Dubbo Photo News 14.11.2024

Local small businesses, hear how Damian can tweak your marketing for better results

By DAVID DIXON

As small business marketing guru, Damian Morgan sees it, no-one in life goes out there looking for ads.

The trick, he argues for small businesses trying to survive in these trying times, is to be creative.

Damian is bringing his unique perspective on marketing for independent operators – “It’s Different Here!” – to Dubbo on Wednesday, November 27.

“It’s about showing small local businesses how to be creative with their advertising for the best return on their marketing,” Damian explained.

“Most small operators do very well at their core business, but are not as pro-active and in tune with their marketing,” he added.

He said that there are some simple steps to get way better bang for your hard-earned marketing buck, that can really make your business shine.

“They take great effort to get things like their finance, insurance, operating costs right, but don’t take the same time on their marketing.

“But they can really have a big impact with some small, simple changes that can make all the difference,” Damian explained.

His unique perspective is based

traditional marketing in regional communities.

The “It’s Different Here!” workshop is designed specifically for regional businesses wanting to get maximum return from their digital and traditional marketing.

The workshops will focus on how to embrace digital strategies targeting long-term local sales by building trust through adding authentic digital marketing to your campaigns.

They will also cover:

Creating high impact campaigns for regional Australia

The impact of Artificial Intelligence

Tips for Google and Facebook marketing

Good news about the seminars, is that they’re free, the best news, is that, at only 45 minutes each, timepressed local businesses can be in and out and back to work, before they know it.

The brief seminars are at 10.30am and 5.30pm at the Westside Hotel Conference Rooms. Attendees are asked to book, however, for organisational purposes, either by emailing: welcome@dubbophotonews.com.au, or calling Sally Young on 0406 658 565, or Beverly Fearne on 0417 434 358.

PAGE THREE

Profile

Where do you work? Kind of everywhere. Cafes, embassies, function rooms, and sometimes my of fice at home.

Have you always lived in Dubbo? Only since 1991, when I left our Gilgandra farm as a teen to become Ritchie McKay’s dental nurse.

What are your favourite memories of growing up in Dubbo or your hometown? Climbing trees, playing on the trapeze and flying foxes, bonnet sledding and para-flying behind the ute. It was just as much an “adventure park” as a working farm. Work hard, play hard.

What do you like to do in your spare time? Swimming, walking, writing, and hanging out in cafes with my husband and other cool people.

Do you have any talents or special skills? Talking to strangers apparently. And anywhere in the world, finding someone from Gilgandra or Dubbo.

Are you a morning person or a night owl? Night owl mostly but I do love a good sunrise, too.

Do you have any pets? What are they and what are their names? An orange kitten given to us by a stressed-out stranger “just for one night” nearly two years ago. My husband named her Gatitia (Spanish for little girl cat). Otherwise known as Kitty.

What are you watching at the moment? Most recently watched Free Guy. Ryan Reynolds –need I say more :)

Have you read any good books lately? I have a current stack… You Have More Influence Than You Think by Vanessa Bohns. I just interviewed her for my podcast and her research is fascinating, and Hope For Cynics by Jamil Zaki. Also fascinating. And by a more local author, Never Underestimate a Woman by Heather Cameron. What music do you like to listen to? Uplifting, cheerful music with meaningful lyrics that cheer me on.

What does the next five years look like for you? More adventures in learning, growing and helping a lot more people across Australia and Asia to connect with confidence and authenticity and make a bigger difference in the world.

Former deputy commissioner talks policing, resilience and Dubbo Willing and able: Willing and

By SHARON BONTHUYS

In last week’s issue, Dubbo Photo News introduced readers to Mick Willing APM, who was born, raised and educated in Dubbo and rose to the highest echelons in the NSW Police. After losing his career in 2022 when his deputy commissioner contract was terminated, Mick struggled to find his purpose moving forward, and personally benefited from the support and resources of Fortem Australia, an organisation focused on helping first responders which he now leads as CEO.

People may not realise that Mick Willing spent a long time earlier in his career gaining skills and experience as a “country cop” working in this region. In this second and final instalment of our series, we asked Mick about his earlier career policing in the region, as well as his thoughts on rural policing, crime, and impacts on rural first responders. We also asked him about Dubbo, where he grew up and still calls “home”.

REGIONAL POLICING

Mick’s 31-year law enforcement career included considerable time policing in the local region, with earlier roles as a detective sergeant and detective inspector for several years in the early 2000s.

Mick was working in the region when fugitive Malcolm Naden was on the run, wanted in connection with the 2005 deaths of two young women known to him, Kristy Scholes and Lateesha Nolan, and a string of other offences for which he pleaded guilty and is currently serving a life sentence.

“I ended up as the boss of the homi- cide squad when [Naden] was caught and oversaw the investigation and his conviction,” Mick said, indicating he has been involved in the production of a documentary about the case which will air on Channel Nine next year.

“Dubbo has gone through periods of high crime, and that’s very dif ficult to deal with,” he said.

“I’m seeing at the moment the challenges policing is having because of lack of resources, and the [resulting] impact on policing and the wider community because of that lack of resources,” he added.

“It concerns me a lot.”

Mick says Dubbo has experienced a lot of social change over time as the region has grown and developed. The investment in education and health in the region has resulted in combined educational facilities and what he describes as a now “first-rate” Dubbo Base Hospital.

“When I was growing up it wasn’t the best,” he said of the hospital, “but the investment in it has been great.”

Industrial and housing development has also contributed to the town’s growth potential, he said, making Dubbo a drawcard for people from other communities seeking work and the benefits of an urban lifestyle while impacting smaller communities. An increased population has brought with it some issues, including crime.

CHALLENGES

Dubbo Photo News asked Mick if rural police had a tougher job and more stress and burnout than their big citybased counterparts.

“I don’t think it’s tougher, it’s different,” he said, indicating that research on burnout levels between the different cohorts would prove useful.

“What I do know about regional policing is that, sometimes, the cavalry is not over the hill,” he continued.

“In Sydney, in metropolitan areas, you’ve got a lot of police around and they can come and support you should something go wrong and they’re close by.

“In regional NSW, you’ve got to make do with what you’ve got. I think it produces really well-rounded police officers, and [they] know how to use their resources and their communities much better,” he explained.

“I think there’s a much deeper connection in regional NSW between police and communities than there are in metropolitan areas. And that’s purely because police live and exist in those communities,” Mick said.

“I think regional policing is a huge challenge, but it’s almost a calling for some people. I was one of them, but there’s not many people who go out

SHAKESPEARE FUNERALS

to regional policing who end up turning around and going back to the city, because they actually become part of the fabric of the community, and that’s really important,” he added.

However, there is a risk in regional areas of all emergency services falling through the cracks because of a possible lack of support services that are readily available in metropolitan areas, he said.

LOCAL SUPPORT

Mick is very proud that his good friend, local Detective Sergeant Mark Meredith APM OAM, an investigations manager with Orana Mid-Western Police District, is another three-decadeplus police veteran who has recently come on board as an ambassador with Fortem Australia.

“I wanted an ambassador for regional NSW, and somebody who can actually get out and talk and promote the services Fortem provides. I think it’s a critical need,” Mick explained.

He spoke of the importance of local first responders also discovering the work of Fortem Australia and building on it.

On November 11, there will be a social connection event in Mudgee organised by a police of ficer there keen to advance the organisation’s work at the local level.

FORTEM: BRAVE/STRONG

Lovers of the Latin language will recognise the naming convention behind Fortem Australia, which means “brave” or “strong”. Mick believes the organisation is aptly named, reflecting the work of those the organisation serves.

“It was deliberate because of the

brave strength that first responders show in protecting our communities,” he said.

“All our first responders – police, fire, ambulance, every agency – they’re all just ordinary people doing extraordinary things.

“Our first responders are people that go to the same places that we all do,” he explained.

First responders have children in local schools, shop at the same stores, and may even sit beside you enjoying a drink at the local pub, Mick said,

“They’re ordinary people doing amazing things, and we owe it to them to help them and make sure that they’re resilient and they’re protected. That’s what it’s all about,” he said.

Further information about Fortem Australia can be found on the organisation’s website.

Love for Dubbo

Mick Willing, who was born, raised and educated in Dubbo, has reached tremendous heights in his professional life. He fondly remembers his roots and their contribution to his life’s journey.

“Dubbo’s in my heart, and always will be,” Mick reflected, admitting he doesn’t get to “come home” as often as he would like.

“I went to school at West Dubbo Infants, West Dubbo Primary and Delroy High School,” he said, indicating his proud parents, sister, and extended family live in the region.

The father of two daughters, Ava and Charlotte, enjoys revisiting old haunts, playing golf, and catching up with family and policing friends when he comes home. His last visit was a few months ago where he gave a talk to the local chapter of the University of the Third Age.

“I love getting out there and connecting with the community any opportunity I can,” he added.

“Dubbo really is the foundation of my entire career and it means the world to me,” he concluded.

•••

If you or someone you know needs support, contact:

13 11 14 Lifeline, lifeline.org.au

1300 78 99 78 MensLine, mensline.org.au

1300 224 636 Beyond Blue, beyondblue.org.au/ forums

1800 551 800 Kids Helpline, kidshelpline.com.au

1800 011 511 Mental Health Line 13YARN(13 92 76), counseling support for Indigenous Australians. 13yarn.org.au

1300 659 467 Suicide Callback Service, suicidecallbackservice.org.au

1300 727 247 Standby Support After Suicide, standbysupport.com.au

1800 805 801 Thirrili’s Postvention Suicide Support, thirrili.com.au

First responders - Fortem Australia - 1300 33 95 94 (Bus. hrs) or fortemaustralia.org.au

The ‘James Samuels Bridge’

Come on Dubbo, only YOU

on only YOU

He was literally a founding father of Dubbo, our first mayor, a man of compassion, drive, conscience, and vision, with a true Victorian sense of public duty and the common good.

So why not name the new Dubbo bridge after him? With the previous Dubbo Council pre-emptively and unilaterally precluding all but Indigenous words for the name of the new 600-metre $250 million project, that’s the question thousands of locals now want answered.

If you’re one of them, go to the petition in this week’s issue of Dubbo Photo News, and have your say. You can also drop down to the Rotunda in Macquarie Street on Friday mornings, or Snare’s Newsagency in Talbragar St on Saturday mornings, and make your mark.

Firstly, more about James Samuels. A current radio ad playing in Dubbo sums up his unique achievements, perfectly.

“James Samuels was the first mayor of Dubbo, he gave every ounce of his time and energy to the public good of Dubbo,” the ad states.

“He founded the school, the hospital, the Dubbo Show, he literally built the streetlights and mapped the water under our feet!”

Thus, the promotion asks the question, why not offer this unique honour to a unique man?

“You could not find a better person to name this bridge after… a genuine founding father, a kind and generous person who lived and breathed for the Dubbo community.”

Yet more about this very special man… Samuels, among his many selfless acts and achievements, bought the land for the first Dubbo Hospital, on the site of the current facility, and served tirelessly on its board for a full six decades.

This means that everyone who ever visits or is treated at our local medical

service, is unknowingly indebted to this great man.

He also personally – out of his own pocket at a time when hospitals were strictly user-pays – covered the cost of treatment for any Indigenous locals who presented in need of care. This was an act of human generosity and kindness, almost unheard of in many parts of Australia at the time.

Arriving in Dubbo as a teenager way back in 1852, he also founded the local agricultural society, antecedent to our modern Show Society, and was both its vice-president and chair.

He was a founding member of the Municipality of

can make it happen!

the settlers did.

Naming the new bridge after James Samuels, would also provide a poetic symmetry and resonance to our other two major spans over the Wambuul-Macquarie River.

Dubbo, resulting in the proclamation of Dubbo as a town, serving as both its first mayor and as an alderman for 11 years.

Among many other acts of public service, he laid the foundations for Dubbo’s first public school, studied and marked the underground aquifer springs for a secure water supply, and formed the Dubbo Gas Company to provide lighting for the growing town.

He also formed prospecting companies for coal, gold, gas, gemstones, and copper, industries that helped power the new nation.

On a more personal note,

he raised three children of a local family whose mother had died in childbirth and father had drowned in the Macquarie River, ensuring that they retained their own name and sense of family identity.

Samuels, in simple terms, devoted his life to the betterment of the town, his community, and his fellow citizens.

Many local Indigenous leaders themselves have signed the petition, noting that, due to Samuels’ personal intervention and direct funding, local Aboriginals in colonial times received the same level of care and attention at Dubbo Hospital as

The L.H. Ford Bridge was named after a long-time mayor and local member who was long known in the 1960s as “Mr Dubbo”, while the Emile Serisier Bridge is a tribute to the French founder of the village and later mayor of the town.

The “James Samuels Bridge” then would be acknowledgement of a life devoted to Dubbo. He was the father of our city, his longevity recognised upon his death as the “Grand Old Man of Dubbo”, at an almost unheard-of 93-years-old. Incidentally, James Samuels’ home was situated on River Street!

Founding family with decades of ties to hospital’s origin and administration

AS WELL as being the central figure in the founding of Dubbo Hospital, the Samuels family served in various roles with this central institution for decades.

•••

James Samuels Jr. (24/1/1835–18/5/1927)

Regarded as the founding father of the hospital. He attended the first planning meeting for a hospital in Dubbo in 1866. In 1867 he accepted the post of treasurer when the first treasurer of the committee resigned. On the opening of the Dubbo Hospital on July 1, 1870, he continued in this position until his death in May, 1927, a total of more than 60 years selfless service.

Much of the land on

which the hospital stands was donated by James Samuels, with the remainder donated by other landowners inspired by his example. He maintained and lived on the land where his family home was situated (on the western side of where the railway is today) and also bequeathed that to the hospital.

•••

Albert Rain ‘Tully’ Samuels (1887–1972)

Following the death of James Samuels, his son Tully took over from an interim treasurer, and was appointed to the board as treasurer in August, 1928. He served in that position until October, 1933. The board (public) elections for 1934 had been conducted, but results were

never announced as the Hospitals Commission declined to approve them, and instead directly appointed eight directors of their own choice. The new 1934 board had no representatives from the old board

Albert ‘Bert’ Norman Samuels (1910–1992)

Bert was the son of Tully” Samuels and grandson of James Samuels Jnr. Bert served as a director on the Dubbo Hospital Board for 26 years (1953–1979). Bert retired due to reaching the statutory requirement age. These three men were Hospital Board members for more than a century of selfless service, totalling 117 years.

Margaret Samuels

In addition, the Samuels family contribution to Dubbo included the tireless work of Margaret Samuels, Bert Samuels’ wife. Margaret played a key role in local culture while on various committees and – along with then Dubbo mayor Harry Clegg – was a driving force in the establishment of Dubbo Art Gallery from the late 1970s.

For 45 years Margaret, now in her 90s, participated in every aspect of gallery life, and, towards the end of her time there, worked as a volunteer guide. The gallery – today known as Dubbo Cultural Centre – is a major social and artistic hub for the Golden West.

Come on Dubbo… shouldn’t this decision have been left in the hands of ratepayers to make their own contribution to, to make submissions on, and argue their cases for, in our local branch of government – Dubbo Regional Council – for the naming of this wonderful new piece of infrastructure? Of course they should! Because that’s what grassroots democracy is all about, and James Samuels himself wouldn’t have had it any other way!

Sign the petition today, go to Facebook, and search “Dubbo Bridge”,“James Samuels”, or call into the Rotunda on Fridays between 9-11am or at Snare’s Newsagency on Saturdays, between 8–11am, for all of November.

• Authorised by Roland Samuels , 113 Erskine Street, Dubbo, NSW 2830

Vaughan Family Reunited

By LANA EATHER

In 1865 the first Vaughan ancestors arrived on Australian shores. Michael and Margaret Vaughan arrived in Sydney on December 18 that year from Cork, Ireland. They bought with them their three children, Mary (aged 8), Michael (5), and Bridgett (2). The family quarantined then continued their trip via horse-drawn dray over the Blue Mountains to the small township of Obley (near Dubbo).

Here they purchased a small parcel of land called ‘The Washpen’ on the Derowie Creek. The three children attended the nearby Obley School, and Michael later married Frances Langham. The couple returned to the family farm ‘The Washpen’ when Margaret passed away.

Michael and Frances raised ten children and continued living at ‘The Washpen’ until they bought the property ‘Derowie’ in 1917.

Over a century later both properties are still owned by the Vaughan family.

The Vaughan family cemetery is located on ‘The Washpen’, and is the final resting place of many family members including Michael Snr, Margaret, and Michael Jnr.

On October 26, 2024, the Vaughan family reunited at Dubbo’s Macquarie Club to celebrate 159 years in Australia. The descendants of Michael and Frances, and their ten children, Margaret, Michael, Mary, Minni, Charles, Ellen, Alfred, Leo, Gladys and Leonard, gathered to enjoy a meal and some reminiscing.

Nine of Michael and Frances’ children continued the Vaughan family line, with Leonard sadly passing away at the age of 4.

At the age of 90 in 1985, Margaret was the last of the ten children to pass away. The 10 children produced 43 offspring. Of these 43, there are 18 still living, with 16 attending the reunion.

Nore than five generations of the Vaughan line attended the reunion with many family members remaining in the local area of Dubbo, Obley, Yeoval, Wellington and Gilgandra. There are over 835 direct descendants of Michael and Frances. The eldest great-grandchild of Michael Snr and Margaret Vaughan – Mr Frank Vaughan (aged 92) – cut the commemoration reunion cake and celebrated with his long line of relatives.

BIRTHDAYS THIS WEEK

Nov 14: King Charles III, royalty, 76. Condoleezza Rice, former US Secretary of State, 70. John Anderson former Deputy PM, 68. Adam Gilchrist, cricketer, 53. Lara Giddings, former Tasmanian premier, 52. Michala Banas, actress, 46. Brooke Satchwell, actress, 44. Nov 15: Petula Clark , pop singer, 92. Sam Waterston, US actor, 84. Anni-Frid Lyngstad, of ABBA fame, 79. Ken Sutcliffe, TV sport presenter, 77. Beverly D’Angelo, US actress, 73. Benny Elias, played for Balmain, 61. Giaan Rooney, swimmer, 42.

Nov 16: Ken James, Mar k on TV’s Skippy, 76. Tim Ferguson, comedian of trio Doug Anthony All Stars, 61. Diana Krall, Canadian singer, 60. Lisa Bonet, US actress, 57. Maggie Gyllenhaal , US actress, 47. Kate Miller-Heidke, singer-songwriter, 43. Nov 17: Martin Scorsese, film director, 82. Lauren Hutton, model-actress, 81. Danny De Vito, US actor, 80. Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio, US actress, 66. Kate Ceberano, singer, 58. Rachel McAdams, US actress, 46. Mike Cannon-Brookes, Atlassian billionaire, 45. Lucy Durack , singer-stage performer, 42. Jodie Henry, swimmer, 41.

Nov 18: Linda Evans, Krystle Carrington on TV’s Dynasty, 82. Alan Dean Foster, US sci-fi author, 78. Ross Wilson, of Daddy Cool, 77. Peter Beattie, former Queensland Premier, 72. Kim Wilde, 1980s pop singer, 64. Anthony Warlow, musical performer, 63. Greg Hunt, politician, 59. Owen Wilson, US actor, 56. Peta Wilson, actress, 54. Peter Dutton, Federal Leader of the Merrick Watts, coMatt Welsh, Olympic swimmer, 48. Trent Barrett league player, 47. Calvin Klein,

Leaving school and looking for an apprenticeship or traineeship?

Local councils are recruiting

Want to do something valuable for your community while being paid to learn?

The NSW Government is giving councils a helping hand so they can employ more apprentices, trainees, and cadets. A career in council could open up a range of

• Variety of work: Experience a diverse range of tasks and projects, ensuring no two days are the same.

• Supportive mentorship: of experienced mentors who are dedicated to helping you succeed.

• Career development job market.

• Community impact: Make a positive difference in your community by working on projects that improve local services and infrastructure.

olg.nsw.gov.au/apprentice-trainee Find out more

YOUR SPENDING CHOICES HAVE THE POWER TO SHAPE OUR REGION’S ECONOMY

As we head into the festive season, Dubbo Regional Council (DRC) is calling on community to support our amazing small businesses; highlighting that when you support small, you are supporting the wider community in ways you may not realise.

So, what does it mean to shop local? We say the words, but do we consciously think about how, when we shop local, you’re ensuring that more of the money you earn within this community stays here? The money then supports local jobs, businesses and services.

Taking a look at the May 2024 REMPLAN

Data behind the spending local it’s easy to see where the benefits lie for our community.

When you spend $100 at a small business that is owned and operated by

a local resident, then $71.25 remains in our local economy.

Spend the same amount at a locally operated franchise $52.65 of that $100 stays in the region.

Now let’s jump online, a service we all tapped into during lockdown and beyond. When you spend $100 only $4.30 of that benefits your local community. Let that sink in…

With the festive season spending ahead of us, November and December are great months to really take a look at what your spending habits do for the community you live in and how you can start checking off that present list locally, supporting your neighbours and keeping the economy vibrant.

DRC Mayor Josh Black said the data highlights the importance of shopping at

a local business with our region offering an amazing range of shopping, services, dining options and fun attractions.

“Shopping local is now more important than ever before. It’s not just a ‘nice to have’, it’s integral to our local community and local economy and this data just highlights how important it is,” Clr Black said.

The Dubbo Region offers an amazing range of shopping, services, dining options and fun attractions.

You can also share your experiences with the community by using #DubboRegion-

Connect on social media and showcasing some of the amazing businesses we have with the wider community.

“Let’s make a conscious effort to shop local and keep the Dubbo Region thriving,” Clr Black said.

THE BOOK CONNECTION DUBBO

Our bookstore was listed for sale six weeks ago, generating some interest; however, the stock level was initially quite high. Dave will be retiring on December 31, 2024. After conducting clearance sales, our stock has now been reduced by 40%, making the business more accessible. If you are considering bookstore ownership, please reach out to Dave at your earliest convenience, and if you are interested, we can discuss potential arrangements for the transaction.

Dave Pankhurst has been the Bookseller for over 41 years and it is now time to retire. If you wish to become involved in this interesting retail activity, now is an ideal time to begin with the Christmas season, long school holidays and text books sales to schools approaching NOW is the time to act. And being a bookseller is a wonderful social experience.

The Book Connection

Ladies sing the blues: Hussy Hicks at the Crossroads Bar Thursday, November 21

Championed by legend-

ary Aussie guitar impresario, the late Phil Emmanuel, our best female axe-wielder Julz Parker is bringing her duo, Hussy Hicks to the Crossroads Bar next week.

Along with dynamic singing partner Leesa Gentz, the two – with their unique blend of folk, blues, country, and roots – will put on a show like no other.

“We’re really hard to categorise… when we started, we were welcomed pretty strongly in the blues-roots genre,” Julz said. “But we’ve been going a long time, and we’re also a bit country-pop, so we’ve been welcomed into the genre-bending room as well,” she added.

Their eclectic original output has taken them around the world and onto the specialist music charts a number of times, Julz revealed.

“We’ve been together 18 years; we first toured Amer-

By DAVID DIXON

ica in 2006, with our first album in 2008, we’ve done seven studio albums in total.

“Our latest effort Swimming in Uncertainty went to #1 on the Aria Jazz & Blues chart and #1 on the AIR (Australian Independent Re- cord Labels Association) album chart,” Julz said.

From the northern rivers and on their first trip to the Golden West, Julz explained that they both love touring and playing live.

“I grew up with blues, Neil Young, and Lisa transitioned from country-pop, and we’ve both been performing since we were 10.

“I think it’s when you feel that concentration in that space, we’re a live-focussed act, but you’re only as good as your audience, where we can go on a special ride together,” Julz added.

Locals, she adds, are in for a unique octane-fuelled show where both ladies give

it their very all for each set.

“We’re pretty high-energy… Leesa runs around singing her heart out, and I do some pretty weird guitar faces,” Julz concludes.

Praise for this scintillating twosome, cuts across the Australian music industry and includes:



“Hussy Hicks is one-part soulful, tent-filling vocal prow- ess (courtesy of the dazzling- ly-dynamic Leesa Gentz) and one-part bold, bewitching guitar that gets heads turning faster than a siren on a city street (courtesy of the virtuosic Julz Parker, championed by Phil Emmanuel as ‘Australia’s top fe- male guitar player’).” Ellie Robinson, Australian Guitar Magazine.  “Some artists need to be seen to be believed, and Hussy Hicks fit that category.” Sarah Howells, Double J. Hussy Hicks are at The Crossroads, 80 Macquarie Street, Thursday, November 21, from 7pm.

Club Dubbo’s Mega Toy Raffle spreading its Chrissie cheer wings

FUN Christmas tradition continues at Club Dubbo with the return of their Mega Toy Raffle for the 2024 Festive Season.

The best news is that all and any money raised from the $10,000 extravaganza goes towards the charitable flight carrier for sick kids in western NSW, Little Wings.

The club tradition is this year being held on Saturday, November 23, with a great crowd of kids, parents, and family, expected to attend the event, Venue Manager Mark Duggan said.

”Tickets are on sale from 5pm and are drawn from about 7pm, and it’s very popular… we normally have about 150 people for the draw, so it’s a bit of an occasion,”

Mark revealed.

“We do it to raise money for Little Wings, that’s one of reasons that people support it so well,” he added.

The event has become a way for the Club to both spread the Chrissie Cheer and support a great regional Australian not-for-profit doing good work for those in our community at a time of their greatest vulnerability.

“That’s why we run it, we’ve held it the last four or five years and purchase a lot of the items ourselves, it’s a social event and people enjoy supporting it, with some buying piles of the raffle tickets.

“This year for prizes, we’re including a proper little ride-on car, computer games, X-Boxes, Lego sets, and games, amongst other items,” Mark explained.

Everyone, he adds, is invited to attend; just turn-up on the day, and try your luck.

“We have 45 prizes in total, so there’s lots of winners, with five major prizes,” Mark said.

“It’s a big fundraiser by the club – we usually make something like $4000 from the raffle, with all proceeds going to Little Wings,” he concluded.

Club Dubbo is at 82 Whylandra Street. For more information, go to Club Dubbo’s Facebook page at: www.facebook.com/ClubDubb/ or call the club on 6884 3000.

Can Assist Charity Golf Day is a win for locals

By LANA EATHER

Can Assist Dubbo & District Branch held a very successful charity golf day at the Dubbo Golf Club on Friday, October 25. The annual event was well attended with over ninety golfers from the Hunter, Warren, Narromine, and the local community.

Dubbo welcomed participants with gorgeous weather for the four-person shambles 18-hole event, with a special prize on a Lexus LBX for the first hole-in-one on the 18th.

The charity golf day was supported by wonderful volunteers, generous sponsors, pro-golfers Lindsay Wilson and Jake O’Brien, Bob Wilson (with his handy expla- nations), and auctioneer Bob Andrews. Can Assist

morning tea, lunch, and refreshments for the day.

The Can Assist Charity Golf Day isone of the major fundraisers for the Dubbo & District branch. Can Assist Dubbo raise funds to support the financial needs of cancer patients within the local region.

Every cent donated stays in the Dubbo region and goes towards helping patients with costs involved in medical expenses, pharmacy expenditures, accommodation and other associated overheads.

Throughout NSW Can Assist has more than 2700 volunteers and over 50 branches statewide that are dedicated to ensuring rural and regional NSW communities have equitable opportunity for cancer

Casual speeding is the biggest cause of trauma on NSW roads

By KEN SMITH

The Dubbo Region is the best place to build your career

DUBBO WORKS is highlighting the excellent career and learning opportunities the Dubbo region offers. To contribute ideas, email dubboworks@dubbophotonews.com.au phone 6885

Workers get $8k more bang for their buck in the bush

By STEPHANIE GARDINER

Backyards, houses and pub meals have long been bigger in the bush.

If that hasn’t been enough to tempt Australians to move to the country, perhaps a bigger bank balance will do the trick.

Regional blue collar workers, like childcare educators and admin assistants, are now about $8000 better off each year than those in the city, according to economic research released on Monday.

Even city professionals, such as doctors and accountants, are not exactly flush, pocketing only $700 more than their regional colleagues, despite earning higher wages.

Those figures represent a dramatic shift from 10 years earlier, when city knowledge workers were more than $10,000 ahead.

Soaring house and rent prices are behind the declining financial incentives to live in the city, according to The Lucky Country or The Lucky City report by research institute e61.

“The relative benefits of city living no longer outweigh the costs for many workers,” the report said.

Regional industrial workers, like truck drivers and labourers, are $10,000 better off per year than those in the city due to both higher average wages and lower housing costs.

That is a longer-term trend, likely due to

LOVE YOUR WORK

Oli Bailey

Where do you work? iPlay Ten Pin Bowl

What’s your job? Customer service/ counter staff

Why do you Love Your Work? It’s a fun and exciting environment. I have also met a lot of nice people. What was your favourite subject at school? Visual Arts

ney and, to a lesser extent, Melbourne and mostly moving to nearby regional centres. Young families trying to get into the housing market for the first time are most likely to be affected by the declining affordability of city life, with Sydney millennials hit the hardest.

“People in this age bracket will be making life decisions, such as getting married and having children, which are typically associated with demand for larger homes.”

The findings raise questions about productivity if workers are leaving the highest-paid jobs in the cities, but could also

represent an opportunity for country areas,

“At any rate, it should be a priority of governments to allow people to live affordably near highly productive job opportunities,” Dr La Cava said.

“This likely means easing zoning constraints, abolishing stamp duty and ensuring immigration policy aligns with housing policy.”

- AAP

If you could work with any person, who would it be and why?

I’m not too fussy about who, but I think it would be interesting to work as an assistant to one of the great and famous artists (Eg, Da Vinci).

What was your first paying job?

My first job was at Subway.

If you could have a super-power what would it be? It is a toss up between electric powers or

teleportation.

What attributes do you admire?

Honesty and kindness

What is your favourite thing to do on a weekend? I think I mostly enjoy spending time at home - watching a movie or reading a book.

What’s your favourite dish to cook or eat? My favourite food is definitely cheesecake!

Airport Operations Coordinator

In your new role as the Airport Operations Coordinator, you’ll manage airside and landside airport operations in Dubbo Regional Airport and Wellington Aerodrome and Recreation Park, ensuring efficiency and compliance with safety regulations while maintaining the airport’s commitment to high-quality customer service.

You’ll lead a dedicated team, foster stakeholder relationships, and oversee project development, all in a vibrant and challenging airport environment.

This position offers a unique opportunity for personal and professional growth, allowing you to develop your skills while contributing to a thriving community.

You’ll find growth through: Ensuring the airport and aerodrome are compliant with relevant industry standards, regulations and legislation

Managing and coordinating airport facilities, projects and ad-hoc requests

Assisting & developing initiatives to improve efficiency, maintain compliant and safe operations of all activities at the airport

Assisting with the implementation of the Airport Master Plan and continuous improvement initiatives, ensuring objectives are achieved

Liaising, maintaining and developing relationships and opportunities with key stakeholders at the Dubbo Regional Airport

More details on this position can be found at www.seek.com.au/ job/79961152

JOIN THE MISSION

DuBb pEtS m nTh!

By Melissa Kagie

WINNERS! CONGRATULATIONS TO THESE WINNING ENTRIES

BEST ACTION SHOT

- Bernie (beagle)

- Shooter (catahoula)

- Luna (tabby cat)

PORTRAIT PRIZE

- Poss (mini foxy)

- Peppa (pug)

- Baby Mittens (cat) - April (cow)

PARTNERS IN CRIME

- Ziggy & Oadie - Penny & Stella

FEATHERED FRIENDS

- Nosey parker Charlotte - Aussie (cockatiel)

CREEPY & CRAWLY

- Dragon on a post

MY BEST MATE

- Connie and Alexandrine

- Emma and Buddy

- Tilly (stock horse)

- Montgomery - Tipsy

- Chunka

- Ace - Pippa

- Zima

FARMYARD FRIENDS

- Leo (merino crossbreed) - Nutmeg (shetland)

BEST DRESSED

- Rocky (border collie cross)

- Charlie (labrador)

- Reggie (bull arab)

DUBBO PHOTO NEWS TOP 5

- Hydration Kitty

- Lucky and David

- Tess (Jack Russell)

- “Boy” Smith

- Obanai (rabbit)

PURR-FECT CATS

- Murphy - Smokey - Charlie

PLEASE NOTE: Several pet entries have the same name. If yours is the winning pet,you will receive an email confirming your prize.

By Philippa Searle

By Hannah Whelan

Standing tall to remember those who served and gave their all…

By DAVID DIXON

Photos by ZOEY SWEENEY

Army and Air Force Cadets, local veterans, representatives from our schools, the general community, Council representatives, and the local RSL, all attended Monday’s Remembrance Day commemoration in Victoria Park for Australians who have served their country in times of war.

Originally named Armistice Day to mark the “11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month” – the exact time at which the ceasefire was signed ending World War I in 1918 – it now honours the sacrifices in all wars that have involved Australia and the Commonwealth.

Local RSL Sub-branch President, Shaun Graham, revealed that the day first came about at the suggestion of the British monarch speaking to the head of one of our

major allies, exactly the year after hostilities ended.

“The whole gist of Remembrance Day was brought into existence after King George V invited the French president over for a dinner to mark the end of the war a year later,”

Shaun explained.

“The King said, ‘we should really mark it, how about we do something tomorrow?’, that was in 1919, the year after the ending of the war, and it’s been held ever since”

Old Dubbo Gaol 50th Anniversary event

By KEN SMITH

After the gaol closure the prison was going to be demolished and an office block built on the prime real estate. The Old Dubbo Gaol was closed on August 31, 1966, and opened as a tourist attraction on December 15, 1974 after extensive restoration by the Old Dubbo Gaol Restoration Committee. It has now become an award-winning tourism destination, celebrating its 50th year. You can read the whole story in their new book Sandstone Heart which was launched at the recent anniversary celebration. The book is available at the Old Dubbo Gaol.

Vaughan Family Reunion

By KEN SMITH

Celebrating 159 years in Australia is a huge milestone and organising the Vaughan Family reunion was a huge undertaking that saw the back area of the Macquarie Club at capacity recently.

To go with the photos, here’s where it all began

Michael and Margaret Vaughan arrived in Sydney on the 18th December 1865 from

Cork in Ireland. They bought with them their 3 children, Mary aged 8, Michael aged 5 and Bridgett aged 2.

After quarantining, they all made the trek across the Blue Mountains in a dray drawn by a horse to come to rest at Obley NSW (just outside of Dubbo).

The rest of the story is featured in this edition of Dubbo Photo News

WELLINGTON NEWS

RUNNING LOOSE: where do you want

Dog lovers in Wellington are being asked: where would you like to see a fenced-off space to allow your family pooch to run free?

Dubbo Council is looking to establish a designated and fenced off-leash area for dogs in Wellington, with installation of the fencing planned for the current financial year. Council, however, is undertaking consultations to identify a preferred location in the town.

“Council staff have analysed a number of sites for their suitability, across various locations, considering potential risks and benefits associated with the installation of a fenced

leash-free area,” DRC Recreation and Open Spaces Manager Ian McAlister said.

“The preferred location, based on our assessment, is Apex Park which fits in with the size of a 50-metre by 110-metre area, however, further insights and feedback will be considered before final decisions are made,” he explained.

Mr McAlister revealed that areas such as Teamsters Park and Bell Park were also considered for the park, however, these do not fit the sizing requirements. Also, a number of risks were identified when looking at Oxley Reserve, Pioneer Park, Cameron Park,

and Lions Park.

“The area will consist of a fenced park that can be used by residents and travellers to exercise and socialise their dogs in a safe environment, with funding for the fencing provided in the 2024-25 budget,” Mr McAlister revealed.

It is also proposed that there will be separate areas for small dogs, larger dogs, and more active dogs to run.”

Now’s the time then, he emphasised, for locals to pick their preferred location.

“However, to guide future decision making we are also asking community members to identify further

Where would you like to see a fenced-off space to allow your family pooch to run free

design ideas and inclusions they would like to see placed in the area,” Mr McAlister emphasised. “Allowing us, to best-gain an understanding of how the community would use this space with their four-legged friends.” Wellington locals are encouraged to visit the YourSay page to review the areas proposed, including the preferred Apex Park, and com- ment, at: yoursay.dubbo.nsw.gov.au/ wellington-leash-free-area.

Consultation will be open until 9am Monday, December 2, with council committed to delivering the first stage of the project in the 2024/25 financial year.

Halloween Disco Bamara Hub

WORDS PROVIDED

Bamara, a registered NDIS provider who delivers services across Dubbo and surrounding communities, hosted their annual Halloween Disco, bringing together staff, participants and other providers for an unforgettable day of fun and celebration.

Having recently been awarded the Diversity & Inclusion Award at the 2024 Dubbo Chamber of Commerce Rhino Awards, Bamara created an enchanting space with Halloween-themed decorations,

food, music, and dancing, ensuring everyone felt welcomed and involved.

Costumes were worn, with staff and participants dressing up in creative and spooky outfits, adding to the day’s excitement.

The day was a tremendous success, strengthening bonds within the community and highlighting Bamara’s commitment to providing joyful, inclusive experiences for everyone involved.

CHARMING NEAR NEW FAMILY HOME 22 DELTA ROAD, DUBBO

Discover tranquillity in this charming home, nestled within the picturesque Southlakes Estate. Designed with care, this residence offers an effortless blend of comfort, style, and convenience, making it perfect for those seeking a peaceful lifestyle.

Surrounded by a beautiful yard big enough for a shed or pool (STCA), this elegant brick veneer home boasts bright, sunlit interiors and ample built-in storage.

At its heart is a stylish kitchen, flowing into open-plan living and dining areas. Sliding doors retract to connect with a covered outdoor entertaining area-perfect for relaxed gatherings or quiet evenings at home.

22 DELTA ROAD, DUBBO

•

1/52 BIRCH AVENUE, DUBBO

AFFORDABLE LOW MAINTENANCE FIRST HOME OR INVESTMENT

Don’t miss the opportunity to inspect this tidy brick veneer unit conveniently located within walking distance of Orana Mall, Western Plains Medical Centre, Macquarie Inn hotel & restaurant, Dan Murphy’s liquor, Elizabeth Park, Japanese Gardens, sporting oval & primary school. greenspace. The well-maintained lawns & leafy gardens have automatic irrigation. home buyer or downsizer owner occupiers & astute investors. Inspect & be surprised by all the possibilities.

• 2 bedrooms with generous built-in wardrobes

• Open plan living & dining with access to patio

• Tidy kitchen electric cooking, rangehood, breakfast bar

• Bathroom with shower, full bath, separate toilet

• Laundry with great built-in storage cupboards

• Ducted reverse-cycle air conditioning, electric hot water

• Covered front & back patios, leafy irrigated gardens

• Secure & private compact backyard, single garage

• 1 owner, strata titled, good investment opportunity

• Walk to Orana Mall, Elizabeth Park, Japanese Gardens & Macquarie Inn ASKING PRICE $430,000 TO $450,000 INSPECT As Advertised or By Appointment

Bob Berry Real Estate Celebrates 50 Years of Service in Dubbo

By LANA EATHER

Bob Berry Real Estate celebrates a remarkable 50 years in business this year, which also marks a significant milestone of dedication, growth, and community involvement in the Dubbo region.

Founded in the 1970s as a livestock and pastoral Company, Bob Berry Real Estate rebranded in 1977, shifting its focus to property management and residential real estate. With the change of direction, the agency continued to grow in property management and play a pivotal role in the residential development of Dubbo, building 136 homes under the Berry Homes brand by the early 1990s.

“We knew we needed to adapt to a changing market,” says Bob Berry, founder of the agency. “Our roots were in stud sock and livestock sales, but we quickly realised that property management and residential real estate was our future.”

The company’s growth was driven by Bob’s vision and a loyal team including his wife Margaret, who was an instrumental figure in operations until her retirement. “We’ve been incredibly fortunate to have such loyal staff,” Bob says. “Margaret kept everything running smoothly for years, and we’ve had some team members with us on and off for 30 years. They are a big reason for our success.”

Bob’s community involvement has been recognised through numerous awards, including being the first country member recipient of the REINSW’s prestigious Woodrow Weight Award and the 2003 Dubbo Business Chamber Jean Emile Serisier Roll of Honour recipient. “Dubbo has given us so much, and we’ve always felt it’s important to give back,” says Director Fiona Gibbs. “We’ve been involved in sponsorships, donations, and volunteering. It’s about building a strong community and doing what’s right for the people here.”

During 2024, the Bob Berry Real Estate team have celebrated half a century of service through a number of events including a gala function in July, morning tea, and are planning a series of learning lunches to share their extensive knowledge of the property market in the new year. Bob Berry Real Estate extends a heartfelt thanks to its clients, staff, partners, and the Dubbo community. The team looks forward to continuing its legacy of service and trust into the future.

FOR LEASE

178 Macquarie Street, Dubbo

Prime Retail Premises

A prime retail premises in an outstanding position in the middle of Dubbo’s CBD and its premier retail strip close to Myer and other National retail chains and Dubbo’s financial sector. The current re tail space also includes additional 1st Floor office/admin are a of approximately 48 square metres. Staff parking at the rear.

Building Area

Rent

228 m² + 48 m² 1st Fl office

$65,000 per annum or $1,250 per week plus GST

Lease Terms 3 to 5 years

Outgoings Lessee to reimburse Council Rates & charges and building insurance.

Zoning E2 Commercial Centre

Joe Walkom 0419 101 854

joe.walkom@elders.com.au

Andrew McDonald 0407 459 231 andrew.mcdonald@elders.com.au

Proudly sponsored by

Dubbo Public School 5D

Dubbo Public School’s 5D are enthusiastic mathematicians. They have been investigating three-dimensional objects at school.

They particularly enjoyed creating ‘skeletons’ of these objects using modelling clay and craft sticks.

This activity provided them with opportunities for problem solving, rigorous discussions, and creative thinking.

KiDZ ONLY!

How old are you? 5

What are you good at?

Drawing

What is your favourite food? Strawberries

Do you have a favourite song? No

What makes you laugh?

When mummy and daddy say silly things.

Who is your favourite character in a book? Pencil

Who is the boss in your family? Poppy

Which zoo animal would you like to have as a pet? Meerkat

BELLA

EMMA

KNOW A BIRTHDAY CHILD THIS MONTH?

Happy 11th Birthday on the 26th November, Emma! DYLAN

Happy 9th birthday for the 15th November Dylan, Love Nanny xx

Celebrating her 8th birthday on November 27. Happy Birthday Bella! u ek before. tured her ? a Mall has a to y ber, What would you like to be when you grow up? Zoo Vet How old is grown up? 8

Send in a photo, details and a short birthday wish. myentry@dubbophotonews.com.au Entries must be in by 5pm Friday the week before. Is your photo featured here? Donut King Orana Mall has a FREE kids doughnut to help you celebrate! Bring your copy of Dubbo Photo News to claim your Birthday gift. ws

French-inspired styles at Wongarbon CWA’s annual Spring Fashion Parade

By DAVID DIXON

The wonderful Wongarbon branch of the CWA held its annual Spring Fashion Parade recently, featuring French-inspired styles from Blue Illusion, Dubbo.

The afternoon event was held in the Wongarbon Community Hall, completely suiting the classic theme of the parade, Wongarbon Branch Publicity Of ficer Janet Watters explained.

“The hall is grand in its stature and is a complete step-back in time,” Janet said. “Built in 1934, the hall allows one to easily return to

the 1950s and 1960s days of country balls and dances,” she added.

As per usual with the CWA, there was also a great spread of delicious homemade cakes and savouries.

“For the occasion, the ladies arranged and decorated the hall to allow the models to mingle freely with all tables and guests.

“Champagne flowed, there was an amazing afternoon tea fit for royalty, and a great afternoon was had by all,” Janet concluded.

IN FOCUS

THUMBS UP!

Thumbs up to Australia Post Parcel Delivery Centre. Thank-you for your understanding and support in finding our misplaced parcel. Your help was very much appreciated.

Thumbs up and thank-you to Christopher Bray at Mitre 10 Dubbo. The Backyard farmer Veg-pod is doing really brilliantly. Thanks for all your help and advice.

Thumbs up and thank-you to Jacquie at Mitre 10 Dubbo for the helpful and friendly advice on growing fruit and veg. What she doesn’t know is not worth knowing!

Thumbs up and thank-you to the young people on the cash registers at Mitre 10 who are very friendly and know their jobs well.

Thumbs up and thank-you to David Pankhurst at The Book Connection - that man is a legend he deserves a medal.

Thumbs up to the caring, efficient young gentleman that works at Dubbo Medical & Allied Health for helping me with my phone problems. Your support was appreciated.

Thumbs up to the Westside Hotel for accommodating our large family lunch booking on Saturday.

 Send your Thumbs Up via email to photos@dubbophotonews. com.au, mail to Level 1, 178 Macquarie Street Dubbo NSW 2830, or phone 6885 4433.

SHARE YOUR NEWS!

Dubbo Photo News is a great local paper because people like you share your stories with us. If you have a story, event or news item, call us on 6885 4433 or email editor@ dubbophotonews.com.au

Firing up the lime-lights! Dubbo Theatre announcing its exciting, 20-show season

By

THERE’LL be laughter, song and dance, tears and joy, as Dubbo Regional Theatre and Convention Centre (DRTCC) unveils its much-anticipated 2025 production line-up at the season launch later this month.

The season launch will pull back the curtain on 20 productions that are coming to the DRTCC in 2025, including musicals, comedies, dramas, and dance productions.

The traditional season launch is

open to the public and is the best way to see first-hand what’s on next year with presentation also of the 52-page season booklet detailing the diverse array of productions coming to the Golden West.

“You’ll get to see firsthand the shows in store for 2025, and enjoy a bit of banter on stage, live music, entertainment, and titbits about shows that you won’t find in the booklet,” Manager, Regional Events, Linda Christof said.

“There’s no pressure to subscribe or buy tickets on the day, it’s a good way to immerse your-

self in the season offerings and see what catches your interest,”

Ms Christof added.

Following an enormous 2024 award-winning season, including taking home the Impact Award for their Saturday Night Social extravaganza, and also welcoming their one-millionth patron through its doors, the DRTCC is set to up the ante in 2025.

“There are so many reasons to consider becoming a subscriber in 2025,” Ms Christof said.

“Following the DRTCC’s successes this year, we are going

bigger, bolder, and more colourful next year… there will truly be something to suit everyone’s tastes,” she concluded.

The 2025 Season Launch is on Sunday, November 24, from 1pm, doors open at 12pm, and entry is $25. Light refreshments will also be served from 2–3pm.

Patrons can book their tickets by dropping in to the DRTCC Box Office, heading to: www.drtcc. com.au, or phoning 6801 4378. The 2025 Season Launch is proudly supported by Kings Hall Jewellers.

THE TOONS’ VIEWS

TIME WARP

Australia’s first foreign military adventure

By David Dixon

Gallipoli, Tobruk, Kokoda Trail, and Long Tan – names that echo down the ages for most Australians.

overseas military adventure? And no, it wasn’t the Boer War in what is now South Africa at the time of Federation in 1901.

It was, instead, one of the last great military engagements of the Victorian Age,

iconic British Prime Minister, William

The war was in the Sudan in 1885 –February next year marking the 140th anniversary of their embarkation – with a plaque at Bathurst Railway Station commemorating the departure of volunteers from western NSW to join the NSW

Their enemy was led by the charismatic bin Abdullah bin Fahal) – who had cut a bloody swathe through north Africa with his medieval warrior army, the Dervishes – slaughtering the British garrison, led Khartoum.

Honour, and the military prestige of the Empire, required a stern response, with British colonies throughout the world demagogue.

With news of Gordon’s death and the for the Sudan, the NSW Government also cabled Gladstone, with its own proposal, expenses.

London accepted, but stipulated that the

colonies, were declined.

The contingent, an infantry battalion of battery of 212 men – including the contingent from western NSW – sailed on March 3, 1885 from Sydney amid public fanfare generated in part by a holiday was described as the most festive occasion in the colony’s history.

The reality, however, proved a little more underwhelming, the Australians fought a number of skirmishes against the enemy, only seeing something of the brutal reality of war as they halted among the dead from a battle which had taken place 11 days before.

Further scrapping also took place over the following weeks, but the Australians sustained only three casualties, none fatal. Far from the excitement they had imagined, enforced idleness of guard duties.

The British, in their inimical way, then abandoned the whole campaign, with the Australians returning home to a reception at Victoria Barracks in Paddington where they stood in pouring rain as a number of Loftus, the Premier, and the commandant speeches.

ultimate defeat of the Dervishes in 1899 at the Battle of Omdurman.

Although the campaign for the Australians proved to be somewhat of an anti-climax, those mostly-forgotten veterans, were the of military service from the people of western NSW.

above, right and below: The NSW Regiment sailed from Sydney in 1885, bound for glory, but not finding much, in the Sudan War.

Australian War Memorial

ACROSS

1 Innocuous (8)

5 Neckwear (6)

10 Fat (5)

11 Philosophy without morality (9)

12 Logical (6)

WORDFIT

3 LETTERS

5

21 Hang by attachment (7)

24 Wanders (6)

27 Forcibly remove from power (9)

28 Indigenous people (NZ) (5)

29 Screech (6)

30 Process of mesmerisation (8)

1 Stop (4)

2 Without principle (9)

3 Serving implement (5)

4 Alarmed (8)

6 Mollusc (7)

7 Seance board (5)

8 Mexican hats (9)

9 Parasitic plant (4)

14 Photos (9)

16  Named after a particular person or group (9)

17 Raised track over low ground (8)

19 Apparition (7)

22 Show contempt (5)

23 Earth (4)

25 Japanese noodles (5)

26 Insult (coll)

13 The smell of the ocean (4,3) 14 One of the colours of the ocean (3,5) 15 Materialise (6)

Relaxed (2,4) 20 Ridicules (8)

4 LETTERS

QUICK QUIZ

1. Which falcon-headed Egyptian god is the son of Isis?

2. What is the main ingredient in the Colombian soup ajiaco?

3. For how many seasons did the TV series Lost run?

4. What is actor Toni Collette’s (pictured) birth name?

5. In which Australian state or territory is the coastal town of Esperance located?

6. Supercilium is more commonly known as what facial feature?

7. Who voiced the title character Max Jerry Horovitz in the 2009 film Mary and Max?

8. Name the actor who plays Cosmo Kramer in Seinfeld 9. True or false: owls can turn their heads 360 degrees in both directions?

10. The Mekong river empties into what body of water?

TIP OF THE WEEK

If you have an ink stain on fabric, try blotting it with hairspray. Saturate the ink spot with hairspray and blot using a clean white cloth or non-decorated paper towel. Repeat until all the ink is gone. Make sure you test on an inconspicuous area first.

ARIES: Communication may be difficult this week. You won’t be able to reach certain people. However, suddenly they’ll be the first to contact you, and your phone will be ringing off the hook.

YOUR STARS

TAURUS: You’ll be quite popular this week, and you’ll have a lot to share. Your social life will be very active, whether in person or online. Expect your partner to spoil you with acts of kindness.

GEMINI: Shopping will take up some of your time this week, and you’ll be inspired to redesign your home. You might even be tempted to buy some early Christmas decorations.

CANCER: Your imagination will know no bounds this week! However, you might get into a bit of a slump. You’ll immerse yourself in creating a work of art or indulge in binge-watching a TV series. Creativity is key.

LEO: You may not always thrive in crowds, but you’ll come across inspiring individuals who’ll motivate you to take on new challenges. Expect to develop meaningful new friendships.

VIRGO: You may procrastinate this week, but your loved ones will help you get your priorities straight while keeping things light. You may have a new lease on life after this experience.

LIBRA: A spontaneous trip is on the horizon, even if you think it’s unrealistic. On the job, you’ll work with a diverse clientele that will bring you abundance. Keep an open mind when opportunities arise.

SCORPIO: You’ll need to take on many responsibilities at work and home. Your hard work will be acknowledged, and you’ll be rewarded for your efforts. Recognition and gratitude are coming your way.

SAGITTARIUS: Change is coming! Go with the flow, and your worries will fade away. Sentimental projects will happen faster than expected. Be open to opportunities.

CAPRICORN: You must address financial, professional

or personal matters; negotiations may become tense. You must strike the right balance in all aspects of your life to find peace.

AQUARIUS: Love will take up a big part of your week. Prepare to be romanced! Expect an awkward, perhaps unexpected and unreciprocated confession of love from a colleague.

PISCES: Take some time off to recover from a cold or other illness. Spend a few days at home and bring some work home with you over the weekend to catch up. The moon will boost your imagination, inspiration and intuition.

Passed away 5th November 2024

Aged 65 years

Late of Dubbo & formerly of Warren Dearly loved wife of Robert (dec). Loving mother, grandmother, daughter and sister. Dear friend to many.

Lee-Ellen’s Funeral Service will be held in the Chapel of Western Districts Memorial Park, Boothenba Rd, Dubbo, commencing at 10.30am on Tuesday 26th November 2024, followed by interment in the adjoining Lawn Cemetery. j g y

Funeral arrangements are in the care of The Abbey Funeral Home Dubbo 02 6881 8988

Margaret Letitia Twohill

Funeral arrangements

Michael Coxsedge

Late of Wellington

Passed away 13th of October 2024

Aged 59

Survived by brother Phillip and Family. Informal Service will be held at Wellington Cemetery, 11am Monday 18th of November 2024

THE DIARY

ON THIS WEEK

Dubbo District Concert Band: Join the Dubbo District Concert Band on Sunday, November 17 for an afternoon of musical magic with their end of year concert to be held in the Dubbo RSL Auditorium. Doors open at 1:30pm, showtime 2pm. Entry is $5 at the door.

Dubbo View Club: Cards and games, Dubbo RSL Club 1pm Friday November 15. For more information contact Shirley on 0427822874.

Dubbo View Club: Christmas Lunch, 11am Monday November 18, Dubbo RSL Club, bookings and cancellations by 10am Friday, November 15. Phone Beth on 0431 290 274. New members and guests are welcome. Women’s Wellbeing Walking Group: 10am Tuesdays fortnightly meeting at Victoria Park BBQ area. Nov 5, and Nov 19. Women of all ages are welcome. Kathryn at Connecting Community Services 1800 319 551. Support Terramungamine CWA’s Garage sale –Saturday 16th November Bennett Park opposite 379 Macquarie St South Dubbo from 0830 Xmas cakes & slices, assorted of other items.

THURSDAY

Above Board Gamers: SECOND and FOURTH Thursday of the month, 6pm, Devil’s Hollow Brewery. Alan 0432 278 235 Akela Playgroup: 9.30am, Scout Hall, 4 Akela St., Sharna 0438 693 789

Badminton: 7.30pm-9.30pm, Delroy High School Auditorium, East Street, West Dubbo, $5 to play, $22 insurance ($20, school students). Chris 6887 3413

Bingo - South Dubbo Veteran’s & Community Men’s Shed: 11am-12.30pm, West Dubbo Bowling Club. Barry 0439 344 349 Coffee, Craft and Chat: 9.30am-12pm, Gospel Hall, Cnr of Boundary Road and Taylor St. Anne 0428 425 958 Croquet: 8.15am for 8:30am start, Tuesday, Thursday. Croquet courts, Brisbane St, North Dubbo. Kate 0409 927 140, Lillian 0429 471 921

CWA Dubbo: FIRST Thursday of the month, 9.30am to 11am, Oaktree Retirement Village Peel Street, Dubbo. Marion 6884 2957

CWA Wongarbon Handicraft: SECOND Thursday of the month, Liz 0401 174 883. CWA Wongarbon: FIRST Thursday of the month, 10am, Wongarbon CWA rooms. Marjorie 6884 5558

Dubbo Anglican Church Trinity Kids

Playgroup: 10am-12pm, Anglican Church Hall, 158 Brisbane St., during School terms. Contact 6884 4990

Dubbo Community Men’s Shed Inc: Mondays 9am to 1pm and Thu/Sat 1pm to 5pm. Small joining fee after three visits. All men are welcome, Kevin 0427 253 445 Dubbo RSL Day Club: 10am and 2pm, Orana Gardens Family History Society (Dubbo & District): 1pm to 4pm, volunteers on site during these hours, Western Plains Cultural Centre Community Arts Centre, Cnr Wingewarra and Gipps St Heart Support Walking Group: 12.30pm, (also Tuesdays), Ollie Robbins Oval, Cnr of Bligh Street. Supports gentle exercise promoting healthy hearts, Ray 0437 541 942 Let’s Walk together: 10am Thursdays

weekly meet at Regand Park near the Walkway Bridge. Everyone is welcome. Supported by the Heart Foundation. Contact Jimmy at Connecting Community Services 1800 319 551.

Line Dancing: 9.30am to 12 noon, Greek Hall, corner Gipps and Roper Street, Dubbo. Kathy 6888 5287 or Lynn 6888 5263. Macquarie Masons Dubbo: SECOND Thursday of the month. All visitors are welcome, John O’Brien 0405 051 896. Outback Dragons Dubbo: 5.45pm (in summer), Sandy Beach amenities block. Come and try dragon boating, your first five paddles are Free. info@outbackdragons.com.au, Robyn 0427462504

Wellington Arts and Crafts: 10am-3pm, Small Hall in the Anglican Church grounds, Wellington, variety of crafts, activities and workshops offered. Lynne 6845 4454

Wellington Lions Preloved Book Fair: Wellington Lions Preloved Book Fair Thursday to Saturday 10am to 2pm, Western Gallery, corner Swift St and Mitchell Highway, Wellington. Preloved books, Jigsaw puzzles, Cds, Dvds and now board games with the money raised going to Charities that Club members choose.

FRIDAY

Alcoholics Anonymous Meetings: 7pm (1.5hrs) - ID meeting, Dubbo Community Health, Palmer Street, Dubbo. Contact Dee 0417 422 750, 1300 222 222 or www.aa.org.au. Central West Makers Place: 12pm-6pm, South Dubbo Veterans and Community Men’s Shed, Cnr Palmer and High Streets. 3D printing, robotics, pottery, and more. Adam 0431 038 866.

Communion Service (Dubbo Anglican Church): 10am, Brotherhood House chapel, 158 Brisbane St. Community Kitchen: FIRST Friday of the month, 6.30pm, Holy Trinity Hall, Brisbane St, free meal.

CPSA (Combined Pensioners and Superannuants Association): SECOND Friday each month, 10am, Dubbo RSL Club. Discuss issues, guest speaker. Further Information Barb 0427251121

Dubbo Nepalese Christian Fellowship: 6.30-8pm. Cyrel on 0416 826 701 or Kabita 0452 406 234.

Dubbo Parkinson’s Support Group: FIRST Friday of each month, 10.30am, Horizons village, Minore Road, Dubbo. Jim Jupp, 0438414888.

Lunchtime Prayer Group - Dubbo Anglican Church: 1-2pm in Brotherhood House, 158 Brisbane Street. Bring your lunch Narromine Food Barn: 9am-11am, Lowcost groceries and FREE fruit, vegetables and bread with any purchase to people in need. Ken Rumble on 0414 477 365 Spinning and Weaving: 10am, at Dubbo Arts and Craft Cottage, 137 Cobra Street. Anne 0408 891 225 Tai Chi at U3A: 10am, at the Community Arts Centre, Western Plains Cultural Centre, 76 Wingewarra Street. Richard 6888 5656 Urban Tribe: 2pm, with dancing, music, singing, caring and sharing. 0459 762 702 Wellington Lions Preloved Book Fair: Wellington Lions Preloved Book Fair Thursday

to Saturday 10am to 2pm, Western Gallery, corner Swift St and Mitchell Highway, Wellington. Preloved books, Jigsaw puzzles, Cds, Dvds and now board games with the money raised going to Charities that Club members choose. Western Plains Trefoil Guild: SECOND Friday of each month, 10.30am, Dubbo West Guide Hall. Please confirm the meeting will be on. Dorothy 6884 6646

SATURDAY

Beekeepers Inc - Orana: SECOND Saturday of the month, 9.15am, Narromine Tennis Club rooms, unless other arrangements are made. orana.secretary@beekeepers.asn.au

Bridge Club - Dubbo: 1pm until approximately 4.30pm, Bultje Street. $7 members, $9 non-members. Libby 0428 254 324. Croquet: 8.15am, Muller Park Tennis and Croquet courts, Brisbane St, North Dubbo. New players of all ages are welcome. Tricia 0428 876 204 or Margaret 0427 018 946.

CWA Gilgandra Market: FIRST Saturday of the month, 9am-1pm, Cakes, fruit, pickles, plants and more! New stall holders are welcome. $5 per table, proceeds to CWA. Contact Hilda 0427471270.

Dubbo Anglican Church Vigil Communion Service: 6pm, 158 Brisbane Street. Contact 6884 4990

Dubbo Bridge Club: 1pm, Bultje Street (Tennis Courts), Dubbo. $7 members, $9 non-members. Libby 0428 254 324

Dubbo Community Men’s Shed Inc: Mondays, 9am to 1pm and Thu/Sat 1pm to 5pm. Small joining fee after three visits. “All men are welcome.” Kevin 0427 253 445

Dubbo Slot Car Racing Club: FIRST and THIRD Saturday of the month, 4pm, Seniors (15+), old Scouts Building, 189-191 Talbragar Street, across from Aldi. Terry 0408 260 965. Embroiderers - Dubbo: 10:00am- 3:00 pm (also see Tuesday listing) All are welcome

Macquarie Regional Library Contact Patricia 0439846400

Family History Society (Dubbo & District): 10am to 1pm, volunteers on site during these hours, Western Plains Cultural Centre Community Arts Centre, Cnr Wingewarra and Gipps St. Orana Writers’ Hub: 1st Saturday of the month 10-1. Music Room WPCC

Patchwork and Quilters Group: 9am, SECOND and LAST Saturday of the month, Dubbo Pipe Band Hall, Cnr Darling and Wingewarra Sts. Charlene on 0408 825 180 Parkrun - Dubbo: 8am every week, FREE timed (with barcode), 5km run, jog or walk, starts at Sandy Beach, dogs, prams are welcome. Email dubbohelpers@parkrun.com to help!

RSL Tennis Club: 12.30pm, Paramount Tennis Club courts for enjoyable social tennis. All welcome 0437824743

Saturday Art: 10am, at Dubbo Arts and Crafts Society Cottage, 137 Cobra St. Pam 6885 1918.

Seventh-day Adventist Church Bible Study: 9.30am, Sabbath School and children’s/youth Sabbath School, 11am, Divine Service. Cnr Cobra and Sterling Sts. dubbo.adventist.org.au

14-20, 2024

Diary entries need to be 40 words or less, and are only for not-for-profit community groups . Placement will be at the editor’s discretion and subject to space availability – because Diary listings are free! Please include your daytime phone number and/or address when submitting details. Entries close 10am Tuesday for that Thursday’s edition.

Talbragar CWA: Monthly meetings are held on the first Saturday of each month from March to December they commencing at 2pm each month but December at 11am. More information is available from Ronda on 68885231 or 0419275223.

Transition Dubbo Food + Film Night: For information about future events, contact to Peter 0439 091 767

Wellington Lions Preloved Book Fair: Wellington Lions Preloved Book Fair Thursday to Saturday 10am to 2pm, Western Gallery, corner Swift St and Mitchell Highway, Wellington. Preloved books, Jigsaw puzzles, Cds, Dvds and now board games with the money raised going to Charities that Club members choose.

SUNDAY

Alcoholics Anonymous Meetings (Steps and Traditions): 7pm (1.5hrs), ‘Steps and Traditions’ meeting, Dubbo Community Health, Palmer St. Jack 0418 605 041, Sally 0427 829 807, 1300 222 222 or www.aa.org.au

Australian Kite Flyers Society: SECOND Sunday of the month, 10am, Jubilee Oval. See how to build and fly modern (and old) kites. David 0476 223 342

Bicycle User Group Social Ride: 9am, at Wahroonga Park. Mick 0437 136 169 or Sam 0429826076, dubbobug.org.au

Dubbo Acoustic Musicjam (DAMjam):

SECOND Sunday of the month, 2pm to 5pm, Milestone Hotel, upstairs. Join acoustic sessions or just listen. Peter 0457 787 143

Dubbo Anglican Church Traditional Communion Service: 8am, 158 Brisbane Street. 6884 4990

Dubbo Anglican Church: 10am, Trinity Kids Sunday School and family Communion service.

Dubbo Baptist Church: 6pm, at 251 Cobra Street (next to Spotlight), during school terms. Come along and discover if church is still relevant in today’s world. Everyone is welcome. 6884 2320

Dubbo Baptist Church: 9.30am, 251 Cobra Street (next to Spotlight). Everyone is welcome. 6884 2320

Dubbo Film Society: Film screenings for members and casual members at Dubbo RSL Theatrette, 1:30pm. Two films, Sundays 25 February, 26 May, 29 Sept, 24 Nov. Refreshments served at intermission. All-day Film Festival, five films, Sunday 28 July commences 9:30am.

Dubbo Pistol Club: 12.30pm, 143L Old Dubbo Road, 6882 0007

Orana K9 Training Club INC: New intake class every 7th Sunday starting 4/2/24..( daylight savings start time 8.45am Eastern Standard time 9.45am ). Orana K9 Training are now training at Pioneer Oval Howard Ave West Dubbo. Contact Reg 0428849877 or Dianne 0429847380.

Orana Pistol Club: 9am, Hyandra Lane, Dubbo. Sundays only, 6887 3704

The Write In: An opportunity for writers to sit in writerly companionship, writing. 3rd Sunday of the month. Dubbo library meeting room from 11.30.

Traditional Catholic Latin Mass –Rawsonville: SECOND Sunday of the month, 9am, Rawsonville Soldier’s Memorial Hall,

Rawsonville Road. 0429 920 842

Transcendental Meditation (TM): Free introductory talks via www.tm.org.au. Maharishi Foundation Australia scientifically proven benefits of TM. Contact David 0424 252 834

MONDAY

Alcoholics Anonymous (Daily Reflections Meeting): 12pm (1.5hrs), ‘Daily Reflections’. St Brigid’s Catholic Church, 198 Brisbane St. Jack 0418 605 041/Sally 0427 829 807, 1300 222 222 or www.aa.org.au

Amnesty International Dubbo: SECOND Monday of the month, 5.30pm-6.30pm, St Brigid’s meeting room. Contact Sandra Lindeman amnesty.dubbo@gmail.com or 0419 167 574.

Anglican Women’s Association: 5.30pm, at Holy Trinity. Dorothy 6884 4990.

Australian Air Force Cadets 313 “City of Dubbo” Squadron: 6pm-9.30pm, Army Barracks (Cnr Kokoda Pl and Wingewarra St). NOW recruiting, 13 to 18 years, rewarding activities.

Dubbo Bridge Club: FOURTH Monday of the month, 10am-1pm, Bultje Street. $7 members, $9 non-members. Libby 0428 254 324.

Dubbo City Physical Culture Club: 4.30pm start, Wesley Community Hall, 66 Church St. Fun, affordable dance for girls/ladies, 4yrs and up, all fitness levels. dubbocityphysie@live.com.au

Dubbo Community Men’s Shed Inc: Mondays, 9am to 1pm and Thu/Sat 1pm to 5pm. Small joining fee after three visits. “All men are welcome.” Kevin 0427 253 445.

Dubbo Multicultural Women’s Group: THIRD Monday of the month, 10am, St Brigid’s Meeting Room in Brisbane Street. Women of all backgrounds are invited. 1800 319 551. Narromine Community Women’s Shed: 10am -3pm, (also Wednesdays), The Wesley Centre, 138 Dandaloo Street, Narromine. Leona 0487 200 987

Patchwork: 10am-3pm, at Dubbo Arts & Craft Cottage, 137 Cobra St, June 6882 4677. RFDS Dubbo Support Group monthly meetings: FIRST Monday of the month, RFDS Visitor Experience, 5pm, 21 Judy Jakins Drive, Dubbo Airport. Jeanette Hamilton 0429 673 366.

Rotary Club of Dubbo: 6pm-8pm, Westside Hotel, Whylandra Street, West Dubbo. Contact Lyn Wicks, 0428 342 374, Carla Pittman, 0418 294 438 or dubborotaryclub@hotmail.com

Sing Australia Dubbo Choir: 6pm-8pm, Bridge Club, Bultje Street. NO auditions, no requirements to read music and no singing experience necessary. Contact Michele Peak 0428 680 775.

Tai Chi 10 Form: 2.30pm-3.30pm during school terms at U3A, Community Arts Centre, WPCC, 76 Wingewarra St.. Laney 6882 4680 or laneyluk@gmail.com.

TUESDAY

Aboriginal Elders Walkabout Ministry Group: 9.30am - 2pm in Holy Trinity Church Hall, 158 Brisbane Street Croquet: 8.15am for 8:30am start, Tuesday, Thursday. Croquet courts, Brisbane St, North

Dubbo. Kate 0409 927 140, Lillian 0429 471 921

Dementia Sing Out Choir: Weekly 11am12.30pm, Generosity Church 51 Sheraton Road Dubbo. Contact Anne Gemmell 0481396404. Depression Recovery Group: 10.30am, at the Catholic Parish Meeting Room, Brisbane St. Norm 6882 6081 or Sandra 0432 647 877

Dubbo City Physical Culture Club: 5pm start, Holy Trinity Hall, Brisbane Street, Dubbo. Fun, affordable dance for girls/ladies, 4yrs and up, all fitness levels. dubbocityphysie@ live.com.au

Dubbo Chess Club: 7pm-9pm, at Dubbo RSL. Juniors welcome. Don 0431 460 584 or Sandy 0408 200 564

Dubbo City Ladies Probus Club: Meet on the second Tuesday of each month in the Masonic Village Hall, Darby Close at 10am contact Marie Francis 0408845640. Dubbo Embroiderers: 9:30am- 3:00pm SECOND and FOURTH Tuesday of the month (also see Saturday listing) Dubbo Bridge Club, Elston Park, Bultje St Dubbo. All are welcome. Contact Patricia 0439846400

Dubbo Lions Club Inc: FIRST and THIRD Tuesday of the month, 6.30pm, Club Dubbo. PO Box 285 Dubbo, Lois on 0428288325 or dubbolionsinc@gmail.com.

Dubbo Men’s Probus: FIRST Tuesday of every month, 11am, Masonic Hall, Bob Ellis 0428217752

Dubbo Prostate Support Group: For information about future meetings, Elizabeth 0408 682 968

Dubbo RSL Euchre Club: 7pm, for 7.30pm, Dubbo RSL, Glen 0419 179 985 or Doreen 6882 6163

Family History Society (Dubbo & District): 1pm to 4pm, Cnr Wingewarra & Gipps Sts, Western Plains Cultural Centre, Community Arts Centre.

Girls Brigade: During school term, 6pm to 8pm, Orana Baptist Church, 4 Palmer St. For all school aged girls. Enjoy crafts, games, camps, stories, songs, cooking and much more. Julie 0428 821 829 Heart Support Walking Group: 12.30pm, (also Thursday), Ollie Robbins Oval, Cnr of Bligh Street. Supports gentle exercise promoting healthy hearts, contact Ray 0437 541 942 Orana Physical Culture: 4pm onwards, starts with 2-4 years Sparkles class, Auditorium at St Mary’s Primary School. See the Orana Physical Culture Facebook page Rotary Club of Dubbo Macquarie: 12.30pm - 2pm, Westside Hotel, contact Peter McInnes 0417 140 149 Rotary Club of Dubbo South: 6pm, at South Dubbo Tavern Silver Craft: THIRD Tuesday of the month, 10am, at Dubbo Arts and Crafts Society Cottage, 137 Cobra St. Julie 6884 4919 Smart Recovery (Behaviour Change Support Group): 5pm, online or in person. Rob on 0417 497 187 Spinning Group: Every third Tuesday 10am -4pm Dubbo Art and Craft Cottage, 137 Cobra Street. Contact Julie 0418 976 663 South Dubbo Veteran’s & Community Men’s Shed: 9am-12pm, Cnr of High and Palmer Streets. New members welcome Reach Out & Discussion Group for people with Eating Disorders Expressions

of Interest: Tuesdays. Venue TBA. Ph:

0455255137 after midday to express interest.

Toastmasters Club: FIRST and THIRD Tuesday of the month, 7pm9pm, Dubbo RSL Club, Brisbane St., Sharon Allan 0408 156 015 or email sallan@rhdubbo.com.au

Women’s Wellbeing Walking Group: 10am Tuesdays fortnightly meeting at Victoria Park BBQ area. 22nd Oct, 5th Nov, 19th Nov. Women of all ages welcome. Kathryn at Connecting Community Services 1800 319 551.

WEDNESDAY

Akela Playgroup: (also see Thursday listing), 10.30am, Scout Hall, 4 Akela Street, Sharna 0438 693 789. Alcoholics Anonymous Dubbo: Meet Wednesday 7pm (1.5hr) – ‘Topic‘ meeting St Brigid’s Catholic Church meeting rooms, 198 Brisbane St, Dubbo Please contact Ian 0447 176 590 Or contact 1300 222 222 or www.aa.org. au for info on meetings.

Ballroom Dancing: Wednesday

7:30-9:30pm $10. Wesley Hall Cnr of Carrington Avenue & Church Street, Dubbo. Graham Woods 0447 885 603 Blood Cancer Support Group: FIRST Wednesday of month, 10.30am12pm, Venue changes each month. Louise or Emma 0412 706 785 Breast Cancer Support Group:

FOURTH Wednesday of every month, 10am, Baptist Church, Palmer Street, Community Health 5853 2545

Bric-a-brac sale, weekly - South Dubbo Veterans and Community

Men’s Shed: 10am-12pm, Corner of Palmer and High Streets. Contact Barry on 0439 344 349

Coffee, Craft & Chat: FORTNIGHTLY, 10am-12pm, Gospel Chapel on Boundary Road. Anne 0428 425 958

CWA Dubbo Evening Branch:

THIRD Wednesday of the month, 6:00pm, 3 Frith Street. Contact Barb on 0409 159 556.

CWA Narromine: SECOND

Wednesday of the month, 5.30pm, USMC. Carolyn 0427747478

CWA Terramungamine: SECOND

Wednesday of the month, 10am, Dubbo RSL Club. Barb 0427 251 121

CWA Wellington Branch: Second Wednesday of Month, 10:30 a.m., Wellington CWA Rooms, Warne St, Wellington. Contact Marion on 0429033836

Dementia Friendship Group: SECOND Wednesday of month, 10:30am, Western Plains Cultural Centre, Creo Cafe, Wingewarra St. Anne Gemmell 0481396404.

Dubbo Arts and Craft Cottage: 10am-4pm, 137 Cobra Street. A large range of handcrafted gifts made by members available. Contact 6881 6410

Dubbo and District Family History Society event: Linda Barnes will show you how to begin discovering your family history. Four weeks, Wednesdays March 6, 13, 20 and 27. 10.30am to 12.30pm at Community Arts Centre $7.50 per

session for DDFHS members, $15 for non-members. To reserve your place phone Linda on 68878284 or email martinandlinda@gmail.com

Dubbo Bobbin Lacemakers: THIRD Wednesday of the month, 10am-3pm, Arts & Crafts Society Cottage and Craft Shop, 137 Cobra Street. Judy 6882 5776

Dubbo Bridge Club: 9.45am, for 10am-1pm, Bultje Street (Tennis Courts), Dubbo. $7 members, $9 non-members. Libby 0428 254 324

Dubbo Community Garden: 9am12pm, 4 Palmer Street. A time to garden with others, learn more skills and grow friendships. Contact Denise 0433 623 842 or Julie 0428 821 829

Dubbo Electric Vehicle Interest, Owners, Users & Supporters (DEVIOUS) group: FIRST Wednesday of each month, 12:30pm to 1:30pm, Western Plains Cultural Centre café. Chris 0409 321 470 Dubbo Garden Club: 10am, FIRST Wednesday of month, Garden gatherings with morning tea. Contact, President, Annette Storer, 0429 828 882

Dundullimal Dubbo Support Crew Inc: FOURTH Wednesday of month, 10am, Dundullimal Homestead. Support Homestead functions. 6884 9984, dundullimal@ nationaltrust.com.au

Gamblers Anonymous: 6pm, Baptist Church, Dubbo. Victor 0407 799 139

Geurie Craft Group: 9am-2pm, Geurie Bowling Club. Everyone is welcome. Contact Colene 0400422335

Line Dancing: 6.30pm to 8:30pm, Greek Hall, corner Gipps and Roper Street, Dubbo. Kathy 6888 5287 or Lynn 6888 5263.

Lodge Allan Stuart 416: SECOND Wednesday of month, Geurie Masonic Centre. Please email secretary@lodgeallanstuart416.org.au

Macquarie Intermediate Band: 6pm, school term, Band Hall, Boundary Rd. 6884 6686/info@macqcon.org.au, Dubbo District Band 0422 194 059 dubboband@gmail.com

Narromine Community Women’s Shed: Mondays and Wednesdays, 10am -3pm, The Wesley Centre, 138 Dandaloo Street, Narromine. Leona 0487 200 987

Survivors Of Suicide Bereavement Group: Wednesdays, by expressions of interest. Please contact 0455 255 137 after midday.

Walter T. Grant Seniors Social Club: 9am-2pm, Scout’s Hall, Welchman Street. $8 per day. BYO lunch. Pre-lunch cards and games, post-lunch bingo. Jan Miller 0418 255 217

West Dubbo Rotary: 6pm, Club Dubbo, Whylandra Street West Dubbo Zumba Kids: 4.15pm, West Dubbo Primary Community Centre. A FUN dynamic class that keeps young bodies ac tive, for kids aged 5 to 12. Gold coin donation per family.

This year, Uniting is seeking 00 presents for children and young people from birth to 2 years old, to help us provide Christmas gifts for families in need across Western NSW

You can help by purchasing a gift for a child and dropping it off at one of our Dubbo collection points:

Uniting Regional Office 1/80 Gipps Street

Uniting Doorways & Reconnect 2 Alfred Street

Closing date for drop-off: December at 5pm

For more information, please call 02 6885 5010 ©

SMALL WORLD, IRISH MELBOURNE CUP HOOP, EARNED HIS STRIPES IN DUBBO

WHEN Robbie Dolan drove “Knight’s Choice” past the winning post in last week’s Melbourne Cup, there was at least one bloke on the track who had a wry

Fromer jockey and now trainer, Kody Nestor, who did not bet on the big race of course, was remembering the day in 2018 when the young Irish apprentice took the mount on Kenny Succeed in the Gold Cup Day Showcase Flying Sprint.

“The young fella was coming across the mountains fairly often when he was first here under Mark Newnham in Sydney,”

“He was advised to seek country trainers and tracks to gain more experience in Australian conditions,” he added.

The young Eire native, however, even then, was considered a top prospect.

“He was an attractive proposition for us, because he was already an established ‘hoop’ and brought with him a 2–3kg allowance,” Kody revealed.

“So, when I heard he was coming to Dubbo, I gave him a crack,” he told Dubbo

“Kenny Succeed” was the first winner earlier in the year for the fledgling trainer, Kody, who had given-up his career in the saddle to follow mum and dad, Johnny and Judy into the trainer’s fold.

Helen’s week “in heaven” for the race that stops the nation

By GEOFF MANN

DUBBO Photo News received a note from syndicate part-owner, Helen Akerstrom following Tuesday’s Melbourne Cup. In last week’s sports section, we covered the fascinating tale of the equine-loving former strapper’s journey to the Cup with the runner, “Just Fine”, a horse Helen is proud to have a 1500th (or so) share of!

“Melbourne Cup week has been a whirlwind!” Helen wrote.

“On Monday night on the eve of the big race, I was at a PreRace Dinner for 300 ‘Just Fine’ owners,” she explained.

The event, hosted by rac-

ing media personalities Emma Freedman and Jason Richardson, rating the stayer’s chances in the Cup.

“Trainer Adrian Bott, who is one half of the Gai Waterhouse team, spoke about Just Fine and his journey to Flemington.

“Tilly McCarroll, Just Fine’s trackwork rider, also shared her insights, and Damon Gabbedy, our bloodstock agent, also spoke about buying Just Fine with Robbie Waterhouse, it was a fun night with lots of laughs,” Helen enthused.

Helen was also fortunate enough to visit Just Fine at Gai’s Stables on the Sunday after Derby Day.

“He was calm and ready to go!”

She also got to witness perhaps the greatest Cup Champ ever, she revealed.

“I was also involved in the ‘Living Legends’ on Monday morning with a Melbourne Cup Parade.

“The only horse to win three successive Cups, ‘Makybe Diva’, was there as a guest, as well as all the regular Melbourne Cup Champions who live in Melbourne.”

Great times, and wonderful yarn from Helen about the fun and festive atmosphere at one of our greatest sporting traditions. Thank-you for sharing it with us, Helen!

“Robbie was a very accomplished young horseman.

He looked like he would go places but, never in my wildest dreams, did I think he would win the greatest race in Australia!”

Kody remembered the young Irishman singing a bit in the sheds and after race meetings, becoming a star on one of Australia’s top TV talent shows.

“But again, I never thought he’d be so successful on The Voice, sing at the Cup, and do duets with Ed Sheeran at the track and in Crown after parties,” Kody laughed! Looking back to that day in September 2018, the young Irish apprentice was quite the mixed bag. Robbie finished seventh on “Club Town” for trainer Michael Lunn, second behind “Song and a Prayer” riding “The Flying Scot”, and third on “Marquee” to “Disturbance”.

Robbie was also first past-the-post on Wayne Maiden’s “Sea Lady” ahead of “Sons of Bourke” and ‘Get to the Chopper” and had, what could now be described as four-leaf clover ride on a horse call ”Dreamnomore” for Rodney Northam.

An interesting aside, Winona Costin, who was one of four female riders in last week’s Cup was prominent at Dubbo on the same day as Robbie Dolan piloting “Eyesaw” to a win in a Benchmark 58 race.

I wonder if the two hoops recalled that day at Royal Dubbo as they pointed their mounts towards the barriers last Tuesday?

No joy in the Mid-West Pairs Championships

Contributed by WEST DUBBO BOWLS

THERE was no joy for West Dubbo teams

In the Mid-West Region Pairs Championships last weekend. Best efforts in the sectional play though, were from Cooper and Gavin Dart (at the Open Men at Parkes), Mark and Greg Collin (in the Senior Men at Dubbo City) and Ros Gilhome and Judy Cassidy for the (Open Women at Orange).

Best of luck to our Mens teams competing this Saturday at Parkes Railway, they will be trying to make the State Finals next March at Ballina with the Senior team of John Fardell, Craig Biles, and Phil Morrow and, in the Reserve section, Steve Ryan, Jarrod Palmer, and Lloyd Peirce.

CLUB CHAMPIONSHIP FINAL

This Sunday at 10.30, the Club have the much-anticipated Men’s Major Pairs ingles Final featuring the four top bowlers all trying to be crowned the Men’s Champion. Club staff featuring Darren Connolly and Tim Farrell are up against the boys from out-back, Justin Bartlett and Jacob Ashley, with members encouraged to come down to watch some exciting bowls.

JUNIOR BOWLS

Club Dubbo’s Rookie Roller program for young bowlers continues apace on Friday evenings. This is from the Club developing a “Pathways Development Program”, which allows junior bowlers to participate in an engaging format which is fun, inclusive, and developmental. New junior bowlers between the ages of 8–14 are most welcome to attend each Friday evening over the next five weeks with food and drinks included after each hourly session.

PENNANTS

Members wishing to play in the upcoming Open Gender Pennants beginning in mid February next year, are urged to place their names on the designated list on the club’s noticeboard. West Dubbo has nominated 4 grades for the upcoming

won last Wednesday’s bowls, just edging-out Pam Dawson, Dave “Killer” Kilsby, and Bill Van Der Mey for the major part of the purse. Pam Dawson shouted her team-mates after winning the Lucky Draw cash.

On Friday, John Davis and John Mackenzie handled the going best when they defeated John Zeb, Frank Bartlett, and Bill Van Der Mey to win first prize. Tony Leonard took home the Lucky Draw money.

ber 1. There will be single entries ($20), which includes bowls, a sausage sizzle lunch, and prizes. Raffles will also be held and all proceeds will go to the Western Cancer Centre. Players are requested to wear an item of pink clothing.

The popular East v West Challenge is also set down for Sunday, December 15. The dividing line for teams is the Macquarie River and, to brighten the day, players are asked to wear a “loud” shirt.

CLUB ACTIVITIES

Christmas hams commence for this week as a part of the Thursday, Friday, and Sunday nights popular meat raffles. In addition, this Thursday night’s members’ badge draw is at $1000, whilst Friday’s badge draw, is $3000.

COMING UP

 Sunday, December 1, Munro/McLeod Pink Charity Day

 Sunday, December 15, East v West Challenge

in for fi ne young Rugby champion

By GEOFF MANN

IT is as if the world stopped turning last week, when news circulated across the Central West, that Blue Bulls Country Championship-winning captain, Teagan Miller had died in Bathurst.

The Munro/McLeod Pink Charity Day, in conjunction with Bluey’s Meats, will be held on the Sunday morning of Decem-

Thought for the Week: “Stay away from negative people. They have a problem for every solution.” – Albert Einstein

To her family and friends, the Bathurst Bulldogs family where she had been ensconced since the age of 15, through to the Country Corellas whom Teags had represented late in the season, and to clubs all over the state, it was a really tough blow. Most people are still coming to grips that the popular, effervescent, and supremely-talented young athlete from Bathurst had left us so suddenly.

Central West Rugby Union CEO Jarrod Simpson was full of praise for the youngster who had been engaged initially as a casual, helping out with coaching clinics and gala days.

“Teags had so much to offer, and she gave her all with great enthusiasm every moment of the day,” Jarrod said.

“We had no hesitation offering her a full-time role as Development Officer as soon as a position was available,” he added.

Jarrod says a quick look at the Central West and Bathurst Bulldogs proves how loved Teagan was, as a friend, teammate, club member, and valued mentor.

“We will miss Teags energy but give thanks every day for the light she brought into our lives in the 24 years she was with us,” he concluded.

Details of Teagan Miller’s memorial service, were not available at the time of going to press, but will be available on club and Central West Rugby web pages.

Our advertisers stay a step above the competition.

Good turn up for Sunday RSL Northies

In a great turn up on the day, a total of 52 RSL Northies Combination bowlers turned-out to play their bowls at the City Bowling Club last Sunday.

Winners on the day were Leo Balstad, Roger Shirwin, Eric Satchel, and Phil Knight, with the runners-up, Helen Emblem, Greg Brown, and Todd O’Dea, while the third placegetters were Ron McAulley, Ray Strawhan, John Zeb, and Matt Quill.

6885 4433

Also Combination Bowls members are reminded that the Christmas Party this year will be held at Sporties on Saturday, December 7, with names to be in by Saturday, November 30.

Ducks Clive Rootes sporting clubs’ relay race, with all comers supporting Legacy

By GEOFF MANN

VARIOUS sporting clubs in Dubbo are going to pit their water skills against the mighty Dubbo Ducks and other swimming groups today, Thursday, November 14, at the RSL Health and Fitness Centre. This special event recognises a great contributor to the Vets Swimming Club, Clive Rootes, with all funds raised from the races being donated to the local Legacy group.

Footballers, golfers, touch footy players, hockey players, equestrian competitors, cyclists, and target shooters, are all expected to dive-in when the starter’s whistle blows at 6pm.

Even at this late hour, all comers are welcome to watch or join a team. For late entries, contact the RSL Health Club on 6884 1777.

RHONDA’S GOLD! OUTBACK DRAGONS SHOW THEY ARE NO FISH OUT OF WATER

By GEOFF MANN

SHOWING that they are no fish out of water when away from the golden west, Outback Dragon paddlers have been going great guns in competitive events recently.

This has included great work by Outback Dragons crews competing in Orange at Lake Canobolas in which the Outback crews came home with two bronze medals competing against hotshot Sydney teams, Pacific and Tsunami, who paddled their way to gold and silver.

Last week, the Outback crews were also further afield at the Gold Coast as part of the Pan Pacific All Sports Masters and the Indoor Rowing Championships, where Australian Masters paddler, Rhonda Betts, showed she’s worth her weight in gold!

Rhonda clocked 19.6 seconds for her 100-metre paddle and backed-up to take silver after chalking up 277 metres in the one-minute challenge. “I was leading until the last 10 secs. I had nothing left,” Rhonda texted after the result.

Rhonda and the Outback Dragons, boosted by a dozen paddlers from Forbes, also competed in 500-metre and 200-metre events, followed by a 6km “Around the Island” challenge on Sun-

day, so it was more more “metallic splendour” for the Dragons crews who paddled on the waterways of the Gold Coast last weekend.

Publicity Officer, Chris Robinson, was on the phone mid-week to advise Dubbo Photo News, that the crews (Womens, Opens Mixed, and Mens) had a wonderful time, topped-off by some extra bling.

“We raced a series of 500-metre and 200-metre events over the first two days. It was really hectic with the first race at 7.30 and the last at 5pm,” Chris said.

The paddling was fast, furious, frequent, and ultra-competitive, Chris added.

“The women paddled in 15 races (mixed and women’s, and the men joined with them in 11 of the events. The 500 metre races were ‘interesting’ as we had to paddle half a kilometre out then race back over the same distance.”

Chris says there were over 12 Dragon Boaters competing, covering 30 nominated teams, although with some clubs unable to field crews on their own, there were more likely people from 70 clubs or more on the water.

Chris and Rhonda Betts both told DPN that it was an incredible effort by the men’s crew.

Western Plains

against the winner who had 18 blokes. The second team and Outbacks were bolstered by some very impressive women paddlers. That is an incredible achievement!”

There were three teams from New Zealand as well as one each from Singapore, Tasmania and South Australia.

Rhonda says it is something that everyone puts on their calendar at the start of the year.

“The Pan Pacs are a lot of fun, especially catching-up with old friends and taking the opportunity to make new ones. It is genuinely hard work but we have such a good group from places like Trangie, Parkes and Forbes who combine for the Outbacks. Such a great way to get exercise, keep yourself fit as the years roll on and win some medals,”

Local golfer Cooper, taking-on Aussie’s best at NSW Open

By GEOFF MANN

HUGE congratulations go out to to Dubbo College Year 10 student, Cooper Giddings, who has qualified for the NSW Open Golf Championships this week.

This event will bring the best professional men’s players from Australia and overseas together to play at the Murray Downs Golf Club.

At just 16-years, Cooper will be the youngest player in the field and only gained qualification after winning the NSW Country Open Men’s Championships with an incredible 11 under par score of 133 for 36 holes.

Great stuff Cooper; good luck at the NSW Open!

Old-style Black Powder State Championships

By GEOFF MANN

DUBBO Pistol Club hosted an old-style firearms competition last weekend as the site for the NSW State Black Powder Pistol Championships.

A total of 28 athletes from all over the State arrived at the range on Old Dubbo Road to compete – using a variety of antique pistols – in target distances involving 50-metres, 25-metres, and International matches.

“They varied from muzzle-loading single-shot replica pistols, to cap-and-ball revolvers,” Organising Secretary, Lara Cowling said.

“Needless to say, the smoke produced hung heavy over the complex, but the weather gods were kind, with light winds and

lower temperatures,” she added.

Lara expressed appreciation of the judges appointed for the sanctioned competition, while also welcoming Cherie May and John Roache as executive members of the NSW Amateur Pistol Association.

“It’s always a team effort to pull-off these big events; many thanks go to Range Officers and club members who made the weekend a tremendous success,” Lara enthused.

“It was a pleasure to have Phillip Toynton, Deputy Mayor of Dubbo, present award trophies and medallions.”

In results, Kerry Bell from Dubbo Pistol Club, bagged the NSW State Champion in the 25-metre event, and David Moore from Sydney Pistol Club was award-

ed the NSW State Champion for 50-metres.

Don Boundy from Cessnock PC took-out the trophy for the Fixed Sights Match, and Les Moncrieff from Mildura won the Adjustable Sights trophy.

“As always it was a friendly meet with all grades and levels of experience competing side-byside and learning from each other,” Lara said.

“To top it off, most shooters went home with medals around their necks winning places in the various grades.”

Congratulations to everyone involved in a sport that has produced Commonwealth Games, State, and National Champions over the years, including the great Bob Dowling.

MAJOR DRAW

MEAT RAFFLES

EVERY THURSDAY, FRIDAY & SUNDAY NIGHT

Tickets on sale from 6pm each night, with draws commencing at 7pm.

Trays are provided by BOURKE STREET BUTCHERY and BLUES MEATS

82 Whylandra St (Newell HWY), West Dubbo | 02 6884 3000

A CHRISTMAS GIFT

A Christmas gift to Dubbo business houses and work groups from the DUBBO PICKLEBALL CENTRE Bultje St Dubbo. Dubbo Pickleball is giving you and your workmates use of the Pickleball Courts, the equipment to be able to play Pickleball and instructions from a certified coach so they can have up to an hour and half of Christmas party fun FREE OF CHARGE!

PICKLEBALL is the world’s fastest growing fun sport that is suitable for all ages and genders. Pickleball is a sport that guarantees a laugh. What a great way to celebrate your year with your staff and families

Then, when you want to get Pickled and continue the fun, gather your troops and head on down town to PARTY ON AT THE PASTORAL HOTEL to organise the party.

Now is the time to get your crew together, contact the Pickleball centre on 0411 265 485 and book your time. Pastoral party bookings 6882 4219