Wellington & District Leader. No: 96

Community buys local general store

Cumnock bands together to buy General Store

BYTEAGAN USHER

THE GREATNESS of a community is most accurately measured by the compassionate actions of its members.

It’s the small town driven by selfless volunteers, community spirit and passionate locals which has successfully bought back their general store – the lifeline of their town.

Cumnock General Store will exchange hands in the next few months and will be completely owned and run by the local community.

Currently owned by Greg and Paula Rudd for the past seven years, the shop has been on the market for the past two years. With the local pub closing its doors in recent years, and the potential to lose one of the town’s oldest stores, the daring idea was born to facilitate a buyback.

Volunteer, board member and one of the directors for the General StoreAmanda Shulz is one of the many people involved with the alternative method of business which will save the store from closing.

“One of girls on ‘The Long White Lunch Committee’said let’s look at buying the general store, and it started from there,” she said.

“We have got good people working with us who know different aspects of owning business, we have excellent accountants and legal advice, we have lots of workers.

The business has been purchased through funds raised from the founding memberships, so we are a not-for-profit community owned business. We are community driven and very reliant on community to help get going.”

The store is one of the longest continually running businesses in the country, an achievement which is outstanding for a small rural town.

“It’s been a really exciting project for the future,” Ms Shulz said.

“It’s just time consuming, we all have fulltime jobs so we have to juggle those as well. It’s a hell of a lot of work, but we take it day by day.

“The response has been absolutely overwhelming, from the community’s per-

spective, they can’t wait for it to take off. We need fuel, a café, we need reliability of services, so they are very supportive of the work we are doing.

“They can’t say how much they are waiting for it. Any small community needs something. The school is the lifeline of our community for children and families, and the General Store for the aged community is reliant on shopping for basic goods and services.

“There’s also the social aspect of the store to meet and have a cup of coffee, there is so much of this needed in our community. It will foster connectedness with community being able to meet in a lovely space just to have somewhere to meet in this town.”

Currently in the recruitment process of finding the right staff to run the store, do-

nations and memberships are funding the purchase, renovations and other costs for the store.

“The Long White Lunch Committee have donated $100,000 which is incredible, we’ve even had ex-students calling to offer donations because they want to see the community thrive,” Ms Shulz said.

“This will also be sustainable into the future with big ideas moving forward, so when we are making money, that money can then be distributed to other projects within the community.

“At the moment we have about 200 founding members, so we are hoping people keep buying memberships. This is a different business model to a co-operative, I think it’s the best thing for Cumnock.

“I can’t tell you enough how much it had to be in local hands, it makes a big difference. Because of our volunteers and there being so many of us it is so important for our community; there’s no way Cumnock would survive otherwise.”

Future ideas for the shop include readymade meals for those who don’t have time to cook dinner, and developing traineeships for the youths of the community who would value having traineeships in hospitality.

“It’s the big picture stuff to keep people employed in the community, our older people love the voluntary aspect of it, to have a sense of purpose and to feel they belong to the community.

“If it wasn’t for community volunteers, we wouldn’t survive. Cumnock is driven by selfless people who give.”

Some of the committee members rejoicing at the sale announcement of the Cumnock General Store, Bin Keniry, Sarah Haynes, Bron Flick and Hilary Rookyard.

Fluoridation debate continues

IN NSW, an impressive 96 per cent of residents have access to fluoridated drinking water.

While I am personally at ease with consuming fluoridated water, as an elected representative, my primary responsibility is to represent the views of our community. I recognise and respect the community’s right to voice opinions on water fluoridation.

The recent total failure of Dubbo’s fluoride dosing system and the subsequent complete lack of transparency was not only disappointing but undermined public confidence in Council.

It has also brought forward some residents who wish to debate the merits of water fluoridation.

Let’s delve into the historical context and current regulations surrounding this matter.

Beaconsfield in Tasmania proudly pioneered community water fluoridation in 1953. Yass was the first community in NSW to follow. Guiding this practice in NSW is the Fluoridation of Public Water SuppliesAct 1957. This Act is pivotal for us, as Dubbo operates under its provisions being a water supply authority. Notably, Section 6B (1) of theAct stipulates that an approved water supply authority cannot discontinue fluoridation unless given permission by the Secretary.

In 1963 Dubbo commenced its water fluoridation. An official direction in the NSW Government

Gazette No. 121 on 29August 1980 sanctioned the newly amalgamated Council to continue to fluoridate Dubbo’s water supply. Discontinuing this practice without appropriate approvals would be an offence under theAct. TheAct does not highlight the process, but it does permit cessation of fluoridation.\

It would require the Secretary to revoke the initial direction after being informed by recommendations from the Fluoridation of Public Water SuppliesAdvisory Committee. Such a revocation typically arises from substantial public support that prompts an appeal to the water authority, urging the latter to seek a determination from the Secretary.

However, it’s worth noting that gaining such a revocation might prove challenging.

NSW Health staunchly supports water fluoridation, championing it as a tried-and-true method for preventing tooth decay. Their endorsement stems from decades of concrete evidence and unwavering support from the National Health and Medical Research Council. Consequently, NSW Health continually assists councils and water utilities with the addition of fluoride and ardently encourages communities to embrace this crucial public health measure.

Should there ever be a deliberation to retract fluoridation dosing, NSW Health would seek perspec-

Deputy Mayoral Column

tives from a diverse group: their own officers; affiliated agencies; dental experts and the aforementionedAdvisory Committee. This holistic approach ensures that any decision taken prioritises the overall wellbeing of the community.

While the door remains open for community dialogue on water fluoridation, any shift in our policy would need to navigate the intricate maze of legislative and health guidelines. As Council, we are committed to listening to and advocating for the interests of our residents, while also upholding the legal and health directives that safeguard our community’s wellbeing.

Mathew Dickerson

More things change, the more they stay the same

LASTFRIDAYI represented Council at a function officially “opening” the renovations to the War Memorial at the front of the Mumbil Hall and to the kitchen facilities inside the hall . These renovations were funded by grants from the State and Federal governments respectively.

After a full-on Council meeting the night before it was much more relaxing to be part of a function that, to me, represented all that is good about our community.

There we had the Mumbil community represented by the president of their District Progress Association Paul Hulmlund, me representing local government as owners of the hall, Dugald Saunders the State member and Andrew Gee our Federal member. You can’t get much more inclusive and representative than

My part of the proceedings was to make some introductory comments, setting the scene for Dugald andAndrew’s talks where they explained their government’s financial contributions to the projects.

In preparing some notes for my comments, I did some research viaTrove and came up with some fascinating facts about the Mumbil Hall.

The current hall is a relative newcomer, having been built around 1950. The 21 October 1950 edition of The Wellington Times reported that “prior to the commencement of the construction of Burrendong Dam, Mumbil was a sleepy hamlet of 11 houses and a hotel. Now there are nearly 70 houses in the town, while two hostels have been built for single men working on the dam and two

more are under construction. Present population is 200, but 600 people will’ live here when construction work gets fully under way.”

The first refence I could find to the original hall was The Wellington Times reporting that on Friday 19 February 1926, a function was held in the Mumbil Hall to record the winding up of the Mumbil Football Club which had amalgamated with Dripstone. “Everything went along nicely till 11 o’clock, when the arm of the law, in the person of Constable Woodward, of Stuart Town, arrived, who ‘worded’a few-motorists for breaches of the traffic regulations, chiefly for not having tail lamps and parking lamps alight. Let this be a warning to motorists, when you visit the City of Mumbil, see that you have your lamps alight also park your cars on the

correct side of the road”.

The “Times” also reported regularly on dances that were held in the Hall, usually in aid of various community organisations. It areported that on Friday 20 October 1939, the annual dance in aid of the Wellington District Ambulance was held in the hall and it “proved an outstanding success. . . . . . Theobald’s Orchestra played very good music, while the catering was in the capable hands of the Mumbil ladies who left nothing to be desired, although the brunt of the workduring the serving of supper, was left in the hands of just a few ladies, who always appear to have to do most of the work without very much help, no matter what the functions might be in aid of.” Talk about the more things change, the more they stay the same!!

Richard Ivey

Defining what the “GAP” really is - Roger Everett writes

WE ARE faced with this dilemma of “closing the gap” with at least two different camps making lots of noise, and not clearly defining what their version of the “GAP” actually is.

1. Is the “GAP” the statistical outcome of age longevity, of those identifying as Indigenous Australians, compared to non-Indigenous Australians, and the comparative health and the perceived disadvantages of each.

2. Or is the “GAP” the fact that Indigenous Australians want to retain the lifestyle and cultural practices they know, and are comfortable with, and be given more influence over other Australians to achieve this, and from my perspective this is what the Uluru

Statement of the Heart is focused on.

Despite the fact that Indigenous Australians with their hundreds of different tribal mobs, land attachments and languages, and ongoing conflicts, to date we have witnessed mostly undemocratically appointed Indigenous Representatives, and Government, making agreement after agreement to overcome the first of the two GAP interpretations with little success.

We need to accept that age longevity, health and perceived disadvantage are not exclusively an Indigenous Australian problem, in fact the actual number of non-indigenous Australians with these problems are far greater, and as such this fairly needs to be addressed as

a “whole of population” issue. Perhaps the lifestyles that contribute to these issues first need to be accepted by affected individuals, irrespective of their pedigree, and then they can be provided individually with any required support from the many agencies available. On this issue, and so often we get sucked in with statistics, and 80% of 3% is alarming, but in actual numbers this is significantly less than 10% of the other 97% but doesn’t create the same alarm.

If we think non-politically about the “VOICE” it has its roots in the “GAP” depicted in 2. above, and with the fractured make up of so many Indigenous “mobs” across Australia, the question as to who could appropriately represent them

as “voices” is a very real issue.

As an example, we are witnessing right now, power struggles and conflict between mobs in the States who have introduced “Treaties to secure Heritage Sites” and this is indicative of the problem of establishing appropriate acceptable overall representative “voices” to Parliament and the Executive Government.

With a few exceptions there are some outstanding Indigenous Australians, in almost every sphere of life, who quietly go about their chosen roles, and in a cohesive way, are leading the preservation, and revival of the almost forgotten languages and practices of one of the oldest cultures in human existence , and many more peer leaders

like this have to be the objective. We must aim for the top and not the bottom.

As a conclusion I personally support the Recognition of IndigenousAustralians in our Constitution and believe it needs to be rectified now, but the “Voice to Parliament and Executive Government” should be maintained through elected Parliamentary representatives, as is the case for allAustralians.

Without being overly dramatic, Political Populism,Activism etc, to separate populations Racially, Politically, Religiously etc etc has a well-documented history of community conflict, racial disharmony, civil war, and even world conflict and the first step is invariably camouflaged as minor.

New Kitchen enhances Mumbil Hall future use

THANKS TO funding grants from the State and Federal governments, Mumbil Hall Kitchen and War Memorial have had a facelift.

The state government contributed to the upgrade to the war memorial while the federal government funded the kitchen facelift.

Both grants were awarded when both Mr Gee and Mr Saunders were in their representative governments prior to elections.

Deputy mayor Richard Ivey, in introducing the members quoted exerpts of the Wellington Times in last century about the Mumbil Hall activities. See P2.

Tippy Dray stars in Legacy torch relay

BY FARREN HOTHAM

WELLINGTON’S Terry Dray, a dedicated legatee, said he was deeply honoured to be carrying the Legacy Torch for a celebration of 100 years for the server of War Widows and families. He carried the Torch in Orange, a flame of hope for those families.

“It was tough going up the hill atAnson Street but I was proud to do my bit for our community, the ex-service people and war widows,’’he said.

Mr Dray was the 18th walker of 20 handing over to Nora Bridges with families cheering them on.

LegacyAustralia chairman Eric Easterbrook OAM, talked about the ongoing tragedy life could be in the forces when he told a large crowd of people at the Botanic Gardens, a military chopper had been downed with four personnel aboard at Hamilton Island overnight.

The four men are understood to be from the Holsworthy army barracks.

He was launching the Orange leg of the Legacy Torch Relay.

‘’While these families will be battling to come to terms with their tragic loss of their loved ones, Legacy will continue, like it has for 100 years, to support them and their families,’’he said.

Mr Easterbrook congratulated World War 11 veteran Tom Hogan, who, at 98, had come to the event to help cut the ribbon for the 20 walkers. The spirit of community is told from beginning to Relay end.

The relay began in Pozieres, France onApril 23 and continued through Belgium and London, then to WesternAustralia, NT, Queensland and now NSW untilAugust 26 and will run through the ACT, Victoria and Tasmania before the final ceremony at the Shrine of Remembrance in Melbourne on October 13.

Production and consumption of meats from livestock is of foundational importance in all societies

MEATAND livestock contribute to personal health and well-being, maintain ecological balances and secure socioeconomic livelihoods.

This is just one of many highlights of the 2022 International Summit on The Societal Role of Meat held in Dublin, Ireland to point out facts about red meat and not fiction promoted by animal liberationists.

Meat production and meat consumption are frequent subjects of societal debate, and for good reason. As a pivotal source of nourishment, and playing a large role in ecological and economic systems, meat production must continuously evolve with the best technologies available in order to maximize its benefits and minimise undesirable impacts.

Given the importance and scale of meat production, the respective agricultural, industrial, governmental and educational actors need to continuously strive to earn their societal license to operate.

It is critical to clearly understand what the objective scientific evidence is saying and the Summit brought together a group of globally leading scientists from across relevant disciplines to present and achieve a comprehensive synopsis of the scientific insights on the role of meat in society. Recognising the importance of delivering true

and accurate facts about meat, the Job family of Royalla Shorthorns, Yeoval, are conducting a Beef Information Day on Friday,August 11.

The key speaker is world renowned authority on meat quality, Dr Rod Polkinghorne, who spoke at the Dublin Conference and will give an overview of topics presented.

He will present his topic “The positive role of beef cattle in a sustainable world” and this relates to livestock and sustainable environment and society.

As well, Dr Polkinghorne will discuss livestock diet and health and economics and culture.

An adjunct to the morning will be a presentation by Central Tablelands Local Land Services beef cattle officer, Brett Littler, who will talk on his practical no nonsense approach to beef cattle management.

The program will commence at 10am and run through to 12.30pm for lunch, after which the family will display their 2023 sale bulls until 4pm within the sale centre paddocks.

Directions to Royalla are easy. the property is off the Renshaw McGirr Way (Wellington-Parkes Road) just five kilometres south of Yeoval.

More information on the beef day can be obtained by phoning Sue Job on 0428 677 374 or Nic Job on 0428 298 767.

Federal member for CalareAndrew Gee in the upgraded kitchen with ProgressAssociation president, Paul Holmlund, deputy mayor Richard Ivey and committee members Laurel Bell and Christine Fardon.

State member for Dubbo and Mumbil, Dugald Saunders (right) views the renovated War Memorial for progress association president Paul Holmlund and Mumbil community members last Friday.

Wellington’s Tippy Dray lights the torch held by Orange war widow Nora Bridges during the Legacy Centenary Torch Relay in Orange.

OVER THE past week, the Legacy flame has lit up our region, with the Centenary Torch Relay making its way through the Central West.

In the lead up to ANZAC Day the Legacy Torch begun a 50,000km journey, from Pozières in France to all 45 Legacy clubs worldwide.

In the months since, the torch has travelled to Menin Gate, Belgium, London, Western Australia, SouthAustralia, Northern Territory, Queensland, and now to our own backyard.

I was honoured to see the Legacy flame arrive in Orange on the weekend, where 20 war widows, veterans and legatees proudly carried the historic Centenary Torch to commemorate 100 years of Legacy.

It was great to see Wellington local Terry ‘Tippy’Dray stride down Byng Street with the Legacy torch in tow. The relay flame is a reminder that the work of Legacy in car-

ing for our veterans and their family never ceases. We are very grateful for Legacy’s vital work.

As Minister for Veterans’Affairs, I was delighted to announce

to his dying friend to look after his family.

Ahundred years after Legacy was established, the organisation has grown to 44 branches acrossAustralia, with 3600 legatees supporting tens of thousands of partners and children.

Legacy provides emotional, financial and development support to the families of our killed and injured soldiers. The charity represents the very best of our nation and we are

Around the electorate

IT WAS fantastic to attend the official opening of the Centre for Rural Education, Simulation and Training (C.R.E.S.T) Centre at Wellington Hospital last week.

The simulation centre is a flexible teaching space which includes simulators, mannequins, task-part trainers, computers/software, virtual reality headsets, recording and playback facilities, and real clinical equipment, in an environment replicating rural emergency departments, wards and residential aged care facilities.

Go to the link for a sneak peek inside: https://youtu.be/4RgdvNZrG60

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Local high school students can show off their creative talents in the Parliament of NSW’s short

film competition - Parli-Flicks.

Students are asked to submit a one-minute short film addressing this year’s theme ‘Should the voting age be lowered?

I encourage all students to be imaginative - your entry can be comical, fictional, or take more of a documentary style, with the judges looking for entries that stand out from the crowd.

The winning entry will receive a cash prize of $250, and all finalists will be invited to an awards night at Parliament House later in the year. Financial assistance for travel and accommodation will be provided to regional finalists to attend the awards night.

Applications close Friday 11 August, 2023.

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Don’t forget to sign the petition

and make your voice heard to help save the Regional Seniors Travel Card!

This incredible program has been a lifeline for over one million eligible seniors in regional NSW since 2020, providing them with $250 to cover essential transportation expenses. It helps them access important appointments and maintain their independence, while managing cost-of-living pressures. But now, the future of this vital program hangs in the balance! We need your support to urge the NSW Labor Government to continue the Regional Seniors Travel Card. Every signature counts!

Sign the petition.

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Until next time, Dugald

Allegra aimed to win art award

$400,000 in 2022 to support the relay and other Legacy centenary commemorations.

As the torch made its way across the town, before heading to Forbes and Cowra, onlookers reflected on the promise that was made 100 years ago in the trenches of the Western Front that sparked Legacy.

That promise was an oath made by a soldier

so grateful for all that that they do! I wish them all the best for their centenary celebrations and the torch relay, which will reach its final stop, at Melbourne’s Shrine of Remembrance, on October 13.

For more information on the relay or to find out how you can support Legacy, visit www.legacytorchrelay.com.au

Voices of village life and history

VILLAGE residents from across the Local Government Area are being invited to contribute their stories to a new oral history project.

Stories of Village Life will use oral recordings to capture the living histories of village residents to preserve voices and stories for generations to come.

Facilitators of the project will preserve the in-

terviews in formats that are the industry standard for archiving. The interviews will then be published on the Western Plains Cultural Centre website where they will be accessible for both research purposes and the enjoyment of the general public.

“Through the sharing of memories and stories in a recorded interview, oral histories provide a

Suzanne Margaret Smith

“Sue”

Late of Wellington

Passed away peacefully on 25th July 2023

Aged 54 years

Much loved wife of Michael.

Loving mother of Meg and Emily.

Cherished daughter in-law to Bruce (Dec) & Val (Dec) Smith.

And a good friend to many.

“Loving memories keep those we love close to us forever”

Relatives and friends are warmly invited to attend Sue’s funeral service to celebrate and give thanks for her life to be held at St. Patrick Catholic Church, Wellington on Friday, 11th August 2023 commencing at 11.00am, followed by a private cremation.

means of capturing lived experiences, giving a voice to our past,”

Local Studies Officer Simone Taylor said.

“By capturing these memories today, we can make sure they aren’t lost when people pass away or leave the area.

“They can help inform people in the years to come about what’s changed and what’s stayed the same in our villages. It’s just one way we can help show how much we cherish the smaller communities in our area, through sharing their unique stories and experiences.”

Geurie andWongarbon will be the first villages to have their stories recorded.

Residents from Geurie and Wongarbon are invited to get in touch with the project teams to find out more.

This project will not only save precious stories, but provide a way to share and promote them, increasing our understanding of our whole community and adding more voices to the regional story.

Allegra Clements of Helensvale, Qld, won the Australian Threatened Species’Art Competition for a child 11 years and under with her painting of Drumstick Danger.

Art by her and sister, Tara is on display with other entries in the WellingtonArts Western Gallery until September 15.

Allegra’s mother, Chandra, said her piece of art was born of absolute determination and grit.

“She said ‘mummy, I’m going to win the next art prize’and so she put her little stubborn head down and did it. It took her months!

Isopogon fletcheri, commonly known as Fletcher’s drumsticks, is a species of plant in the family Proteaceae and is endemic to a restricted area in the Blue Mountains. It is critically endangered.

“Allegra’s school made a big deal of the win when announced so needless to say, today is up there with her best,” Chandra said.

Growth in e-Resorces

MACQUARIE Regional Library (MRL) of which Wellington Library is a branch, is experiencing year-on-year growth in the borrowing of its eResources collection.

So plans are to continue to grow the eResources catalogue in 2023/2024. Last year the eResources collection grew by 10 per cent and a similar increase is planned for the coming year.

This week, from July 31 toAugust 6, is Library Services and Information Week and MRL is highlighting the eResources collection which includes more than 40,000 eBooks and eAudiobooks, nearly ,000 eMagazines as well as online films and eNewspapers and Wellington library has been right amongst this.

In 2022/2023 MRL recorded 45,000 eResource loans, 17 per cent of the total number of loans of library items, this is up from 9pc in 2018/2019 prior to COVID.

“We have seen an increased demand from the community for eResources, especially as awareness of the range of eResources at the library grows,” Library’s Ken Klippel said.

“We’re focused on increasing the library’s investment in eResources to improve accessibility to library services online as well as continuing to provide these free to residents, which in the current economic climate is a valuable community asset.”

There are a lot of benefits in borrowing eResources, including the fact they are free to library members and are accessible 24/7.

Loans are automatically returned after the borrowing period so there are no overdue fines and many items have simultaneous loans eliminating the wait times.

e-Resource platforms also provide a range of reader support services such as online book clubs, wish lists, reviews and new title alerts.

Allegra Clements’winning art piece, “Drumcheristick Danger” depicts isopogon fletcheri, which is endemic to the Blue Mountains. The work took her hours, according to her mother, Chandra Clements.

Covering news and views particularly from within the Wellington region, which now runs from Euchareena to Elong Elong and includes Ballymore and Wongarbon, the Wellington Ward of Dubbo Regional Council. Wellington & District Leader is independently published locally by Sharon Wilson trading as Wellington District Leader, 14 Nancarrow Lane, Wellington, NSW, 2820, and printed by Gilgandra Newspapers, another independent.

Community input and feedback is welcomed. Story leads, prepared articles and photographscan be forwarded to the publisher.

Editor: Mark Griggs 0456 940 999 email: mark@wdleader.news

Journalist: Teagan Usher 0401 088 367 email: teag_mc@hotmail.com

Advertising Manager Sharon Wilson 0407 935 998 email: sharon@wdleader.news

Teaching music is Elizabeth’s aim

NOW SHE has gained her Bachelor of Music with Distinction, Wellington local, Elizabeth Morley plans a career in teaching.

The daughter of Doug and Susan Morley, Elizabeth was one of five students attaining the qualifications on Newcastle University’s graduation day.

Proud parents along with her sister Caroline and grandmother Margaret Grasnick travelled to Newcastle for the occasion.

Elizabeth’s love of music started with the local Wellington

Town Band, learning the Clarinet and has not looked back. She now plays a number of instruments which gave encouragement to pursue a career in music.

She will now study for a Masters of Teaching which will enable her to teach in both Primary and High schools.

The Morley family devote much of their time to theWellington region community, Doug is the Wellington Town Bandmaster while Susan plays an integral role in Wellington Guides.

Sunshine encourages big turnout for Geurie Lions markets

WEATHER GODS showered Geurie with sunshine last Saturday attracting the largest number of stallholders and largest crowd for months.

Given that the past two fixtures were washed out, Geurie Lions organisers were ecstatic with the success of the venue in Wise Park.

This was the first opportunity for Geurie Lions Club to use its new food van

Fashions Mount Rifle Club results for Saturday, July 29 at 600 yards.

L. Hough 116.4; S. King 113.5; R. Galea 104.4; F. Stapleton 99.2; J. Haberecht 99; B. Clark 70. Next Shoot Saturday,August 5 at 700 yards. The Rifleman

ATrue BlueAussie Review

GET READY to whet your appetite for food and music later this month when the Wellington Amateur Theatrical Society presents its latest musical production “The True BlueAussie Revue”.

This is a show ofAustralian songs, sketches, nostalgia and nonsense, so don’t miss out.

Tickets for the two evening dinner performances and a Sunday Matinee go on sale on Monday,August 7 and are easily obtained through 123tix.com.au

More about the show in next week’s Wellington & District Leader when we visit rehearsals in the auditorium of Wellington Soldiers Memorial Club.

However, the important message this week is to make sure you organise a table for the twocourse dinner performances –Friday,August 25 and Saturday, August 26 at $60 a head. Maybe you can make a family day on Sunday,August 27 for the 2pm matinee with tickets at $25 or $15 for under 12s.

Elizabeth Morley with parents Doug and Susan and sister, Caroline on her graduation day.

Kindergarten marks 100 days

KINDERGARTEN must be tough these days - students looked like they had aged more than 90 years when they attended school at St Mary’s last Thursday.

Looking more like their elderly relatives, students dressed up to mark an impressive 100 days of school since the start of kindergarten, with the day set aside for many special activities.

St Mary’s Kindergarten teacher, Natasha Redfern, who also made sure to dress for the occasion, said students had been ticking off the days until this milestone since the beginning of the year.

“It was fantastic to see students really get into the spirit of the day and dress up to mark this achievement,” Mrs Redfern said.

“Not only did we mark 100 days of school, but we celebrated the hard work of students in learning new routines, taking on many new challenges and forming some strong friendships.” Throughout the day,

Kindergarten focused on the number 100, making towers with 100 red tea cups, drawing dancing and counting to 100, filling 10 frames with sweet treats and drawing portraits of themselves as 100-year-old people.

Kindergarten students agreed that all had fun for their 100-day celebrations.

Morgan said he enjoyed learning about numbers during the day, while Cooper agreed and said he loved dressing up as an old person. Illeyana said she had loved going to school for 100 days and particularly enjoyed making 10 frames from food all the way to 100 last week, while Grace said the best part was being able to eat the food that they had used.

Throwback Thursday

Looking back at some photos of locals as they were several decades ago - provided by readers who want to preserve Wellington history.

Barab Eldershaw kept an eye on council actvicities.

Beth George.

Hewitt Whyman.

State pollies Garry West, Ian Causley and Gerry Peacocke.

Camels go to school.

Greg Jackson with Wellington Times manager, David Thompson.

Cec Webb was Wellington council’s weed officer.

Dale Jones was Wellington council’s PR front man.

Gordon Tindall was Wellington council’s promotions officer, later CEO Wellington Business Enterprise Centre.

Neil Nixon during his tenure at Wellington Police Force (With more hair than today).

Patsi O’Brien when on the front desk of Plasto and Company, these days at Dubbo Livestock AgentsAssociation at saleyards. Josie Rouland.

Water

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Feed conversion win demonstrates feedlot trial leading traits of Speckle Park breed

ACENTRALWest NSW

Speckle Park stud has put their money where their mouth is, custom feeding 168 F1 Speckle Park-cross steers to demonstrate the breed’s excellent feed conversion rates.

The exercise has proven effective, with feed conversion rates of 5.2:1 after 100 days on feed with an average daily weight gain (ADG) of 2.1kg per day. That means the steers put on 1kg of beef for every 5.2kg of dry matter intake, over 100 days.

Justin andAmy Dickens operate the well-regarded JAD Speckle Park stud from their 1206-hectare property at Yeoval.

Mr Dickens said they purchased the steers late last year to carry through to slaughter, and produce data to help promote the breed.

“There was nothing special about the steers, other than they were bred by a registered Speckle Park bull and out of British-breed females, mostly Angus,” he said.

“We have observed how efficient and resilient our Speckle Park are on-farm, having run them commercially since 2012.

“We wanted to produce more solid data by seeing how they would go out to around 180 days on feed, without a HGP (hormone growth promotant).”]

The consignment of steers entered Ravensworth Feedlot, near Hay, in late-January averaging 361kg. Two B Doubles were processed by JBS Riverina last month.

“After 173 days on feed, they averaged 682kg on exit, and converted at 5.78:1 with a 1.65kg/dayADG from induction weight,” Mr Dickens said.

“Of the 1466 non-HGPAngus steers fed at the same feedlot, over the same period, they converted at 6.64:1 with a 1.73kg/dayADG from induction.”

Mr Dickens said that difference of 0.86:1 feed conversion rate over 173 days equated to a feed

Anglican Parish of Wellington

WELLINGTON – St John the Baptist

Church

Sunday 9am

Sunday 5pm - The Gathering

STUART TOWN

5.30pm on 1st Saturday of month

MARANATHA

11am on 2nd & 4th Friday of month.

Wellington Baptist Church

77 Swift Street

9:30am Sunday mornings

6pm Evening Service

Wellington Uniting Church

Sunday at 9.30am

St Patrick’s Catholic Parish

Saturday Vigil

8.30am – St John the Baptist Church, Stuart Town

Saturday

5pm – Mass, St Patrick’s Church, Wellington

Sunday

8am – Our Lady’s Church, Yeoval first, third and fifth Sundays of the month

10am – Our Lady’s Church, Yeoval second and fourth Sundays of the month

10am – St Patrick’s Church, Wellington first, third and fifth Sundays of the month

8am – St Patrick’s Church, Wellington second and fourth Sundays of the month

Weekday mass

Please check parish bulletin

In Christ Chapel

2pm Sunday

Jehovah’s Witnesses

7.30pm Thursday

10am Sunday

Everyone looks at the classifieds.

Promote your Annual General Meetings, Special Club Events, Birthday Parties

Homes and Flats to rent or wanted to rent

Lost and Found

Garage Sale

Memorium

Public Notice

Raffle prize winners

saving of 24,995kg, totalling $11,247, or $66.96 per head.

“In a world with growing consumer attention around carbon footprint and methane emissions, this kind of data is so important,” he said.

“It is widely understood that feed intake and methane production are directly correlated - the more an animal eats, the more methane it produces.”

In addition, the entire consignment only had three animals treated during their time on feed - one for pinkeye and two for respiratory.

“We are told the pull rate over this length of time on feed is usually 10-12pc of the mob - so that number should have been more like 15-20 animals,” Mr Dickens said. “This demonstrates the inbuilt resilience that we observe with the Speckle Park breed on-farm.”

Mr and Mrs Dickens inspected their steers at Ravensworth Feedlot soon before processing, together with their livestock agent, Nick Fogarty, Bowyer & Livermore, Bathurst.

Mr Dickens said Speckle Park cows were efficient producers, with their more moderate mature cow weight and efficient conversion allowing producers to run more cows per hectare.

“There is too much focus

around individual animal performance and gross profit from an animal, while it is net profit per hectare that matters at the end of the day,” he said.

“How the cows maintained their condition through the drought was a real selling point for us, and with predictions of a short but sharp El Nino, those cows that hold their condition without needing to be propped up are the ones I want to run.”

Mr and Mrs Dickens are next planning to carry out meat research to further promote the meat quality attributes of Speckle Park beef.

“We have had five successful bull and female sales to date and want to play a leading role in further promoting the breed, to ultimately benefit our clients,”

Mr Dickens said.

“We have run most breeds of cattle commercially since purchasing our first property in 2012, and are convinced of the role of Speckle Park in theAustralian beef industry of the future.

“It forgets to rain here inAustralia from time to time, so we need an animal that will not just deliver an excellent customer eating experience, but it must also tick boxes back on the farm around efficiency and environmental footprint.”

Riverside Church Inc.

170 Thornton Street

Sunday: 10.00am Service

Thursday: Bible Study for Men and Women 10.30 am

ONE STOPSHOP

JAD Speckle Park principal, Justin Dickens, “Greenvale”, Yeoval, with Bowyer & Livermore livestock agent, Nick Fogarty, inspecting the Dickens’Speckle Park-cross steers at Ravensworth Feedlot near Hay, on July 12.

‘ONE STOP SHOP’ DIRECTORY

Safety testing tech soars to the next level at Cudal site

CUTTING-EDGE motorcycle detection testing technology has been introduced at Transport for NSW’s vehicle testing and research centre to help make our roads safer for both drivers and motorcyclists across the state.

The newest and most advanced testing technology is aimed at preventing motorcycle collisions and has been rolled out alongside the completion of a new 400 metre intersection at the Future Mobility Testing and Research Centre (FMTRC) in Cudal. The new technology can assess how well a car detects and avoids collisions with motorcyclists. In NSW, motorcycle registrations have jumped by 20 per cent to nearly 280,000 in the past five years, and tragically, on average, 58 motorcyclists are killed and almost 1000 seriously injured on NSW roads every year.

The government’s expansion of its testing capabilities and on-site expertise in Cudal is critical to the work ofAustralasia’s independent vehicle safety testing organisation,ANCAP.

The world-class site is helping the automotive industry and developers realise the next generation of safety enhancements that will benefit all road users.

The new crossroad intersects the existing 1.6 kilometre runway at the former Hazelton airport site. The $1.2 million intersection was constructed by TfNSW teams from across the Central West, along with a contractor’s local crews.

To date the Cudal site has delivered more than 80 test and research programs.

Other recent upgrades to the FMTRC include the installation of EV charging facilities, refurbishment of the existing house with fit-for-purpose office spaces for testing teams, and an upgrade to 5G connectivity across the site to facilitate advanced vehicle testing.

with Mathew Dickerson,Axxis Comworld

THE FRAGILITY and malleability of human memory has been a subject of fascination for scientists, psychologists and even storytellers for generations.

The intrigue lies in understanding just how susceptible our minds are to external influences and how the past can be redefined by present experiences.

In a groundbreaking experiment from 2001, researchers Elizabeth Loftus and Jacquie Pickrell explored the realm of false memories. Participants in their study were shown ads from Disneyland which featured Bugs Bunny – a character not from the Disney universe, but from Warner Bros. Astoundingly, up to a third of these participants later claimed they had met Bugs Bunny on their trip to Disneyland, an impossible memory!

This revelation that memories, once thought to be steadfast records, could be implanted or altered, set the stage for further inquiries into the domain of human cognition. But as technology evolved, so did the tools with which these memories could be manipulated.

Flash forward to today’s age of deepfakes – sophisticatedAI-driven videos that can seamlessly superimpose one face over another, creating footage that feels astonishingly real. This technology has given rise to a new wave of false memories, particularly in the realm of entertainment.

Arecent study highlighted just how

easily viewers could be led astray by these digital illusions. After watching a deepfake clip that inserted Charlize Theron into Captain Marvel (originally played by Brie Larson) a whopping 70 per cent believed that such a movie remake had indeed been released.

Given the visually convincing nature of deepfakes, one might assume that they would have a monopoly over the creation of false memories. However, Gillian Murphy at University College Cork offers a different perspective. Her research compared the effects of both deepfake videos and mere text descriptions on memories from imaginary film remakes. These included fantastical reinterpretations such as Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie starring in ‘The Shining’, Will Smith playing Neo in ‘The Matrix’ and Chris Pratt taking on the iconic role of Indiana Jones.

The findings? Deepfakes, despite their visual realism, were on par with text descriptions in their ability to plant false memories. Astaggering 75pc of viewers recalled the non-existent Captain Marvel remake with Theron after viewing the deepfake, while a textual account led a similar 70pc to believe the same.

What is even more intriguing is that these memories were not just passive recollections. Participants often expressed strong sentiments, with 41pc stating that the fictional Captain Marvel

starring Theron was better than the original. Similarly, 13pc opined that Pratt’s version of Indiana Jones was superior to Harrison Ford’s classic portrayal.

The potency of textual narratives in manipulating memory might seem baffling.

Elizabeth Loftus, the pioneer of the 2001 Bugs Bunny study, posits a theory: written words allow readers to use their imagination, to visualize and construct their own cinematic sequences, resulting in vivid, albeit erroneous, memories.

This suggests a profound and somewhat unsettling revelation about our cognitive processes. Our memories aren’t just malleable; they’re also susceptible to the myriad influences of the modern world. As technology advances and the boundaries between the real and fabricated grow ever more indistinct, the need for discernment and critical thinking becomes paramount.

From believing in a whimsical encounter with Bugs Bunny at Disneyland to being convinced of Charlize Theron’s stint as Captain Marvel, false memories continue to challenge our understanding of reality.

As we navigate this ever-evolving landscape, we must remember: seeing isn’t always believing, and sometimes, neither is reading.

Now that we know it is possible, send an e-mail to ask@techtalk.digital with a false memory you would like inserted.

Mb: 0428 635 994

THE PAST week has seen the same pattern as July’s previous weeks except for warmer days and nights with little rain.

This pattern will need to include more rain as we go into spring and the weather warms up considerably.

Cattle prices are down and the herd is growing, so why is steak so expensive?

Depending on where and when you shop for your prime cuts you are probably paying between $30 and $60. Akilo -which can be considered a little pricey rib eye and sirloin might be beyond our budget but mince and sausages are still making it into the shopping trolley, not justAustralia but globally.

Despite the higher price for steak, the price of ground meat products has fallen by 5 to 8 per cent.

Products like burgers, sausages and mince are cheap to make because they don’t require as much labour deboning and cutting as extra work making prime cuts more expensive, even with more cattle available, the competitive labour market makes that extra work more expensive for processors.

After numbers dropping significantly to aprox 25 million head during the past droughtAustralia’s national cattle herd has recovered to roughly 28.5million head - the highest level in almost a decade.

The increase in supply has seen the Eastern young cattle indicator (EYCI), a rolling weekly sample of the price of young cattle across Queensland, NSW and Victoria, drop roughly 50pc since September last year.

New barley variety

NEO. This new variety is tipped to help barley production boom. The high-performance variety promises to increase yields by 10pc generating a potential $110 million annual boost to the value ofAustralia’s barley industry. The variety, which was recently submitted for malting barley accreditation, is well suited to medium to high rainfall environments, boasting strong pest and disease resistance and superior grain quality characteristics.

The naturally bred variety is a product from DPI and regional development’s cereal doubled haploid program, accelerating the development of breeding lines tailored toAustralian conditions. NEO variety has much better resistance to the spot forms and net forms of net blotch than the widely grown RGT variety, as well as high levels of rain plumpness, good tolerance to lodging, good head retention and tolerance to head loss.

Neo was created by WesternAustralian-based breeding company Inter Grain, co-owned by the WAgovernment and the Grains Research and Development Corporation.

Grain

Grain production for 23/24 is predicted to be down by 2pc to 3pc globally with Canada and USAexperiencing dry conditions. Similarly parts of Europe with Great Britain currently harvesting eight million tonne of wheat, Black Sea with many area’s unsown due to conflict.

Australia still unknown, probably back due to area sown being down and the predicted el-nino. Markets at a glance

Wool.. The EMI rose 17c to close at 1174c/kg clean whilst the NMI rose to 1223c/kg cln. Sydney Merino fleece rose 22c for wools of good colour and free of cots mostly f4 types. M skirtings remained the same and cardings were firm pas- in rate of 6.6pc with 843 bales withdrawn.

Cattle.. DBO 3641 head, back 23. Young cattle to the trade was dearer, prime yearlings sold from 270 to 354c/kg. Feeder steers 300 to 353. Feeder heifers 260 to 324c/kg

Sheep.. DBO July 24. 7290 sheep, down 3035; lambs 21,350, up 3770. Trade lambs $10 to $20 cheaper selling from $56. to $125 to average between 365 and 458c/kg CWT. Hoggets were $13 cheaper selling to $105. Sheep were cheaper.

Products of the week

* Triforine 500mls $9.90

* Wettable sulphur $12.40

*Amicide 625, 20lt $135

* Fert SOA25kg $34 to feed the lawn and kill the clover

Stock report by Geoff Plasto

RAIN SHOWERS fell over the weekend with 2 to 5 mms around the district apart from that the week was cold and frosty.

Dubbo last Thursday, 3641 prime cattle penned in a fairly good quality yarding with good numbers of wellfinished grain assisted yearlings to suit the processors along with a fair selection of feeder young cattle. Cows were well supplied and also good numbers of heavy steers and heifers, weaners suitable for backgrounders and restockers were also present. Trade young cattle were dearer, feeder steers and heifers were firm, the steers selling from 300 to 358 cents/kg, the heifers ranged from 210 to 324c/kg. Restocker young cattle were also firm, the young steers traded from 265 to 370c/kg while the young heifers realised 172 to 325cc/kg. Heavy steers fell 5 to 9 cents, however the heavy heifers rose 12 cents, cows gained 16 cents. Restockers purchased 4yr to 8 year old Angus cows from 254 to 261c/kg.

Quotations, steer vealers 265 to 370, heifer vealers 172 to 332, steer yearlings 230 to 358, heifer yearlings 190 to 349, heavy steers 266 to 338, bullocks 250 to 315, heavy heifers 210 to 400, light cows 100 to 185, medium cows 140 to 256, heavy cows 186 to 250, bulls 170 to 270.

No store cattle sales were held in the Central West last week.

Dubbo on Monday, 17,180 lambs penned in a mainly plain quality yarding with large numbers of secondary light weight crossbred and Merino lambs. There were some outstanding heavies yarded however, only limited numbers of ideal trade types. Ideal heavy trade lambs gained $12 while the lighter plainer types lost $11, 20 to 24kg trade lambs sold from $60 to $120 with the better lambs averaging 445c/kg. Light plain conditioned lambs averaged 280 to 370c/kg. Heavy lambs improved $3 to $5 with 24 to 30kg lambs ranging from $112 to $138, lambs over 30kg traded from $141 to $180 to average 465c/kg. Trade Merino lambs fell up to $12 realising $48 to $96, heavier Merino lambs rose $4 to $6 selling from $113 to $128. Restocker light Merino lambs were in good numbers ranging from $5 to $41, hoggets reached $105. Sheep.. 9,430 mutton were penned, the market was down $14 to $22, Merino ewes sold from $10 to $100, crossbred ewes ranged from $30 to $86, Exotic ewes reached $90. Merino wethers traded from $36 to $90, most of the better sheep averaged between 220 to 290c/kg. Restockers paid $5 to $33 for Merino ewes and $55 to $73 for Aussie White ewes, rams $12 to $25, ram lambs $16 to $53.

Wool sales are still in winter recess.

Australia’s cattle herd reaches highest level in a decade

Key points

* The national herd continues to grow, reaching 28.7m head, its highest level in a decade.

* Cattle slaughter is forecast to rise strongly from 2022 lows as processing capacity improves.

* Production forecast to increase strongly in 2023.

THE GROWTH of theAustralian national cattle herd is on track to increase throughout 2023, resulting in a high supply of both young cattle and finished weight animals to market well into 2024.

This is according to the latest Cattle Industry Projections update from Meat & LivestockAustralia (MLA), which notes that the national cattle herd will reach its highest level since 2014 at 28.7 million head.

With the national cattle herd this year reaching its highest level since 2014, stocking rates in southernAustralia, particularly in New South Wales, are at levels well above long-term averages. NorthernAustralia will develop its herd rebuild on the back of a very strong wet season.

According to senior market information analyst at MLA, RipleyAtkinson, a continuation of female retention in northernAustralia will ensure the rebuild for this region continues, while the breeding herd in southernAustralia will reach levels above long-term averages in 2023. “The longer-term outlook of higher supply is ensured, with the above-average marking rates continuing despite a forecast return to average or below-average seasonal conditions,” MrAtkinson said.

Beef production is forecast to strongly increase this year as a result of improvements in processing capac-

Around the tracks with Col Hodges

WITHINAweek of his 11th birthday, Billy Bent Ear won his 16th race when taking out the feature Sprint on Saturday at the very successful Macquarie Picnics held at Trangie.

Aveteran of 139 starts, Billy Bent Ear has also recorded 37 placings and in total accumulated over $250,000 prize money.

The old warhorse with a devoted fan club is trained at Dubbo by Connie Greig and for the Trangie meeting promising young jockey Grady Spokes made the long trip from Coffs Harbour to take the mount.

Castlebar Road, a last start second in strong TAB company at Dubbo, kicked clear at the top of the straight and punters who backed the $1.50 favourite were feeling reasonably confident.

Not to be denied, Billy Bent Ear (Grady Spokes, $6) gradually wore down the favourite and in the final strides edged to a long head win over Castlebar Road (Sally Faulks) with Bizarro (Michael Gray, $15) finishing third in the 800m RebelAg & Delta Open Trophy Handicap.

The day became even better for leading trainer Connie Greig when she won the 1400m Three Rivers Machinery Case IH Macquarie Picnic Cup with Black Hill Kitty.

MissAsh Star and Sons Of Bourke vied for the lead from the outset with Leeton based Breanna Bourke giving Black Hill Kitty a nice run in fourth position alongside stablemate Individualist.

Producing a good finishing run, Black Hill Kitty ($7) won by nearly two lengths fromAmazingly (Sebastian Galea, $6) which came from last while Madison Point (Ricky Blewitt, $6) ran third after looking a threat in the straight.

Jane Clement from Bendemeer who trains the Cup runner-upAmazingly had earlier won the 1100m Elders &Aaron Pearce Transport & Seed Cleaning Class B Handicap withAdviser.

Well ridden by Sebastian Galea,Adviser ($4) gained a rails’run to beat Geesheehan (Grady Spokes, $2.80 fav) and Jackal (Zara Lewis, $7).

ity so far in 2023, higher slaughter volumes and historically elevated carcase weights.

Slaughter for 2023 is forecast to reach 6.95 million head, a revision upwards of five per cent or 325,000 head on MLA’s January figures.

Driving the higher volume this year will be:* Strong numbers of grassfed steer turn-off from key production regions of Queensland, including the Channel Country.

* Significantly higher numbers of cast-for-age cows as numbers of breeding females on-farm allow the turn-off of older stock.

“Processors are continuing to manage higher supplies of slaughter weight stock and this trend is expected to continue for the remainder of the year,” MrAtkinson said.

“So far in 2023, the cattle market has operated as it typically does throughout the first six months of the year,” MrAtkinson said.

“It’s not uncommon for higher turnoff of stock leading into winter to place downward pressure on price. “However, the previous three years have been the exception due to the rebuild following years of drought, and the impacts of COVID.

“In considering these major events, it is important to acknowledge these years were outliers when it comes to examining trends in cattle prices.”

Based on current rates, analyst forecasts to 31 December are for the EYCI to be 546¢, a 10¢/kg carcase weight (cwt) or 2pc decline. If this forecast eventuates, the price would be 13.5pc or 85¢ lower than the 10-year average. The remainder of 2023 is expected to see continued improvements in both supply of cattle and beef to market as slaughter rates increase.

Amuch improved young rider, Sebastian Galea made it a double when he won the 1400m Warrego Gypsum & LewisAg Logistics Maiden Plate on the Ian Holland, Coonamble trained Castlehyde.

Nearly causing an upset was the Leo Harland, Gilgandra trained $26 outsider Down The Back (Grady Spokes) which established a big lead before being run down and beaten a long neck by Castlehyde $2.70 fav) with Take On Manhattan (Michael Gray, $3.40) a handy third.

Sarah McIlrick who has stables atAlectown, between Parkes and Tomingley, is the trainer ofAsteria Star, stylish winner of the 1100m Inland Petroleum Maiden Plate.

Sweeping to the front in the straight,Asteria Star (Michael Gray, $8) was a two lengths winner from Seminara (Ricky Blewitt, $3.50) and Red Card Rosie (Zara Lewis, ($26).

Gilgandra based Zara Lewis who rode successfully at the professional races has returned to the Picnic circuit and she won the 1400mAndrew PeadonAgencies & Bell, Potter & Nutrien Class B Handicap on Gundawarra for Quirindi trainer Geoff O’Brien.

Overtaken in the straight, Gundawarra ($2.10 fav) came again to beat Her Call (Ricky Blewitt, $8.50) and Nopain (Sebastian Galeaa, $4).

There was success also for a Gilgandra jockey and trainer the previous day at the Dubbo TAB meeting.

Well ridden by James Rogers for trainerAshley Gibson, Quick Floss ($18) raced handy to the lead then fought on gamely to beat Vinlago (Dylan Stanley, $21) and Chookster (Julia Presits, $16) in a close finish to the 1000m Tooheys Old Country Boosted Maiden Plate. ***

Racing at Gilgandra on Saturday and Forbes Cup on Sunday followed by Louth Saturday,August 12 and Dubbo SundayAugust 13.

Junior Redbacks - Carmen Gain photos

Senior Redbacks - Simone McManus photos

Senior Warriors soccer - Jo Ivey photos

Juan Caldera

Nick Streicher

Jake Sales

Aiden Carr

Ngahla Talbot Llion Owen

Luke Pender

So Sorn

Junior golf clinic - Jo Ivey photos

Golfers Josh Bullock, Dan Baxter and Rod Pedron conducted a junior golf clinic at Wellington Golf Course last Saturday.

Adozen young budding golfers were helped along with tips in putting, swing, pitching, chipping, patience, confidence and honesty, plus friendships and enjoyment.

Carter Thorpe

George Denovan

Josh Bullock

Fred Owens

Carter Thorpe

Fred Owens

Isla Bullock and Ruby Thorpe

Hudson Smith putting

Jim Nugent

sport

Big weekend in sport - Rugby, Soccer and junior golf

Golfing news Fairways had busy week of golfers

FAIRWAYS WERE busy all of last week with young and older golfers testing their skills.

It has happened, there are now PREFERRED LIES through the green from this week, enjoy.

Last Saturday was a Par event with Rob Parnell the winner after he put together a great round of golf to finish with a +7.

Runner-up was Norm Johnston who is getting better with each round. He finished with a +6. Prize winners were, Trent Forrest +4, Peter Holden +3, Kurt Cusack, David Naveau, Norm Royal, Stephen Whiteman, Joe Ryan all with +2, Charles Griffin, John Donnelly, Elton Keeffe all with +1 on a c/b.

NTP on the third was Stephen Whiteman, Gary McCarroll 8th, Kurt Cusack 14th, and Mac Harvey 16th. Gersbach’s NTP in two shots on the 15th hole went to Kurt Cusack. The Brent Eather Encouragement award was taken out by David Wilson with +8, but only just. Jespresso longest drives went to Joe Ryan inAgrade and David Hyde in B grade.

Wednesday’s golf was the July Monthly Medal with Patsi O’Brien having a great day out finishing with a 69nett. Runner-up was Janelle Frappell who finished with a 72nett on a c/b. Prize winners were, Lewis McCarthy 72nett, Pauline Potts 72nett, Denise Haesler 73nett. NTP winners were Denise Haesler and Cathy Loo-Shue. Tuesday’s golf results had Richard Wykes claim the day’s prize with 40pts. Runner-up prize went to Trevor Messenger with 37pts.

Round 4 of the KFC chicken run was played resulted in Barry Bowman cleaning up the field to claim the prize with a 29nett. This Saturday’s golf events are the Wellington Soldiers

Memorial ClubAugust Monthly Medal plus the George Hollow Putting Competition as well as the Quarter Finals of the JimBob Cup. 19th hole

Josh Bullock shows how it’s done during a junior golf clinic last Saturday. More Photos Page 19.

Carmen Gain was at the Rugby Wallas games and snapped this magic shot during the Under 8s game. More photos inside...

Jo Ivey was at soccer and caught up with the youngsters. More photos inside.