ORANGE PROPERTY MARKET
YOUR ALL LOCAL PROPERTY GUIDE
View it online at www.orangecitylife.com.au
PROPERTY OF THE WEEK BROUGHT TO YOU BY
McCarron Cullinane
Agent’s Pick
Marie Fox
t. 0412 166 132
44 Jubilee Avenue, ORANGE 3
1
6
$430,000 Located in a quiet cul-de-sac close to schools, parks and easy access to the CBD this 3 bedroom home offers huge potential. This property offers• 3 bedrooms, the main with large built-in wardrobe • Fully renovated kitchen with dishwasher • Beautiful and practical polished floorboards in the living areas • Wood heater plus reverse cycle air conditioner • Easy to maintain, fully enclosed backyard • Garage/workshop that can easily fit 4 cars with a double carport attached Whether you’re a first home buyer looking to take your first step into the property market or a savvy investor looking to expand and boost your portfolio this home is definitely worth a look. Call now for your personal inspection to snatch this prime opportunity.
Open for viewing Saturday 10th July, 11.00-11.30am JULY 8 — 14, 2021 19
Open Houses For week 8— 14 JULY, 2021 DATE TIME
ADDRESS
PRICE RANGE
10.7.21
10.15-10.45
15 Bundarra Crescent
3
1
1
$355,000-$385,000
10.7.21
10.15-10.45am
3 Stevenson Way
4
2.5
2
$860,000-$880,000
10.7.21
11.00-11.30am
50 Churchill Avenue
2
1
1
Auction
10.7.21
12.00-12.30pm
14 Garema Road
3
1.5
2
$399,000
10.7.21
12.30-1.30pm
1721 Ophir Road
4
3
5
$1,300,000-$1,400,000
10.7.21
1.15-1.45pm
42 Gosling Road
4
2
6
$1,400,000-$1,500,000
10.7.21
10-10.30
120 Warrendine Street
3
1
1
$749,990
10.7.21
11-11.30
12 Benelong Place
3
1
1
$539,000
10.7.21
12-12.30
1701 Forest Road
3
1
10.7.21
11.00-11.30
44 Jubilee Avenue
3
1
6
$430,000
10.7.21
12.00 - 12.30pm
3
2
4
Contact Agent
10.7.21
11.00 - 11.30am
5
2
2
Contact Agent
10.7.21
11.15 - 11.45am
4
2
4
Contact Agent
10.7.21
12.00 -12.30pm
5
2
2
Contact Agent
10.7.21
12.15 - 12.45pm
3
2
2
Contact Agent
10.7.21
1.45 - 2.15pm
4
1
2
Contact Agent
10.7.21
12.00 - 12.30pm
4
2
2
Contact Agent
10.7.21
1.00 - 1.30pm
3
1
2
Contact Agent
10.7.21
10.15-10.45
4
2
2
Contact Agent
10.7.21
11.00-11.30
3
2
2
$789,000
10.7.21
11.45-12.15
3
1
2
$335,000-$355,000
$499,990
OPEN SATURDAY 10TH JULY 2021 @ 11.00AM - 11.30AM
124 Gardiner Road, Orange 3
2
2
$789,000
DELIGHTFUL DOUBLE BRICK Delightful double brick homes on bluestone foundations that ooze the character of yesteryear within close proximity of the Orange CBD have become tremendously popular for those seeking to enjoy the vibrancy of the area along with the convenience and ease of access to shopping, café's, restaurants, wine bars and schools. Homes like these have experienced impressive capital growth, low vacancy rates if offered as short term stay accommodation and with Orange being a destination in demand, this home will make an ideal investment for excellent potential earnings as tourist accommodation. So if you are looking to invest or are wanting to purchase 124 Gardiner Road to live in and enjoy for yourself, it offers all of this plus much, much more. Boasting beautiful high ceilings, polished floor boards, original fire places, picture rails, new carpet in the bedrooms, spacious and fully renovated kitchen, two delightfully renovated bathrooms, ducted gas heating, large dining area which adjoins the kitchen, fantastic sized lounge room with hardwood timber flooring with plenty of room for a study area. One of the main features of this home is the private, relaxing and tranquil covered outdoor entertaining space area that flows perfectly through the french doors from the lounge and dining area. All this is surrounded by a beautifully manicured garden with fruit trees, hedges and established trees. There is also vehicle access at the side of the home to the colourbond garage with remote access. Inspections are a must so call now to arrange a time or you can see it Saturday at the open home.
Contact Scott Quirk 0476 333 076 or Brad Randahl 0409 322 090
20
JULY 8 — 14, 2021
12 TORULOSA WAY, ORANGE 3
1
1
FOR SALE $430,000
• Perfect first home buyer or Investment opportunity. • Generous size bedrooms, all with built ins. • Two large living areas and ducted gas heating throughout and a reverse cycle spit system. • Modern kitchen with stainless steel appliances, glass splashback and gas cooking. • You could retain the current tenant or move in and make it your own home. KATIE CHRISTOPHERSON 0400 637 559 katie@williamsmachin.com.au
UNDER OFFER
32 KOORONGA WAY, ORANGE | FOR SALE CONTACT AGENT
3
• Fantastic West Orange location, much loved family home.
1
1
50 CARCOAR STREET, SPRING HILL | FOR SALE $620,000
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• Large family home in village setting, 15 minutes from Orange.
• Large windows provide lots of natural light.
• Multiple living areas, large kitchen with breakfast bench and lots of cupboard space.
• Neat and tidy timber kitchen with dishwasher.
• 1200 square metre block with sheds, gardens sheds.
• Set on a large block with drive through garage for rear yard access.
• Separate studio with kitchenette and bathroom.
• Private inspection only. MARTY LYDEN 0404 070 391 marty@williamsmachin.com.au
MARTY LYDEN 0404 070 391 marty@williamsmachin.com.au
WANTED TO BUY
• LAND PLUS SHED (OR JUST LAND) • 2000 SQ METERS - 10,000 SQ METERS Zoned for industrial / landscaping / or similar business within 6km of Orange CBD.
WILLIAMS MACHIN FIRST FOR REAL ESTATE IN ORANGE PH 02 6362 6966
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37 SALE STREET, ORANGE
|
WWW.WILLIAMSMACHIN.COM.AU JULY 8 — 14, 2021 21
39 SALE STREET, ORANGE | 6363 1000 | PFISHER.COM.AU IN ADDITION TO OPEN HOMES, ALL PROPERTIES CAN BE VIEWED BY PRIVATE INSPECTION OR VIDEO CALL, JUST CONTACT THE AGENT.
ALL INSPECTIONS WILL BE CONDUCTED UNDER STRICT HEALTH GUIDELINES. 3
2
2
2
CONTACT AGENT
8/18A GLASSON DRIVE
1
1
50 CHURCHILL AVENUE
AUCTION: SATURDAY, 24 JULY 2021 – 11.00AM - ON SITE
NEW LISTING
OPEN HOMES: SATURDAY 10 JULY 11.00-12.00 EXECUTIVE TOWNHOUSE IN PRIVATE COMMUNITY Tucked away in a quiet, private complex is this executive townhouse. There is an abundance of space, you can downsize your life without feeling like you’re jeopardizing your living space. The home has been thoughtfully designed to catch the sun, offering a large open plan kitchen/living/dining area with a north facing alfresco entertaining area. The master bedroom offers a large walk-in wardrobe and lovely ensuite in modern charcoal, grey and white tones. Down the hall you will find two large bedrooms with built-in wardrobes, large stylish bathroom with a tub big enough to have a decent soak in. For winter months there is ducted gas heating and a split system air conditioner in the living room. Also setting this townhouse apart from others is its large double garage, elevated position, and low maintenance secure back yard. All you need to do is move in! Hurry! It won’t last long. CONTACT: MICHAEL WRIGHT 0421 360 948
4
2
6
42 GOSLING ROAD
PRICE RANGE OF $1,400,000 TO $1,500,000
OPEN HOMES: SATURDAY 10 JULY 1.15-1.45 A LITTLE PIECE OF PARADISE This beautiful property on 5 acres (approx.) is just 10 minutes from the CBD and less than 5 minutes to the hospital but feels like it’s worlds away. You will love the tranquil ambience of the rural setting with gorgeous views of Gosling Creek. Beautifully elevated, the four bedroom family home has been meticulously updated. There are new carpets and floorboards, it has been fully repainted and the bathrooms are brand new. There are two large living areas, separate dining room and a tastefully updated kitchen. The main bedroom has a walk-in-wardrobe, ensuite and a convenient office or nursery. All the other bedrooms are generous in size with built ins. The magic continues outside with the gazebo, inground swimming pool and sunken firepit area providing numerous areas in which to host gatherings. The property also boasts a fully powered 6-bay shed, low maintenance gardens, beautiful landscaping, one paddock with a dam and a licensed bore. This amazing property really must be seen to truly appreciate this little piece of paradise. CONTACT: JACOB EVANS 0428 130 789
22 JULY 8 — 14, 2021
OPEN HOMES: SATURDAY 10 JULY 11.00-11.30 READY TO GO NOW Here’s a great opportunity for someone that wants a home ready to go right now. The makeover is complete with new flooring throughout, new window coverings, fresh paint inside and out, both the kitchen and bathroom present very well, and everything is neat, tidy and functional. If you’re looking for a home to live in straight away, then here it is ready to go now. Perhaps you’re an investor looking for a great return then consider this – the property would rent in the current rental market for between $310-$330 a week. Both bedrooms have built-in wardrobes with another 3rd room suitable for an office or nursery. An ideal size backyard with a lock up garage and good all-round fencing provides a neat, sweet, complete package. CONTACT: ADAM SAVAGE 0419 232 416
3
1.5
2
14 GAREMA ROAD
$399,000
OPEN HOMES: SATURDAY 10 JULY 12.00-12.30 FANTASTIC STARTER HOME First home buyers and investors should seriously consider this property as it presents a wonderful opportunity for that first step onto the property ladder or to add to your existing portfolio. The three bedroom home has been updated with fresh paint throughout and the bathroom has been fully renovated. The kitchen is in good condition, there is a handy second toilet in the laundry and split system air conditioners in each of the three bedrooms and the living area. The backyard is secure and has a single garage plus a carport. It is estimated that Investors could expect to receive around $410 to $430 per week in rent. Overall, this is a very neat and tidy package with plans available to view for a proposed granny flat in the backyard, just for that something extra. Inspections are easily arranged, don’t miss your chance to see this fantastic starter home. CONTACT: CHRIS MASON 0438 629 417
39 SALE STREET, ORANGE | 6363 1000 | PFISHER.COM.AU IN ADDITION TO OPEN HOMES, ALL PROPERTIES CAN BE VIEWED BY PRIVATE INSPECTION OR VIDEO CALL, JUST CONTACT THE AGENT.
ALL INSPECTIONS WILL BE CONDUCTED UNDER STRICT HEALTH GUIDELINES. 3
1
1
15 BUNDARRA CRESCENT
PRICE RANGE: $355,000 -$385,000
5
2
5
45 BOWMAN AVENUE
CONTACT AGENT
UNDER OFFER
OPEN HOMES: SATURDAY 10 JULY 10.15-10.45 FLEXIBLE FLOORPLAN This home has a very flexible floor plan that allows either a 3 bedroom with 2 living areas or a 4 bedroom with 1 living area configuration. The bedrooms are a generous size with built in wardrobes in 2 of them and both the lounge and family areas are spacious as well. The kitchen has a gas stove and good cupboards, heating is a reverse cycle system in the lounge room and a gas bayonet heater outlet in the family room keeping both ends of the house covered. The bathroom has a shower over bath, a toilet and there’s another handy second toilet adjacent to the laundry. Outside you’ll find a private Al-fresco area, garden shed and carport. Call and inspect today. CONTACT: ADAM SAVAGE 0419 232 416
4
2.5
2
3 STEVENSON WAY
PRICE RANGE: $860,000-$880,000
EXPANSIVE FAMILY HOME This expansive home in the sought after Wentworth Estate was built with family life in mind. There is space for everyone with a lounge/media room at the front of the home, a gorgeous open plan living space, perfect for entertaining, with room for a huge dining table, a dedicated family TV or sitting area and a stylish galley kitchen with big island bench and a walk-in pantry. There is also a very spacious rumpus room which is the perfect hang out for the kids and their friends. There are five bedrooms, an office plus study nook, two bathrooms and ducted gas heating for warmth and a split system to keep you cool. The big boy’s toys are sorted with easy access to the 12.5 x 8 metre shed and carport in the backyard. The landscaping is all done, the gardens nicely established and the 1500sqm block is pretty low maintenance for its size. Grow your own veggies, enjoy summer BBQ’s on the covered al fresco area and generally just spread out and enjoy the comfort this home affords everyone in the family. CONTACT: CHRIS MASON 0438 629 417
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2
4
338 SANDY CREEK ROAD, MOLONG
PRICE GUIDE: $799,000 - $849,000
OPEN HOMES: SATURDAY 10 JULY 10.15-10.45 HAMPTONS STYLE SHOWPIECE This Hamptons style home is a true showpiece. From the picket fence to the raised portico and beyond this modern home has been designed to perfection. The cladding and painted brick exterior is contemporary and appealing, and the pretty blue front door invites you inside where the features of this home continue to amaze. The split level creates an impressive ceiling height through the open plan kitchen living and dining area with views across the covered al fresco area towards Mt Canobolas. The kitchen is beautifully appointed and has a butler’s pantry. There is a huge master suite with walk-in robe and luxurious ensuite. The three other bedrooms are all oversized, the family bathroom is a delight and there is a media room perfect for cosy movie nights. The front and back yards are low maintenance with high quality artificial turf and easy care gardens. With its thoughtful design and modern appeal this CONTACT: CHRIS MASON 0438 629 417 home is a must see.
COUNTRY LIVING IN MODERN STYLE If your family is looking for more space to enjoy the outdoors and soak in the serenity of rural living every day, then this could be your dream home. A mere 7 minutes from Molong and an easy 30 minutes from Orange, this beautifully modern homestead sits on 12.3 acres (approx.) with the verandah nicely framing the view of peaceful rural surrounds. There is room for all the family to live life and relax in comfort with two living areas, four big bedrooms and two bathrooms. The large kitchen with its stunning island bench will make mealtimes a delight every day. The spacious living area is wonderfully open and light with views of the gorgeous vista from every window. It opens onto the verandah and al-fresco area perfect for enjoying BBQ’s and soaking up the peace and quiet that comes with having no close neighbours. The outside features are a real asset with big shed, solar panels, water tank, bore and pump and sheep yards already in place making it easy for you to run some sheep or have a horse or two. CONTACT: JACOB EVANS 0428 130 789
JULY 8 — 14, 2021 23
IDEAL LOCATION FOR AN ENTERPRISE
ONE FOR THE RENOVATOR ON THE EDGE OF CANOWINDRA
COMMERCIAL BUILDING IN BUSY FIVEWAYS PRECINCT
A commercial premises located on a high traffic corridor close to the CBD currently run as the iconic Bissy’s Café. With several dining areas, a modern kitchen and a delightful outdoor sitting area, this premises is perfectly set us as café/restaurant. At the rear is a studio and an abundant fruit garden.
Located on a peaceful ½ acre block (2023 m2) this charming little weatherboard home is waiting for a new Owner to bring it back to its former self. The property has two bedrooms plus a sleep out that could be used as another bedroom. There is a separate lounge room with a split air conditioner and open fire place, an eat in kitchen/ dining area and a sunroom /family room that captures the lovely rural outlook. Timber floorboards throughout and a front veranda add to the charm and there is town water and sewage. Grab your tool box and paintbrush and enquire today.
Prime Summer Street site with busy highway frontage. Former 50 seat restaurant with plenty of potential. Room for on-site parking at rear. Zoned: B6 Enterprise Corridor, Land size: 508.1 m2
*The premises to be sold with vacant possession and the registered business name Bissy’s Café not included
$280,000
CONTACT OUR OFFICE FOR FURTHER DETAILS
$790,000 + GST
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COMMERCIAL FOR LEASE
COMMERCIAL FOR LEASE
COMMERCIAL FOR LEASE
IDEAL LOCATION FOR RETAIL SHOP OR OFFICE
PRIME CORNER LOCATION FIRST FLOOR
POPULAR SUNNY SIDE OF THE STREET
• Don’t miss out on securing this spacious shop of around 120 m2 in floor area that is positioned in the busy core of Orange’s CBD in Summer Street. • On-site parking • Available now.
• Grand stairwell with easy grade • Long term Lease available
$880 PER WEEK + GST & OUTGOINGS
RENT: $30,000 PER ANNUM + GST
• 6 rooms plus own kitchen and common amenities
Approx. 300 m2 of floor space in this well presented commercial shop in Summer Street. Currently set up as an office complex this premises would also be ideal as a retail shop. Has good staff amenities and reverse cycle air conditioning though out.
RENT: $90,000 P.A. + GST & OUTGOINGS
COMMERCIAL FOR LEASE
COMMERCIAL FOR LEASE
COMMERCIAL FOR LEASE
ATTRACTIVE SHOWROOM / OFFICE / WAREHOUSE WITH HIGHWAY EXPOSURE
WAREHOUSE / SHOWROOM CLOSE TO MITCHELL HIGHWAY
A FANTASTIC RETAIL OPPORTUNITY
Natural light filled premises from extensive glass window frontage. Features internal offices, staff kitchen & bathrooms. Adjoining warehouse area has high roller door access. Total Floor area: 370 m2 approx.
Open plan design with high roller door access. Situated in an attractive quality built complex. Has its own staff bathrooms. Floor area: 410 m2 approx.
Located in a very busy section of Summer Street on the favoured sunny side of the street. Ideal position and set up for for a busy retail outlet. Total floor area: 249.6 m2 approx. (including a 77.4 m2 storage area).
RENT: $43,200.00 P.A. + GST & OUTGOINGS
RENT: $56, 280 P.A. + GST & OUTGOINGS
RENT: $112,000 P.A. + GST & OUTGOINGS
IF YOU WOULD LIKE YOUR PROPERTY 6362 5999 or John 0417 887 738 / Chris 0417 626 361 24
JULY 8 — 14, 2021
OPEN HOME
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2
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5 MELALEUCA WAY, ORANGE
CALL ASH. OPEN 11:00AM SATURDAY 10th JULY. OPEN HOME
5
2
2
123 GORMAN ROAD, ORANGE
CALL BIANCA. OPEN 12:00PM SATURDAY 10th JULY. OPEN HOME
3
2
2
OPEN HOME
1
2
55 ALLENBY ROAD, ORANGE
CALL BIANCA. OPEN 1:45PM SATURDAY 10th JULY.
4
CALL ROGER. OPEN 11:15AM SATURDAY 10th JULY. OPEN HOME
3
2
4
47 ORANGE ROAD, BLAYNEY
CALL ROGER. OPEN 12:00PM SATURDAY 10th JULY. OPEN HOME
4
2
2
46 JONATHON ROAD, ORANGE
CALL ASH OR MICHELLE. OPEN 12:15PM SATURDAY 10th JULY. 4
2
3 PETERS PLACE, BLAYNEY
1/13 ORCHARD GROVE, ORANGE
OPEN HOME
4
CALL ASH. OPEN 12:00PM SATURDAY 10th JULY. OPEN HOME
3
1
2
14 CAMPDALE PLACE, ORANGE
CALL ASH. OPEN 1:00PM SATURDAY 10th JULY
JULY 8 — 14, 2021 25
A TO UC T BE IO AD N D VI AT SE E D Nestled on the doorstep of Orange’s thriving CBD sits this delightful property that is steeped in history. Built in 1895, a more charming, colonial style home you will not find. With 4 bedrooms, 1 bathroom, an extensive driveway and large backyard on a 1,043 square metre block, it is the perfect family home situated in the heart of Orange. Freshly renovated with new paint, this gorgeous property oozes style and elegance with polished floorboards, fretwork trim and a classic, bullnose verandah – perfect for watching those evening sunsets. Both the master bedroom and living area boast their very own fireplace topping off that exquisite, cosy feel from the moment you walk through the front door. Close to everything you could possibly need, this property is a hop, skip and a jump away from schools, the shopping precinct, cafes, restaurants and even has a park across the road.
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CONTACT AGENT JEN STOJANOVIC: 0473 401 666
1
5 Rose Avenue, Orange From the home in a very quiet Cul-de-sac, through the 4 main bedrooms, 2 living areas, through the back garden to the outdoor kitchen, garage/workshop and hobby room this home has had a lifetime of love put into it and now its time for a new owner to get that love back!
LI NE ST W IN G
LI NE ST W IN G
This home will fit a big family and with a separate space for teenagers and young adults everyone has their own space. Alternatively, as an investment property this home will show a tidy return.
4 BUNDELLA CLOSE, MOLONG
65 PARK STREET, MOLONG
Excellent space for an industrial business with highway exposure. The DA approved workshop comes complete with an attached office space or two bedroom personal residence (STCA), situated right in the heart of Molong! Key features: a solid concrete tilt panel workshop with extensive mezzanine storage area; workshop approximately 264m2 in total space; new privacy gates; 4 car spaces + additional off-street parking area; two good size bedrooms with walk in robe; updated kitchen with walk in pantry; bathroom facilities.
$420,000.00 - $450,000.00 MARK HOWES: 0427 668 800 26 JULY 8 — 14, 2021
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$575,000 Stephen Townsend: 0427 631 957
1
Don’t wait this very neat 4-bedroom brick veneer won’t last long, light & bright with a sunny northern aspect to the kitchen & dining rooms, FOR SALE CONTACT AGENT polished floorboards throughout freshly painted & updated bathroom. • 4 bedrooms 2 with built in robes • Spacious updated bathroom • The kitchen space is open plan with a sunny aspect • Great size block with rear lane access approx. 1298m2 plenty of room for a large shed & the kids to play.
$339,000.00 - $359,000.00 MARK HOWES: 0427 668 800
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LET’S TALK MONEY with DANIEL McGREGOR
DOESN’T A FINANCIAL ADVISER JUST HELP RICH PEOPLE INVEST THEIR MONEY? and materials = poor outcome. Great planning and great materials = great result.
There are plenty of financial advisers who are only looking to find people with lots of money and then charge them high fees to manage that money for them. That’s a little at odds with most of the population who aren’t rich. Fortunately, there are other financial advisers whose mission is to help those who aren’t yet wealthy to become wealthy, or those in or approaching retirement who need help getting things organised. It’s important to understand that, it’s not how much you earn that really matters, it’s what you do with what you earn, that will determine how wealthy you will be in life. Not to mention that "wealth" is a relative term. For me, becoming wealthy means getting to a point in life where you can stop working and afford to continue the lifestyle you enjoyed while working. Sadly, most people will never achieve that and will retire much poorer than they should. It’s a huge price to pay for not having a financial plan. Just about everyone gets to a point when they realise they need to do something, it’s just that, for most people, that point comes too late.
Design and build your financial house from the ground-up and you’ll then enjoy the lifestyle that will provide. Just as almost everyone would use an architect/draftsperson and a builder to design and construct a new home or renovation, a financial adviser and related experts can help you design and build the financial house that suits your needs and budget.
If you recognise that you are potentially not getting the most out of the money you work so hard for, then now’s the perfect time to explore how financial advice can help. The role of your financial adviser is much more than simply investing. Financial advice can help you: • Set and achieve your financial goals • Get your personal financial situation in order • Feel in control of your finances
• Avoid expensive mistakes • Make informed life-decisions • Protect you and your family financially Quality financial advice will educate you as part of the process. It will help you see the bigger picture, get clued- up on the strategies that you can take advantage of, and explain things in an easy-to-understand way. Build your financial future as you would your dream home. Poor planning
Unfortunately, when it comes to financial planning, most people simply live in hope that things will just work out over time… hope is not a plan. From July 1 this year, financial advisers must now disclose to their clients if they are not independent and explain why. Only two per cent of advisers in the country will be able to say they are independent and one of them is right here in Orange. So, if you value financial advice being independent, let’s have a chat about the financial house you’d like to design and build.
Cheers, Daniel
If you’d like to find out more about how INDEPENDENT financial advice could help you manage cash flow, pay off the mortgage faster, get the most out of super and invest wisely, then get in touch on 0411 484 464 or head to wealthtrain.com.au. This advice may not be suitable to you because it contains general advice which does not take into consideration any of your personal circumstances. All strategies and information provided are general advice only. Daniel McGregor and Wealth Train are authorised representatives of Independent Financial Advice & Education AFSL 520963
We service a wide range of areas in the Central West. Millthorpe, Molong, Cudal, Manildra, plus further outlying areas. Call us today if you are thinking of selling.
JULY 8 — 14, 2021 27
HistoryTALKING with HELEN McANULTY
“Give me a home among the gumtrees with lots of plum trees. A sheep or two and a kangaroo. A clothesline out the back a verandah in the front And an old rocking chair.” Song by John Williamson The idea of the little home among the trees sounds very romantic but, for the members of the Oral History group, there was little romance about the days before sewerage, hot running water, washing machines, refrigeration and air conditioning.
early married lives, women slaved over coppers and mangles and hung washing on wires strung across the yard and held up by clothes props.
Houses
Houses were pretty basic in our childhoods, often with a long hallway leading to the kitchen and living room with a bedroom on either side.
was a young teacher boarding in a small country town .
The bathroom, if it existed, was quite often on the back verandah and the bath was probably a tin tub which had to be filled with hot water by those who hoped to have a bath.
“Luckily I went first, followed by the children and, lastly, Mum and Dad had a turn.”
“When I was a child, we lived just out of Lithgow right underneath Hassan’s Walls,” said Mick, “there was no electricity and no running water. The kids’ job was to go down to the well, get the water to fill the 44 gallon drums in the yard where the women washed the clothes in a copper.” The filling of the bath with hot water was a mammoth task and it was not surprising that, when water was in short supply, which was most of the time in some cases, the entire family took it in turns with the same bath water.
“There was only enough water for one bath”, she said.
For those of us fortunate enough to have enough water to have a bath all to ourselves, there was still the difficulty of heating it. Sometimes this was done by boiling water in the copper and transferring it to the bath which could be a tricky and dangerous exercise. Others endured the horrors of the chip bath heater which seemed to be always on the verge of blowing-up. This was nothing, according to Rosemary, whose family were the proud owners of a kerosene bath heater which, she said, seemed to operate by a series of little explosions and was “absolutely terrifying.”
“I was youngest of six girls,” Pauline told us, “and I had the last use of the bath water. It wasn’t very clean by the time I got to it.”
Joan, who was nursing at Prince Alfred Hospital during the Second World War, remembers kerosine as being in great demand.
We gasped in horror at this, but her story was almost topped by Elma, who
“It was used a great deal for refrigerators and heaters and for the
28 JULY 8 — 14, 2021
lanterns the nurses used at night. Everything was done by lantern light. We refilled them last thing at night and would pick them up again the next night before going on duty”. The unsewered toilet, or “long drop” as some in our group knew it, was the subject of more spirited discussion . This obviously was a considerable distance from the house, often covered by honeysuckle vines and very likely to house snakes and spiders waiting for the unsuspecting occupant. “We had heard that snakes were attracted to music,” said Pauline, “so my mother, who played the violin, would stand outside playing in an attempt to distract the snakes away from their lair.” This uplifting vision of Pauline’s mother encouraged us to move away from the basics to a discussion of toilet paper which was mostly cut squares of newspaper hanging on a nail and John pointed-out that old phone books were also very popular. Although the first washing machine was introduced by Thor in 1917, it was rare for anyone in our group to have one until at least the 1950s. Consequently, in our childhoods and
Parents today have expressed anxiety about their children becoming addicted to their electronic devices in the solitude of their own rooms. This, of course was not a problem in our youth when we not only had no such distraction, but it was rare to have one’s own room and we had often to share a bed with our siblings. “Three of us shared a bed,” said Barbara. “The trouble was, it was a kapok mattress and, during the night, we would all slide down into the middle.” When it came to preserving food people in those days had “drip safes” or Coolgardie safes as they were known . As it’s name suggests, the safe was invented in the 1890s in Coolgardie and was simply a wire box draped in hessian through which water seeped. It was usually placed in a draughty spot in the house as John remembered when his family lived in a very primitive house at one stage in his childhood. But in thinking about the houses we lived in, it was not all doom and gloom. Because we knew no better, we didn’t miss the modern conveniences we have today. Wonderful memories were conjured-up of mealtimes around a big family table, of the laughter when we did all end-up in the middle of a sagging bed. It was also wonderful to sit in front of a big open fire and gaze into the flames and dream great and impossible dreams. They were, indeed, happy days. Copyright Helen McAnulty 2021