Dubbo Photo News 30.01.2025

Write your life, learn Tai Chi, and sail the world, all at U3A Dubbo

By DAVID DIXON

CURRENT passion for personal history has found expression in a fantastic new course on turning your own life into a great story that is being offered this term at University of the Third Age (U3A) Dubbo.

Hard-hit by the pandemic lockdowns, the local group has now bounced back with record membership recently being celebrated for Term One 2025 and more than 30 courses on offer in classes starting next week.

These range from regular favourites such as Calligraphy, Cryptic Crosswords, Jazz for Beginners, Military History, to more active pursuits such as Line Dancing, Exercise Monday, and Tai Chi.

Other offerings range from Craft and Sewing, Ceramics, Dubbo Personalities, Endangered Species, Escape Into Books, Sing for Life, Photography, and Painting and Printmaking.

Yet it is the first-up offering on authoring your own life history, that has U3A Dubbo Registrar, Annette Priest, particularly excited.

along to classes offering unique perspectives to the group.”

If you’ve never been before, she explains, there’s no reason to feel daunted by subjects you may not have much background knowledge or experience in.

“We make sure we keep it as low-key as possible, and we call them ‘class leaders’, not teachers.

“I’m taking a course in iPhone Tips, for instance, and we’ve got Kim Goldsmith, who’s an expert in digital content coming along to show how to get the best out of your photos and videos,” Annette revealed.

U3A, she added, is all about personal growth with fresh ideas and new blood encouraged all the time. Membership is a flat $35 per year, classes start the first week in February, and you can take as many or as few courses as you like.

“We always welcome new ideas for classes, we do everything from ‘Armchair Travel’ to ‘Ukulele’s for Fun’,” Annette said.

“There’s a lot of preparation that goes into getting a course up and running, and this one should be fantastic,” she enthused.

The course, she explained, will

“This year we have a new course, ‘Writing Your Memoir’, that is being led by Ken Phillis, who wrote his own memoir a few years’ ago, and has had an interesting and fascinating life,” Annette revealed.

be run across two terms in eight two-hour sessions each fortnight starting Wednesday, February 12, and will be held in a workshop style with participants sharing their ideas and something of their own story each lesson.

“We do genuinely offer a wide

A rental community.

variety of courses, to keep our more mature citizens mentally and socially active, and we are offering a number of health and exercise classes as well,” Annette said.

“This year, we also have a number of guest speakers coming

“We’re growing all the time, we now have 460 members, more than before COVID, which is a record,” she concluded.

For more information:

 www.dubbo.u3anet.org.au

 Email: adm.u3adubbo@gmail.com

When you join the over 55s community at Ingenia Gardens Dubbo, you’ll have the freedom to choose a life that suits you. With a range of accommodation options and lifestyle choices, you can feel secure and connected to live the worry-free life you’ve always wanted.

Live your way

Rent your way

Support your way

PAGE THREE

Profile

Where do you work? DTE Electrical and Data.

Have you always loved in Dubbo? Most of my life, yes, but originally, I was born and grew up in Shellharbour (the Illawarra).

What do you do in your spare time? I dragon-boat race with the Outback Dragons… we are always looking for new members. I also play video games and enjoy going to the gym.

Morning person or night owl? I am definitely a morning person!

Do you have any pets, and what are their names? I have two dogs, Baxter and Tex; both are 15.

What are you watching at the moment? I am re-watching Suits.

What books have you read lately? I read Atomic Habits recently. and it was a good eye-opener on how to form good habits.

What kind of music do you listen to? Indie, electronic, heavy metal.

How does the next five years look? I honestly have no idea. Probably some world travel.

Creative Opportunities

By LANA EATHER

Wellington’s main street

Nanima Crescent has been abuzz lately, thanks to Wellington Arts, a support network for local artists and groups, with direct links to Orana Arts and other regional networks.

It was established in 2018 with a goal to support and help all artists grow and expand their creative businesses and organisations, successfully coordinated art festivals, exhibitions and events since 2018.

One example is volunteers and members have continually window-dressed four vacant shops in the business precinct with a range of artworks. This year Western Gallery is also presenting the fourth year of the ‘Con Art Collaboration’. This art exhibition showcases the incredible talents of artists from three regional correctional centres: Macquarie, Wellington and Bathurst. It is a unique collection of exceptional artworks created within these facilities.

This unique concept began as a casual conversation in the local grocery shop queue between Wellington Arts volunteers and the correctional centre staff, and has grown to include over thirty artists. It has grown in populari-

ty with many benefits seen in the mental health and creativity of inmates as well as the region’s tourism and economic growth.

A per centage of proceeds from artwork sales goes to victims of crime, Wellington Arts and the inmate artists, with money used to purchase arts materials or send to family members.

With over 4500 visitors to the Western Gallery in 2024 it is a thriving location.

The gallery is 100 per cent voluntarily operated and also runs in conjunction with the Lion’s Club Book Fair. With over one hundred Wellington Arts members, many of these also display creations ranging from paintings, sculptures, mosaics, and mixed media within the Western Gallery. It is open every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday from 10am-2pm, and new members are always welcome.

Wellington Arts also runs a number of artistic workshops throughout the year with the next mosaic workshop running on Saturday and Sunday, February 15-16, 2025. For more mosaic information please email wellingtonarts1@ gmail.com or see Western Gallery at 33 Nanima Cres, Wellington.

Community

Recycling Centres

It’s FREE to drop off these items at: Dubbo Community Recycling Centre Cooba Road, Dubbo Mon to Fri: 8am–5pm; Sat, Sun: 9am–5pm

Improving disaster response with Dubbo Regional Airport upgrade

By SHARON BONTHUYS

AS devastating bushfires recently raged in California and Australia sweltered through another hot summer, recent news that Dubbo Regional Airport will soon have the capacity to land and support large airborne firefighting resources locally, was welcomed.

Dubbo Regional Council (DRC) has received more than $14.6 million from the Commonwealth – the largest grant they have ever received – to upgrade and strengthen the airport’s main runway, associated taxiways, and aprons, to support the operation of large, very heavy air tankers and emergency service aircraft.

This critical infrastructure project will cost an estimated $30 million, with the federal funds coming from the Growing Regions Program with the extra money from council.

The work will help realise longterm plans for an emergency services hub at the airport, Dubbo Mayor Councillor Josh Black said.

The airport currently houses the Rural Fire Service (RFS) Training Academy and Centre for Aviation Excellence, and the NSW Police Regional Educational Training Centre.

Cr Black said this funding is for Stage One of the project, which is expected to take 18 months to complete.

A second stage, to be funded separately and carried out at a later date, will see the runway extended. This will also bring benefits to the airport’s capacity to service domestic air traffic, he said. The airport fields over 23,000 plane movements each year, transporting almost 200,000 passengers.

Federal Duty Senator for Parkes Deborah O’Neill, who flew in for the announcement in January 15, joined Cr Black, Deputy Mayor Cr Phillip Toynton, and RFS Assistant Commissioner Jayson McKellar at the airport to talk about the grant and what it would achieve.

“Dubbo is centrally placed to be able to contribute very significantly to fire crises across this great

state,” Senator O’Neill said.

“These upgrades will build resilience and will mean the airport can be part of a rapid response in the event of natural disasters such as bushfires in eastern Australia,” she added.

The upgrade will allow larger air tankers owned by the RFS to use the airport, not currently possible, she explained.

The group made the announcement standing in front of RFS [Water] Bomber 164, which Assistant Commissioner McKellar said was based at Dubbo Regional Airport.

“With these upgrades to the airport here, we’ll be able to expand the use of the airport [to include]

our C-130 Hercules large air tanker,” he added.

He said the ability to host larger aircraft with additional water-carrying capacity than Bomber 164 was “a game changer”, enabling up to 29,000 litres of water and fire-retardant mix to get relatively quickly onto a fire from the available aircraft.

“The ramp and the runway need to be upgraded to take that sort of weight, and this is what we’ll have access to once these works are complete,” he said.

The water and fire retardant mix – which he confirmed did not contain “forever” PFAS chemicals – is pumped quickly to the bombers from an RFS emergency ser-

vices sub-station adjacent to the tarmac.

McKellar said more than 200 fires were started across the state from storm activity just after Christmas, which emergency services had managed to control earlier last week.

Senator O’Neill was at pains to point out that the decision to award DRC the funding for this project was based on merit.

She did field questions about the controversial decision to axe funding for the much-vaunted Dubbo Sports Hub at the expense of a similar project in Orange, and indicated she chaired the committee that selected projects for ministerial sign-off. The senator

encouraged the council to consider applying to the Growing Regions Program for the Sports Hub project.

Federal Member for Parkes Mark Coulton welcomed the funding announcement but said he was disappointed there weren’t more successful projects for the Parkes electorate, which geographically covers half of NSW.

Mr Coulton pondered whether the timing of the Growing Regions Program grant round, which fell during the caretaker period ahead of the NSW local government elections, played a role in several deserving projects from smaller councils failing to gain support.

IDEAS PLEASE!

REPLACING the former garden with a new one depicting hope and positive memories of people that have sadly died is the goal for the National Association of Loss and Grief (NSW) Inc (NALAG).

And the not-for-profit with its head office in Dubbo is calling for community input, ideas and support to make the new garden reflective of its aims.

Trudy Hanson OAM is the chief executive officer of NALAG.

NALAG is a not-for-profit organisation formed in 1977, following the Granville train disaster that claimed 84 lives, to act as a support network for people experiencing loss and grief.

For nearly 50 years, NALAG has been a pillar of support for the Dubbo community and also across the state, offering free services to those experiencing loss and grief.

The organisation’s mission has always been to provide a safe and compassionate space for individuals to navigate their grief journey.

A garden where loss and grief are replaced by comfort and coping

Trudy said the former garden at NALAG’s Welchman St offices were in need of regeneration after 20 years.

NALAG is excited for this new project, where the former garden has been removed and the head office is now ready for a refresh.

“We are now reaching out to the community for support in creating a beautiful garden at our Dubbo Centre. This garden will serve as a welcoming and tranquil space for those who seek support through our services,” Trudy said.

“I am hoping that with the community’s help, we can transform this garden into a space that embodies the spirit of NALAG’s mission.

“We are seeking donations, volunteers, and any form of support to bring this vision to life.

“Your support will make a significant difference in the lives of many who are coping with loss. Together, we can create a space that offers comfort and hope to those in need.”

People who can contribute plants, money or time will be more than welcome and safe in the knowledge their contribution will go towards assisting themselves or others through tough times.

“The NALAG volunteer allowed me to express my grief without judgement and provided good advice on moving forward,” one service user said on the charity’s website.

Another added: “NALAG’s support service got me back on track during a bumpy journey through grief. I’m forever grateful for their help and the coping strategies they shared with me.” Those interested in assisting NALAG can contact Trudy via her email trudyhanson@nalag. org.au or via phone 0438 829 200.

The garden area at the NALAG headquarters in Dubbo needs attention and renewal and the community is asked to support this new venture for the not-for-profit organisation that offering free services to those experiencing loss and grief. PHOTO: COURTESY OF NALAG

Annual Aussie lamb ad tackles online comments with laughs and a big barbie

The annual Australian Lamb summer ad has returned, this time taking aim at one of the most divisive spaces in modern life – online comments sections.

The humorous ad, released this week, portrays an exaggerated version of online discourse, showcasing how trivial debates can quickly escalate. Using 100 per cent real Australian comments, it highlights topics ranging from the perfect cuppa to viral trends, all culminating in absurd confrontations.

Set in a fictionalised real-life comments section, the ad opens with a light-hearted discussion on dog grooming that swiftly spirals into heated debates over artificial intelligence and wind farms. The chaos is interrupted by the arrival of Lambassador Sam Kekovich, who appears cutlet in hand to restore calm.

The scene shifts as the aro-

ma of lamb on the barbecue unites the feuding parties, delivering the ad’s central message – that Australians are best when gathered together, especially around food.

General Manager for Marketing and Insights at Meat & Livestock Australia (MLA), Nathan Low, said the ad reflects how online arguments can distort perceptions of Australians.

“When you delve into the world of online commentary, it would leave you thinking Aussies are at each other’s throats, no matter how trivial the topic. But in real life, we don’t treat each other like that,” Mr Low said.

“The Summer Lamb campaign is an irreverent reminder that Australians are always at their best when we’re united, and there’s no better way to bring everyone together than an epic Aussie lamb barbecue.”

sHedway aims to raise awareness in the shearing industry

By DALLAS REEVES

NICKI Guttler’s successful world-record attempt at Parkdale SRS Merino Stud in the Gilgandra Shire recently was another opportunity for a relatively new shearing industry-specific mental health not-for-profit organisation to share its powerful message.

While Nicki Guttler was able to shear 450 merino lambs in eight hours on December 21, 2024, she also helped raise $4,280 for and promoted awareness of the sHedway charity.

Carol Mudford is the founder and chief executive officer of sHedway, which began as a social media page called sHedspace in December 2023. sHedway was formed to support positive mental health and suicide prevention in the shearing industry.

Don Mudford at Parkdale SRS Merino Stud is Carol’s uncle, a handy connection.

Carol grew up at Curban but left when she was eight and returned in 2020, to help her family care for her father, the late Max Mudford (Don’s brother). Max was a sheep, wool and cropping farmer in the Gilgandra district.

Carol Mudford cuts a cake to celebrate one year of sHedway late last year at lunchtime during Nick Guttler’s successful world record attempt at Parkdale SRS Merino Stud.

“We have incredible support from the shearing industry,” she said.

“Unfortunately, (it is) because most people know someone who has died by suicide and they want to do something about it. So what sHedway is doing is making it normal to talk about mental health in the sheds and sharing the skills so we can all recognise help someone

Since October, 2024, Carol has been back working in the sheds and continues to run sHedway voluntarily.

sHedway is now registered as a notfor-profit organisation, with money raised by the community going into the organisation’s programs. “The shearing industry has a big heart,” Carol said.

As a fellow female shearer, Carol said she enjoyed watching Nicki Guttler break the World Sheep Shearing Records Society Incorporated (WSSRSI) record for a female shearing Merino lambs in

“It was amazing to see, an incredible effort,” Carol said.

sHedway is most visible through its social media pages.

If you or anyone you know needs help, outside of sHedway, please contact:

BIRTHDAYS THIS WEEK

Jan 30: Gene Hackman, US actor, 95. Vanessa Redgrave, English actress, 88. Phil Collins, English singer, 74. Eddie Jones, rugby union player-coach, 65. Christian Bale, US actor, 51. Lance ‘Buddy’ Franklin, AFL player, 38. Mitchell Starc , cricketer, 35. Jan 31: KC (Harry Wayne Casey), of KC and the Sunshine Band, 74. John Lydon, aka British singer Johnny Rotten, 69. Anthony LaPaglia , actor, 66. Minnie Driver, British actress, 55. Portia de Rossi, actress, 52. Wil Anderson, comedian, 51. Jackie O, radio host, 50. Justin Timberlake, US singer, 44.

Feb 1: Normie Rowe, singer, 78. Princess Stephanie of Monaco, royal, 60. Annabel Crabb, journalist-presenter, 52. Mat Rogers, footy player, 49. Jodi Gordon actress-model, 40. Blake Austin, footy player, 34. Harry Styles, British pop singer, 31.

Feb 2: Graham Nash, English-born singer, 83. Christie Brinkley, US model, 71. Fiona Wood, 2005 Australian of the Year, 67. Kate Raison, actress, 63. Shakira , US singer, 48.

Carol found work as a roustabout and shearer with her cousin (and shearing contractor) Steven Mudford upon her return. A registered nurse, she “got the bug” and sheared for 18 months. She then returned to nursing within mental health in 2023.

Having a unique perspective on the challenges of both mental health and the shearing industry and knowing people that have died due to suicide set her on the path to start sHedway.

“Having a foot in both worlds inspired me to do something for the sheds,” Carol said.

“It just went from there.”

sHedspace grew into sHedway. Across the last 12 months, sHedway has been to 42 shearing events across Australia.

There are a team of volunteers that attend events and talk about suicide prevention and also how to recognise when someone is struggling and the process of speaking to them about it and linking them to support services.

The sessions include a Toolbox Talk that is taken to shearing schools and sHedway is building to facilitate more workshops and sharing skills.

 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

Feb 3: Bob Simpson, cricketer, 89. Morgan Fairchild, US actress, 75. Lee Renaldo, US musician with Sonic Youth, 69. Gretel Killeen, TV personality, 62. Maura Tierney, US actress, 60. Isla Fisher, actress, 49. Amal Clooney, British-Lebanese lawyer; wife of George, 47. Feb 4: Patti Newton, entertainer, 80. Alice Cooper US rock singer, 77. Mark Coulton, Federal Member for Parkes, 67. Mark Trevorrow, aka Bob Downe, comedian, 66. James Hird, AFL player-coach, 52. Oscar De La Hoya , US boxer, 52. singer, 50. Jeff Horn, professional boxer, 37. Feb 5: Charlotte Rampling actress, 79. Barbara Hershey actress, 77. Jennifer Jason Leigh US actress, 63. Laura Linney US actress, 61. Bobby Brown, US singer, 57. Darren Lehmann, cricket player-coach, 55. Brad Fittler, footy player, 53. Queen Mary of Denmark , Tasmanian-born royal, 53. Luke Ricketson player, 52. John Aloisi, soccer player, 49. Cristiano Ronaldo Portuguese soccer star, 40.

DUBBO

Return to work blues, and how best to deal with them

By DAVID DIXON

WITH the holiday season officially over, returning to work after the Christmas, New Year and summer break often leaves many workers feeling apprehensive, hesitant and dreading the year ahead.

However, this doesn’t mean it’s time for a new job. These are normal emotions and experiences for even the keenest employee, Monash University Business School Professor Herman Tse explained.

“Many employees experience an ‘emotional hangover’ when returning to work after a break, like waking up from a dream that ended too soon,” Prof Tse said.

“It’s important to acknowledge that readjustment is normal and does not necessarily signal work disengagement, job dissatisfaction, or a lack of performance,” he added.

He said that, instead, there are some tried and trusted methods of getting back into the swing of things gradually and productively.

“One of the most effective ways to manage ‘return-to-work blues’ is by emphasising well-being initiatives.

“Even small measures such as flexible scheduling, regular well-

LOVE YOUR WORK

Lisa Thomas

Where do you work?

Western Gallery in Wellington.

What’s your job?

Volunteer… I do a bit of everything!

Why do you love your work? I get to meet so many wonderful and creative people. I love being able to encourage people to enjoy our town and area.

What’s the best thing to do to relax? Mosaic!

What’s your favourite thing to do in Wellington with friends and family?

Being able to enjoy the mountain and river landscapes and environments that we are fortunate to have.

If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go? Mexico, for a return trip!

What was your first paying job? Working on the silos as a weigh-bridge attendant.

As a child what did you want to do when you grew up? A truck driver (my dad was one!)

Name three things you enjoyed at school? Art, friends, and good teachers. Where do you see yourself in 10 years time? Probably still in Wellington.

ness breaks and focused professional development can help reignite employees’ sense of purpose,” Prof Tse explained.

He said the old-style “get straight back in the saddle and forget your holidays” approach doesn’t necessarily work with a modern workforce.

“It’s crucial to recognise that one size doesn’t fit all,” Prof Tse argued.

“Successful organisations in 2025 should be those that can co-create flexible work arrangements with their employees, balancing the benefits of in-person collaboration with the autonomy and work-life integration that many have come to value.”

He said that, despite the struggles many of us face in late January in refocussing for the year ahead, solid time off provides a range of worker benefits.

“Vacations significantly enhance well-being, with extended breaks like summer holidays offering more substantial recovery benefits than routine evenings and weekends.

“This enhanced recovery operates through two key mechanisms,” he explained.

Passive Recovery Mechanism: this involves direct relief from dai-

Don’t despair, those back to work blues

don’t

mean it’s time for a new job. Feelings of apprehension, hesitancy and dread are normal emotions and experiences for even the keenest employee

ly work demands. Extended vacations provide a prolonged period of rest, typically in a different and more relaxing environment. This change of setting helps workers psychologically detach from work responsibilities and break free from daily routines.

Active Recovery Mechanism: this involves intentional engagement in rejuvenating activities. Holidays provide unique oppor-

can help combat the fade-out effect and promote thriving during the transition back to work.

Share your stories: Nurture your well-being by sharing vacation experiences with others – this practice of “interpersonal capitalization” helps you relive positive moments, while strengthening social bonds through shared celebrations and stories.

Keep the good stuff: Incorporating holiday elements into daily routines helps maintain benefits and supports ongoing thriving. This includes taking regular breaks, practicing mindfulness, maintaining psychological detachment from work, prioritising quality sleep, and engaging in resource-building activities such as hobbies that bring you joy.

tunities to invest time in personally meaningful non-work activities, such as pursuing hobbies and spending quality time with family.

“Despite these benefits, vacation effects typically diminish rapidly upon returning to work – we call it ‘the fade-out effect’ “Positive effects can fade within just two weeks of returning to work,” Prof Tse believes.

Here are some strategies that

Set yourself up for success: Clearing your task lists before holidays and maintaining boundaries after return maximises well-being benefits. The key is to leave with a clear desk and return with protected space for continued recovery. Look forward to your holidays with joy: Positive anticipation not only heightens good feelings but also diminishes negative ones, giving you a well-being boost even before your break starts.

We’re a family-owned business with over 100 retail stores and counting, located throughout Australia. Whilst we continue to grow, Kaisercraft have a strong focus on ensuring the Kaisercraft values are carried all the way from our Head office through to our Retail Stores. To be successful in this fun and hardworking environment, you will show Mutual Respect, Humility and Integrity and will have a growth mindset to continue to build our much-loved brand.

The Opportunity: As a casual Retail Sales Assistant, you will play an important part in ensuring all our customers receive the highest level of customer service and you will have a large focus on keeping the store well presented to showcase

our beautiful product range. Outside of customer service your other duties and responsibilities may include:

 Opening and closing of the store

 Assisting with day-to-day store operations

 Demonstrating strong product knowl-

edge to assist customers in making the best product choice

 Unpacking deliveries and replenishing the shelves

 Assist in the implementation of promotional & visual merchandising initiatives

 Maintaining the store’s appearance and organisation to a high standard

Find out more about this opportunity at www.seek.com.au/job/81179535

JOIN THE MISSION

AUSTRALIA DAY 2025 IN DUBBO

MAJOR EVENT IN FEBRUARY

More than 10,000 participants are expected to converge on Dubbo for the NSW Touch Junior State Cup – Northern Conference from 21 - 23 February 2025.

Road closures for the event will be in place from 7pm Thursday 20 February to Sunday 23 February 2025.

To see all road closures visit dubbo.nsw.gov.au/ nswtouch

SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS

Dubbo Regional Council is seeking feedback about the future planning and delivery of library services for the Macquarie Regional Library.

Members and non-members are encouraged to contribute to help Council identify and understand the community’s future needs regarding our library services and programs.

To take part in the survey or leave a general comment visit yoursay.dubbo.nsw.gov.au

DRAWING IN THE GALLERY

Drawn to the Centre is once again coming to the Western Plains Cultural Centre this February, with registrations now open.

Budding and experienced artists have the opportuntiy to work with four tutors during the program and learn about the “memento mori” style.

Head to westernplainsculturalcentre.org/ events TRY YOUR HAND AT DISC GOLF

Dubbo is home to a disc golf course along the riverbank down near Sandy Beach. You can enjoy some fun with friends or family whilst wandering along the course.

For those new to the sport or those looking to try it out, you can hire a set of discs from the Dubbo Visitor Information Centre.

Located

the Cnr Newell Highway and Macquarie

the Information Centre is open seven days a week.

WELLINGTON NEWS

Australia Day Celebrations in Wellington 2025

Putting community, service and facilities at the centre of its operations

By DALLAS REEVES

BEING community-minded and offering good food, beer, service, and investing in facilities are keys to growth, Wellington Soldiers Memorial Club Secretary-Manager Stephen Hodge believes.

Stephen – originally from nearby Forbes but having lived right across NSW and Victoria – took over the top job at Wellington Services Memorial Club from the long-serving David French in December, 2022.

“I took over from David French… who is a well-respected manager in the area. He left the club in a positive position,” says Stephen.

He has enjoyed his two years at the helm of the Wellington club which employs around 20 people.

Stephen said David French did an outstanding job building Wellington Services Memorial Club and now he is simply looking to extend the club’s growth further.

Movie days, live music, and the time-honoured members badge draws (Tuesday, Friday, and Sunday nights) and cash fever draws (Friday and Sunday) are all part of the fun along with dining at 75 on Arthur.

“We’re like a community hub,” Stephen said.

“We offer food, drinks, a TAB, gaming facilities, kids facilities. People bring their kids along and let them play while they have a meal.

Hodges explained the zone that Wellington Soldiers Memorial Club resides in is a massive one, spanning north-west to Brewarrina and south-east to Oberon.

He wants Wellington Soldiers Memorial Club to be one of the leading clubs in that vast geographical area.

Wellington Soldiers Memorial Club has completed a strategic plan for the core business, which incorporates spending of between $6 million to $7 million to “revitalise the club”.

He said the club already has nine units as part of its asset base and has purchased an additional

two blocks for further housing.

Plans for the additional land include facilitating the construction of 11 disability-friendly units to provide designs compliant with National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) standards.

The gaming room, bar and all other areas of the club have been considered in the plans, designed to make all the club’s space practical, well-utilised and efficient.

The Wellington Soldiers Memorial Club is also a long way through the process of amalgamation with the Wellington Golf Club.

Members of both clubs voted on the proposal in 2024 and the ‘yes’ count exceeded the required 75 per cent at both clubs.

Once the amalgamation process and final red-tape is finalised, Stephen has some visions for the existing golf club site, around eight kilometres out of town.

“I can see a vision of a beautiful new balcony, weddings, functions, nice play area and even a (lawn) bowling green,” he said of the golf club site.

ior clubs of local competition club Wellington Cowboys, along with various knockout teams and clubs like the Wedgetails.

“Putt-putt golf as well for the kids. I think we can do a lot of good for the community.”

At Wellington Soldiers Memorial Club’s Arthur St headquarters, a key focus has been getting more people through the door and using existing floor space more efficiently.

The TAB revenue has increased around 15 to 20 per cent, Stephen said.

Stephen feels the improvement is due to the installation of more televisions.

Beer and bar sales are also projecting similar increases.

Members at the Wellington Soldiers Club currently pay $6.50 for a schooner of beer, and there is currently a $4.50 beer special for members on Saturday afternoons.

“My staff are good… very friendly. The food is good,” he said.

Aside from skilled service, the Wellington Soldiers Memorial Club supports local clubs and groups where possible.

That support extends to PCYC, schools, and essentially “any organisation or group that needs help in our community, the club will consider helping.”

Stephen said it is the support of the Wellington community that makes the job fun.

“What I found at Wellington was a rough diamond that just needed to be shaped,” he said.

“I’m trying to shape it in the best possible way and I’m sure I’ll get it to some sort of priceless emerald.

“He (David French) was outstanding. His work has provided the foundation for me to be able to implement my vision.

“I find it (Wellington) one of the nicest little towns you can go to. And people are friendly. This town has a lot of good people in it.”

In conclusion, Stephen noted the support of his Wellington Soldiers Memorial Club directors, a nine-person board with Robyn Edwards as chair.

IN FOCUS

Thumbs up and congratulations to the staff at Holy Spirit who made our Christmas memorable, happy – and even produced Santa Clause. The residents are most grateful.

Thumbs up and thank-you to Conner at the RTA, Services NSW office. He was so very helpful when I renewed my licence. Conner is very well suited to his job and is very respectful to customers.

Thumbs up to KD Plastering for a fantastic job on my house. The results were amazing and good to support a local small business. Highly recommended.

Thumbs up to all the local businesses that continue to not only support Dubbo Photo News with their advertising, but also realising the huge benefits of marketing through our local paper. After reading an article in Photo News last year, I am reminded that it is so important to keep supporting great local products and services. We would all miss these things if we ever lost them! Keep up the good work!

Thumbs up to Leanne at the Boundary Road post office who helped a customer with some paperwork.

Thumbs up to the yummy sushi at Sushi Haru, Orana Mall. Our family enjoyed lunch there recently, and got the bonus baby roll using the voucher in Photo News. Yummo!

 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.

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If you have a story, event or news item, call us on 6885 4433 or email editor@dubbophotonews.com.au

Treating burnout with herbal supplements, new trial seeks volunteers in central west

By DAVID DIXON

Living in the region and suffering from “burnout”, a modern condition typified by constant tiredness and a sense that you are achieving little?

With burnout becoming increasingly-common in the post-COVID era, a new study based at Dubbo is seeking participants for a Southern Cross University clinical trial.

The trial lasts over two months and aims to test whether nutritional and herbal supplements can help relieve its symptoms, Chief Investigator, Professor Sandra Grace of SCU explained.

“Most of the research in burnout has focused on burnout in the workplace, but it occurs more generally in the population,” Prof Grace revealed.

“The nutritional and botanical supplements used in this trial are known to support the nervous system and to improve how the body adapts to stress,” she added.

While workplace burnout, particularly for healthcare workers, has been well-documented, everyday Australians can also experience stress and emotional exhaustion.

Characteristics of burnout include emotional exhaustion, “depersonalisation” –the feeling of being “outside yourself” – and a sense of “ineffectual accomplishment”.

This trial will target healthy individuals experiencing burnout from any cause and

is being conducted with the help of experienced local naturopath, Liza Twohill from Holistic Health. About 30 participants will be recruited into the trial from the Dubbo region, with applications remaining open until all places have been filled. Researchers are seeking generally healthy people,

aged 18 years and over suffering burnout, who live in the Dubbo region.

Participants must be willing to take a daily nutritional and herbal supplement for eight weeks; have three in-person consultations over two months at a designated naturopathic clinic in Dubbo; have two blood tests.

Participants must also complete a number of online surveys during the study. For more information and to see if you’re eligible, contact the Clinical Trial Coordinator Jacinta Arellano at: jacinta. arellano@scu.edu.au, or the Chief Investigator, Prof Sandra Grace at: sandra.grace@scu. edu.au.

TWO-BEDROOM HOME WITH ROOM TO IMPROVE SET ON A LARGE BLOCK

92 DANDALOO STREET, TRANGIE

This 2-bedroom home offers plenty of opportunity for everyone, including a first home buyer. This little investment’s features include a dining room, two bedrooms, kitchen, laundry, bathroom, loungeroom, verandah on the southern side, carport attached to western side of the house, rainwater tank, two solar systems - one with a battery connected, reverse-cycle air conditinoing, electric hot water, rangehood, garden sheds, irrigation system, large low-maintenance backyard with rear lane access and a chook yard. This home offers the buyer the chance to add their own personal touch on this property with as little as a coat of paint.

with Karen Chant from Chant and Co

The Five Stages of Property Purchase The Real Estate Chat

Purchasing a property involves a well-defined journey. Here’s an overview of the stages and where you might find yourself:

Stage 1 – Preliminary Research: Initiate your property quest by conducting preliminary research. This involves evaluating the market’s current status, exploring potential locations, and estimating your budget. You’re likely browsing on line listings to gauge pricing.

Stage 2 – Exploring Your Options: In this stage, you become more focused. You’ve narrowed down locations and property features, with a solid grasp of the local market. Conversations with your lender provide insight into required deposits, while you’re preparing the necessary funds.

Stage 3 – Lining Up the Ducks: A critical stage where you ideally secure finance pre-approval and have your deposit ready. You’re actively attending open houses, ready to make an offer if the right property arises.

Stage 4 – Making an Offer: You are ready to submit an offer! You negotiate a purchase on your preferred property, arrange pest and building inspections, pay the deposit and meet with your conveyancer to discuss the contract, sign and move to exchange of contracts to ensure you secure the property.

Stage 5 – Finalisation and Settlement: With an offer accepted, you move towards settlement. All conditions are met, and the countdown begins. This phase involves finalising insurance, arranging removals, and preparing for the property to change hands officially on settlement day. It’s an exciting time where planning and preparation will help deliver you your desired result! Any questions?

Contact Karen Chant on mobile 0448 191167 or email karen@chantandco.com.au

0448 191 167

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Our front-page superstars from February 2023:

I

How

What

Playing

Ice-Cream

What

Tickles

Who

Gabby (Gabbys Dollhouse)

Who’s

Which

1 Intelligent (5)

University teacher (9)

Cold-blooded creature (7)

of power of action (9)

PUZZLES

3 LETTERS

22 Stepped down from the throne (9) 25 Precisely (7)

Alms (7)

Insipid (9)

Strictness (5)

1 Sweet sticky liquid (5) 2 Equipment (9) 3 Spin (5) 4 Content (7)

Against (7) 6 Crisis (9) 7 Site (5) 8 Vibrancy, plangency (9) 13 Distasteful (9)

Point above focus of an earthquake (9)

Distressing (9)

Dissect (7)

Directories (7)

Bottles, windows etc (5)

Furniture item (5)

Laundry appliance (5)

4 LETTERS

1. What colours appear on Norway’s flag?

2. True or false: Hurricane Sandy was the largest Atlantic hurricane on record by diameter?

3. Hilary Duff (pictured) starred as Sophie in which sitcom?

4. Podgorica is capital of which country?

5. Laurence Tureaud is the birth name of which US actor?

6. Lake Garda is located

8. Which actress stars as Katniss Everdeen in the Hunger Games film series? 9. The Space Needle is in which US state?

Who was the Australian prime minister when decimal currency was introduced?

When you get near the end of a roll of paper towels, save it to put in your car. Put together a kit to keep in the car with the following items: a small bottle of Windex, a squeeze bottle of water, some wet wipes and the short roll of paper towels. You will always be ready for a quick on-the-road cleanup.

ARIES: Get ready to be busy this week, especially if y ou’re a parent of young children with a bustling social calendar. If you’re in a relationship, a trip or romantic getaway is on the horizon, promising unforgettable moments with your special someone.

YOUR STARS

TAURUS: The weather can really zap your ener gy levels. However, it’s also the perfect season to unleash your creativity and create something truly inspiring and original.

GEMINI: You’ll be in the spotlight this week, w hich could make you feel overwhelmed, stressed or anxious at times. Take some time to recharge your

batteries before the end of the week to restore your inner peace.

CANCER: You could be given new, more important responsibilities at work. Your reliability will earn you the trust and respect of your colleagues and clients. Your reputation as a reliable professional precedes you.

LEO: You’ll feel the urge to travel or go on an advent ure this week. Exciting and diverse stories will ignite your imagination. You may even consider the idea of returning to school.

VIRGO: If you’re struggling financially, your emotions are likely running high. Fortunately, solutions will soon emerge to lead you to a brighter financial future.

Believe in yourself!

LIBRA: Negotiating with those you love can be tricky. You may feel more vulnerable or unsettled when emotions are involved. Take a step back to communicate clearly and navigate the situation eff ectively.

SCORPIO: Professional success is within your reach. You could draw a crowd for a specific event or score big discounts from your suppliers to boost your profits.

SAGITTARIUS: Get ready to shine in the spotlight t hanks to your incredible drive and innovative ideas. Expect to be applauded and receive some token of recognition.

CAPRICORN: You’ll spend more time at home or with y our family this week. You might find yourself taking on new responsibilities, or perhaps one of your loved ones will need extra attention and care from you.

AQUARIUS: When shopping, give yourself time to negotiate. Don’t be afraid to speak up a little to make sure you’re heard and respected. Expressing your emotions clearly can make a big diff erence in how you feel.

PISCES: Physical activity is good for your well-being. I t’s a fantastic way to connect with others and enjoy shared experiences, whether it’s through a fun activity or deep conversations about spirituality.

THE TOONS’ VIEWS

TIME WARP

“In

By David Dixon

Many locals may not be aware, but this is the 100th anniversary of the Dubbo opened on Anzac Day, 1925.

According to a lengthy report in the ‘Dubbo Liberal and Macquarie Advocate” newspaper of April 28 of that year, a crowd “upwards of 4000”, constituting most of the adult population of the town at that time, gathered on a beautiful Saturday morning to honour “the memory of their fallen soldiers”.

The paper reported that Dubbo old boy, Brigadier-General James Heane CB (M) CMG DSO unveiled the Memorial with the words: “to the glory of God, and in sacred remembrance of the men who from the district served their country so well and died for her”.

Brig-Gen Heane had himself been educated at Dubbo Superior School,

before going on to the Sydney Boys’ High School, as there was no public high school in Dubbo at the time.

Today, what was then the Dubbo Superior School is known as Dubbo Public School. Since its founding in 1858, this school also had names including Dubbo National School, Dubbo District School, and the Dubbo Central School, local historian, Patrick Bourke explained.

“As noted in his entries in the Australian Dictionary of Biography and in the Australian War Memorial’s records, Brig-Gen Heane had a very distinguished military career as a soldier at Gallipoli and on the Western Front,” Patrick recalled

“It would be true to say that he would be Dubbo’s most highly-decorated soldier from the First World War,” he concluded.

sacred remembrance” as Dubbo War Memorial hits 100

THE DIARY

ON THIS WEEK

Ladies Luncheon: Will be held Saturday February 1, 12 noon at the Dahab Cafe. Brisbane Street Dubbo. Contact Bev on 68845401 by January 23, if interested.

COMING SOON

CPSA Dubbo Orana Branch: Meets on Friday 14th February at the Dubbo RSL at 10am

Guest speaker Bill Stanford will give a very interesting talk on the Republic of Korea. All welcome to attend Contact Barb 0427251121

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:

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.

Friday of each month, 10.30am, Orana Gardens Round house. 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

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

January 30-February 5, 2025

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.

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 af-

ter 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, 10.30am-12pm, 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 active, for kids aged 5 to 12. Gold coin donation per family.

Lloyd James Jarvis

Passed away 11th January 2025

Aged 69 years

Late of Dubbo & formerly of Tottenham

Dearly loved husband of Lee.

Loving father & father-in-law of Pam & Drew, Shane & Sarah.

Cherished & adored grandfather of Georgia, Milla, Ruben, Hugo and Lillian.

Dear brother of Gaye, Dianne (dec), Lynette, Heleine, Glenese, Robert and Delander.

Lloyd’s graveside funeral service will be held in the Tottenham Cemetery, commencing at 10.30am Friday 7th February 2025.

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

Edna Lillian Galley

1/12/1938 - 27/1/2011

The day you left and gained your wings Our hearts just broke in two I wish that you could have stayed with us

But Heaven needed you You left us with the memories And we love you dearly still

You know we always will

You were a very special person With kindness in your heart

And the love we had together

Grows stronger now we’re apart

Passed away 23rd January 2025

Aged 75 years 75

Late of Dubbo & formerly of Nyngan

Dearly loved wife of John.

Loving mother & mother-in-law of Paula & Scott, Angela and Peter & Monique.

Cherished Nan of Kameron & Grace, Morgan, Jake, Caitlin and Jax.

Julie’s funeral service will be held in the Chapel of the Dubbo City Crematorium, 10.30am Wednesday 5th February 2025, followed by interment in the New Dubbo Cemetery, Dunedoo Road, Dubbo. Julie’s family would like to pass on their at Lourdes Hospital.

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

YOUR LOCAL FUNERAL DIRECTOR CAN ASSIST WITH PLACING DEATH AND FUNERAL NOTICES

I know I cannot bring you back

Although I wish it every day

But a piece of us went with you

The day you went away

FOREVER IN OUR HEARTS

In Loving Memory of a Dear Wife and Mum Husband Ron, Daughters Rhonda, Sandra, Vickie and Families

Passed away 18th January 2025 Aged 74 years

Dearly beloved husband of Elaine Loving father of Joanne, Allison & Craig Father-in-law of Jason Brother of Beverley & Christopher Cherished poppy & great poppy

Stephen is having a private cremation with ashes being scattered later by family

SPORT

Something to hide? Bureaucrats knock back Dubbo Council request for Sports Hub info

By DAVID DIXON

STATE Government bureaucrats are apparently blocking Dubbo Council efforts to find out what happened to promised funding for the proposed state-of-the-art Indoor Sports Hub and PCYC.

This follows a Freedom of Information (FOI) request from Mayor Josh Black for access to information around the debacle from the NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development.

After receiving a formal refusal to provide the information under the Government Information (Public Access) (GIPA) Act 2009, Cr Black asked: “Is there something to hide?

“I submitted a GIPA seeking access to communications between the Department and Ministers, staff, internal officers, the Office of Sport, and the PCYC in relation to the Regional Indoor Sports Hub in Dubbo, but was told it will be denied as it is ‘too broad’,” Cr Black revealed.

“Council is seeking to understand exactly what led to the pulling of the funding to build the regional facility in Dubbo, however, once again, we have been blocked by red tape,” he added.

Nearly $50 million under the previous Coalition Government had been promised for the futuristic facility, however the new

Labor Government showed little enthusiasm for the proposal, canning it completely after estimates suggested cost blow-outs in initial estimates for the project. This was despite offers from proponents and Council to change the site from CSU to Dubbo Sportsworld to reduce costs and to rework plans to fit under the funding cap.

gional NSW and Western NSW Tara Moriarty stunned the region

West Dubbo Bowls report

Contributed by WEST DUBBO BOWLS

PENNANT TRIALS

First pennant trial for the upcoming Bowls NSW Open Gender Pennant year, has been set down for this Sunday morning, February 2, at 9.30am. West Dubbo has nominated four teams – Grades One, Four, Six, and Seven – for this year’s Open Gender Pennants, with teams to be announced after this Sunday for Round One starting on Sunday, February 16. Club Selectors, Debra Brown, Darren Connolly, and Anthony Brown, will be onhand to cast their expert eye over the players attending. Prospective pennant players, therefore, need to make themselves available for this important trial.

CLUB CHAMPIONSHIPS

Nominations for the Mixed Fours, the Men’s Triples, and Women’s Triples Championships, are now on the Club Notice-board. The Mixed Fours will be played in February on Friday nights (see conditions alongside nomination sheet) and the Triples Championships will be held in February on Saturday and Sunday mornings. Players are to check the Notice-board for dates, times, and conditions.

MID-WEST REGION BOWLS FORUM

This Saturday, an important meeting will be held at Molong Bowling Club at 10am to determine the way forward for the recently formed Mid-West Region of lawn bowls. The Mid-West region is vast, ranging from Bourke in the west to Lithgow in the east; from Cowra in the south to Coonabarabran in the north. The challenges for lawn bowls in this area are many, so it is important that a good rollup of clubs attend and have their say about present conditions and future directions.

SOCIAL BOWLS

by issuing a media release clawing back $48.6 million of government money that had been earmarked for the long-awaited Indoor Sports Hub, outlining cost blow-outs, delays, and scope revisions as the reasons why funding had been withdrawn.

“Not once has our communi-

guarantee that all the funding will stay in Dubbo, and we have heard nothing on where nearly $50 million in funding is going,” Cr Black fumed.

“Despite Minister Tara Moriarty’s claiming to have had conversations with the local community and Council on future investment

anyone that has heard from her,” he claimed.

Cr Black argued that the FOI request was vital for Council to move forward so as to appeal the decision, calling on NSW Premier Chris Minns to step in and save the sports centre.

“Access to this information would allow us to review the documentation, correspondence and process involved and try to work out why Minister Moriarty has refused to build the Indoor Sports Hub in Dubbo,” Cr Black said.

“We need the Premier to reserve the $48.6 million of funding for this project so we can see it go ahead for the betterment of youth living in the Western Region.”

Under the GIPA Act, members of the public are able to apply for access to information not kept on the public record.

In refusing the request the Department advised the time it would take to process the application would “require an unreasonable and substantial diversion of resources”.

The department determined approximately $2000 payment would be required for the information.

“Paying for access to this information is a small price to pay to get transparent information around a decision worth nearly $50 million for our community,” Cr Black concluded.

ticular Judy Cassidy, John Mackenzie, and Ray Strawhan, will be thrilled to learn that midweek social bowls are on next Wednesday, February 5, and on Fridays. Games commences at 9.30am with names to be in to Anthony by 9 o’clock.

CLUB ACTIVITIES

Thursday, Friday, and Sunday nights popular meat, fruit, and vegetable raffles continue to draw large crowds. In addition, this Thursday night’s members’ badge draw, stands at $1500, whilst Friday’s badge draw is up to $5000!

Coming Up

 Sunday, February 2 – Pennant Trial  Saturday, February

Heat, Australia Day, hits RSL Combination Bowls turn-out

Total of only 29 bowlers braved the hot conditions for the Australia Day session which, though very warm, was a pleasant morning of play for all. Winners on the day were Chris Straojny, Shirley Marchant, and Phil Knight, who all received a $50 meat voucher from Blues Meats in Tamworth Street. Helen Emblem, Ross Pharo, and Matt Quill were the runners-up, with the third place-getters comprising Gordon Lummis, John Davis, and Col

A few “resters” were also won on the day by Ray Stawhan, Mel Giddings, and Mike Twohill with the “Three Lucky Numbers” won by Mel Giddings, Steve Kelly, and Ruby Stockings. Bowlers are to note, that there will be no Combination bowls on Sunday, February 16 due to Pennants being played at Sporties on that day. A reminder also that the AGM will be held on Sunday, February 23 at Sporties after bowls. As always, new and casual players are most welcome to come along, contact Club President Graham Ross on 0419

information.

NICKI CEMENTS PARKDALE SRS MERINO STUD’S REPUTATION

Nicki Guttler has continued a long-standing tradition of world-record shearing success at Parkdale SRS Merino Stud in Gilgandra Shire, while creating her own legacy after breaking the world mark for Merino lambs for a female shearer late last year.

The 30-year-old produced tallies of 116, 112, 112, and 110 across four twohour runs to shear 450 lambs for the day and break the former short-lived World Sheep Shearing Records Society Incorporated (WSSRSI) eight-hour record for a woman shearing merino lambs on December 21, 2024.

The WSSRSI is a world-affiliated body that oversees world record attempts in shearing.

Referees for Nicki’s successful attempt include Johnny Fraser, who travelled from the United Kingdom, and Australian trio Mark Buscamb, Peter Artridge and Barry Hammonds.

It was the seventh WSSRSI world record attempt at Don Mudford’s Parkdale SRS Merino Stud, located 45 kilometres south-west of Gilgandra and 35 kilometres north-west of Dubbo.

Of those seven attempts, five have been successful and Nicki Guttler’s new world mark came only two months after Steven Mudford collected his third world record when he sheared 421 Merino wethers in nine hours at Parkdale.

“It was a huge relief,” Nicki Guttler said of breaking the world record.

“It’s such an overwhelming feeling… you are so focused during the day that you don’t think about too much until it is over. I was stoked to have been able to achieve it.”

Nicki Guttler’s new world mark came only five weeks after fellow NSW female shearer Nikki Lyons had set the WSSRSI world record by shearing 395

Nicki Guttler was able to better that mark by 55 in a remarkable achievement.

Steven Mudford, who himself holds three WSSRSI records and is Don Mudford’s nephew, started the initial conversations which progressed.

“The conversations kept coming up,” Nicki Guttler said.

Interestingly, at the time there was not a women’s world record for shearing Merino lambs in eight hours so the goal looked a smart one to strive for.

However, Nikki Lyons changed that. That meant Nicki Guttler had a tally she had to beat, which she did comfortably.

Shearing 450 lambs in eight hours (480 minutes) equates to shearing a lamb every 64 seconds.

Preparing for these events takes years, both for the shearer and the landholder who needs to prepare sheep conducive to being shorn fast.

Nicki, 30, grew up at Lockhart in the NSW Riverina, and started shearing around a year after she left Yanco Agricultural High School.

Like many, Nicki was not sure what she wanted to do when she left school and worked as an in-home carer and worked in a hotel.

Her former school was running a shearing competition and she decided to enter.

So she asked her mother Helen Guttler to teach her how to shear a sheep.

Helen is an experienced wool classer who could also shear competently.

Nicki had a go and then went to a two-week shearing school at Wagga Wagga TAFE and then further shearing schools.

She then picked up a job with a cousin and shearing contractor Trevor Gibbs and his wife Steph Gibbs at Temora,

starting as a roustabout.

After a year or so of being a roustabout, she started to combine it with shearing, alternating between either shed job for a few years, before getting a full-time stand.

Her shearing career progressed and she was able to then work across the state solo and started entering Sports Shear NSW (SSNSW) competitions.

It was competing where he started to run into the Mudford families, as the Parkdale SRS Merino Stud supplies sheep to the Dubbo Show, which often hosts state finals of SSNSW events.

Nicki recalled one shearing school and then shearing at the same farm where the training had been held.

She was able to shear her first 100 on her third day of work after the school, having been motivated by a fellow shearing school member who tallied his first 100 the day before.

A shearer’s first-ever 100 is a big step towards being recognised as someone capable with a hand piece.

Nicki made contacts via SSNSW shearing competitions and steadily built up her skills, speed and contacts.

In 2019, she was competing in the SSNSW intermediate state finals, where the top two went onto represent NSW at national finals. She finished third, missing the top two by half-a-point.

The next year, she travelled to shows across the state, but COVID-19 struck and she did not get to compete in state finals.

During this time she had won her out

of the intermediate category into the senior grade of SSNSW competitions.

Once shows commenced, she made the senior final and in 2023 won the NSW senior state final. There are 23 shows across the circuit within the state with finals in Dubbo.

She now competes in the open category, the highest level, in SSNSW.

Such rapid development led to this successful world-record attempt, which had an extensive support team behind her.

Renowned English shearer Martin Howlett travelled across the world to assist Nicki.

Martin himself holds a WSSRSI world record with John Roberts, after Martin (539) and Jonny (536) shore a combined 1075 strong wool ewes in eight hours in England in September 2019.

The Englishman was on the board all day offering advice and encouragement to Nicki.

Josh Clayton was also a key assistant taking care of Nicki’s hydration and nutrition needs, as it was a reported 38 degrees at Parkdale SRS Merino Stud the day Nicki broke the world record. He also assisted with personal training pre-event.

Billy Hutchison was also assisting Martin,and Nicki Guttler’s boyfriend Connor Price was also part of the team keeping Nicki’s pen full all day to save time finding sheep in the pen.

Massage therapist Steve Barwick was also a key player among many others.

Nicki arrived at Parkdale a fortnight

before the successful world record attempt, shearing a line of ewes and Angora goats in preparation before some sprint sessions shearing 15 or so lambs.

Nicki was thankful of people that had supported her financially, on the day, or both.

She was also able to raise $4,280 for sHedway, a mental health not-for-profit supporting the shearing industry.

Nicki said the Mudford family had drafted around 4000 Merino ewes and lambs to find the select 600 Merino lambs ready if needed for the day that could help her set a new world record.

“They are just a great family to work with… so supportive of both shearing and the sheep industry itself,” she said.

“With a number of successful records being set there, it is reassuring that they have the right sheep to do the job. They are nice easy-going straight sheep while still being Merinos

“It’s piece of mind knowing that I didn’t have to do much with the sheep. The family is very easy to work with and I knew the sheep would be conducive to fast shearing with a good line of 600 lambs as consistent as possible. I had faith in them.”

In 2025, Nicki Guttler wants to concentrate on Sports Shear NSW and national events.

This will mean adjusting her style to show shearing and is hoping to become the first woman to make an open circuit final.

Cooper tops the podium as Haylee, Isabelle, take-on Pro Velo league

Contributed by DUBBO CYCLE CLUB

AT the recent Under 15 and Under 17 NSW Championships, local star, Cooper Farr, performed top of his field in a number of events.

Dubbo Cycle Club members have had a great deal of fun and success in the past week with members at the Tour Down Under and the Pro Velo League both being held in Adelaide, along with Cooper’s own success at the 2025 Junior NSW Track State Championships in Sydney.

Several of the Club’s members attended the Tour Down Under with the event now on the same classification as the Tour of Italy and Tour de France.

Six stages for Men and three stages for the Women, as well as a

criterium event for each, were included in the schedule for the Tour.

Celebrities mingled with spectators and the Dubbo team mixed with legendary people of the sport including Olympic and World Champion, Grace Brown; Cadel Evans; 12-times world Champion, American Chloe Dygert; the most prolific stage winner of the Tour Down Under, André Greipel; 35time Stage winner of the Tour de France, Mark Cavendish; legendary cycling coach, Gary Sutton; and many more.

The Velo League, meanwhile, is a new event held around Australia where the winner gets a professional contract as an incentive.

Haylee and Isabelle rode in the time trial and performed very well

in an international field. Unfortunately, Haylee was unable to continue the next day, but Isabelle finished with the field in Stage Two and in Stage Three.

Isabelle came in 17th in the final classification for the Under 23 Women, Isabelle is just getting back into training after tremendous success in finishing her high school education.

Back in NSW, Cooper Farr headed to Sydney to contest several events at the Junior State Track titles over three days. The first event was the Time Trial over 500 metres, where Cooper returned a time of 39.889 seconds, just one second from the winner and in fourth place in a hotly-contested division.

In the elimination event, Cooper

finished just outside the medals in another fourth place in a smart ride for such a big and competitive field.

For the Points Race, Cooper received his first medal of the championships with a bronze for a very clever ride finishing only five points behind Orange rider, Billy Yeo, and Jacob McLachlan from Wagga Wagga.

In the Individual Pursuit qualifying. Coops finished a creditable fifth place, though, unfortunately did not progress to the medals rounds.

In the Kierin, Cooper moved through to the final taking gold in a hectic event; a fast and furious race where riders need to have very good bike handling skills and where Cooper showed he has what

WESTERN BOYS DO WELL IN WALLABIES SEVENS

By GEOFF MANN

I have been following some of our young sportspeople who are making their names in the rugby world and, on Australia Day, two of them took centre stage at the World Sevens in Perth.

I was watching online and texted Carmel Harvey (nee O’Connor who taught at St John’s Primary) and her husband Dennis (ex-St Johns) who were side-line as Sid scored the try that took them into extra time in the semi-final.

Here was her reply.

“Hey Geoff, How are you?

“Thanks for your text!

How about that semi-final?

“Just unbelievable to be here, especially when the crowd around us realised Sid was ours as Mae and Josie were screaming at him…they went berserk!

“Final was always going to be uphill, minus their their best players injured, but so good they got there.

“We met the Blakes from Dubbo too – Jayden was phenomenal I thought, especially his defence

And singing that anthem on Australia Day on home soil…. unforgettable!

“Just wanted to share some good news about our western boys and an Australia Day special!”

concluded.

it takes to win in fine form.

In the Sprint event, after qualifying very well in second, Cooper moved through the quarter and semi-finals. In the ride-off for bronze, Cooper fought hard to go one-a-piece in a best of three, but just missed the last ride for the bronze.

In the scratch race, Cooper fought-out the fast finish and secured fifth place.

Cooper, Jett Stokes from Randwick, Billy Yeo from Orange, and Lucas Strbik, all then combined to contest the Under 15 Teams Pursuit and, in a time of 2:33, were successful in taking the gold.

Dubbo Club is back racing on Tuesday nights, with members cel-

Get ready for a muddy good time at the 12th Annual MAAS Titan Macquarie Mud Run!

WHILE most entrants are ready to get muddy, there will still be a small element of surprise when the 12th annual Titan Macquarie Mud Run is held on Saturday, March 15.

Since beginning in 2014, the Titan Macquarie Mud Run has bought people together from Dubbo and across the Central West for a day of fitness, fun, and all the mud they can handle.

Titan Macquarie Mud Run President Rod Fardell has confirmed a refreshed course-entry experience for 2025.

While the start line will remain at Regand Park, participants can expect a fun and interactive warm-up that will set the tone for the day ahead.

As always, the heart of the action will be along the stunning Macquarie River foreshore, with plenty of mud and obstacles to tackle.

More than 1500 entrants are expected this year.

“We’ve got a little surprise in store to kick off this year’s event,” Rod said. “It’s going to be a fantastic way to energize our competitors before they dive into the course.”

The Titan Macquarie Mud Run features courses and events for every age and ability.

The Titan (9.5km) course is perfect for both the Elite Wave and the Adult/Youth Wave.

Elite Wave participants must complete every obstacle, with timing and prizes for the top three male and female competitors (first: $500, second: $300, third: $100).

Adult (18+) and Youth Wave (15-17 years) participants can take on the course at their own pace, with the flexibility to skip obstacles.

The Mini Titan (4.5km) course is designed for kids aged five-to-14 and adults in the short-course category.

Kids love the adventure, and parents can join them to make it a family experience.

In ‘Mud Mania’ at Regand Park, obstacles for adults and kids run side by side, so everyone can get in on the action.

“We’re expecting more than 800 kids this year,” Rod said.

“It’s always amazing to see the smiles on their faces as they tackle the course. The Adult Short Course has also grown in popularity, giving parents the chance to join in the fun with their little ones. This event is all about community.”

Since its inception, the Titan Macquarie Mud Run has invested its profits back into the community, funding recreational infrastructure like the six new bench

seats recently installed along the riverbank.

“We’re committed to supporting an active and healthy community,” Rod said.

“We’re a big believer that a healthy community, and an active community, is a great community.

“This event wouldn’t be possible without our incredible sponsors, volunteers and participants. It truly takes a village to pull off something this special.”

With people traveling from all over the Central West – including Bathurst, Orange, and Mudgee –this is more than just a race; it’s a community celebration of fitness, fun, and camaraderie.

The Titan Macquarie Mud Run idea was formed when a small group of Dubbo residents were travelling for metropolitan based mud-runs.

After having so much fun while

competing away, the group decided to organise one for Dubbo and so the Titan Macquarie Mud Run was born.

“We had a great first year and it’s just expanded from there,” Rod said.

“People’s interest and our commitment to assisting the community keeps us coming back year after year.”

Tickets are on sale now, so gather your friends, dust off your costumes, and prepare for a day you won’t forget.

Whether you’re in it to win it, challenge yourself, or simply have a blast, the Titan Macquarie Mud Run has it all.

 For more information or to secure your spot, visit: www.titanmacquariemudrun.com.au

WHATS ON RHINO LODGE