cobar Police or Crimestop- subject to change as construction planning is finalised.” pers.

NBN upgrade

Police appeal for information after a car fire

Mega Meat Tray Winner: Rene C Page 14 The Cobar Weekly Wednesday January 22, 2025

January 2025 22 Cobar Weekly’s first edition for 2025 23 CSC donation applications close 26 Australia Day activities 26 Sam McBride at Services Club February 2025 7 Liz Outback Karaoke at Services Club 14 Comedy Hypnotist Rob Young at Golfie 21 All-Star Wrestling at Services Club March 2025 15 Justin Landers at Services Club April 2025 5 Flamenco for Everyone at Services Club October 2025 4 Cobar Rodeo

Do you know the new bush fire danger levels? Bush fire severity ratings have recently changed with the new warnings focused on four categories under the nation-wide Australian Fire Danger Rating System. GREEN/MODERATE means plan and prepare, stay up to date and be ready to act if there is a fire; YELLOW/HIGH warns you to be ready to act as there is a heightened risk. Be alert for fires in the area. Your life and property may be at risk if a fire starts – the safest option is to avoid bush fire risk areas; ORANGE/ EXTREME means to take action now to protect your life and property; RED/ CATASTROPHIC is the highest danger and you need to leave bush fire areas immediately for your survival. Homes cannot withstand fires in these conditions. You may not be able to leave, and help may not be available.

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Wednesday January 22, 2025 The Cobar Weekly Page 15

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Email: classifieds@cobarweekly.com.au Phone 6836 3616 Advertising Deadline Monday 2pm

All private party classified advertisements MUST be paid for by cash/cheque/credit card/direct deposit BEFORE publication

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DEATH NOTICE

PUBLIC NOTICES SPANLINE REP IN AREA next week.

Rooms, Patios, Carports, Cladding.

BL83737C. As seen on TV. 6884 0899, www.spanline.com.au

Upcoming Public Training Courses to June 2025 COBAR TLILIC0003 Licence to operate a forklift truck (NSW) $700pp – 3 day course (must be over 18 yrs to enrol) February 11, 12 & 13 2025 Course will run again June 17-19 2025 RIIWHS202E Enter and work in confined spaces + MSMWHS217 Gas test atmospheres + MSMWHS201 Conduct hazard analysis Clustered Courses $310pp – 1 day course (must be over 16 yrs to enrol) February 25 2025 Course will run again June 3 2025

MEMORIAL

PUBLIC NOTICES

RIIWHS204D Work safely at heights $310pp – 1 day course (must be over 16 yrs to enrol) February 26 2025 Course will run again June 4 2025 UETDRRF004 Perform rescue from a live LV panel + HLTAID009 Provide cardiopulmonary resuscitation $350pp – 1 day course February 27 2025 Course will run again June 5 2025 TLILIC005 Licence to operate an elevated work platform (boom length 11m or more) NSW $950pp – 3 day course (must be over 1+8 yrs to enrol) March 11, 12 & 13 2025 HLTAID011 Provide first aid $165pp – 1 day course April 1 2025

RTO 41466 To enrol in course please contact Kylie on 0420 540 682 or email: kylie@sitetrain.com.au Website: www.sitetrain.com.au

Page 16 The Cobar Weekly Wednesday January 22, 2025

POSITIONS VACANT

Housing Support Worker COBAR OFFICE CatholicCare Wilcannia-Forbes Ltd is a not-for-profit organisation, providing a broad range of programs and services caring for the wellbeing of individuals, families, and communities, especially the vulnerable and at risk.

About the role: • We are seeking a passionate individual to join our Specialist Homelessness Service (SHS) Team.

• In this role, you will provide early intervention and prevention, advocacy, case management to clients and be available for an on-call roster.

• One full-time position available that offers a maximum term contract to 26 June 2026. If further funding is made available, an additional contract may be offered to the incumbent.

• Attractive hourly rate starting from $35.51 (dependent on experience, skills and qualifications) + Super.

The benefits of working with us: • An opportunity to make a positive difference in the lives of people in the community.

• Salary Packaging – package up to $15,900 per year tax free!

For an Information Package please visit: Website: https://ccwf.org.au/about-us/employment/ Email: careers@ccwf.org.au

Phone: 02 6850 1788

Applications close: 5.00 pm Wednesday, 29 January 2025 Proudly part of the Catholic Social Services network and the Diocese of Wilcannia-Forbes.

Wednesday January 22, 2025 The Cobar Weekly Page 17

POSITIONS VACANT

SAVE THE DATE

Page 18 The Cobar Weekly Wednesday January 22, 2025

Sport

New cool water training regime pays off for Yabbies Aided by some recent cool water training win with Shane Josephson second on 0.68 and in Antarctica, Paul Swainston topped the Mexted was third on 0.75. winner’s list at the Cobar Yabbies Senior Mainey and Jones were back on the podium Men’s Swimming Club event last week. after they won the Brace Relay novelty event.

Swainston won the opening event of the The pair were only 0.29 seconds off their night, the 30 metres handicapped freestyle time estimation for the sideways walk across swim, after he finished within 0.06 seconds of the pool. his nominated time.

Mexted and Fugar teamed up to grab second Bob Clark, who’d been training at the beach, place, with 0.88 seconds off their combined was further back on 0.17 seconds and Dave time and Josephson and Mainey (whom swam Mexted (who doesn’t have to train) was third twice) were third on 1.41. on 0.19.

Josh Mainey laid down the law to the field of 13 in the 50m event winning with a sensational time of 0.03 seconds off his nominated time.

Tom Jones finished second on 0.07 and Jason Toomey was back in third spot on 0.12.

Bill Fugar, now with two new knees, finished Cobar Amateur Pistol Club hosted a in front of a very congested 100m field. large field of 14 shooters for Sunday’s 25m Fugar clocked 0.63 seconds off his time to Sports Centre Fire Event.

New shooter Thomas Smith shot an impressive score of 261 off pistol and, combined with his starting handicap of 350, he finished with a total score of 611.

This earned him a new handicap of 305—not bad for his first time in the event.

Continued from Page 24.

The Cobar side managed to scrape over the Other scores recorded on the day were: line reaching 94 in 36 overs, with Anthony Mark Oborn 230-350-580; Tony Punzet 444Mitchell and Ryan Urquhart putting on 11 runs 121-565; Michael Garbutt 502-62-564; Tracey for the last wicket in what was a brilliant dis- Lawrence 393-169-562; Amanda Sime 343play of controlled batting in a high pressure 180-523; Jason Ryan 380-140-520; Todd situation.

Manns 346-172-518; Robert Neate 459-48- On a recent trip to Antarctica, Paul The win sees Cobar progress through to the 507; John Woloczij 214-286-500; Anita Neate Swainston stripped down to his budgie semi finals in both the Brewery Shield compe- 177-253-430; John Stingemore 240-153-393; smugglers to fly the flag for the Cobar tition and also the Country Plate series.

Joe Sime 155-169-324 and Paul Lawrence 115 Yabbies Senior Men’s Swimming Club.

The semi final of the Country Plate will be -114-229.

Photo contributed played against Mudgee next month.

The Brewery Shield competition semi final is expected to be held at home against Bourke 24 Marshall Street 0428 342 626 with the date of that match yet to be announced.—contributed

Impressive debut by a new shooter

Cobar cricketers into the semis

COBAR

Due to the public holiday on Monday, next week’s edition will be released on Thursday January 30.

The deadline for this edition is 2pm Tuesday January 28.

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Wednesday January 22, 2025 The Cobar Weekly Page 19

Sport

Fraser’s impressive knock of 95 helps Hombres to a win Friday night cricket returned to Ward Oval last week with the Bushies taking on Howies Hombres in the first Twenty/20 competition match for 2025.

In a thrilling 20-over encounter, the Hombres posted an impressive total of 150 for the loss of four wickets.

The innings was anchored by a scintillating knock of 95 from Mark Fraser, before Bushies’ chase fell short, despite some late resistance.

Hombres won the toss and batted first but the innings started poorly, with opener Jay Egan dismissed for a duck, after he was trapped LBW by Bushies’ bowler Prajwal Kharel in the first over.

Fellow opener, Ben McBride also struggled, and was eventually caught by Niduka Gunawardana off the bowling of James McClure for just 13 runs.

However, Fraser stepped up to record an outstanding 95 runs off just 54 balls, which included seven fours and six sixes.

His explosive innings brought the score to 148 before he was dismissed, caught by Stephen Nicholson, again off the bowling of McClure.

Alongside him, Andrew Hill also made a solid contribution to the Hombres’ total, Twenty/20 cricket returned to Ward Oval on Friday night with Howies Hombres finishing scoring 30 off 34 balls, to help Hombres with a strong total of 4/150. as winners over Bushies. Pictured are the Bushies team (with Hombres’ opening batsmen finish Bushies began their chase of 151 with high Jay Egan and Ben McBride). Both sides started the match short on numbers. hopes, but the task proved too daunting.

James McClure was dismissed early, and Scott Toomey also fell cheaply for two runs, Have you visited our website lately? www.cobarweekly.com.au when he was bowled by Joe Regan.

The early wickets left Bushies reeling at 2/6.

Aravinth Naguleswarampillai (23 off 29 balls) and James Anderson (17 off 27 balls) attempted to build a partnership, but wickets continued to fall at regular intervals.

Anderson was run out by Alec Fraser, while Aravinth was caught off a delivery from Graham Harbison, leaving Bushies at 4/59.

Despite some valiant efforts from Prajwal Kharel (29 not out off 36 balls) and Niduka Gunawardana (27 not out off 28 balls), the required run rate was always climbing, and Bushies ended their innings at 4/115, 35 runs short of the target.—contributed

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Sport

Great bunch of bowlers on the Golfie greens

A great bunch of 16 bowlers rocked up to the Golfie for Twilight Bowls on Friday night with four games of pairs played.

Michael Harvey and Bian Smith were the winners for the evening finishing with a whopping +27 win over their opposition of David Kershaw and Tony Polack who were still smarting from the thrashing they had the previous Sunday!

Other results from the night were: Greg Clark and Allan Gardoll had a +11 victory over Allan Knight/Paul Kershaw; +4 was the winning margin for Daryn Lord and Mick McManus in their match against Ben Huxley and Andrew Roberts; and husband and wife team, Don and Jean Roberts, had a +1 win over Kyle Roberts and Jim Nicholls.

The Jackpot prize is getting up there and is now sitting at $870 after it was again not won last week.

There was a field of 22 bowlers on the greens on Sunday for social bowls.

The outright winners were Peter ‘Skeet’ Goonrey and Carmel Smith who finished with a +7 win in their match with Gerard Livingston and Jay McKellar.

The runners-up on a count back were Tony Polack and Mick McManus who won by +5 against Dean ‘Bogger’ McLeod and Paul Kershaw.

Also recording a +5 win were John ‘Shark’ Daly and Greg Clark over David Schofield and Steve Manns.

David ‘Ooze’ Knight and Kaz Daly had a +2 victory over Don Roberts and David Kershaw while in the triples game, the team of Doug Hudson, Cole Bunting and Jim Goonrey had a +3 win over Randall Hall, Allan Gardoll and John Goonrey.

Rink 11’s Kershaw and Knight blitzed the rest of field of contenders for the George The Giraffe Award this week!—The Second

Season is going swimmingly

Cobar Swimming Club coach Tom Jones (at left) was pleased with the results of club swimmers Isabelle Gillette and Henry Knight at the two day NSW Country Regional swimming carnival in Griffith on the weekend. Isabelle improved all her times in her four events including bettering her previous 100m Freestyle time by 11.3 seconds.

Henry improved his times in four of his five events including having 4.77 seconds off his previous 200m Individual Medley time. Photo contributed

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Wednesday January 22, 2025 The Cobar Weekly Page 21

Sport

Field of 22 competitors for first triathlon of the year The Cobar Athletics & Triathlon Squad tors taking part. ner with the most improved time.

(CATS) Club held their first triathlon Isaac Theakston, who competed as an indi- Theakston completed the Long Course in event for the year on Sunday at the Cobar vidual in the Long Course (500m swim/ 20km one hour, five minutes and one second.

Memorial Swimming Pool with 22 competi- ride/ 4km run), finished as the Handicap win- Andrew Hill, who is relatively new to the sport, had the second best improved time competing in the Short Course (300m swim/ 10km ride/ 2km run).

Hill’s time was 47 minutes and 12 seconds.

Claudine Griffiths, who has competed in teams in the past, completed the Short Course as an individual for the first time on Sunday and finished with a great time of 52 minutes and 47 seconds which earned her third place in the handicapped event.

The overall winner of the Short Course was the Parker Rabi Olympic team of Parker Cryer and Rabi Punyal with a combined time of 36 min 27 sec.

Rabi broke the Short Course run leg record with a time of 7min 38sec, beating the previous best time by two seconds.

In second place was the Absolutely Frangtastic team of Angela Francisco and Greg Mckervey with a time of 41.56.

Two teams and two individuals also took part in the Try-A-Tri event (200m swim, 5km ride and 2km run) and the three Hill boys, Lenny, Mason and Finn, tackled the Mini tri event which was a 33m swim, a 500m ride and 300m run.

The Cobar Athletics & Triathlon Squad (CATS) club held their first triathlon event of the year on Sunday at the Cobar Memorial Swimming Pool. Pictured are the handicapped event winners: Claudine Griffiths (3rd), Isaac Theakston (1st) and Andrew Hill (2nd) with CATS’ president Greg McKervey. Photo contributed

Page 22 The Cobar Weekly Wednesday January 22, 2025

Due to the public holiday on Monday, next week’s edition will be released on Thursday, January 30. Next week’s deadline is 2pm, Tuesday January 28.

COBAR BOWLING & GOLF CLUB Bloxham St | Ph: 6836 2214 | Restaurant: 6836 2052

WIN BIG AT THE GOLFIE Thursdays

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Plus Losing TAB & KENO draws Tickets on sale from 6pm, drawn at 7pm

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Market Night Raffles Meat Trays, Fruit & Veg Trays, Cobar Quids Tickets on sale from 6pm, drawn at 7pm Fridays & Sundays

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Jerry the Joker $24,000 Tickets on sale from 6pm, drawn at 7pm

Raffles 6 x Australia Day Hampers Members Badge Draw Thur | Fri | Sat | Sun

Starting at $1,900 Drawn after the raffles

Sundays

Second Chance Jackpot Draw

Market Night Raffles

Jackpot at $900

Meat Trays, Fruit & Veg Trays, Cobar Quids Tickets on sale from 6pm, drawn at 7pm

Drawn after the raffles

Summer Social Golf Wednesday 9 Hole Stableford 8am Tee Off, Prizes

Saturday FUN DAY! 2 person Ambrose, Par 3 Event 9am Tee Off, Prizes

THURSDAY LADIES SOCIAL BOWLS Register: 9.45am Start: 10am FRIDAY TWILIGHT SOCIAL BOWLS - $12 Register: 6.45pm Start: 7pm SUNDAY SOCIAL BOWLS - $10 Register: 8.45am Start: 9am

Sunday 18 Hole Stableford 8am or 4pm Tee Off, Prizes

THINK! ABOUT YOUR CHOICES. CALL GAMBLING HELP on 1800 858 858 or visit www.gamblinghelp.nsw.gov.au

Wednesday January 22, 2025 The Cobar Weekly Page 23

Sport

Yabbies try some new training methods

Twenty20 cricket comp restarts

Page 19

Page 20

Cobar cricketers into the semis

Starting them off young

A family of triathletes: Four year old Finn Hill is following in his parents’ and older brothers’ footsteps and competed in the CATS mini triathlon on Sunday. See Page 22 for a full report from the event. Photo contributed

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A win by the Cobar Cowboys representative cricket team against Gilgandra in the Brewery Shield competition on Sunday has secured the Cobar side a semi final berth.

In the match played at Gilgandra on Sunday, the home side won the toss and had no hesitation in batting first.

Gilgandra’s innings was dominated by their top order batsman, Nick Willoughby, who top-scored with 37 runs from 77 balls.

Apart from a few flashes of resistance, the team however failed to build partnerships and Gilgandra was dismissed for just 93 runs in 32.2 overs.

Cobar’s bowlers were excellent throughout, with siblings Jake Harbison and Nicola Harbison taking the bulk of the wickets with Jake finishing with 4/25 and Nicola took 5/9.

The Harbisons were devastating with the ball and reduced Gilgandra to their modest total of 93, with their tight, disciplined bowling and consistent breakthroughs.

Cobar’s other bowlers were also excellent and maintained high quality bowling.

In reply, Cobar had a tricky run chase ahead of them, and a failure of the top order saw Cobar slump to 5/15.

Tristan Everett then joined Jayden Potts at the crease and the pair managed to turn the momentum for Cobar before Everett was also dismissed.

This brought Mark Fraser to the crease and he and Potts both showed positive intent putting the pressure back onto the Gilgandra bowlers.

The pair got the score to 68 before Fraser was dismissed for 15.

Potts was finally dismissed for a gritty 31 runs leaving Cobar still needing 11 runs to take the win.

Continued Page 19.

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Page 24 The Cobar Weekly Wednesday January 22, 2025

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