Lithgow Village Voice Community Newspaper #37

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Issue 37

LOCAL NEWS AND EVENTS FOR THE LITHGOW REGION

14 November 2014

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Organisers Julie Hughan and Peta Blanch

The night that came alight Last Saturday, Queen Elizabeth Park was illuminated at night as hundreds of lanterns filled the air.

Light the Night, an annual event for the Leukaemia Foundation, was once again an uplifting and powerful event, with the organisers saying that there were twice as many people there as last year.

Residents who have been touched by Leukaemia, or who simply wanted to show their support, purchased lanterns in gold, white or blue, and carried them as they followed the Light Walk that circled Queen Elizabeth Park. The three lanterns reflected the stories of those who carried them: the gold lanterns were carried by those remembering loved ones, the white by those who were remembering their own journey, and the blue those who were there to show their support.

Julie Hughan, one of the event’s organisers, said “The night was fabulous. There were a lot more people there than last year.” She also added that they intend to hold the event again next year.

The night was not only one for rememberance, however, as young children and adults enjoyed the evening as well. Kids had their hair temporarily coloured by Kellie from Euphoria Hair, and their faces painted by Mumma Bare Creations.

Delicious food was provided by the Akoonah Homemade Pies and Sausage Rolls, the VRA, and the Lithgow Lions Club, with Cupcakes by Renee, ice cream or fairy floss on hand for desert.

It was a great night, enjoyed by all, and one that will hopefully see even greater success next year.

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From

the Editor Imagine my surprise, when I received an email the other day that had a video link in it to a Prime 7 news article on the extraordinary meeting of Council that was held to discuss the job issues and economic questions facing the region.

One of the main of surprises for me was how many of the shots I appeared in!

Thankfully, although they say the camera adds 10 pounds (or 4.5ish kgs for us Aussies…), I think I looked OK. However, the way they portrayed our council was not OK, in my view. Sure, the meeting got heated. Sure, there was some shaking of heads. But there were also some passionate, articulate speeches from members of the gallery and from all the Councillors at the meeting.

Creative editing can make anything look bad, good or indifferent. If it can happen to reality TV contestants (you know the ones that they say are actually really nice, it’s just the way the show was edited that made them look evil), then it clearly happens all the time in the main stream media as well, to sell whatever message or agenda they are pushing.

Whatever the case may be, so far there have been many posts to the Council’s new Facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/LithgowOurPlaceOurFuture, the responses so far have been reasonably forward thinking, not playing the blame game.

So what ideas do you have for the region? I spent time on the phone this week with investors, discussing what they would need to see in a region to invest in building a technology park. There was some interesting feedback, and some real opportunities.

I am 100% certain that by working together and supporting the community we will find answers to our lack of economic diversity and we will together overcome the troubles facing us.

In a similar context we are launching our Shop Lithgow this Christmas campaign this week. With gracious support from council we are helping the local business community let you know what they have on offer this Christmas. Keeping as much of our spending local as possible ensures that continue to preserve what jobs we have and hopefully help we can fuel the growth needed to start that journey to diversifying our local economy.

Some of you who follow me on Facebook will have seen a picture of my little boy spending some time in Lithgow hospital last week. He wasn’t overly ill, just a nasty virus that meant the hospital was the best place for him to be, so he could be monitored and not dehydrate. The staff were amazing and made us all very comfortable during our time there. We would like to thank them very much. Too often you only hear the bad, but in our personal experience, the team at Lithgow hospital were amazing.

Once we had my son home, my daughter contracted the same virus, as did my lovely wife. So it has certainly been a stressful time in our house - straight off the back of moving!

I am very much looking forward to things returning to normal next week.

If you have nothing to do on Saturday morning, then why not come and join me for the opening of the new K Gallery Exhibition of 5x7 miniatures. I have the honour of opening this exhibition for Karen and am looking forward to seeing many familiar faces, as well as some new ones, at the event. Proceedings kick off from 10:30am at 76 Main Street. I look forward to seeing you there.

Often, when older people get together, the topic ‘kids today’ will come up, and you’ll likely hear the mantra; ‘kids just don’t seem as smart today’.

Reading and writing (and spelling, OMG!) don’t seem so important at school anymore. Or, is it just that iPhones, iPods, iPads and the Internet, occupies so much of their time, there’s none left for ordinary reading? I remember it was difficult for teachers to get kids to read when I was in school, what must it be like now?

We live in interesting times. Most kids are more likely to know who won X Factor, than the name of the state’s Premier. They can tell you who started Facebook, because they’ve seen the film; The Social Network. And it’s more likely kids will have seen the movie, rather than read the book. But If you were a kid now, what would your choice be; the exciting, colorful and captivating world of the internet - or a book, in black and white print, that just sits there?

Reading is not a natural process, it requires us to ignore distractions and concentrate on a single task. Kids (and adults) who use multi-media all day, will often have difficulty in avoiding distractions. When an email arrives, or the iPhone rings, they are driven by that single distraction and can’t ignore it, because they’re enthralled by their technology.

Kids today are bombarded with such a constant stream of information, they can’t remember what they see. But why should they, when they can retrieve information instantly from their iPhones? The general knowledge of the average teenager is next to none, but does it matter? Not according to those overseeing the education of our children. So far as the educationalists are concerned, kids today are doing fine. As for reading, the same gurus tell us; it’s not that kids are reading less, it’s just that they’re reading in smaller doses, and they are reading from a lot of different sources. The new way of learning is just different, not inherrently worse. And it’s the world that is changing - not the kids.

Maybe I’m just being a typical old fogie, peeved because back-in-the-day, homework decreed I spend considerable time reading books by dead authors, Instead of plying the streets in my billycart, with my mates. Maybe kids today aren’t less intelligent, after all. What is certain, is that kids’ brains are not like ours. It’s their world now, not ours - and we’ll just have to adapt. TLK2UL8R. Regards, The Magpie Whisperer

All the best, Rich Evans

The Village Voice

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NEWS

Big win for our Tidy Towns

Lithgow Tidy Towns had an incredible winning streak at the Keep New South Wales Beautiful awards in Nundle last weekend.

Seven entries were submitted and six of those achieved an award.

Lithgow Tidy Towns Committee was presented with the following awards in Category E for population between 10001 and 25000.

Winners in: Cultural Heritage Award - Lithgow Wendy Hawkes, Cultural Development Officer, Lithgow Council; Sue Graves State Mine Heritage and Kathleen Compton with some of the awards. Photo supplied.

Park and Railway; Wildlife Corridors and Habitat Conservation Award Partnerships Award - Lithgow Bushfire 2013 - Australian Ecosystems Foundation - Secret Creek Second Place: Overall Town Category Award Sanctuary; Environmental Education Award - Lithgow Lithgow (edged out by Singleton).

High School Gawaymbanha Ngurambang; Water “We are very proud of this effort and sincerely thank Conservation Award - Drought Proofing Lithgow from the Lithgow people for their support in helping achieve a Coalmine (Clarence Transfer) this great result, “ said Mrs Sue Graves, Chairperson.

Highly Commended: Community Actions and

Lithgow: Our Place, Our Future

By Councillor Maree Statham, Mayor It has been a difficult period for the Lithgow community with the economy tightening and especially with world coal prices dropping. This has unfortunately led to a large number of jobs being lost from the Lithgow area, not the least of which has been the announcement about the Angus Place Colliery.

We all know that the Lithgow area has had a long and very proud industrial and manufacturing history particularly in power generation and coal mining. As well as supporting the future of these industries we also need to explore other opportunities to diversify the economic base by engaging niche market sectors to expand upon and support other developments. Diversification not only builds economic growth, but also enhances the liveability of the area ensuring Lithgow continues to be a place where people want to live, work, visit and invest.

Successive councils of Lithgow, and certainly the current Council, have worked hard to keep Lithgow at the forefront of business and industry encouraging diversification and improvement in the local area. There have been some successful and perhaps some unsuccessful attempts to improve our economy.

Lithgow has been for a long time a significant coal producing area. This is obviously a finite resource, but there is still, in Council’s view, many more years yet left in this industry. For this reason Lithgow Council is a strong supporter of the Coal Mining industry, and I truly expect this to remain so. There are going to be ongoing challenges with this but, if we stick together I am sure that we can overcome the challenges that may be put in our way.

Having said this we still need to look to the diversification of our economy. Again successive councils have been working hard in this area. Through this diversification there have been some wonderful opportunities evolve.

Over the years the Lithgow community has been very

resilient, this is not the first time that we have seen mine closures and job losses in the area. There have been many mines closed over decades and we have seen other significant job losses such as the closure of the Berlei factory in the late 1990’s and the downsizing of the Small Arms Factory. There have also been other wonderful enterprises come to the area including the formation of Westfund, now a very significant employer in the area, Ferrero establishing their factory here, plus the opening of two universities; Notre Dame and the University of Western Sydney. We must also remember the opening of the State Office building housing the Police Assistance Line (PAL) and State Debt Recovery and the recent expansion of these with an additional 55 plus jobs created. Not to forget the development of the Emirates Wolgan Valley Resort and Spa making the Lithgow area a destination for many.

Added to this there have been other improvements, which in themselves may not be perceived to be that significant, including drought proofing the urban areas with the opening of the upgraded Clarence Water Transfer Scheme as well as the major upgrades to two of our three sewerage treatment plants and the third currently being planned. These are items of infrastructure that do help with growth in the area rather than restricting it.

Council has been helping in other ways as well hosting workshops and training sessions for retailers and developing the CBD revitalisation plan. We have worked on some extra ordinary events such as Lithglo and Halloween. Both of these events have been not only well received in our community they have also been great attractions for people outside of our area.

Significant upgrades to our sporting infrastructure have improved the liveability of the area. The most significant being the indoor aquatic centre complex. Improvements to our public halls and recreational facilities have been made not just by this Council but successive councils over the years.

Finally Council is awaiting the finalisation of the new

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Following a meeting of Council, two Taskforces are being established to look at the employment issue in the Local Government Area. One of these is in relation to mining and the other in relation to business.

We do not believe that we have all the answers so Council is now looking for the community to assist in these troubled times and provide suggestions.

A Facebook site has been established to seek community input. www.facebook.com/ LithgowOurPlaceOurFuture. I would ask that people provide their suggestions on this site. For those that do not have access to a computer we would still appreciate suggestions in the old letter format. Please take your time to provide something positive to assist our area so we can work together on Lithgow; Our Place, Our Future.

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NEWS

“A Long March from Lithgow” launched to enthusiastic crowd

By Reidun Berntsen The spirit of Remembrance Day started early in the community this year with the launch of ‘A Long March from Lithgow’ last Sunday. The Book launch attracted a crowd of approximately 120 people; including State member for parliament Paul Toole and Federal member John Cobb. The ceremony featured renditions of heartfelt war songs and poetry, as well as the chilling but reflective ‘Last Post’. The Ceremony not only launched the book, but also paid homage to our local young soldiers; most of who never got to come home.

‘A Long March to Lithgow’ features the stories of 1307 people from Lithgow who served in World War One. The book was compiled and written by Helen Taylor of The Lithgow & District Family History Society Inc. The idea for the book sprung back in 2012 when Helen and Cecily McCarten were sitting in the resource centre.

“Cecily had found a postcard amongst her great uncle’s belongings, it had been sent to him from France and the last line read ‘good bye old pal’, Cecil. Cecily was striving to find the connection between Cecil Hart and her great uncle Perc McCully so the search was on, and this, coupled with the complete fascination I have had for MY great uncle, George Mara, who was wounded twice and then died eleven days after the Armistice was signed from broncho pneumonia, Cecily simply said, ‘let’s write a book’, and so it began,” Helen said.

Helen and her colleagues have spent the past two-anda-half years researching and compiling the information of each and every person in the book. “Depending on information available, some have a small paragraph and

to obtain as many records of our local service men and women as possible, so they could be placed on the shelves of our resource centre for future generations to see,” Helen said.

‘A Long March from Lithgow’ is guaranteed to hit home for anybody who reads it, whether they are related to anybody who served in World War One or not. “Writing each of these stories has taught me so much, so much about the atrocities that occurred and the conditions these soldiers had to endure, the mental anguish they suffered but also the camaraderie between them, and the mateship they shared. The Australian soldiers were held in such high esteem and are still honoured today, this is something we need to pass on to our future generations and be proud of what these men and women achieved so we, the future generations of Australia could have a better life,” Helen said.

This book is something to be cherished by the local community, not only because of our brave ANZACS; but also because of the determination, the heart and soul and the long hours that have been put into creating an easy to access information source on our fallen soldiers.

Helen Taylor and Dennis Chamberlain hold A long March from Lithgow some have several pages. Of this number there were a total of 246 who were killed or died from disease and 12 who were taken prisoner of war,” Helen said.

Another reason Helen decided to write the book was her concern that the ANZAC spirit would cease to exist with her generation, simply due to future generations a lacking knowledge. “The main object of this project was

Helen Taylor wishes to thank: Lithgow industrial printing for their assistance in the publication of the book. Helen Tracy for editing the book. Jan Saundercock for her writing and research. Danny Whitty, Kathy Brennan, Sandra Haley and Marcie Farr for proofreading and members of The Lithgow & District Family History Society Inc.

Tidy Towns - Regional Wrap Up The wider Lithgow region saw incredible recognition at the Tidy Towns Awards in Nundle last week. The following awards were achieved: NSW Overall Tidy Towns in Their Population Categories

Population Category A Winner: Rydal

Population Category C Third Place: Portland Population Category E Second Place: Lithgow Environmental Education Award Category 1 (451+ Students) Winner: Lithgow High School – Gawaymbanha Ngurambang (Wiradjuri for ‘Welcome to the Meeting Place’) Photos: Lithgow Tourism

Office of Environment and Heritage Community Actions and Partnerships Award Population Category E Highly Commended: Lithgow Bushfire 2013 Office of Environment and Heritage Conservation Partnerships Wildlife Corridors and Habitat Conservation Award Population Category E Winner: Lithgow Australian Ecosystems Foundation – Secret Creek Sanctuary

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Water Conservation Award Population Category E Winner: Lithgow Drought Proofing Lithgow from a Coalmine

Top left: Portland Tidy Towns Bottom left: Rydal Tidy Towns Office of Environment and Heritage Cultural Heritage Award Population Category A Highly Commended: Cullen Bullen Historic Skip Line Stage 2 Population Category A Winner: Rydal – Saving Our History Population Category E Winner: Lithgow State Mine Heritage Park & Railway Education Program

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This month Lithgow is holding a High Tea for a good cause The women of Lithgow have the opportunity this year to join thousands of Australians in fundraising efforts for Hamlin Fistula Ethiopia, at the inaugural ‘High Tea for Hamlin’ event, Saturday 29th November. Make sure you book your tickets today so that you don’t miss out on attending this event and supporting this worthy cause.

Pregnancy and childbirth should be a joyful experience for any expecting mother and her family, however too often this becomes a nightmare for many women in rural Ethiopia when adequate medical care has not been available. There is a medical condition called obstetric fistula which many of these women suffer as a result of prolonged obstructed labour.

Pregnant women in rural Ethiopia have limited access to emergency obstetric services, with the nearest health facility sometimes a two-day walk from their homes. If they face obstructed labour, they will be in agony for up to a week. These women nearly always lose their baby and suffer horrific internal damage causing urinary or faecal incontinence, or sometimes both. These women then become outcasts in their society. Many of these patients, whose life has become so unbearable with sorrow and shame, wish they could die.

By raising funds together we can help see the dignity and health of these beautiful women restored through a simple surgery procedure which costs only $600.

Hamlin Fistula Ethiopia is an Australian charitable organisation which raises funds exclusively for the Addis Ababa Fistula Hospital where these life-changing surgeries are performed. The hospital was founded by Drs Reg and Catherine Hamlin in 1974, two Australian doctors who moved to Ethiopia in 1959 to work as obstetricians and to start a midwifery school. More than 50 years later Dr Catherine Hamlin continues in this work and her inspirational story can be read in her autobiography The Hospital by the River. Many of these woman living in rural areas are too poor to ever dream of being cured. Yet a new life is available to them at the Addis Ababa Fistula Hospital, where the surgery is offered at no charge.

In addition to the main hospital in Addis Ababa, there are five regional centres along with the Hamlin College of Midwives. Hamlin Fistula Ethiopia understands the great need for skilled midwives who are able to assist women to have a healthy and safe pregnancy

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Above: Supporters and Organisers of High Tea for Hamlin. Photo supplied by Elisabeth Zuvela.

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and childbirth. The Hamlin College of Midwives is an important step towards a sustainable prevention strategy for the women and girls of Ethiopia to avoid obstetric fistula in the first place. Long-term patients can also receive care and learn micro-business skills at Desta Mender, a farm and training facility, until they are able to return to their homes and villages.

Further reading on Hamlin Fistula Ethiopia and its inspirational work can be found at http://www.hamlin. org.au.

The event in Lithgow is already gaining an amazing amount of support.

“Tickets are selling fast,” said Elisabeth Zuvela. “The community in Lithgow has been amazing.”

She added that her mother Maria Zuvela, who has been one of the driving forces behind seeing High Tea for Hamlin come to Lithgow, has been very pleased with the support being shown by the businesses in Lithgow.

It looks like Maria’s passion to help has touched many in the community. Westfund, who have donated

$500 to the cause said that they “were moved by the stories and inspired by Maria’s resolve to make a difference to these women’s lives.”

To make a tax deductible donation on behalf of Lithgow’s event please go to www. hamlinfistulafundraising.com/Lithgowclc and select ‘Donate.’ The Australia-wide goal for the Spring High Tea events is to raise $200,000 to assist some of the most marginalised women in the world.

EVENT INFORMATION When: 2pm, Saturday 29th November, 2014 Where: Lithgow Christian Life Centre, 50 Musket Parade, Lithgow Cost: $25. Bookings are essential. RSVP Saturday 15th November.

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Lithgow Showgirl announced From Cassandra Coleman The 2015 Lithgow Showgirl competition was held last Saturday.

Interviews were conducted at Lithgow Show Society office followed by lunch with the current 2014 Senior Showgirl Laura Hailstone, at the Outback Cafe in Lithgow. With the winner and runner up being announced shortly after.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank our judges Kellie Evans, Jamie Giokaris and Julianne Evans.

I would also like to thank and mention our sponsors who provide this year Lithgow Senior Showgirl prizes which were: Eve Boutique, Respectfully, Ezsence Hair and Beauty, Regency Jewellers, Miranne Jewellers, Naturally by Kelley, My Heart’s Dezire.

I am delighted to announce that the 2015 Lithgow Senior Showgirl and Runner up are: Winner - Sara Langford Runner-up - Reidun Berntsen Sara Langford will now represent Lithgow at the Zone 5 finals which are to be held in Newcastle early February 2015.

Sarah Langford. Photo supplied.

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NEWS

The Lithgow Red Cross is helping comfort children

Teddy Bears, Teddy Bears, Teddy Bears. Hundreds of Teddy Bears huddled together waiting to comfort a troubled child!

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By Kaye Preema, Lithgow Red Cross An amazing sight when dressed in red, white and black patterns with friendly smiling faces, looking for a child to cuddle to help to lessen their stress and draw up a smile from their troubled faces.

These knitted teddy bears are called Trauma TeddiesTM. Lithgow has its own angel, who has singlehandedly knitted 273 Trauma Teddies, for such children in distress. She is Elaine McMahon and, between 2013 and to date, has been knitting and carefully putting together Trauma Teddies as part of the Australian Red Cross project and Lithgow Branch’s effort.

Australian Red Cross is well known for its work during disasters but cuddly woollen knitted bears, “Trauma Teddies”, made by volunteers of the organisation, are bringing comfort to sick and frightened children all year round. In previous years the Trauma Teddies have been knitted in various multi colours but, this year, the colours have changed.

This year the theme has been red, white and black to keep with the colours that symbolise Red Cross.

The Red Cross Trauma TeddyTM is instantly recognised throughout the country, but few people realise this cute and cuddly character was born in Campbelltown.

Trauma Teddy was conceived in 1990 when Richard Hamilton, then superintendent of Campbelltown ambulance service, saw a teddy bear given to a child being treated by the ambulance service in Camden. He was impressed by the calming effect the bear had on the childso, through his mother Ms Vera Hamilton, he asked Red Cross to assist in providing more bears for children treated by the ambulance. Red Cross swung into action and Trauma TeddyTM was born.

Across Australia more than 60,000 Trauma Teddies are given out to a diverse range of services.

Lithgow volunteers have been knitting Teddies, at least since the mid nineties. For stressed children at the scene of a road accident and other emergencies, or those who have been admitted to hospital, scared in the dentist chair, or lost their home during a bushfire, “Trauma Ted” becomes an immediate and inseparable “cling to” friend, who then accompanies them when they return home.

Trauma Teddies have been given to the ambulance service, dentists, doctors, hospitals, fire brigades, SES, to name just a few of the local services, who may come in contact with children and who may need a comforting friend in times of stress.

Although Lithgow Branch of the Red Cross only has 17 members currently, there are an active band of knitters clicking away. They are under the supervision of Beryl Brain and Elaine McMahon. Elaine’s effort

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in producing such beautiful Teddies is an amazing personal achievement, which deserves recognition. No Teddy is the same, all knitted with the love of giving.

Many hands contribute to the construction of the Teddies – members knit, members embroider faces, some stuff the teddy skins and some are responsible for sewing up. Careful attention is given to safety in construction of the Trauma Teddies so that any loose threads, stuffing or items that may go into mouths and swallowed are quickly eliminated. Beryl is responsible for the job of labelling the Teddies with “Red Cross”, so that strict quality inspection is very important before distribution.

So next time you see a cute knitted Trauma Teddy comforting a sick or distressed child spare a moment to think of the dedicated volunteers of Red Cross both in Lithgow and Australia.

If you are interested in joining the local Branch of Lithgow Red Cross, meetings are held on the first Thursday of the month (except December and January) at 1.30pm at Red Cross House, Queen Elizabeth Park, Main St Lithgow.

Hey Tosser The Lithgow Litter Prevention Program will use the creative statement “Hey Tosser” as a personal message that speaks directly to people who litter.

A litter prevention program under the Environment Protection Authority (EPA) NSW Council Litter Prevention Grants Program is now underway in the Lithgow area.

“The accumulation of cigarette butts and littering at roadside stops and the associated bushfire risk of cigarette butts are of particular concern” says Lithgow City Council Mayor, Maree Statham.

The Lithgow Litter Prevention Program aims to achieve the EPA target of, a 40% reduction in littered items across the assessed sites within the LGA. The program will involve education to raise community awareness, new infrastructure and increased enforcement at selected locations or “hot spots”.

A litter education program is being delivered to participating primary schools and an advertising campaign through local media. New infrastructure such as waste bins, recycling bins, butt bins and accompanying signage will be installed in all ‘hot spot’ locations making it easier for people to do the right thing and feel positive about the sites.

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BUSINESS & TECHNOLOGY

Black Gold - a great local success story

By Reidun Berntsen Our region is full of precious rarities; things that you come across only once in a lifetime. Black Gold Cabins in Wallerwang is one of those rarities; a place where dreams have been manifested into reality. There is no doubt that the old school converted into accommodating cabins, and one of the best restaurants in the district has a story of substance behind its creation.

Wallerwang was the second town on the Western side of the Blue Mountains to erect a public school. The site that Black Gold cabins now occupies was built in 1881 and was attended by students in 1882. Originally there was just the main building but it was expanded over the years.

Rob and Linda Cluff purchased the premises in 1994 with intentions to convert the school into a field study centre for school groups, but that did not eventuate.

Unsure about what to do with their new property they decided to play it by ear. Linda said, “We bought it and just decided what to do with it as we went a long.” Eventually it was decided that the former school would be turned into accommodating cabins. In deference to the heritage of the previous school, the majority of the cabins were named after past school teachers. The Cabins proved very successful and the business grew. A motel was installed and gradually expanded. Linda said, “the key moment was adding the motel rooms to attract a different type of clientele”

The Cabins and restaurant showcase a coal mine theme. The business itself is named “Black Gold”- a phrase miners use for coal. Rob’s previous mining career contributed to the mining theme, especially the Crib Room restaurant, which is even named after the meal rooms underground.

“When we were going to build the restaurant, we thought we’d make it to look like a bar that was underground in the coal mine, the props holding the roof up and everything,” Linda said. “We decided to keep the whole theme of the place as coal mining because it is a big part of our area and always will be,” The main building is heritage listed and very well maintained. The blending of the old and new buildings create a peaceful, country atmosphere. “Everybody liked it because it was an old country town place to go, it just had that atmosphere for everybody,” Linda said.

There are so many elements that make Black Gold a unique business beyond the conversion from a school to a motel, there is also a family attachment to the old Wallerwang school itself. Rob has lived in Lidsdale all of

Photos: The Black Gold Cabins. Inset top right: Inside the Delux Villa. Bottom right: Rob and Linda Cluff

his life and once attended the school that he has turned into a business, as did his mother and other family members.

Rob prides himself on potentially being the only man in Australia that bought the school he once attended.

A lot of heart and amazing, out-of-the-box ideas have been poured into creating a business that our district is lucky to have. It is something Rob, Linda and locals should be proud of. Linda said, “It’s gone from an empty school to what it is now. It’s a pretty big business that we have at the moment.”

How asking questions can get you the sale

By Ben Fewtrell Want More Sales? Ask better Questions!

I’ve done a lot of sales training.

In fact, I’ve done so much sales training I couldn’t tell you how many hours or how many books I’ve read, how many audio’s I’ve listened to or how many courses I’ve done. But, I can tell you that just about every single thing I’ve read, listen to or attended has taught me one thing… the correlation between your ears and your mouth.

You’ve got two ears and one mouth. So you should do twice as much listening as talking in the sales meeting.

Now, one of the keys to being great at sales is asking the right questions. Nobody likes to be pitched to. Think about the sales meetings you have been in and when you completely tuned out. What happened during those meeting that made you think about anything but what the person was saying?

When I get a call from somebody who wants to pitch me something and, instead of asking questions to find out what I might want to get out of what it is they can offer, or what my frustrations or problems are that they might be able to solve, they just tell me what they’ve got to offer without even considering whether or not I’m even interested. I call it sales vomit. It’s just vomiting on your prospect by just blabbing out of your mouth about what you think is important, when you haven’t even checked to see what the prospect wants to get out of the conversation.

So, the key to getting a sale is asking the right questions.

To do this, you need to understand a little bit about the psychology of asking questions. Now, there are several types of questions that you can ask.

I always suggest starting with open-ended questions to begin the sales relationship. They are questions that start with who, what, where, when, why, and how. For example; when was the last time you… How many times a week do

you…. What kind of things have you done to try and fix…

Where have you looked before in the past to solve this problem…

By asking these open ended questions there are two things that are happening. First of all, you can’t get a yes or no answer to an open ended question. By saying something like “when was the last time you looked at an alternative provider” they can’t just say yes, they have to answer the question. Now, if they say “last month” then you have to get them to elaborate a little bit more on it. So if they tell me last month, ask when last month and what happened during that conversation. How did you go, what questions did you ask? What did you feel when you looked around? What did you find? Who did you speak to? So all of these open ended questions are going to help you gather information about what the prospects experience was and then how can you help them. Asking the right questions helps you identify what they need so you can offer the right solution.

The second most important thing about asking questions is that I only ask a yes or no question that either I already know the answer to or the answer doesn’t really matter. So if I’m not selling spaghetti and I ask if they like spaghetti, whether they say yes or no it doesn’t matter. But if it’s important that they say yes that they like spaghetti, I’m not going to ask that unless I know they’re going to say yes. That’s called a rhetorical question. For example, there’s a great marketing company that says, “Imagine if every time you switched on a light, you used the power, you had a telephone conversation, or could see someone you were making money. Would you like to find out more about that?”. Would that be a worthwhile thing? It’s very hard for you to say no to that, right?

Now, that is probably a little bit too good to be true. You have to be careful when you’re asking your questions to make sure it doesn’t sound too good to be true, because

Ben Fewtrell is CEO of ActionCOACH Australia where he and his team have helped thousands of small business owners realise their potential – making more profit while spending less time working.

HAVING PROBLEMS SEEING OR HEARING THE PHONE?

Lithgow Technology Services

We stock quality UNIDEN products for the elderly relative or friend, hearing and/or visually impaired, we stock a range of specialist handsets both corded and cordless to suit your needs. Range includes a Fully Programmable Emergency Autodialing Speakerphone pendant which is an option with other compatible models.

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53 Main Street, Lithgow Call (02) 6353 1669 or 0402 331 669 8

if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Some more examples of rhetorical questions are: Would you like to make more money? The answer is usually yes. Would you like to live longer? The answer is probably going to be yes. Would you like to be fitter, would you like to be better looking? All of these are questions to which you’re going to answer yes. Would you like to die early? Of course the answer is going to be no. So by asking questions that I know the answer to, I can control the conversation. That really is the key to getting a sale.

The whole idea behind this is that you want to make sure that your customer is telling you everything that they can possibly tell you so you can come up with the right solution. The purpose of asking open ended questions that start with who, what, where, when, why, and how is to gather information. Then I can say “based on what you told me, I think that this might benefit you”. You can also offer them an either-or solution, for example “We have A or B, which one do you think is going to suit you better?”

It is important to remember that in any sales relationship you want to do more listening than you do speaking. If you’re doing all the talking, your prospect is probably going to go to sleep and they’re not going to want to buy from you. Hopefully this has helped you understand a little bit more about how to ask the right questions to get the sale.

Locally Built. Proudly Australian.

Email: lithgowtechnologyservices@gmail.com

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YOUR HOME WALLERAWANG

$729,950.00

PORTLAND

BED 4 | BATH 2 | CAR 2

BED 3 | BATH 2 | CAR 5

A Step Above

Country Ambience

• 4 Double bedrooms built ins to all, walk in to main • Spa baths to both ensuite & main bathrooms • Formal & informal living areas

MARRANGAROO

• Established gardens • Barn fitted with stable boxes • Expansive view over Lake Wallace

Offers From $685,000.00

$549,950.00

• 3 Oversized bedrooms with option for 4th • Formal lounge & dining with informal living area • Separate garaging & shedding

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• 5 easy care acres with spring fed dam • Outdoor entertaining area • Established gardens

$990,000.00 Inc GST

BED 4 | BATH 3 | CAR 3 Simply “Exceptional” • Entertainers delight • Built ins to all bedrooms with walk in to main • Motel like ensuite to main bedroom

LITHGOW

Endless Potential • 3 large living areas • In-ground swimming pool • Private landscaped gardens

$469,950.00

• Vendor Relocating • Retail Showroom & Workshop • Main St site approx. 285m2

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BED 4 | BATH 3 | CAR 2

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LITHGOW

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• 1.5 Acres • Renovated delight • Town water

LITHGOW

BED 3 + Study | BATH 2 | CAR 2

BED 3 | BATH 2 | CAR 1

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• Delightful kitchen • Fully fenced yard with lock up garage • Invest or nest

One Agency Graham Hodson | Address: 72 Main St, Lithgow NSW 2790 Phone: 02 6351 3422 | Graham: 0416 210 661 Christine: 0430 332 090 Email: grahamhodson@oneagency.com.au christinedodson@oneagency.com.au | Web: www.oneagencygrahamhodson.com.au

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9

YOUR HOME

Housing Resilience in Lithgow

By Catriona Swan, Fitzgerald Swan Real Estate Lately I’ve been writing a series of articles about renovating and how to grow your property asset with some creativity and hard work. Recent events locally and further afield have led me to ponder on the housing cycle, and how we are impacted by it. What effect does this have on property ownership and is it still possible at a low point in the cycle to renovate and reap the rewards?

Traditionally property prices ebb and flow in roughly seven year cycles from peak to trough and back again.

Some experts believe the complete cycle is actually closer to 18 years from start to finish. Whatever the case, history has shown that with every slump comes a recovery.

Housing markets can be impacted or interrupted by changes within a community, as well as domestic and global issues. Factors such as employment opportunities, changes in population, economic growth, interest rates, industry, manufacturing and the price of goods can impact on the way house prices rise and fall in an area. Generally, when the economy struggles, so do property prices.

What does this mean for us and the current property market in the Lithgow region? In the past 12 months prices, buyer activity and capital growth have been strong and the region has outperformed surrounding areas in the Blue Mountains and Bathurst.

BC

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It is certainly possible that an economic downturn within the region could lead to changes in buyer demand relative to the level of supply of housing stock.

While there are pros and cons to buying or selling property in the various stages of the housing cycle, the important thing to remember is that the process is dynamic and will continue to change. What goes down, must come up again.

So is it possible to renovate for profit in a market trough? Well thought out improvements to the aesthetics, functionality, layout or size of a property can almost certainly add value in any market. The key to financial success when renovating is in the planning, and in a tougher economic climate a firm hand on the budget will be the best way to minimise risk.

If you currently own property and are thinking of selling, stick to the basics rules of real estate. A clean, uncluttered and well maintained property is likely to attract the most interest. To present your property in its best light, follow some simple and cost effective renovation strategies to maximise your final sale price.

Improvements to wet areas of a home such as kitchens and bathrooms can potentially add the most real value to a property, but it’s the places you spend the most time that tug the hardest on the heartstrings.

Lounge rooms, family rooms and bedrooms have the ability to engage the buyer at an emotional level. Soft furnishings such as cushions, throw rugs and curtains can have a major impact on a drab room. Light, bright neutral colours on walls allow anyone to imagine their own furnishings fitting in. Stain free, freshly cleaned carpets and floors are essential.

Ensure that the flow of these spaces is practical and liveable. Pack away excess clutter as you’ll be moving soon anyway. Take this opportunity to cull things you

129 Hassans Walls Road, Lithgow buy me…offers over $440,000

don’t need any more. The golden rule when selling is “less is best”. Depersonalise and remove items such as family photos and holiday momentos. It makes it so much easier for a buyer to mentally move in when they don’t feel like an intruder in someone else’s home.

To make a house a home, present it in a way that is appealing and approachable.

Real estate represents a significant portion of most people’s wealth.

According to realestate.com.au the level of home ownership across Australia has remained fairly consistent at around 70 percent, despite booms and recessions. It is human nature to want to create a “nest” where we can feel safe and happy. For this reason we are less likely to flee at the first sign of trouble. We are far more likely to dig in and sit out the tough times.

Property ownership needs to be seen as a long-term plan. The market will eventually move upwards after a period of downturn and it’s important for a community to continue to be seen as prosperous and flourishing.

This is reflected outwardly in the way that we care for and maintain our homes. Optimism and confidence are necessary when times are tough. With the current low interest rates, and a high level of buyer activity it seems that now is a great time to have confidence in the Lithgow housing market.

Catriona Swan works for Fitzgerald Swan. She has years of experience selling and leasing properties through quality marketing.

Phone: 0414 903 613.

1/18 Robinia Drive, Lithgow buy me…offers over $340,000

Fitzgerald Swan SMART & SOPHISTICATED • Loaded with extra features • Spacious and light filled • Polished timber flooring

Why buy me?

4

2

4

• Separate self contained studio • Alfresco entertaining pavilion • 4 car garage with workshop

I am a well located family home in a peaceful and private fully fenced garden. I have open plan living and am stunning throughout.

My kitchen is a contemporary dream with Caesarstone bench tops and European appliances. With hydronic heating and reverse cycle air conditioning, I am climate controlled for year round comfort.

I offer the best in Lithgow living.

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DESIGNER LIVING

3

1

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• Stunningly presented throughout • Quality inclusions such as gas log fire • Renovated to the highest standard • Outdoor entertaining terrace • Lock up garage with power door • Polished Red Gum flooring

Why buy me?

I am a stylish well presented duplex in a private setting. I’m easy care, low maintenance and I’ve been beautifully renovated throughout. I have comfortable and welcoming living and dining areas, and a modern kitchen with ample storage. With lock up garage with internal access, I am a great option for retirement living or investment opportunity.

“ Real estate with a personal touch!”

Catriona Swan 0414 903 613 www.fitzgeraldswan.com.au

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YOUR HOME

Veggies, Standard Roses and Flowers

By Barbara Moran, GoodEarth Nursery November is a great month to be out in the Veggie Patch. The soil is warm enough to plant all of your favourites like Corn, Tomatoes, Beans, Cucumbers and Pumpkins. The strawberries and berries are also starting to show their first signs of fruit.

A fun veggie for the kids to plant are Purple Climbing Beans. They take about 10 to 12 weeks to grow their structure, form pods and start to produce beans. Beans are best planted from seeds and should be planted in a pre-dampened soil. Water them every couple of days and for this variety you will require a trellis as they can reach up to 2 metres in height. They are best picked when they are young and tender and when they are cooked they magically change colour from purple to green which is fun for the children to see. Veggies can be fun now for children and even punnets of corn can be purchased in multi-colour packs.

All summer flowers can be planted now such as Asters, Petunias, Marigolds, Begonias and Impatiens and if you need a display at Christmas then you need to plant now.

Our warm weather has made the roses bloom early

Parking at rear

and the standard roses, in particular, are in full bloom.

The Standard Iceburg Rose is a great addition to any garden and can be a magnificent feature. Iceburg Roses are a floribunda rose (which means they will flower abundantly) and are ideal for planting to line paths or across the front of your home. They are great to cut and place in a vase at home. It is always important in Summer to trim the spent flowers to encourage more blooms. Iceburg Roses are available in Pure White, Blushing Pink (blooms are white to soft pink) and Burgundy.

If you are fond of perfumed varieties of like a mix of colour in your garden then there are a huge variety

A Burgundy Iceburg Standard. Photo: Barbara Moran Inset: Purple Climbing Beans.

of standard roses to choose from. Mr Lincoln is an old favourite red perfumed rose and Ebbtide is a dark purple with an intense fragrance and the Standard Patio Variety of this rose is ideal in a pot at your back door or near a window to bring fragrance inside. Roses require regular watering during summer and feeding with a rose food such as Sudden Impact for Roses or compost such as screened cow manure to produce more beautiful flowers.

YOUR COMPLETE NURSERY & GARDEN CENTRE ON OVER 4 ACRES

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23

YOUR HOME

Your Local Guy Handyman Services

painting/ gyprock/ carpentry/ pressure cleaning/ door & lock fitting/ decking/ gardening/ lawn mowing/ reticulation/ rubbish removal/ gutter cleaning/ fencing/ glazing/ pergolas … and 100’s of other jobs you don’t have time for! send me an email at yourlocalguyservices@gmail.com

Call me now for a free quote!

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Erin’s Quality Ironbark

Not only do we supply the best firewood around, but we also offer other services: • chimney sweeps & maintenance, • chainsaw work • garden maintenance • general maintenance work • lawn mowing around the home • rubbish removal, specialising in • painting & rendering • colorbond fencing bush fire hazard reduction.

Not to mention we also do tip truck and bobcat work.

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COMPUTER REPAIRS New Computer Sales, Repairs & Upgrades Electronic Product Sales & Installation Safety Electrical ‘Test & Tag’ Mobile Phones & Recharges

Making Technology Easier Lithgow Technology Services 53 Main Street Lithgow | Ph (02) 6353 1669

Coming soon - our new online trades directory.

To find out more, call us at the Village Voice on (02) 6355 4258 or email Sales@villagevoice.net.au

LINHART PLUMBING & GASFITTING Greater Lithgow & Upper Blue Mountains

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YOUR HOME - SERVICE DIRECTORY HAPPY ANIMAL SERVICES SPRING IS IN THE AIR! Treat your pet with our grooming service this month We offer in-home pet services including feeding animals, collecting the mail and watering plants while you are away for whatever reason.

Dog Walking, Short Term Dog Minding, Basic obedience and grooming services

Ph Helen 0437 169 985

24

Carley Beth Photography

OFF THE TRACK OLD WARES

Photographer located in Lithgow and specialising in family portraits.

Sessions start at just $70. www.facebook.com/carleybethphotography

Buying & Selling

Since 1979 8 Railway Ave Portland Locally owned and operated

or Phone: 0407 026 666

Phone: 0407 285 887

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WHATâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S ON

Celebrate Lithgow Sunday, November 30 10am - 4pm Main Street, Lithgow

Program Info

A FREE EVENT Street Parade, Stalls, Exhibitions, Live Music, Dance, Great Food, Historical Re-enactment, Auto Displays & Lots More

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WHAT’S ON Monthly Local Market Guide Name

Date

Time Address

Contact

Lions Flea Market

1st Saturday of the Month

8:30am - 1:30pm

Lions Club Dr, Kelso

(02) 6337 1203

Mudgee Anglican Church Market

1st Saturday of the Month

9:00am - 1:00pm

6 Church St, Mudgee

(02) 6372 2336

Oberon Tablelands Way Country Markets

1st Saturday of the Month

8:00am - 12:00pm

104 Oberon St, Oberon

(02) 6335 5241

Bathurst Flea Markets

1st Sunday of the Month

7:00am - 1:00pm

Russell St, Bathurst

(02) 6331 5453

Blackheath Community Market

1st Sunday of the Month

9:00am - 1:00pm

Blackheath Public School

Leura First Sunday Market

1st Sunday of the Month

9:00am - 2:00pm

Leura Public School

Portland Tidy Towns Market

1st Saturday of the Month

9:00am - 2:00pm

Williwa St, Portland

Mudgee Lions Club Lawson Park Market

2nd Saturday of the Month

8:00am - 1:00pm

Lawson Park, Mudgee

0432 021 863

Rylstone Artisan & Produce Markets 2nd Saturday of the Month 9:00am - 1.30pm

Memorial Hall, Louee Street, Rylstone

(02) 6379 6202

Masonic Markets Portland 2nd Sunday of the month 9:00am - 1:00pm

Mason Hall on Wolgan Street Portland

0429 825 004

Bathurst Showground Markets

Kendall Avenue, Bathurst

(02) 6331 3175

2nd Sunday of the Month

9:00am - 1:00pm

Blackheath Growers Market 2nd Sunday of the Month 9:00am - 1:00pm Great Western Hwy

& Gardiner Crescent, Blackheath

(02) 4572 6260

Katoomba Craft Market 2nd Sunday of the Month 9:00am - 2:00pm

St. Canice’s Catholic Church Hall, 158 Katoomba Street

(02) 4782 7672

Lithgow Lions Club Community Markets 2nd Sunday of the Month 9.00am - 1.00pm

Lithgow Showground, Civic Ballroom

0434 016 279

Kandos Market

Not On This Month 9:00am - 1:00pm

Angus Ave & Jaques St, Kandos

(02) 6379 4380

Mudgee Farmers Market

3rd Saturday of the Month

57 Market St, Mudgee

0407 837 739

Hampton Public School, Jenolan Caves Road

(02) 6359 3175

8:00am - 1:00pm

Hampton Growers Market 3rd Saturday of the Month 9:00am - 1:00pm

Blackheath Arts & Crafts Market 3rd Sunday of the Month 10:00am - 3:00pm Community Hall,

Great Western Hwy Blackheath

(02) 4782 7672

Hartley Farmer’s Market

3rd Sunday of every Month

0429 829 547

Capertee Markets

3rd Sunday of every Month

Castlereagh Hwy Capertee (02) 6359 0054

Bathurst Region Farmers Market

4th Saturday of the Month

8:00am - 12:00pm

Kendall Ave, Bathurst

(02) 6368 1104

Gulgong Markets

4th Saturday of the Month

8.30am

Mayne Street, Gulgong

0447 417 741

Cooerwull School (Primary) Main Street

0429 829 547

9.00am - 2.00pm

Lithgow Regional Markets 4th Sunday of the Month 9.00am - 1.00pm

GET YOUR MARKET LISTED HERE FOR FREE

Please Note: Information has been gathered from 3rd party resources, and may not be accurate. Please contact event co-ordinator to ensure event is still on. If you would like to include your event in this listing, please contact editor@ villagevoice.net.au with details.

Come and enjoy a night of good food and great entertainment!

$65 PER HEAD

COUNTRY CABINS, MOTEL & LICENCED RESTAURANT

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Hartely Historic Village

Bookings are essential!

Lisa Crouch & Kerry Lacy 28th November

Emma Jene 29th November

Dean Taylor Trio 5th December

The Fabulous Shapelles 6th December

Justin, Les & Sam 12th December

Sharron Bowman 13th December

Only available Friday & Saturday nights A La Carte menu is not available on Christmas Buffet nights 121 Main Street, Wallerawang info@blackgoldcabins.com.au

02 6355 7305

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WHAT’S ON

Get ready for Annie

MUSIC & FUN

Lithgow Musical society is proud to present Annie.

The hit musical will grace the union theatre for six shows that feature a very talented cast.

The musical is set in the 1930s and follows the life of young Annie, an orphan, is living miserably in an orphanage run by the tyrannical Miss Hannigan.

Her situation changes dramatically when she goes to live with the wealthy industrialist Oliver Warbucks.

She quickly charms the hearts of the household staff and even the cold-hearted Warbucks warms to her over time.

But her happiness appears to be short-lived when Miss Hannigan and her evil brother Rooster try to get their hands on some of Oliver Warbucks fortune by pretending to be Annie’s parents....

Show times are: Sunday November 16th at 2:00pm Friday November 21st at 7:30pm Saturday November 22nd at 7:30pm Sunday November 23rd at 2:00pm Friday November 28th at 7:30pm Saturday November 29th at 7:30pm

Tickets are available at High St Music, 165 Main St Lithgow or at the door if not sold prior and cost $25 adults, $20 concessions, $70 family (2 adults, 2 concessions)

FOR ALL OCCASIONS

Delivery + Pick Up - Competitive Rates Onsite Training Included - Two Microphones Free Disco + Laser Lights

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JUKEBOX HIRE

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BOOKINGS ESSENTIAL! $10 off 2nd booking!

Photo supplied. One of the Annie’s in the upcoming musical, Rosa Ross, looking stunning in costume.

New exhibition launching at K-Gallery Sunday Nov1616 2:00 2:00 Sunday Sunday Nov Nov 16 2:00

Sunday

Nov 23 2:00

Sunday Nov Nov23232:00 2:00 Sunday Friday Nov Nov 287:30 7:30 Friday Nov Friday 28287:30 SaturdayNov Nov 297:30 7:30 Saturday Nov Saturday 29297:30

Friday Nov 21 7:30 7:30 Friday Friday Nov Nov2121 7:30 Saturday Nov 7:30 Saturday Saturday Nov Nov2222 22 7:30 7:30 Union Theatre BridgeStStStLithgow Lithgow UnionTheatre Theatre - -Bridge Union Bridge Lithgow Book High Music 165Main MainStStLithgow Lithgoworororbuy tickets thedoordoor BookatatatHigh HighStStStMusic Music165 Main tickets atattheatthedoor Book Lithgow buybuy tickets

K-Gallery invites members of the public to attend the 5”X”7 miniature exhibition.

The exhibition will be held at 10.30 am on Saturday the 15th of November.

The Editor of the Village Voice (yes, our very own Rich Evans) will be opening the event.

Karen from K-Gallery is very excited by the upcoming exhibition and said, “This is the brain child of Sandy Gray and Jennifer Channing over lunch, a great idea thanks ladies.”

Paintings will be for sale for just $25 on the day.

Original Production directed by Martin Charnin

Original Production directed by Martin Charnin Original Production directed Martin Charnin Presented on Broadway byby Mike Nichols Irwin Meyer

Produced by Presentedon onBroadway Broadway by Mike Nichols Presented by Mike Nichols Stephen R. Friedman

Lewis Allen

by Produced by Alvin Nederlander The JohnProduced F. Kennedy Center for Icarus Meyer Stephen R.R. Friedman Lewis Allen Irwin Meyer Stephen Friedman Lewis Allen Associates Inc. Performing Arts Productions Alvin Nederlander The Center for Icarus Alvin Nederlander TheJohn JohnF.F.Kennedy Kennedy Center for Icarus Based on “Little Orphan Annie” Associates Inc. Performing Arts Productions Associates Inc. By Permission of Performing Arts Productions The Tribune Media Services, Inc Originally produced

by The Goodspeed Opera House Based on Orphan Annie” Based on“Little “Little Orphan Annie” Michaelof P. Price, Executive Director By Tribune Media Services, Inc ByPermission Permission ofThe The Tribune Media Services, Inc Originally produced by The Goodspeed Opera House By arrangement with Hal Leonard Australia Pty Ltd Exclusive agent for Originally produced by The Goodspeed Opera House Michael P. Executive Director Music Theatre International (NY) Michael P.Price, Price, Executive Director By arrangement Australia Pty Ltd Exclusive agent forfor By arrangementwith withHal HalLeonard Leonard Australia Pty Ltd Exclusive agent Music Theatre International (NY) Music Theatre International (NY)

K-Gallery is located at 76 Main St, Lithgow.

For more information please call Karen on 6352 5198.

RESTAURANT GUIDE COMMERCIAL HOTEL MOTEL LITHGOW Specials $12.50 lunch $15 lunch & Dinner

(02) 6351 2312

COUNTRY CABINS, MOTEL & LICENCED RESTAURANT

BREAKFAST

Monday to Saturday Lunch 12pm - 2.30pm Dinner 6pm - 8.30pm

Tuesday - Friday 6am to 11am Saturday - Sunday 8am to 11am

Sunday bookings only

Monday - Saturday from 6pm

Bistro area & function room all functions

DINNER

121 Main Street, Wallerawang info@blackgoldcabins.com.au

Old Hartley Post Office Cafe

Accomodation ranging from Motel rooms, Cabins and Villas, standard to executive.

With Chef Brent onboard, our licenced restaurant can cater for 1 person up to a group of 130!

02 6355 7305

COLLITS INN collitsinn_23@outlook.com 101 Hartley Vale Rd, Hartley Vale

(02) 6355 0287

Fri - Sun: 10:00 am - 4:00 pm

0413 380 712 www.oldhartleypocafe.com.au

Hartley Historic Village, Old Bathurst Road, Hartley

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www.collitsinn.com

Lithgow Hotel Tipsy’s Bistro $10

Lunch Specials Plus full lunch menu Mon to Sat

Best Food, Best Beer Best Atmosphere

$10

Dinner Specials

Different options each night Mon to Fri

130 Main St Lithgow, Ph 02 63513379

(02) 6352 4442

83 Main Street, Lithgow

LIVE MUSIC EVERY FRIDAY NIGHT Bookings Essential 27

COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS Wanted Paddlers Flashdragons are still paddling the dragon boat Sundays 9am and Wednesday 6pm Lake Wallace Boatshed. Paddle for fitness or paddle to race.

All ages 12+ to 70 yrs.

Dragon Boats NSW Inc. Race or Quiet Pace. Come and Try. Next Regatta Orange 16th November.

Contact Pam 0428 633 953 and Jane 0407 990 613

Lithgow Hospital Auxiliary is looking for volunteers.

They raise funds for our local Hospital. All equipment they purchase, remains in Lithgow.

The volunteers are trained in the coffee shop and only need to work a few hours a month or week.

Anyone who is interested, can contact Margaret on 0409157542

CRYSTAL THEATRE COMMUNITY

CINEMA

TRIVIA NIGHT Saturday 22nd November 6:30PM DINNER IVE ARR ARRIVE 6PM AT AT 6PM

7:30PM TRIVIA STARTS

Trivia + Dinner = $25 Trivia = $10

Raffles, games and prizes!

CONTACT KELLIE ON (02) 6355 4258 OR VISITTHE VILLAGE VOICE AT 65 WILLIWA ST PORTLAND TUE - THUR: 9AM TO 5PM

Lithgow Old time and New Vogue Dance club hold a social dance every Wednesday evening at the Hermitage Hall in Albert Street Lithgow. We start at 7.00pm for revision and 7.30 to 10pm for a social dance.

We welcome new members.

Please contact Bev and John on 02 6351 3062 or Bev and Mike 02 6336 1015

Hymnfest And A Celebration Of Music Where : St.Paul’s Anglican Church Roy Street, Lithgow When: Sunday 16th November 2014 Time : 2.30 Pm A Musical Programme Has Been Arranged

By Members And Friends Of St. Pauls To Raise Money For The Urgent Restoration On Our Beautiful Organ Which Was Built In 1951

By Hill, Norman Beard And Updated In 1985.

There Will Be A Variety Of Musical Items, Including Our Annual Hymnfest Celebration.

Cost Of The Event = $5 Which Includes Afternoon Tea . All welcome.

Cullen Bullen Progress Association will hold their Christmas Street Party Get-Together on Friday 5th December, 2014 at 6.00pm.

There will be a Chocolate Wheel, meat trays and hams as well as children’s prizes available to win.

Lithgow Golf Club is having a Come & Try day on Sunday 23rd November.

Free Social Golf for Everyone 9am 2pm. Bring a Friend & come have a game of Golf @ Lithgow Golf Club.

GET YOUR NOTICE LISTED HERE FOR FREE

LITHGOW REGIONAL

MARKETS

THIS

SUNDAY

Cooerwull School 319 Main Street, Lithgow 28

Friends of St John’s Church Wallerawang are holding a Quilt & Craft Display on Saturday 15th November in St John’s Church Wallerawang at 10 a.m. There will be a craft stall with great gift ideas for Christmas, cake stall and tea, coffee and cold drinks available. Gold coin donation proceeds towards some much needed roof repairs.

Portland Pool AGM will be held on Saturday 15 November at 10am at Portland Pool.

Positions need to be filled and a committee needs to form in order to open the facility. Please consider joining this committee.

This pool was built for the Portland community, by the community and will only survive with community support.

AUDITIONS

Auditions will be held for all dramatic roles in the upcoming stage production, “1915” a musical dramatic presentation to commemorate the Centenary of ANZAC to be staged at the Union Theatre on Friday and Saturday 17th and 18th April 2015.

Male and Female roles from ages 15 years to adult.

Auditions will be held in the Band Hall, Wyld Street Lithgow commencing at 9am on Saturday 22nd November. Audition duration 15 mins.

For all enquiries and to book a specific time for your audition, email:

lithgowcitybandinfo@gmail.com or phone

Mobile: 0413034508.

Don White Lithgow City Band inc.

Community notices are a free way for community groups to get word out to the community. If you want to reach out to new members, or let people know about an upcoming event, then let us know by midday Wednesday.

HIGH TEA FOR HAMLIN ‘WOMEN OF LITHGOW UNITE FOR HAMLIN’

SATURDAY 29TH NOVEMBER, 2014 @ 2:00PM 50 MUSKET PARADE, LITHGOW COST $25 We invite you to our inaugural ‘High Tea’ Fundraiser, Delectable afternoon tea, Live entertainment, Lucky door prizes, Fund raising activities Hundreds of Australian women are joining forces to raise $200,000 for Hamlin Fistula Ethiopia and the Addis Ababa Fistula Hospital.

Helping to restore the dignity and transform the future of thousands of Ethiopian women.

Bookings are essential. For more information or to purchase a ticket contact Maria Zuvela on 0403 956 159 or email lithgowclc@bigpond.com RSVP Saturday 15th November, 2014 If you are unable to attend and wish to make a Tax Deductible Donation please go to http://www.hamlinfistulafundraising.com/Lithgowclc and click ‘Donate’ Our local goal is $5,000.

‘Women of Lithgow Unite for Hamlin’

HIGH TEA FOR At the movies

The Lithgow Valley UNITE F ‘WOMEN OF LITHGOW Community Cinema will screen SATURDAY a classic29TH British NOVEMBER, 2 double-feature 50 this Sunday MUSKET PARADE, LI (16th Nov) at 2.45pm.The COST $25 first is a delightful English comedy, “Don’t Panic Chaps” We invite you and to ourstars inaugural ‘Hig set during WWII Delectable afternoon George Cole, Dennis Price and tea, Live e Lucky doorinterval prizes, Fund raisi Gertan Klauber.

After is the spy drama “Yellow Hundreds Australian women are jo Canary” also of set during $200,000 for Hamlin WWII and starring Anna Fistula Eth Ababa Fistula Hos Neagle, Margaret Addis Rutherford Helping to restore the dignity and transform and Richard Greene.

Ethiopian women.

Complimentary refreshments served at interval between Bookings are essential. For more information or each movie.

Maria Zuvela on 0403 956 159 or email lith Next Friday (21st15th Novemb RSVP Saturday November) to commemorate start of tothe First Ifthe you are unable attend and World wish to make a Tax War. the cinema will be to http://www.hamlinfistulafundraising.com/Li Our local goal is $5,00 screening the acclaimed documentary “Australia at War”. Sessions at 10.30am, of Lithgow Uni 12 noon, 1.30pm and‘Women 3.00pm.

These sessions are open to everyone as well as members and a gold coin donation is asked.

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PUZZLES Crossword ACROSS 1. Privileged class 7. Former soldiers 8. Edible organs 10. Horseracing track 12. Entitling 14. Moved through water 16. Tasks 17. Scraps 20. Pop instrumentalists 23. Finnish steam bath 24. Highly charged 25. River-mouth land

LITHGOW MOBILITY

SALES, HIRE AND REPAIRS

DOWN

Electric Beds, Patient Lifters, Walkers & Wheelchairs, Walking Sticks, Daily Living, Scooters, Tables and Oxygen Therapy

1. Develop 2. Rupture 3. Measure (out) 4. Furnishing scheme 5. Diminishing 6. Admiration 9. Large spoon 11. Partly cooked 13. Gesture of assent 15. Radiates 16. Sharply serrated 18. Musical composition 19. Taunts 21. Curved-bill bird 22. Auction

DELIVERY: PENRITH, ORANGE, MUDGEE, COWRA PARKING AVAILABLE AT BACK DOOR FOR LOADING

(02) 6352 2752

23 MAIN ST LITHGOW Find us on Facebook

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FAMILY

Does your child have flat feet?

By Brenden Brown, A Step Ahead Podiatry One of the most common reasons people present to podiatrists is for the treatment of Flat Feet.

A flat foot can be described in many ways, fallen arches, rolled in ankles, or over pronated. This type of foot is relatively common in children. Many children with flat feet remain symptom-free for many years.

However, in many cases if this foot type continues through to adulthood, it may become symptomatic and can be a causative or contributing factor for many other foot problems.

Excessive or inappropriately timed pronation (rolling in) can result in overuse injuries and fatiguing muscles. The Flat foot type forces the muscles of the leg to work harder than if the foot had the stability of a constant arch. This may in turn lead to leg or lower limb pain.

The foot requires a certain level of pronation (rolling in) to walk, function efficiently and absorb shock for the body. In addition, the foot requires an equally important amount of supination (rolling out) so that it can propel the body forward as we walk. It is normal for children to lack this ability to form an arch whilst standing, as the bones in their feet are not completely developed. Therefore they lack the normal structure of an adult foot.

Kids feet don’t look like adult feet! From birth to around the age of 8 years, flat feet are considered to be relatively normal. During this time a noticeable arch should begin to form.

Kids often don’t complain of pain or sore feet! So it pays to be alert. Take note if the child is presenting with pain, is tripping or unsteady on their feet, or if they seem to be fatiguing faster than other children.

Also note if their toes are clawing onto the ground, or you notice they are overly flexible. Any one of these symptoms is generally considered reason enough to undertake a thorough assessment by a podiatrists. If you have any concerns get it checked out!

A note about growing pains – An increasing number

The hard work of Portland Hospital Auxiliary recognised

Portland Hospital Auxiliary were recently honoured with a morning tea to commend them for services provided to the Portland Community. Colleen Grabham presented badges for service to Edna Walton 40 years, Joan Taylor 30 years, Mary Abbott 20 years, Yvonne Sharp 10 years.

Cathy Watson, Nurse Manager – Operations was to present certificates, but did not make it due to heavy snow falls, so Colleen Grabham had the honour of presenting them. Certificates were awarded to Nola Castle for 25 years, Wendy Abbott, Amanda Abbott and Debra Sharp for 15 years of service. Portland Tabulam Health Centre are extremely fortunate to have such a dedicated group of volunteers.

In October several delegates from the Portland UHA attended the UHA State Conference where they were awarded $500 per member to support their fundraising efforts as a way of dedicated service to the Portland Community. Recent purchases for the facility include a Syringe Driver, Pressure Relief Chair, Deluxe bed mattress and several TV’s. Portland Tabulam Health Centre have benefited and feel privileged that they are supported by a dedicated group of volunteers.

NOW OPEN IN LITHGOW! We provide a full range of orthodontic treatments including braces, invisalign, ceramic braces, lingual braces, plates and appliances

Call us today 02 6352 5878 No Referral Necessary Ground Floor, 11 Bridge Street, Lithgow www.lithgoworthodontics.com Dr Derek N. Allan BDS Hons (Syd), DCD Orth (Melb), MOrth RCS (Edin), Specialist Orthodontist

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Portland UHA provide a Trolley service weekly and meet the last Tuesday of the month at 3:00pm at Portland Tabulam Health Centre, Green St Portland. They would welcome all new members who would love to be part of this dedicated team.

of children are diagnosed with growing pains by wellmeaning practitioners. Please consider having your children’s feet checked. It is our opinion that many times growing pains may be able to be stopped by simply looking at how your child walks or runs and treating any imbalances.

For more information astepahead.com.au.

please

visit

Portland Senior Cricket

The Annual General Meeting of Portland Senior Cricket was held on 11th November and we are pleased to announce that the future of the club has been secured with the offer of the Imperial Hotel to become our sponsors. We will now be able to have two teams, first and second grade and hope to be competitive in both grades with a very good mix of young players with lots of potential and a blend of older players with a wealth of experience.

If anyone has any knowledge or memorabilia from earlier years which can be recorded the committee would be very pleased to hear from you.

Results of election for officials are President ... Dan Whitty Vice President and Treasurer... Troy Cameron Secretary and Public Officer... Robyn Whitty General Committee... Brendan Miles , Shane Green , Sam Cameron and Justin Selman Our usual Friday night raffles are to commence again with very good prizes and we look forward to the locals supporting us as they have done in the past.

Training has been set down for Tuesdays and Thursdays commencing at 4.30pm at the Kremer Park nets, all interested in playing are urged to come along. It is very important that all players congregate at the Imperial on Saturdays around 11.30 so that final team selections can be decided.

Photo: Santa came early to Portland Tabulam Health Centre on Tuesday last week, much to the residents’ delight.

Danny Whitty was very happy to play the role, and he looked that part! A ten month investment in growing his beard meant he was immediately recognisable as Santa Clause.

Santa’s annual visit to Tabulam is an event enjoyed by all the residents.

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Health & Fitness

It’s not ‘just’ a sprained ankle

By Carol Stevens, Lithgow Physiotherapy

Often we tend to underestimate the severity of an injury, and a sprained ankle is a classic example. Because it is such a common injury it is often brushed off as not very important, despite the fact that it often results in chronic instability of the ankle!

Overuse injuries of the ankle have increased with the popularity of some sports such as running and aerobic dancing.

Because the ankle is so important in every sport, not to mention in everyday living and working, both ankle sprains and overuse injuries should be treated as serious. Otherwise, chronic weakness and instability may result.

The large strong bones of the ankle joint are held together by broad ligaments which reinforce stability.

An ankle sprain is a stretch tear, or complete rupture of one or more of these ligaments that hold the bones of the ankle together.

The strong muscles of the lower leg have long tendons that cross the ankle on all sides. These muscles are very powerful but provide little protection around the ankle joints. They are used to push off when we walk and run, and pick up our toes, and are constantly making little adjustments to keep our balance.

There are special nerve receptors (proprioceptors)

in the ankle joints which send messages back to the brain providing information about positioning. The brain sends instructions to the muscles around the ankles and feet so they can react and adjust to keep your balance.

All of these messages and reactions need to be instantaneous. Any injury to the tissues around the ankle joints inhibits these proprioceptors, resulting in slow balance reactions, making it easy to re-injure the ankle.

After an ankle injury it is most important to see your physiotherapist to begin a conditioning program to re-develop your ankle’s strength and stability. It is also essential to regain proprioception by using a device such as a wobble board. Your physiotherapist may show you how to tape your ankle to give support during the healing process, and may provide you with an ankle brace to use for sport. These braces should be worn in conjunction with a conditioning program, and should be worn during sport and training for at least 6 months after a sprain.

Athletes can help prevent ankle injuries by maintaining good range of movement and flexibility.

Achilles tendon stretches should be done daily during

Portland Bluetongues put on a great show

the sports season. Strengthening of the peroneal muscles (those in the front, outer side of the lower leg) are important in preventing the ankle from rolling over (inversion sprain). Wearing the appropriate shoes for your sport is essential, and wearing epic high heels is out of the question!!

The main message to take away is do not brush off an ankle injury as ‘just a sprain’. See your physiotherapist and have it assessed to determine the degree of severity, and start an appropriate treatment and a conditioning program.

Portland Golf Update Community Submitted Wayne Nugent, Wayne McCann, Greg Simpkins and Errol Milliss combined well to win the ‘Dacca’ Fitzgerald Memorial 4 person ambrose with 573/8 nett. Runners up were Bob Roberts, Nino Difalco, Jamie Sharp and Bob Anlezark with 575/8. Graeme Glazebrook showed what practice can do, when he teamed up with Chris Menchin, Andy O’Brien and Dennis Hartfield to take out the best scratch score of 65. Golf balls went to Malcolm Fitzgerald, Nathan Hudson, P Snesby and J Grant 577/8, Kerry and Michael Thorpe, Kyle Walsh and John MMiles 595/8. Good to see Mal and Nathan back in town.

Lucky prizes went to W McCann, C Menchin, A O’Brien, W Nugent, D Hartfield, J Grant, G Simpkins, D Hampson and E Millis.

Thanks go to the Fitzgerald family for sponsoring the day, the cooks on BBQ, bar staff and the players, all helping to make it another great day. The Portland open is on this weekend, hoping to see good numbers for it.

Jayden Healy. Photo supplied.

Portland Bluetongues under 10’s cricket side traveled to Bathurst to take on Raglan last Saturday.

Once again Portland Boy’s put on a great show but unfortunately they didn’t come away with a win.

Joel Lamb put on a great bowling display getting 1 for 7 of his over’s. Also bowling well for the Bluetongues was Deacon Cutting, Nate Green, Braith Green and Ben McCulken all picking up wickets, bowling Raglan out for 82 runs.

Nate Green and Jayden Healy both scored well with the bat. Also batting well were Logan Ward, Noah

McCann, and Brock Handley Coach Shane Green was very happy with his Team’s performance and their improvement every week.

Shane would like to thank the Portland community for their support in the recent raffle that raised funds for the team. He used the funds to purchase a bowling machine for the kids last week.

The Portland Junior Cricket Club would also like to thank Max Taylor, Wallerawang mechanical repairs for their kind donation to help the little club out.

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31

SPORT

Juniors get their turn

With the ever increasing popularity of our Tuesday afternoon races and more and more juniors keen to join in the action, Central Tablelands Mountain Bike club is now offering a junior development program for kids of all ages.

A fully supervised mini track will be set up at the showground and the kids will be supervised through a bunch of fun activities designed to be fun while improving their skill and fitness.

Parents are free to walk or ride around the trail with the kids as they build confidence, or they could always join the action on the big track.

Sprints, pursuits and mini enduros will keep kids as young as 4 entertained while working on the bike handling skills. Older kids will also benefit for the knowledge of you supervisors and are welcome to tackle the race track as well as take part in the sub juniors once they finish.

Tuesday night racing takes place at the Rydal showground with registration from 6pm. The junior development program will be free, day license forms will need to be issued but the club will cover the cost for the kids.

For more information www.ctmbc.net

Photo supplied by ctmbc.

Call

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