By SHARON BONTHUYS
WITH a number businesses in Dubbo celebrating big milestones this year (including this newspaper), Dubbo Photo News stopped by Macquarie Valley Blinds and Awnings when we heard they were celebrating their 34th year in business.
The announcement that the family-owned business has notched up 34 years in Dubbo was made quietly and without fanfare.
Directors Trish and Phillip Shields took on the business started by Trish’s father, Carl Young, and built it up to a thriving local business that now employs six people and provides a range of blinds, vertical drapes, awnings and roller shutters.
They’ve also involved the next generation in the business, with son Todd Shields and daughter Lauren Connell joining their parents in steering the company where it needs to go.
“They are the future of our family business,” Trish told Dubbo Photo News. Todd, a builder, and Lauren, an accountant, bring their own individual elements to the business that has been part of Dubbo’s social fabric since 1991.
“Although right now, I can’t imagine Phil and I ever retiring!” Trish added.
“There’s not many established family businesses in Dubbo, but we certainly enjoy working together,” she said.
Starting out in premises at Erskine Street in 1991, in 1992 they moved to Talbragar Street, remaining there until 2002. Some upgrades took place to the store
and in April 2024 the business moved to its current home in Hawthorn Street.
The new premises has allowed them to expand what they do and install new machinery to make awnings more quickly than pre-
viously. It has also allowed them to purchase their “quirky” F350 truck that allows them to deliver and work onsite at client premises.
“It’s not as old as us, but sustainable!” Trish said of the new truck.
The business is the only one in
Dubbo that makes custom blinds, Trish said, ordering in fabric and components then assembling the products to order.
For Trish, in particular, Macquarie Valley Blinds and Awnings is more than a job. She lives and breathes her work. “I love fabrics and colours and how they look.
“Our business helps make people’s space more liveable, and that they will feel safe in that space –be that inside or outside,” Trish concluded.
Do you have a nickname? My family calls me Leasy Jane, colleagues
me Burdo. Where did you grow up? Dubbo. How long have you lived in Dubbo? My whole life, with a few years in Wollongong.
What do you like to do in your spare time? Sing, watch a good series, take part in amateur theatre.
If you could do anything and be anywhere, what would you be doing? Spending my time between the West End and Broadway watching every show that is on.
What are you watching at the moment? Taskmaster UK. The Apple TV version of “Come From Away” for inspiration for the upcoming Dubbo production that I am in.
What would you be lost without? My family.
What music do you like to listen to? Bangers from the ‘60s to the ‘90s.
Favourite song of all time? “Mr Jones” by the Counting Crows.
If you were stranded on a desert island, what three things would you want with you? Diet Coke, a piano, my husband.
What is your all-time favourite movie? The Princess Bride. If there was a movie all about you, who would play you? Catherine O’Hara.
By DAVID DIXON
“Hero of Waterloo” gets $12m re-opening work
HAMMERED during the 2022 floods, almost $12 million has now been secured to repair the approaches and stabilisation around the Gobolion Street side of the low-level Duke of Wellington Bridge.
Areas around the bridge in Wellington were severely damaged during the November 2022 event, with “significant erosion” to the riverbanks that support the bridge and approach roads, a Dubbo Regional Council statement said. It has been closed since those flooding events nearly three years ago.
Although no architectural wonder, the bridge has a high practical value for local motorists, being the only other major crossing across the Macquarie River apart from the highway bridge located upstream.
The bridge, like the town itself, was named after the legendary Irishman Arthur Wellesley, the Duke of Wellington – the “Hero of Waterloo” – who ultimately vanquished the despot of Europe, Napoleon Bonaparte.
The bridge was actually dedicated in 1990 by the Eighth Duke of Wellington, Arthur Valerian Wellesley, on the 175th anniversary year of the Battle of Wa-
terloo. A plaque near the site of the bridge commemorates the visit of the Duke and Duchess of Wellington for the naming ceremony which, ironically enough, occurred during a major flood event.
The repair money secured by council is a great outcome for the Wellington community and will re-establish vehicle access over the bridge, Mayor Josh Black said.
“Council staff have been working tirelessly behind the scenes to secure funding for the restoration of the Duke of Wellington Bridge,” Cr Black said. “I commend them for their ongoing commitment to delivering this positive result for residents.”
The project will involve the design and construction of the ap-
proach roads on the Gobolion Street side of the bridge, as well as reinforcing the riverbank directly next to the crossing so as to prevent further damage in future flood events, council’s Director of Infrastructure Luke Ryan said.
“The process to secure funding for this project has taken over 20 months with council’s first application not successful,” Mr Ryan revealed.
“The team have worked hard with Transport for NSW to reshape the application to achieve this result,” he added
The re-opening of the bridge will happen, in time, he said, explaining that patience from the community will be a virtue.
“We will commence planning the restoration works,” Mr Ryan
said. “However, the project is complex and will take a significant amount of time to complete before it can reopen to vehicular traffic again.”
Staggered
FOLLOWING the tragic death of a council worker after a fall in the facility, Dubbo Regional Theatre and Convention Centre (DRTCC) has begun a phased re-opening. With the Box Office, Convention Centre area, and Wellington Civic Centre all back in operation, the theatre area itself will remain closed until safety compliance is confirmed.
Patrons who bought tickets for the Dubbo Theatre Company’s production of ‘Come From Away’,
that was to be performed this weekend, should have received an email from the DRTCC along with further information regarding these shows.
Blue-green algae Red Alert lifted for Dam
WATERNSW has lifted the bluegreen algae Red Alert warning issued on June 30 for Burrendong Dam, which is now on Amber Alert.
WaterNSW said it will continue routine water quality monitoring and advise of any change as new results are received.
Blue-green algae is naturally occurring and can reproduce quickly in still or slow-flowing water when there is abundant sunlight and sufficient nutrients.
By DAVID DIXON
FARMING is ultimately a business, not just a lifestyle and vocation, with a new series of online courses designed to offer primary producers the money-management tools needed to survive tough economic times.
These practical financial skills workshops will be held online in August and September to provide an opportunity to upskill their economic nous, at no cost.
The interactive workshops seek to provide practical, hands-on information on understanding financial statements and banking requirements by exploring topics such as taxation versus manage-
ment accounting, essential business management ratios, and understanding key components of a business’s financial profile.
They are being led and funded by food and agribusiness banking specialist, Rabobank’s Rabo Client Councils – a group of clients who are passionate about making a difference in their communities with activities designed to make a meaningful impact on the vibrancy and resilience of rural Australia, Rabobank Head of Community and Client Engagement Glenn Wealands said.
The workshops, which are specifically designed for farm owners and managers, aim to enhance participants’ financial knowledge
and expertise, he added.
“Since launching in 2018, the Rabo Client Councils have so far extended this valuable learning opportunity to over 5000 farmers across Australia and New Zealand,” Mr Wealands revealed.
The courses are being offered online, he explained, so as to provide an alternative to the ongoing face-to-face program of financial skills workshops that continue to be rolled out nationwide.
“This recognises the challenges that some farmers may face in taking time away from their operations, or being in remote locations where they are unable to attend any of the workshops in person,” he said.
By SHARON BONTHUYS
THE Most Wuthering Heights Day Ever is on Sunday, July 27, in Dubbo and there is still time for fans of the iconic Kate Bush song honouring the 1847 novel by Emily Bronte to sign up, dress up in red, and dance like no one is watching, while raising funds for charity.
Organisers Sharon “Shaz” Quill and Camilla “Cam” Ward are back for the third year in a row with the unique sub-ten-minute fundraising event that supports the Wellness Centre attached to the Western Cancer Centre in Dubbo.
This year’s event, part of a worldwide movement that started in the UK in 2016, will take place in the grounds of the Western Plains Cultural Centre and it takes just four minutes to participate – the time it takes to mimic the whimsical dance moves of performer Kate Bush in her smash hit debut song released in 1978.
Participants are asked to dress in red and black, just as Bush did in the second of two music videos supporting the song, release their inner Kate, Cathy, Heathcliff or other favourite character from Emily Bronte’s novel, and mimic the dance moves.
If you can’t manage the dance moves and just want to sway along to the music, that’s okay, Cam and Shaz told Dubbo Photo News
You don’t have to be “a dancer” to participate.
Importantly, everyone of every age and ability is welcome to participate. Diverse and inclusive, the “sea of red” dancers are united by a common cause. Most participants have either known personally someone impacted by cancer, or lost a friend or loved one to the disease. Many will add notes and photos to the “Wall of Love” that is also part of the event.
“We just know that it’s something that everybody is affected by in some way,” Shaz said of the disease the Cancer Council says is a leading cause of death in Australia.
Where some people choose to buy raffle tickets to support cancer charities, The Most Wuthering Heights Day Ever is a creative and fun way to raise funds, Cam added.
“This is a way for people to come together, to connect, to celebrate and to dance,” she said.
“And you don’t have to be a dancer. I’m not!”
If you can’t make it on the day or live too far away, you can still support the cause by buying a $25 ticket. Shaz and Cam will happily dance for you.
Funds raised from the event will stay in the Dubbo community and support the Wellness Centre, part of the wider Western Cancer Centre that has provided a local base for treatment and support of western
region cancer patients since March 2022.
In organising the event, Cam and Shaz are just doing their bit to contribute to an already communityminded region.
“In the Dubbo region, people step up, come out and support things, and in today’s epidemic of loneliness, that is essential,” Cam explained.
“If we can do our bit to support that and support those people going through these challenging times, it’s worth it,” she added.
“It should be on the huge calendar of events of the things to do in Dubbo every single year,” Shaz said.
Grateful for the support of the Dubbo Regional Council, Western Plains Cultural Centre and Western Cancer Centre Foundation, Cam and Shaz would also like to thank Dr Mary Nushaj who leads the dancers every year.
Dubbo Photo News will be there on the day, and there are unconfirmed reports that Dubbo mayor, Cr Josh Black (or should that be “Josh Red”?) will be among the sea of red dancers, and state MP Dugald Saunders may unleash his inner Heathcliff at the event. You’ll have to come along next Sunday and find out...
For further information and to buy tickets to The Most Wuthering Heights Day Ever 2025, head to the Dubbo Region website.
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By DAVID DIXON
THE recent passing of education stalwart Ruby Riach OAM, aged 98, led local historian Patrick Bourke to recall her honoured role as one of Dubbo High School’s greatest-ever graduates.
“During her lifetime, Ruby made very significant contributions to education, and also to the Bindyi Club, the association for the ex-students of Dubbo High School and Dubbo College,” Patrick said.
“Also, coincidentally, Ruby Riach and later-Whitlam Government Attorney-General Kep Enderby were both in the 1943 Leaving Certificate Class at Dubbo High School,” he added.
Ruby was first educated at Beni Public School (a small oneteacher school 15km west of Dubbo) and then at Dubbo High, the only NSW senior school west of Orange at the time.
After coming second in her year for her Leaving Certificate, she accepted a Department of Education Scholarship to study primary teacher education at Sydney Teachers’ College, graduating in 1945.
Her early teaching experience was in metropolitan primary schools prior to an appointment at Warren Central School, where she taught students preparing for the Intermediate Certificate.
Having enrolled at East Sydney Technical College as an evening student while in Sydney and continuing her studies by correspondence upon transferring to Warren, she was required to teach needlework to students studying this subject
for the Intermediate.
Following further experience in teaching needlework in country schools, she was invited to accept a secondment to Wagga Wagga Teachers’ College to lecture to students preparing to teach craft in primary schools.
She taught part-time at the Wagga Wagga Demonstration School and also became a residential member of the college staff, supervising students in residence. This enabled her to participate in the many dramatical and musical activities for students and offer services for the welfare of students.
In 1955, she was transferred to Sydney Teachers’ College/ Sydney College to lecture in curriculum development and teaching procedures to students preparing to teach in primary and secondary schools.
She enrolled as a part-time student at the University of Sydney to qualify for an arts degree, completing studies in philosophy, education, history and geography with distinctions in philosophy and geography.
A Master of Education, firstly at pass level and then as an honours degree, was completed with a thesis, ‘A Comparative Study of Home Economics with special reference to aims in New South Wales’.
The thesis required a comparative study of Home Economics education in England, Canada, United States of America and New Zealand.
During her 30 years at Sydney Teachers’ College/Sydney College of Advanced Education, Ruby served on several curricu-
lum development committees for the Department of Education and prepared and presented numerous in-service programs for teachers, particularly those relating to changes in curriculum content and assessment.
In addition, she held leadership positions on the NSW Board of Studies Examinations Committees in Needlework and Textiles and Design.
At the time of her retirement from Sydney College of Advanced Education in 1986, Ruby held the position of Principal Lecturer and Head of Department, co-ordinating the Bachelor of Education program for Home economics.
In 1989 she was awarded the Sydney College of Advanced Education Medal for meritorious and distinguished service to the college.
Ruby was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia in 1996 in the Queen’s Birthday Honours’ List “for service to education as a teacher and administrator, including service as Honorary Secretary of the NSW Chapter of the Australian College of Education”.
She joined the Order of Australia Association, which aims to honour Australian citizenship and was elected Honorary Secretary in 1997, a position she held for seven years.
In 2005 Ruby returned to live in Dubbo and retained connections with the Bindyi Club, the Australian College of Educators through its Orana Regional Branch and the Order of Australian Association through its Regional Group.
NATIONAL Park campers throughout western NSW could be slugged with huge increases in fees under proposals outlined in a discussion paper recently released by the State Government, regional-based MLC Scott Barrett believes.
The consultation proposes drastically increasing camping fees – some by up
to 600 per cent – in most of the state’s 365 National Park campgrounds, effectively putting what has traditionally been a low-cost holiday option at risk, Mr Barrett said.
“From camping, fishing and hiking to exploring 4WD tracks, these parks are crucial for people and families looking to get away,” Mr Bar-
rett said.
“While for decades this has remained a relatively affordable pastime for people from all walks of life, a recent proposal by the NSW Government could put this quintessentially Australian past time out of reach. This is simply unacceptable,” he added.
To fight the proposals, he
OPEN7DAYS8:00AM-6:00PM
has enlisted film-maker and camping advocate Michael Atkinson (‘Outback Mike’) to sponsor an e-Petition calling for the changes to be canned.
The petition calls for the government to increase the number of campsites to meet the demand, rather than restrict access to the highest bidder.
“NSW taxpayers have paid for the acquisition, investment and maintenance of these lands for decades upon decades so it’s only right they should be able to access them for a range of activities where appropriate.
“What’s most galling about these changes, is that I have recently uncovered, through parliamentary processes, that the NSW Government has spent almost $300 million expanding the National Parks estate by 800,000 hectares in just five years,” Mr Barrett revealed.
Increasing the amount of park lands without also increasing pest control and management funds is the crux of the problem, he argues.
“Expanding our parks is pointless if we can’t care for what we already have, or if rising costs lock out or-
dinary people,” Mr Barrett said.
“No one wants to camp at a ground overrun with thistles, or walk along a trail ransacked by pigs, especially not at the prices being proposed in this new model,” he concluded.
Answering a question in parliament on the issue,
NSW Minister for Climate Change, Minister for Energy, Minister for the Environment, and Minister for Heritage, Penny Sharpe, said the changes were aimed at
seeking a more-equitable outcome for all users in the sector.
“The purpose of the consultation paper was to seek community feedback on proposed changes to the camping fee system in NSW national parks to make it simpler, fairer and easier for people to use existing campgrounds, while also addressing common issues such as ‘ghost camping’, where people book sites but do not turn-up,” Ms Sharpe said.
By DAVID DIXON
Leroy is a little frog with a big heart, but that doesn’t stop him from giving life all he’s got!
This is the touching and very personal theme of local teacher Lindy Whale’s inaugural effort as an author, with her work being launched on Saturday, August 2, in Geurie.
The book, she said, was inspired by her grandson Noah who was born with a rare condition – Cartilage Hair Hypoplasia – meaning that, like Leroy, he’s smaller than most.
“This is my first book and, though it’s not really about Noah, it was inspired by him. It’s actually about diversity, awareness and acceptance,” the St John’s Primary School teacher told Dubbo Photo News
“It was quite a journey writing it. I haven’t done a book before, so I was learning as I went along – it actually wasn’t that difficult,” Lindy added.
As with any children’s book, however, getting the right person to illustrate the message that she was trying to convey was a key element in the process.
“That’s why I was lucky to have Nana (Melkadze) work on the book – she understands the ‘feel’ of the story,” Lindy explained.
Leroy is a happy little frog, the story goes, living with Mum, Dad and his two sisters, and though he always knew he was smaller than most other frogs, going to school is different.
Can he overcome the challenges
ahead, and prove that it’s not the size of the frog in the fight, but the fight in the frog, that matters most?
“I haven’t specifically mentioned dwarfism, rather that Leroy is just smaller than most,” Lindy explained.
“Books open windows into other worlds, and readers can come to a greater understanding and empathy as they identify with the characters and their story,” Lindy believes.
The process of creating the story, she added, was no sweat. Everything after that was the hard part, eventually publishing under her own imprint, Whale Tales.
“The writing of the book was easy! Bits and pieces would come to me as I was driving or walking. Once I put pen to paper, I had a draft in no time,” Lindy said.
“Most publishing companies won’t accept anything from firsttime authors, so I became a selfpublisher, did lots of reading and research, and had my book printed,” she concluded.
The launch is on Saturday, August 2, at 3pm at the Geurie Café, and everyone is invited. For more information call 0428 324 330.
a
A traditional handover of ‘big cheques’ was held recently by Dubbo Council at the Western Plains Cultural
providing money for local groups and events doing good work in the community.
Council allocated grants of be-
tween $1500 to $6000 for organisations ranging from local songwriters, Indian and Muslim representative bodies, Dubbo Neighbourhood Centre, and the Dubbo Historical Society. Events supported include
and
Totalling more than
By DAVID DIXON
IF we think about it, we’d all rather spend our last days at home rather than in an anonymous hospital ward, with a new project in the region aiming to achieve just that.
The My Care Future initiative, that seeks to help those needing palliative care in the Orange and Dubbo communities to plan for their future healthcare, was launched in Orange recently.
With funds of $462,000 from the Western NSW Primary Health Network (WNSW PHN), the project is to be delivered by Orange Council in collaboration with the Dubbo Neighbourhood Centre and the Orange Aboriginal Medical Service.
My Care Future responds directly to the growing need for palliative care education, advance care
planning, and culturally-safe support services in local communities, WNSW PHN CEO Brad Porter said.
“Have you ever thought about what kind of care you’d want if you couldn’t speak for yourself?” Brad asked.
“Most of us haven’t... but these are the conversations we all deserve to have.
“Through this project, we want to address barriers to understanding and completing Advance Care Planning (ACP) and provide more support and education around ACP and palliative care,” he said.
Inspired by a successful volunteer-led model in the City of Onkaparinga in South Australia, My Care Future takes a grassroots, peer-topeer approach to supporting people on this important journey.
The project will include Com-
munity Hubs in Orange and Dubbo that will provide community education, train volunteers, develop partnerships with the local health sector, and deliver workshops to encourage meaningful conversations about future care.
The peer-led volunteer workforce will be complemented by a pilot program to deliver advanced care planning to First Nations communities, in partnership with the Orange Aboriginal Medical Service.
A dedicated First Nations Project Officer will partner with Aboriginal health services to co-design a culturally-safe model of Advance Care Planning to embed cultural safety into the program, seeking to increase death literacy, empower families to make informed decisions, and foster a stronger culture of care.
is a fellowship of people who share their experience, strength and hope with each other that they may solve their common problem and help others to recover from alcoholism.
The only requirement for membership is a desire to stop drinking.
There are no dues or fees for A.A. membership; we are self-supporting through our own contributions.
A.A. is not allied with any sect, denomination, politics, organisation or institution; does not wish to engage in any controversy, neither endorses nor opposes any causes. Our primary purpose is to stay sober and help other alcoholics to achieve sobriety.
By DAVID DIXON
LOVERS of original creative images are being urged to mark some September dates in their diary now.
That is because the Dubbo Art Fair – held annually at the Western Plains Cultural Centre – is on the weekend of September 13-14, and will once again showcasing regional emerging artists to a wider audience.
More than 40 painters, illustrators, sketchers and artisans will this year feature their original works for sale at an event that, in its fifth year, has established itself as the largest show of the kind west of the Blue Mountains.
The show is also a great platform for regional creatives to gain exposure for their work and interact with the community. For many local artists, it is the first opportunity they get to showcase their art in a public setting.
“This event is a great opportunity for the community to purchase an original artwork that has been created right here in our region,” Mayor Josh Black said. “The Dubbo Art Fair supports the creative sector and contributes to the local economy.”
The benefits are not only for the
artists themselves, but for the local creative community generally, Cr Black believes.
“Last year, artists collectively sold over $60,000 worth of art at the Dubbo Art Fair – an amount that grows every year and goes directly back into our region,” he said.
The event is also a magnet for Central West locals who appreciate the beauty of human creation, with the fair consistently attracting more than 1800 visitors each year, Curator Kent Buchanan revealed.
“The response from the community to the Dubbo Art Fair is always really positive, with artists eager to showcase and sell their art,” Mr Buchanan said.
“It’s particularly exciting to see new artists and emerging talent exhibiting for the first time this year.”
The Dubbo Art Fair is supported by Dubbo Regional Council and Create NSW, and is an initiative of council’s Cultural Plan. The official opening is scheduled for Friday, September 12, at 6pm.
The event is open to the community from 10am to 4pm on both Saturday and Sunday, September 13 and 14, with admission free.
A RECENT $5 million injection into the country-based AgSkilled program has allowed extension of the initiative for another 12 months with the aim of growing the state’s agriculture and horticulture workforce.
The new investment aims to give more farmers, producers, and workers, access to cutting-edge training that meets the needs of a fast-changing industry, from mastering on-farm technology to improving safety, sustainability, and productivity.
Over the past year alone, AgSkilled has powered training for more than 2300 participants across 188 locations, achieving an impressive 94 per cent completion rate through 768 courses run by 33 endorsed providers, including TAFE NSW.
The program is also helping to attract a new generation to the sector, with one in four participants under 25, and one in four being female.
Local success stories are already emerging, for instance at Bellevue Pastoral Co in Narrabri, staff have accessed AgSkilled-funded training in everything from first aid to truck licensing and chemical use, im-
proving safety, upskilling workers, and lifting the company’s operational capacity, Bellevue spokesperson Elizabeth Smart said.
“AgSkilled has been a valuable investment in our people and me; the training has helped improve safety, build capability, and support career development across our team,” Ms Smart said.
“We’re seeing the benefits of AgSkilled, not just on our properties but in the broader community; it supports productivity and gives our workers confidence and expertise,” she added.
This funding will ensure TAFE NSW and other training providers can continue to de-
liver free or low-cost, industry-aligned training that helps regional economies grow now and into the future, Minister for Agriculture, Minister for Regional NSW, and Minister for Western NSW, Tara Moriarty said.
“Regional communities are at the heart of our economy, and programs like AgSkilled are helping ensure they have the skills to thrive,” Ms Moriarty said.
“This investment supports the next generation of farmers and producers to adopt sustainable and innovative practices, while also creating real career opportunities for people in regional NSW,” she concluded.
Local medical students from the School of Rural Health in Dubbo recently hosted the much-loved annual Teddy Bear Hospital at Dubbo North Public School, bringing a dose of fun and health education to kindergarten students. Children were encouraged to bring along their favourite teddy bears, toys or dolls, that became “patients” for the day. These cuddly companions took part in a variety of interactive health stations,
including teddy bear check-ups, handwashing demonstrations, oral health education, bandaging practice, and lessons on exercise and healthy eating.
The event is designed to help young children feel more comfortable about visiting the doctor. Through playful, hands-on activities, the kindergarten students learnt about basic health practices in a way that’s engaging and fun.
By role-playing as caregivers to their toys,
children can gain confi dence and understanding about what happens during a doctor’s visit, helping to reduce anxiety and fear.
Medical students also benefi t too, gaining experience in communicating health messages to young children while building more connections in the Dubbo community.
The annual event is adored by both School of Rural Health staff and medical students, and Dubbo North Public School staff and kindergarten students, highlighting the unique opportunity to combine health education and community engagement.
By DAVID DIXON
FOR the dedicated aviators of the Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS), piloting emergency hospital flights through some of the most remote and isolated parts of Australia requires special skills and a cool temperament under pressure.
A recent million-dollar donation to the group seeks to support the unique not-for-profit’s pilot recruitment and training expertise.
The $1.2 million gift from dedicated supporters Alan and Lynne Rydge aims to ensure that RFDS flyers have the best training imaginable for every contingency, Aviation and Operations Executive General Manager Mark Davey said.
“Our pilots are trained to commercial aviation standards, but what sets them apart is their expertise in navigating and landing in remote locations, remote and dirt, unsealed airstrips and often in challenging conditions,” Mr Davey said.
“The nature of our work means no day is ever planned. Our pilots might start their shift preparing for a routine clinic run, then suddenly find themselves responding to a critical emergency hundreds of kilometres away on a remote airstrip they’ve never seen before,” he added.
As well as flying, RFDS pilots also undergo comprehensive
training that extends far beyond mere aviation. They’re also integral members of the medical team helping support emergency retrievals on the ground, Mr Davey explained.
“The precision and quick decision-making of our pilots is literal-
ly a matter of life and death, when an injury or illness sees someone needing our support.
“Our pilots don’t just fly the aircraft, they’re trained to assist our medical teams during emergency retrievals, and we invest in training our crews to work as a cohe-
to respond in critical situations, and pilot-approved maintenance training for aircraft safety.
Additionally, each pilot also completes an annual session in RFDS’s own Level 6 high-fidelity flight simulator at the RFDS Base in Dubbo, and one annual session in a Level D full motion simulator that matches airline-level training, on top of their annual check in an actual aircraft to review normal operating procedures.
sive unit.”
RFDS’s commitment to aviation excellence is evident in the comprehensive pilot training program, which includes human factors training that sharpens decision-making under pressure, emergency procedures training
“At our Dubbo Base, we have a dedicated aircraft fuselage where pilots and medical teams practice emergency retrievals together, perfecting the communication and teamwork essential for lifesaving missions,” Mr Davey said.
“The generous investment we received earlier this year reflects a deep appreciation for how our excellence in aviation serves our purpose of bringing safe and accessible healthcare to the
EMPOWERING local Aboriginal groups to benefit from governmentmandated net zero targets through the Central-West Orana Renewable Energy Zone (REZ) is the aim of a series of capacity-building workshops in the region.
The workshops follow a recent research report for the Australian Institute of Public Policy, researchers from the University of NSW (UNSW) and the UTS Institute for Sustainable Futures on how Aboriginal land can support the “renewable energy transition” while generating social and economic benefits for Aboriginal communities.
Over July and August, five ‘Powershift’ workshops are being hosted with local Aboriginal land councils so they can receive geospatial analysis of their land with the intention to increase their engagement with the renewable energy industry.
In early September, a regional expo
will then be hosted at Dubbo Convention Centre in partnership with Energy Co’s First Nation Coordination and Outcomes Team.
The expo will be open to the Aboriginal community to discuss a range of opportunities to increase Aboriginal community participation in the REZ, as energy consumers, landholders, business owners and project partners.
These workshops are designed to foster capacity building, and enable Aboriginal community to gather, discuss and work towards aspirations set out in the First Nations Guidelines, according to project co-lead Professor Heidi Norman who is Director of the‚ÄØIndigenous Land and Justice Research Group at UNSW Sydney.
“Aboriginal Land Councils manage extensive land holdings, many of which are ideally suited for renewable energy developments such as solar and wind,” Prof Norman said.
“With the right policy frameworks and support, Aboriginal communities – organising through their land councils – can play a transformative role in Australia’s energy transition,” she added.
The whole project is seeking to increase Indigenous engagement so as to directly benefit from the work of the REZ, Energy Co’s Senior Program Coordinator Tim Stevenson explained.
“This initiative directly responds to the call from the Central West Orana Aboriginal Working Group for capacity-building support to engage meaningfully in the renewable energy transition,” Mr Stevenson said.
“We want to equip land councils with accessible information, geospatial analysis of their land estate, and technical expertise to shape their energy futures and unlock the benefits of strategic partnerships,” he concluded.
DUBBO WORKS is highlighting the excellent career and learning opportunities the Dubbo region offers. To contribute ideas, email dubboworks@dubbophotonews.com.au phone 6885 4433
By DALLAS REEVES
A PASSION for rural pharmacy, and business acumen, has been the driving force for Dubbo local Mollie-Anne Gersbach who has been appointed partner at Orana Mall Pharmacy (OMP).
At 28 years of age, Mollie has fast risen up the ranks, but admits ownership was always her ambition. “It does feel like quite a career achievement,” Mollie said. “I always wanted to be part of the bigger picture, and this is such a varied and rewarding role, so it’s exciting.”
It comes amid an increasing demand for community pharmacists, with an extra 1700 full-time-equivalent (FTE) pharmacists needed in regional and rural pharmacy in 2026 alone.
“Now is probably the best time to get into pharmacy because we’re on the road to expanding our scope of practice, which means we can offer more to residents and really support the local healthcare sector, particularly in country areas,” Mollie said.
“The pharmacy is your first point of contact – whether it’s vaccinations, urinary tract infections, diabetes, sleep services – we can help ease the pressure on GPs and emergency departments. It’s incredibly rewarding.”
Born in Orange, Mollie moved to Dubbo at a young age and graduated from St John’s College before return-
ing to Orange to complete a Bachelor of Pharmacy at Charles Sturt University.
“I started working at OMP in 2012 as a pharmacy assistant, I was then trained in the dispensary and while studying at university would work here weekends, and where the schedule would allow,” Mollie said.
“Completing my intern year in Dubbo, and committing to OMP full-time, just felt like the natural and logical next step.”
Mollie has been working under the mentorship of long-time OMP managing partner Lisa Gibson who said she saw ownership potential in Mollie early in her career.
“It’s wonderful to have another pharmacist follow the same pathway to business that I did,” Lisa said. “Mollie brings a youthful perspective to the business and a real love of rural pharmacy, which our staff and patients appreciate.
“On a personal note, I’m proud to see someone who was raised in the Dubbo community, returning here, to give back to the city she loves.
“This is a wonderful milestone for Mollie and we’re very happy to officially welcome her as a partner within Life
Where do you work? Connecting Community Services – Dubbo Neighbourhood Centre Ltd.
What’s your job? Migrant support officer and marketing communications specialist.
Why do you love your work? I don’t just love my work... I adore it. My connection with the community means everything to me. Helping others, especially those from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds, is something I’m passionate about. Many people come to Australia not knowing where to turn during tough times, and I love being someone they can rely on.
Most embarrassing/funny moment on the job? When I first started my job, back in 2022, I was told a minister (politician) would be visiting our centre. A few days later I was told just two hours before his arrival that he was specifically coming to see me and talk about multiculturalism. Coming from Lebanon, meeting a minister felt like a huge deal. I didn’t even know who the minister was, so I was incredibly nervous! But the experience gave me a lot of confidence. I realised that in this job, I’d be meeting all kinds of people. It really empowered me to always be ready for the unexpected.
If you could work for a celebrity, who would it be, and why? I’m not into celebrity culture, but if I had to choose, it would be someone like Rafic al-Hariri, a visionary leader who focused on rebuilding Lebanon through education and opportunity, or Angelina Jolie, who advocates for refugees and humanitarian work. Their legacies inspire me. If you could work anywhere in
and why? It would definitely be in Australia. I love what I do and where I am. Australia has become my home, and Dubbo, the birthplace of my three children, is where my family feels rooted and safe. The opportunities here have allowed me to thrive, and I look forward to continuing my work. However, if the future holds something truly special for my family and me, I’d be open to exploring new paths.
What was your first paying job?
Back in Tripoli, Lebanon, just after high school, I worked at the fruit and vegetable stand at Hypermarket Bou Khalil. This experience taught me valuable lessons about hard work, customer interaction, and the importance of providing quality service. Three words your friends would use to describe you? Smiling.
How would you spend a win of a million dollars? That would be amazing. A home for my family and healthcare coverage are my main priorities. With a family of five and no Medicare, financial security to address these needs would be a huge relief. What actor would you have play you, in a movie about your life? I’d choose an actor who embodies ambition, resilience, and a deep sense of purpose – someone who can reflect both my drive to make a positive impact and my dedication to family. The actor would need to capture my commitment to lifelong learning, community support, and never giving up, no matter the challenge. Above all, they would need to show how my family is always at the heart of everything I do.
We are the Rural Fire Service (RFS), a dedicated community of volunteers providing fire and emergency services to approximately 95 per cent of NSW. When you work with the RFS, you join a passionate team committed to protecting our neighbours, the wider community, and the environment from the threat of bushfires and other emergencies.
What you’ll be doing:
Are you passionate about enhancing operational capabilities and making a tangible impact on community safety? Join the Rural Fire Service as a vital member of the Operational Training team based at the State Training Academy Dubbo.
In this role, you’ll be at the forefront of
developing and delivering high-quality training programs to ensure our members are equipped to undertake their roles in an emergency services agency. Working collaboratively with a range of stakeholders, your role will involve coordinating programs, managing projects, and leveraging corporate systems to support operational excellence.
With a focus on fostering a high-performance and inclusive culture, you’ll play a critical part in ensuring the RFS continues to meet the evolving needs of the community we serve. This is a summary of the role. If you’d like more information, go to www. seek.com.au/job/85680212
By KEN SMITH
Following the outstanding success of their previous exhibition, Fresh Arts Inc. has presented an extension of their “Not Enough Nude” Exhibition 2025. With all proceeds to the Western Cancer Centre Foundation, the exhibition took over The Establishment Bar Dubbo for a short stay last week.
Friday evening saw an enthusiastic gathering and 25 per cent of the Incognito-Peti de Nudes were sold.
These one-of-a-kind original paintings, with the artist’s identity not disclosed, were all priced at $50 and all proceeds were donated to the Western Cancer Centre Foundation to support patient care.
front, Liz Murphy and Lyndal McRae.
DUBBO drivers can look forward to smoother and safer roads, with heavy patching repairs getting underway this week on five key streets across the city.
Dubbo Regional Council advised the roadworks are taking place along St Georges Terrace, North Street, Baird Street, Palmer Street and Wingewarra Street, as part of
a three-week project expected to enhance local road conditions significantly. The repairs are designed to improve the quality of road surfaces, providing motorists with a safer and smoother driving experience, Council said. Council crews
will manage traffic through stop-and-slow controls during daylight hours, and residents whose driveway access will be temporarily affected will be notified directly via doorknocks on the day of the works. Driveway access will return to normal by the end of each working day.
MORE than 125,000 motorists were caught speeding through active school zones across NSW last year, prompting renewed government calls for greater vigilance as students return to school for Term Three this week.
Minister for Roads Jenny Aitchison highlighted the alarming figures urg-
ing drivers to prioritise children’s safety and set better examples.
“That’s 125,000 drivers who made the selfish decision to put children’s lives at risk,” Ms Aitchison said.
“There’s no excuse for speeding around schools.”
The Government has installed more than 6800 flashing lights at school
zones statewide, supported by about 1500 crossing supervisors at over 980 schools. A new stateof-the-art signage trial is also underway near Newcastle.
“As we head into the second half of the school year, I’m calling on every motorist to put safety first,” Ms Aitchison said.
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By KEN SMITH
FINDING the right words is often difficult when trying to accurately convey an experience. You often hear people say “you just had to be there”, simply because the words you choose seem to fall short.
Last Sunday, the Sing Out Choir performed their annual concert, and it was joyous, emotional, engaging, fun and my words of praise for the performers and the ever-present volunteers still feel inadequate.
Anne Gemmell, founder and coordinator of the Sing Out Choir, along with Camilla Ward (Conductor) and Sharon Simons (Accompanist) have accomplished something so special with the Sing Out Choir.
Anne welcomed the audience to the 2025 Sing Out Choir event with the following words.
“For those who were at our concert last year, welcome back! For those who are here for the first time, you’re in for a treat!
“The Sing Out Choir is three years old and early this year I transitioned the choir away from NSW Health to become a not-forprofit registered charity.
“When we first gathered, we had 25 attendees.
“Every Tuesday, we now have over 170 members attend choir, with 40 dedicated volunteers.
“Today, over ONE HUNDRED choir members join us on this stage!
“What you’re about to see today is very special. It’s essentially a 60-minute ‘highlight reel’ of what happens every Tuesday when we get together to ‘Sing Out’.
“For all of us, Sing Out is the highlight of the week – the music, the people, the energy, the pure joy.
“None of this would be possible without our 40 dedicated volun-
teers, guided by our Volunteer Coordinator David Gazzoli – they all bring an extra spark to choir.
“It’s an absolute privilege to work alongside two extremely talented and accomplished music professionals, Camilla Ward and Sharon Simons.
“I consider myself truly fortunate to spend time with them each week. Their musical expertise, creativity and dedication are
nothing short of inspiring.
“What we have is something really special.
“We’re a team in the truest sense of the word.
“We spark off each other, bounce around ideas day and night, and our phones never seem to stop pinging with new thoughts and fresh inspiration.
“It’s a partnership built on creativity, trust, and a lot of laughter,
and it makes every week feel exciting and new.
“Our vision is to livestream the Sing Out choir sessions to aged care facilities, hospitals and into people’s loungerooms.
“Beyond that we aim to build a framework that can be replicated across the region, extending the reach and impact of this initiative even further. But to bring this vision to life and to ensure the choir
continues to grow and touch lives every single week, we need the support of sponsors.
“And finally. Thank YOU for being here today.
“We’ve all loved preparing today’s entertainment. It is my hope that our choir and its impact continues giving a voice to those who need to be heard.
“Now let Sing Out Choir entertain you.”
By DAVID DIXON
INDIGENOUS locals up to speed on renewable zone job training
Wellington-based First Nations locals have now been brought up to speed and are ready to start work on local Renewable Energy Zone (REZ) projects, after completing an intensive four-week training program.
Eight young students were recently awarded course certificates at a special ceremony that was also attended by prospective employers of the graduates.
The event marked a significant milestone in local employment opportunity for the renewable energy sector, with some participants already on the job, Squadron Energy First Nations Engagement Facilitator Justin Toomey-White revealed.
“I’m so proud of this crew; the results are already speaking for themselves,” Mr Toomey-White said.
“With graduates already confirmed to be starting work this
By COLIN ROUSE
month on local projects in the area, this initiative shows that investment in people fuels transformation,” he added.
The course was run by local Registered Training Organisations SKIVL and Integral, and funded by Training Services to train participants for roles on project sites throughout the Central West Orana REZ, including civil construction skills, vehicle operation and maintenance, and work safety.
With $130,000 worth of training, the highlight of the day was a powerful display of female leadership, with plans to include more women to join future rounds of training, Mr Toomey-White believes.
The certificate presentation was also attended by representatives from Training Services NSW, Aboriginal Affairs, EnergyCo, and key project developers and was a moment of well-earned recognition for the trainees, he said.
“The event celebrated not just
tion, and support among the cohort – qualities that stood out across the program,” Mr ToomeyWhite enthused.
One participant, Aserie Willie has already started work with
NACAP and said the training opportunity was a “game-changer” for his career prospects.
“I got so much out of the course, and now I’ve started my new job with NACAP on Squadron’s Uun-
gula Wind Farm project,” Mr Willie said. “This has given me the skills and expertise to get a job on local projects, which has been an incredible opportunity and I’m very grateful,” he added.
Thumbs Up to the two Year 11 Students from Dubbo Senior High School who came to my aid when I had a fall in front of St Laurence’s Church, Tamworth Street. Your assistance was very much appreciated. Thank you.
Thumbs Up to Therese from Hair FX in Brisbane Street for the wonderful service she provides. I always look and feel like a million dollars when I leave her salon. Thank you, Therese.
Thumbs Up to the Poppyseed Cafe. The service is excellent and the food and coffee is the best. The outdoor area is so relaxing and comfortable and gives access to other businesses. I’ll be back!
Thumbs Up to all the volunteers helping those people in need in our community. There are a lot of people needing help in different ways and we’re lucky to have people who can step up to help others. You’re helping make our world a better place. Thank you.
Thumbs Up to Narromine’s death cafe, the Dead End Coffee Club. You make talking about the hardest subject – death and dying – so easy.
Thumbs Up to Matt Diamond and his team Mel and Toby, plumbers, for great work and cleanliness. It was appreciated. Thank you.
You can contribute too
If you’d like to send in a Thumbs Up, story or photos for our InFocus page, email photos@dubbophotonews.com.au. Please include a caption with each photo letting us know the names of the people pictured. We also prefer the original high-resolution versions of contributed photos – they always look much better in our paper!
MEMBERS, partners and friends from Orange and Blayney attended the Inner Wheel Club of Dubbo’s Annual Changeover Luncheon celebrating 63 years of friendship and service.
After the official welcome, District A50 chairman Tricia Cuming lit the ‘Flame of friendship’, an Australian Inner Wheel tradition, typifying the friendship and understanding that members share.
New member Liz Heilbronn was inducted into the club by chairman Tricia.
President Denise Gough then presented special awards to members Diane McKeowen, Judy Pryse Jones, Jean Slack Smith, Margaret Hughes, and Barbara Howells who had achieved 25-plus years of service in Inner Wheel.
An Honoured Active Membership Brooch was awarded to Annette Storer who had given outstanding service to Inner Wheel.
In presenting her 202425 report, president Denise thanked members for their support and participation in club activities that helped achieve the International Theme for the year, ‘Heartbeat for Humanity’.
A vision to make the club more visible in the community was achieved by numerous activities, including participating in the Regional Expo, Cord Blood ‘Walk Two for Ten’,
a Bunnings Barbecue, a Melbourne Cup Luncheon and an Afternoon Tea and Fashion Parade.
Regular coverage of club activities in Dubbo Photo News has helped increase awareness of Inner Wheel in the local community.
Funds raised went to support the International Project in Temor-Leste, the National Project, Cord Blood Research and Community Projects including The Sing Out Choir, Hear Our Heart Ear Bus, and Country Hope.
The club also continued to sponsor a student in KINI, Kenya.
Special mention was made of the installation of a bench seat and plaque in the Japanese Gardens to celebrate 100 years of Inner Wheel.
President Denise thanked the outgoing committee, before inducting Ruth McKenzie as the
incoming president for 2025-26, presenting her with the president’s collar and wishing her a successful year.
New president Ruth thanked Denise and presented her with flowers and a book of her year.
Ruth then spoke of the International Theme for 2025-26 ‘Step up and Lead by Example’ and encouraged members to help achieve this, before introducing the incoming committee.
The changeover concluded with extinguishing the ‘Flame of Friendship’ by Diane McKeowen, one of the club’s longest service members, having given 44 years of service to Inner Wheel.
If you would like to find out more or how to join the Inner Wheel Club of Dubbo, contact the secretary on iiw.au.dubbo@gmail. com
UPGRADE FOR WATER PLAY AREA
Upgrade works have started at the water play area in Elston Park.
The works includes new water play elements, room, upgraded remote monitoring, shade sails, and a refurbished concrete base.
The upgrade will be ready for the Christmas school holidays, offering families a refreshed space to enjoy over summer. Follow the project at yoursay.dubbo.nsw.gov.au
DUKE OF WELLINGTON BRIDGE FUNDING
We’ve secured nearly $12 million to repair the approach and stabilise the riverbank on the Gobolion Street side of the Duke of Wellington Bridge, thanks to joint funding from the Australian and NSW Governments through Disaster Recovery Funding.
The funding announcement is a positive outcome for the Wellington community and will re-establish vehicle access over the Duke of Wellington bridge.
By KEN SMITH
A much-travelled 1992 Subaru Brumby named Errol piloted by David and Andrew Ward, aka “Team 2 Dads”, has a well-earned reputation for raising big money for worthy charities via their participation in the Kidzfix Rally.
The latest organisation to benefi the Hear Our Hearts Bus Dubbo which is now $15,000 better off thanks to Team 2 Dads.
at the cheque presentation
By JONATHAN ROE
ON the 90th anniversary of the Malay Regiment’s founding, regional NSW author Stuart Lloyd has published a remarkable history of a little-known chapter of WWII.
His new book, “The Malay Experiment: The Colonial Origins and Homegrown Heroism of the Malay Regiment”, tells how a small experimental unit of Malay soldiers became a proud professional regiment, with its defining moment during the Battle for Singapore.
It was here, on Pasir Panjang Ridge, that the Malay Regiment made its historic last stand, fighting to the last bullet and beyond, to hold back the invading Japanese forces in one of the most dramatic moments in Singapore’s wartime history.
“This is not just military history. It’s a story of national pride, courage and sacrifice,” said Stuart, who spent a decade living in Singapore, near the very site of this very battle.
“Just down the road from me was a massive concrete pillbox, tilted at an obtuse angle on the roadside just before Pasir Panjang Village. This piqued my curiosity, because it looked so out of place on this languid tropical island,” he recalls.
“And behind this rose the undulations of Pasir Panjang Ridge, which provided some great serpentine roads for motorcycling when visiting friends in Ulu Pandan and Holland Village.
“Often this would take in the stretch known as Reformatory Road. And my favourite duck rice stall was in Buena Vista,
not far from home.
“Little did I know then that these were all key names that featured in the Battle for Singapore that raged down the west coast of Singapore in February 1942. The same patch the Aussies were defending.”
It was only 20 years later, when Stuart wrote his first military history book, “The Missing Years” – about POWs in Changi and the Thai-Burma Death Railway – that he began to join all those dots, and realised the story of heroism that had taken place all around his Singapore home.
The Malay Experiment details the regiment’s history from the earliest recruits in 1933 to battlefield legends of World War II. Deeply researched and compelling, the
book brings to life the stories of ordinary men who became extraordinary soldiers. It also traces earlier Malay military efforts as far back as 1799, and follows the regiment’s journey through the post-war period, the Emergency, and Merdeka (Independence).
“This book impresses me beyond words,” said Brigadier General Dato’ Mohamed Arshad Raji (Rtd), himself a veteran of the regiment.
“Here is a writer driven by passion for the deeds of brave soldiers who laid down their lives, made immense sacrifices and stayed steadfast to their calling. There are many other poignant historical recollections of the Malay Regiment that may have been lost among the generation of the officers and men of the regiment today.”
Stuart Lloyd is the author of 20 non-fiction books and has lived in Orange for the past five years. The Malay Experiment is now available at bookstores, or Amazon. The audiobook is available from Audible.
By DAVID DIXON
AN infestation of imported fire ants in northern NSW indicates their march south may be inevitable. This is a major threat to agricultural crops, pastures, livestock, wildlife, pets and humans in western NSW. This shouldn’t be so, however, with the State Government having taken their eye off the ball on this potential biosecurity catastrophe, NSW National Party Leader and Member for Dubbo Dugald Saunders has claimed.
“The Minns Labor Government’s disastrous response to red imported fire ants has again been highlighted, with the discovery of a nest at Tweed Heads,” Mr Saunders said.
“The government needs to focus on eradication and proper monitoring. We need to know if the ants have made their way deeper into NSW, as a result of recent storm and flood events,” he added.
Highly aggressive and territorial, the possible spread of these South American invaders to western and northern areas of NSW would be devastating for the region – financially, environmentally and socially – he argued.
“Fire ants in NSW means billions of dollars worth of lost agricultural production every year, the destruction of our native wildlife, and our communities losing the freedom to use their backyards, parks, playgrounds, beaches and sports fields,” Mr Saunders said.
“These are risks the Government should not be willing to take... the government has had multiple opportunities to protect our state from this harmful super-pest, but it has failed at every hurdle,” he concluded.
NSW Farmers has also called on the government to do more, with Biosecurity Committee Chair Tony Hegarty saying that the repeated detections of fire ants in NSW were a clear sign of “a colossal failure” of current biosecurity measures.
“The danger that red imported fire ants present to people, animals and the environment could not be more extreme,” Mr Hegarty said. “We’re rapidly losing the battle from one pest to another here in NSW, and the way we’re going, fire ants could well be the next threat our government fails to control.”
Mr Hegarty called on the state government to ensure every resource was available to eradicate the ants as soon as possible.
“Current biosecurity measures clearly aren’t doing the job, and while we’ve got $100 million in new biosecurity funding, this one pest alone could cost us $60 billion over the next 30 years,” Mr Hegarty concluded.
Prior to the recent Tweed Heads find, in January last year a large infestation of red imported fire ants was found at Wardell, 85km south of the Queensland border. The ants were creating rafts and travelling through floodwaters at the time of their discovery.
This beautifully renovated brick home off ers the perfect blend of modern comfort and established charm, ideally located in the heart of South Dubbo. Positioned in a quiet cul-de-sac, it provides a peaceful and familyfriendly environment while being just moments from schools, Boundary Road shops, the Tavern, scenic parks, a popular walking track, and the vibrant Harvest Café.
Completely refreshed in 2020, the home showcases a stylish Caesarstone kitchen with quality appliances including a dishwasher, complemented by a renovated bathroom with a separate toilet and a modern laundry.
Fresh paint, updated lighting, and floating timber floorboards throughout create a warm and contemporary feel. The layout is thoughtfully designed with four generously sized bedrooms, each featuring builtin wardrobes, a spacious living room with split system air conditioning, and a separate family room warmed by a slow combustion wood heater.
The meals area flows seamlessly from the kitchen, while the sunny, north-facing enclosed sunroom offers a tranquil space to relax year-round.
Outdoor living is equally impressive, with a large, covered patio ideal for entertaining or enjoying a quiet
morning coff ee. The compact backyard is easy to maintain and perfectly positioned to capture natural light.
Additional features include ducted evaporative cooling, solar panels for energy efficiency, a freestanding shed with a second bathroom, and a garden shed for extra storage.
Whether you’re a firsthome buyer, downsizer, or investor, this property presents an outstanding opportunity to secure a stylish, low-maintenance home in a prime location. With
multiple living areas and thoughtful updates throughout, it’s ready for you to move in and enjoy.
An inspection is highly recommended to truly appreciate all that this home has to off er.
•••
Agent: Jane Donald 0419
433 298 or Jennifer McGrath 0418 825 670
Asking price: $605,000 to $615,000
4 bed | 2 bath | 1 Car spot
Open for inspection: Saturday 10.15-10.45am
By ALEX MITCHELL
Political leaders hope a sluggish planning system can be jump-started with cheap, pre-approved architectural designs to entice developers to break ground.
Slick housing designs costing less than an ice cream are being deployed to get more homes built, but detractors have dubbed the promotion a “thirst trap”.
The “pattern book” of low-rise designs including terraces, townhouses and manor houses could be ticked o for construction in 10 days.
The designs, whipped up by internationally renowned architects as part of a NSW government competition, will be available for $1 for the first six months.
They then rise to $1000, still well below the going rate.
The government estimates the designs would typically cost upwards of $20,000 if commissioned from an architect.
Premier Chris Minns has repeatedly blamed a sluggish planning system for poor progress on nationally agreed housing targets.
NSW has produced six houses per 1000 people each year compared with Victoria’s eight and Queensland’s 10, he said.
“Ask anybody for the last 20 years in NSW how frustrating it has been to get approval for a family home, they’ll all say the same thing, it is impossible,” Mr
Minns told reporters last week.
“We are falling behind when it comes to new development completions, alongside the fact that we are one of the most expensive cities on earth.”
“We have scantily clad people as part of the brochure.”
Mr Tudehope questioned the claimed 10-day approval but said councils should tick off all types of housing faster.
and therefore pressure on local councils and pressure on developers and the Reserve Bank and everything to really start thinking,” Mr Minns said.
The design plans coincide with the gures from the Australian Bureau of Statistics showing an increase in construction starts in the first three months of 2025.
More than 47,000 new home builds commenced in that time, a 17 per cent increase on the same period in 2024.
University of NSW architecture professor Philip Oldfield lauded the “high quality architectural designs” as a step towards expediting approvals.
But he warns governments need to be more ambitious and holistic to overcome “structural and endemic” issues stemming from tax policies and complex regulations.
“Everyone’s looking for a silver bullet rather than actually planning for the future,” he told AAP.
“The cost to build a home and the cost of the land is quite high... so it’s short-sighted to expect the private development model to solve all our problems.”
The NSW government has allocated billions in recent budgets to build and refurbish social housing as well as helping private developers meet presales targets and secure finance to build apartment buildings.
The NSW scheme will have wider availability and lower up-front fees than a Victorian strategy which was limited to a single council area, Mr Minns said.
But acting Opposition Leader Damien Tudehope said the pattern book plans were governed by “glossy brochures”.
“(It’s) almost like a thirst trap,” he told reporters.
The state remains behind its target to build 377,000 new homes by July 2029 under a national housing agreement.
The premier acknowledged in an address to the McKell Institute getting 75,000 homes off the ground each year remains a tall order.
But he didn’t mind the challenge.
“It puts pressure on the government,
Building designers backed the release of the pattern book but called for more formal involvement in future iterations, saying architects design fewer than five per cent of residences in NSW.
“(Building designers) deliver the vast bulk of housing in NSW... their input is essential,” Building Designers Association of Australia chief executive Chris Knierim said.
Industrial decor is characterised by a neutral, subdued colour palette and metal, wood, leather and brick accents. If you’re thinking about giving your space a gritty makeover, here are a few must-haves.
• Rustic materials, such as wood, leather and metal, are industrial décor essentials. For example, opt
for a brown leather couch, distressed wood side tables and black metal light fixtures to complete the look.
• Neutral colours like brown, black and dark grey take centre stage. These hues allow the room’s architecture to be the focal point. You can also opt for a pop of colour here and there to add visual
interest.
• Exposed elements like brickwork, ventilation, ductwork and pipes are key to giving your space an industrialised feel. Make sure to highlight these unique features rather than keeping them hidden.
• Vintage-inspired accents, such as retro ap-
pliances, antique-looking wall clocks, globes, hourglasses, old books, marquees and factory-inspired light fixtures, are perfect details to bring your industrial room together.
A local interior designer can help you take your industrial-inspired space to the next level.
The enthusiastic students in the Dubbo South Public School Year Four Extension Mathematics class have been working hard each week, sharing their ideas and observations and growing their learning together. They have recently been focusing their attention on worded problems involving factors and time, and have been continuing to expand their mathematical terminology to assist in extracting relevant information from challenging questions. Fantastic work Year Four!
Freddie
How old are you? 5
What are you good at? Writing my name
What is your favourite food?
Spaghetti
Do you have a favourite song? Green green grass
What makes you laugh?
Clowns
What is your favourite thing to do? Have cuddles with my mum
If you could paint your house, what colour would it be?
Send in a photo, details and a short birthday wish, and your special birthday child will be elligible for a FREE kids doughnut to help them celebrate! Send entries to: myentry@ dubbophotonews.com.au Entries must be in by 5pm Friday the week before.
Q Q Q A A A
e.g. (9) 18 Greek musician who visited the underworld (7) 21 Beasts of burden (5)
Instruct (5)
Single occasion (4)
Nickname for Edward (3)
ARIES: You could be welcomed back from time off with a promotion. This will help you settle your debts. Working overtime will be good for your finances. However, don’t forget to prioritise your health and make time for your significant other.
TAURUS: Your natural charisma will shine through this week as you bring people together for enriching activities. Your outspokenness will garner admiration and you’ll be everyone’s focus. An outstanding achievement will earn you praise and applause.
GEMINI: Family time is precious. You’ll play a key role in resolving disagreements among relatives. You’ll perform a heroic feat to get someone out of a sticky situation, boosting your self-esteem.
CANCER: If you’ve recently reloc ated, take the time to explore your new surroundings. You’ll make some wonderful discoveries. Expect a busy week driving loved ones around. Be careful, as check-
1. Name the mineral known as ‘fool’s gold’.
2. For which animated Disney Channel series did Solange Knowles (pictured) sing the title theme song?
3. In culinary terms, what does ‘au gratin’ mean?
4. Which video game company published The Sims?
5. Tibet’s Potala Palace houses the tombs of how many Dalai Lamas?
ing your phone and messages could become a distraction.
LEO: Winter is the perfect time to renegotiate your salary and working conditions. If you start looking elsewhere for a new job, your employer will likely make an irresistible off er to encourage you to stay. If you’re a business owner, expect your customer base to grow.
VIRGO: Prepare for an exciting week filled with surprises! You’ll participate in various thrilling activities. Let yourself be carried away by the fun and embrace these moments with your closest friends.
LIBRA: Be mindful of what you post on social media this week. A disagreement with a friend will reveal their true nature. This will help you strengthen your relationships with those who truly matter. You’ll have fun playing sports with those in your inner circle.
SCORPIO: You’ll organise an event that will bring all your friends together. It will be a great success! Despite some guests arriving late, the atmosphere will remain festive and lively. You’ll meet people from
6. Which late author was best known for their Discworld series of 41 novels?
7. In which Australian city were KeepCups first created and sold?
8. What colour is coquelicot?
9. Tango in the Night The Dance and Mirage are albums by which British-American rock band?
10. The erhu, a Chinese musical instrument, has how many strings?
BACARDIICHICHIT
APEROL
all walks of life.
SAGITTARIUS: Whether alone or with your other half, business associates or family, you’ll lay the groundwork for a major project this week. While away from work, you could receive an urgent call from your boss. They’ll need your help to resolve the issue.
CAPRICORN: Your mind is teeming with ideas for your next adventure. You may consider taking a training course to open the door to new perspectives, possibly even a rewarding career change.
AQUARIUS: Don’t be afraid of change, as it can lead to positive outcomes. Plan a romantic getaway or family adventure and create lasting memories.
PISCES: This week, you’ll be focused on feeling comfortable in your own skin. Buying new clothes that flatter your frame will be essential for your new professional duties. Your presence and charm will captivate your clients. The luckiest signs this week: Sagittarius, Capricorn and Aquarius.
Insert the missing letters to make 10 words – five reading across the grid and five reading down.
Place each of the tiles of letters into the blank jigsaw below to create four six-letter words going across and down.
Insert each number from 1 to 9 in the shaded squares to solve all the horizontal and vertical equations. Multiplication and division are performed before addition and subtraction.
By DUBBO PHOTO NEWS
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Because that’s what facts do. They get in the way of wild theories, sensational headlines, and stories that are just too good to be true. And that’s the point.
Real journalism isn’t about chasing clicks or stirring outrage. It’s about accountability. It’s about getting the story right, not just being the first to talk about it.
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Because when the truth matters, shortcuts don’t cut it.
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Better known as “Nesto” Late of Narromine. Passed away 15th July 2025. Aged 85 years
Beloved husband of Daphne (dec).
Loving father and father in-law of David & Carol, Angela & David.
Cherished poppy of Rhiannon, Nick & Willis.
Relatives and friends are warmly invited to attend Ernesto’s funeral service to be held at St Augustine’s Catholic Church Narromine, on Monday 28th July, commencing at 11:30am, followed by interment in Narromine Cemetery.
In Memoriam
Passed away July 23, 1972
Although 53 years have passed,
The winds of love blow softly
On a quiet, peaceful place
Where the one we love is resting And can never be replaced.
Faithfully loved husband of Marion (dec).
Dearly loved and always remembered by son Doug, grandsons Jim, Don (dec), Dean and John.
Those
They
Unseen,
Still
Ladies Luncheon: Meeting on Saturday, August 2, 12pm, at Burger Club, 84 Macquarie Street, Dubbo. Ring Bev on 6884 5401 by 31 July if interested.
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: 11am12.30pm, West Dubbo Bowling Club. Barry 0439 344 349 Catholic Healthcare – Dementiafriendly day respite: Open Mon-Fri, 9am-4pm. A caring day away from home with engaging activities, trained staff nutritious meals, and a safe, social space promoting independence and wellbeing. Contact Kelly on 0478 282 588. 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-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 Community Men’s Shed Inc: Mondays 9am-1pm and Thu/Sat 1pm-5pm. Small joining fee after three visits. All men are welcome, Kevin 0427 253 445 Family History Society (Dubbo & District): 1pm-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-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 fi ve paddles are FREE. info@outbackdragons. com.au, Robyn 0427462504
Wellington Arts and Crafts: 10am3pm, Small Hall in the Anglican Church grounds, Wellington, variety of crafts, activities and workshops offered. Dorothy 0408 601 066
Wellington Lions Preloved Books: Thursday to Saturday 10am-2pm. Kimbell’s Bakery, 44 Warne Street (opposite Cow & Calf Hotel). Books, DVDs, CDs and jigsaw puzzles are available, with lots more stock coming in.
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. Catholic Healthcare – Dementiafriendly day respite: Open Mon-Fri, 9am-4pm. A caring day away from home with engaging activities, trained staff, nutritious meals, and a safe, social space promoting independence and wellbeing. Contact Kelly on 0478 282 588.
Catholic Healthcare – Mind + Move: Fridays – Remain Active 9-10am. Fun, movement, and connection in a supportive space. Contact Kelly 0478 282 588. Central West Makers Place: 12pm6pm, South Dubbo Veterans and Community Men’s Shed, Cnr Palmer and High Streets. 3D printing, robotics, pottery, and more. Adam 0431 038 866.
Community Kitchen: FIRST Friday of the month, 6.30pm, Holy Trinity Hall, Brisbane St, free meal.
CPSA (Combined Pensioners and Superannuants Association): Friday, July 11, 10am, Dubbo RSL Club. Discuss issues, guest speaker. Further Information Barb 0427 251 121 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. Marsha Isbester 0427 373 842.
Holy Trinity Kids Club: For ages 6-12 years. Holy Trinity Hall – 158 Brisbane Street. 4-5.30pm. Every 2nd Friday – School Term. Phone Justin 0411 250 760 for more information.
Lunchtime Prayer Group – Dubbo Anglican Church: 1-2pm in Brotherhood House, 158 Brisbane Street. Bring your lunch Narromine Food Barn: 8.30am-11am, Low-cost groceries, fruit, vegetables and FREE bread with any purchase to people in need. Geoff Smith 0427 895 447 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 Books: Thursday to Saturday 10am-2pm. Kimbell’s Bakery, 44 Warne Street (opposite Cow & Calf Hotel). Books, DVDs, CDs and jigsaw puzzles are available, with lots more stock coming in.
www.ccsd.org.au
Western Plains Trefoil Guild: SECOND 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 nonmembers. Libby 0428 254 324
Dubbo Community Men’s Shed Inc: Mondays, 9am-1pm and Thu/Sat 1pm-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: 10am-3pm (also see Tuesday listing). All are welcome, Macquarie Regional Library. Contact Patricia 0439846400
Family History Society (Dubbo & District): 10am-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: First Saturday of the Month. 45L Boothenba Road, Dubbo commencing at 2pm. Will be 90 this year! Contact Ronda on 0419 275 223.
Transition Dubbo Food + Film Night: For information about future events, contact Peter 0439 091 767
Wellington Lions Preloved Books: Thursday to Saturday 10am-2pm. Kimbell’s Bakery, 44 Warne Street (opposite Cow & Calf Hotel). Books, DVDs, CDs and jigsaw puzzles are available, with lots more stock coming in.
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 0429 826 076, dubbobug.org.au
Dubbo Acoustic Musicjam (DAMjam): SECOND Sunday of the month, 2pm-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 Pistol Club: 12.30pm, 143L Old Dubbo Road, 6882 0007
Orana K9 Training Club INC: New intake class every 7th Sunday, daylight savings start time 8.45am, Eastern Standard time 9.45am. Orana K9 Training is 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 Monday Lunch (1.5hr) – ‘Daily Reflections’ meeting St Brigid’s Catholic Church meeting rooms, 198 Brisbane St, Dubbo. Please contact David
0417 063 087 or contact 1300 222 222 or www. aa.org.au. Amnesty International Dubbo: SECOND Monday of the month, 5.30pm6.30pm, 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: 6pm9.30pm, Army Barracks (Cnr Kokoda Pl and Wingewarra St). NOW recruiting, 13 to 18 years, rewarding activities.
Catholic Healthcare – Dementiafriendly day respite: Open Mon-Fri, 9am-4pm. A caring day away from home with engaging activities, trained staff nutritious meals, and a safe, social space promoting independence and wellbeing. Contact Kelly on 0478 282 588.
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-1pm and Thu/Sat 1pm-5pm. Small joining fee after three visits. “All men are welcome.” Kevin 0427 253 445.
Dubbo Filmmakers: Expressions of Interest. Short features movies and documentaries, shot on smart phones. Contact Sue 0455 255 137 after midday to find out more.
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: 6pm8pm, 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 Catholic Healthcare – Dementiafriendly day respite: Open Mon-Fri, 9am-4pm. A caring day away from home with engaging activities, trained staff, nutritious meals, and a safe, social space promoting independence and wellbeing. Contact Kelly on 0478 282 588.
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 11am-12.30pm, 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 Camera Club: Meet 1st Tuesday of the Month at Club Dubbo at 7pm. Everyone is welcome to join. See FB page for more details. 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. Trevor 0424 225 323 and Babu 0422 877 165
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-3pm 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-4pm, Cnr Wingewarra & Gipps Sts, Western Plains Cultural Centre, Community Arts Centre.
Girls Brigade: During school term, 6pm8pm, 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 10am4pm 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, 7pm-9pm, 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. 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 1300 222 222 or www.aa.org.au for info on meetings.
Ballroom Dancing: Wednesday 7.309.30pm $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
Cake Cupper & Cancer Support Group: SECOND Wednesday of month, 2.30-4pm, Western Cancer Centre Dubbo, carer is also welcome. For patients having current cancer treatment. Megs or Fi 6809 6200
Catholic Healthcare – Dementiafriendly day respite: Open Mon-Fri, 9am-4pm. A caring day away from home with engaging activities, trained staff nutritious meals, and a safe, social space promoting independence and wellbeing. Contact Kelly on 0478 282 588.
Catholic Healthcare – Mind + Move: Wednesdays – Gym Ball Drumming 12-1pm. Art
1.30-2.30pm. Contact Kelly 0478 282 588. Coffee, Craft & Chat: FORTNIGHTLY, 10am-12pm, Gospel Chapel on Boundary Road. Anne 0428 425 958
CWA Dubbo Evening Branch: THIRD
Wednesday of the month, 6pm, 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, 10.30am, 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 Anglican Church Trinity Kids Playgroup: 10am-12pm, Anglican Church Hall, 158 Brisbane St., during School terms. Contact 6884 4990
Dubbo Arts and Craft Cottage: 10am4pm, 137 Cobra Street. A large range of handcrafted gifts made by members available. Contact 6881 6410
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: 9am-12pm, 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-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-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
Narromine Community Women’s Shed: Mondays and Wednesdays, 10am3pm, 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. $10 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.
By GEOFF MANN
EVERY few months I get a welcome email (or two) from a very proud grandmother.
Helen Suckling likes to keep our readers in touch with her grandsons Zarrin and Sebastien Galea as they continue to tick boxes in their chosen fields.
Zarrin played with the Dubbo Kangaroos and CYMS when he was in Dubbo and Sebastien was always hanging around the stables with a view to one day riding in races.
Zarrin has moved through the union and league grades to represent his family’s Maltese Falcons roots in both rugby codes; Sebastian has ridden the tracks with great success!
Zarrin recently scored 45 points in Andorra (the landlocked nation between Italy and Spain in the Pyrenees) to be the top-scorer of all countries in the Andorra 7s. His team finished with a bronze medal, another fine reward for the young fullback.
After the tournament he jetted over to England where he signed on to play league with Workington Town. Helen and other family members were on hand to see him produce a Man of the Match performance recently against Whitehaven.
“It seems we won’t see him back in Australia for a while,” she sighed!
Meanwhile Sebastien has crossed state borders and is now riding on the picnic circuit at Packenham for trainer Tony Kilgower. He has already notched up 13 winners and came back to NSW to ride winners at Boorowa and Moree.
Seb piloted Thunder Force to the Boorowa Cup in May, a nice reward while the Victorian Picnics were in recess.
The horse mad younger Galea fulfilled a dream last year when he worked with leading trainer Annabele Neesham’s stable during the Melbourne Cup Carnival.
“He led in his first Group 1 winner. I don’t think Seb’s stopped smiling since,” Helen said.
The boys’ mum Janelle Galea has a small team at work at Dubbo Turf Club. She had two winners at Cowra recently – Eastern Odyssey and Street Swagger.
Thank you Helen for the updates.
By GEOFF MANN
AFTER a harrowing week, the Dubbo Macquarie teams made a remarkable response on Sunday. Following the loss of their high-profile coach Justin Carney and captain Jack Kavanagh (suspended) and a couple of devastating losses in the Peter McDonald Cup, the city’s oldest club dug deep
into Blues’ spirit and overcame the three-anda-half-hour trip and the Wolves at the foot of the Blue Mountains in Lithgow to score a 40-10 win.
Macquarie are currently in equal 8th spot with finals in their sights, however face a stiff challenge against competition leaders CYMS on Sunday. The renewed vigour in the club’s play last week
will be tested, but the Raiders led the Fishies for almost 70 minutes
in round one and have plenty of incentive to go one better this week.
Bathurst St Pats and Parkes are the Raiders’ last two fixtures, and if they can get competition points in those games and other results go their way, the season could have a bright lining.
Macquarie are currently clear 6th in the Tom Nelson Under-18s Premiership, third in
Reserve Grade and the reigning premiers, and are second in League Tag, so there will be plenty of Blue around the grounds in the finals.
In addition, young star Aston Warwick, son of Brett and Sonya, is with the Roosters, and the multi-talented Saxbii Shaw is pushing for higher honours in the NRLW with Newcastle Knights.
Here at Dubbo Photo News we are always happy to keep our sportspeople and their families connected to their home town and friends. Get in touch with me if you’d like to share your news: geoff.mann@dubbophotonews. com.au
By WEST DUBBO BOWLS
A highly successful $8000 Open Prelude Fours tournament was held at Club Dubbo last Saturday under clear skies.
Main results:
1st: ($2600) J Ashley, D Stanley, D Connolly, C Jeffery (West Dubbo)
2nd: ($1600) D McMullen, M Williams, C McMullen, S Harper (Dubbo Macquarie)
3rd: ($1000) D Wilson, H Wilson, N Seton, G Gudmunson (Composite)
4th: ($1000) J Silk, D Faro, A Jermyn, B Clark (Composite)
The winning team gets a free entry into the $150,000 City of Dubbo International Fours in September.
Averial Cox and Lloyd Peirce are this year’s club’s Minor Singles’ champions.
In the women’s championship, Averial defeated Kelly Dart 21 to 20 in the final, keeping the club’s ‘window tappers’ on edge. In earlier semi-finals, Kelly was too good for Gai Morrison, and Averial edged out Deb Brown.
In another thriller, the new men’s champion, Lloyd Peirce won 21 to 19 over Luke Gilholme in a highly skilled contest. Lloyd was too good for Steve Robinson in an earlier semifinal, and Luke played superb bowls to beat an in-form Bill Van Der Mey.
The Women’s Consistency Singles commences this Sunday at 10am. Round 1 matches: G Morrison v M Rich; P Dawson v R Gilholme; M Ney v B Goss; T Silk v A Cox; D Brown v J Gibson; H Bryan v A Beecroft; H Davis v A Findlay; B Margery v J Cassidy.
Nominations for the Women’s and Men’s Club Singles and Pairs Championships are now on the club noticeboard. Players need to check the noticeboard which is in the new locker room for full details.
This Saturday, sectional play in the regional Fours Championships will take place. West Dubbo teams competing and venues are:
By EIDER DOWN
THE migratory behaviour of the Dubbo Ducks saw them touch down in the restorative waters of the Dubbo RSL Indoor Pool on Sunday, July 20.
A four event card providing a reasonable yet relaxing workout.
First up the 25m Freestyle, Judy Walsh too fast, handing the win to Marg Ross, Katharine O’Rourke in 2nd, Brian Schloeffel 3rd with Neil Harris lurking in 4th. A brace relay of 2x25m Backstroke next up. Four teams, Neil Harris with Marg Ross taking the win, holding their nerves to force a break by all other parties.
The third event a 50m Backstroke. A final of five with Katharine O’Rourke, Brian Schloeffel and Rob Rich crashing out with too much speed, handing Judy Walsh the win and John Wherritt a handy 2nd place.
Men’s Open: A Brown, N Collis, W Towney, J Ashley; D Stanley, D Connolly, C Jeffery, J Berriman (Parkes Railway)
Women’s Open: R Gilholme, G Morrison, T Silk, J Cassidy; K Dart, D Brown, J Gibson, C Brown (Dubbo City)
Men’s Senior: G Morrison, C Biles, P Morrow, G Collin; J Fardell, B Wilkinson, M Low, W van Der Mey; J Silk, T Speirs, M Barrow, L Peirce; S Ryan, R See, B Fernando, R Jeffries (Narromine)
Women’s Senior: A Beecroft, L Erwin, M Rich, B Goss (West Dubbo)
Open Reserves: L Gilholme, D Morris, S Robinson, M Smith (Peak Hill); N Goodridge, S Evans, J Zeb, D McAskill (Narromine)
Social Bowls
Hela Bryan and Jess Gibson won the bowls last Wednesday, with John Fardell, Max Low and Graham Ross coming in second. Dawn Rose won the exception-
ally large Lucky Draw cash. On Friday, Frank Bartlett, Bill Van Der Mey and Trevor Tink won first prize, edging out Wayne Middleton, Warren Brown and Alan Andriske. Harley Quinn took home the Lucky Draw money.
Last Sunday, Pam Dawson, Bev Goss and Roger Braintree outlasted Wayne Middleton, Steve Evans and Dean McAskill to win the lion’s share of Blue’s Meat Trays on offer. Mystery prizes were taken out by Lindsey Burden, John Fardell and Dean McAskill.
Club Activities
Bowlers are advised that all information concerning social
bowls, championships, tournaments and general news is located in the revamped members’ locker room.
Thursday, Friday and Sunday nights’ popular meat, fruit and vegetable raffles continue to draw large crowds. This Thursday night’s members’ badge draw is $4000, and on Friday the badge draw has dropped back to $1000.
Women’s Consistency Singles – Sunday, July 27
Thought for the Week: ‘After the game, the king and the pawn go into the same box.’ (Italian proverb)
The ‘At Go’ event was a 25m Breastroke, the swimmer closest to their handicap getting the gong. Katharine O’Rourke (0.58) touching out Judy Walsh (1.13) taking 2nd, Neil Harris (1.50) 3rd, Brian Schloeffel (2.03) 4th and Glenn Smith (2.72) 5th.
Thanks to our wonderful volunteers, Nicole Johnstone, Henry Wilcockson, David Sparkes, Peter Hargreaves and Tom Gray. Though they did not swim this week they still each receive an 8 point addition to their yearly tally for their service.
Next Sunday the 27th will see the Ducks compete for our annual Champion of Champions Trophy. A Freestyle round robin event where you race the entire squadron to be the last person standing. A lovely piece of kit it is too, and it’s yours if you’ve joined the Ducks, made the commitment, by this Sunday morning and you beat all comers.
The Dubbo Ducks have been around for decades. We fly the Swimmers Flag year round. We have great event variety, contests and rivalries, swimmers are awarded points for their heat placings and the winner of each final is rewarded with credit added to their Dubbo RSL Membership Card. Additional prizes are awarded for winners of special events and trophy races. It’s amazing how quickly you can be having a free dinner or lunch at the Dubbo RSL. Lucky numbers this week: Alan Quinn (68) and Katharine O’Rourke (11). New membership enquires: Henry 0439 482 824. Come and join the Dubbo Ducks in the Dubbo RSL Indoor Pool at 9am any Sunday.
That’s this weeks tidings from the warm and welcoming waters of the Duckpond.
By GEOFF
The
and
With just three rounds remaining, the Dubbo club is aiming to qualify all four teams in the deciders at a venue to be decided.
By BRYSON LUFF
AFTER seeing off the Warren Bulldogs in their Boronia Cup Challenge game at Coolah last Saturday, the Coolah Kangaroos have claimed the 2025 Castlereagh League minor premiership with two competition rounds remaining.
The Roos, who play their remaining two competition games at home against Coonamble (round 13) and Coonabarabran (round 14), can begin to make preparations to host the major semi-final that will be played at Bowen Oval on Saturday, August 17.
Whilst the Coolah club has the first-grade minor premiership locked up, their league tag side The Coolah Flyers who, like the firstgrade side remain undefeated thus far this year, just need to win one of their two remaining games for the Kangaroos to claim two minor premierships, which would be a re-
markable achievement, given that the club’s trophy cabinet is already bulging with the 2024 Premiership Cup and Shield along with the Boronia and Jessica Skinner Challenge Cups!
Though Coolah has the minor premiership stitched up in first grade, the composition and/or pecking order of the remaining four semi-final berths is still unknown.
The Narromine Jets gave themselves a shot at finishing second when they downed the Coonabarabran Unicorns 23 to 16 at Narromine on Saturday, that win meaning that they now sit just one competition point below the Unicorns in third place, and if Coonabarabran loses to either Cobar this Saturday or Coolah in the final round and Narromine down both Warren and Cobar in their remaining matches, then the redand-whites will have secured the second rung on the lad-
By GRAHAM ROSS, PRESIDENT
COLD weather notwithstanding, 36 bowlers turned up at the RSL Sporties Club for the Combination Bowls on Sunday to play their morning game of bowls.
Mary Perry, Ruby Stockings and Greg Brown on rink 10 took the first place for the day with a convincing win of 28 shots from Ros Joseph, Garry Huggins and Peter Sinclair bowling 6 shots.
Ron McCauley, Terese Gaio and Bryan O’Sullivan, bowling a very respectable 23 shots, took second place from the team of Helen Emblem, Steve Kelly and the combined players Julie Brown and Sue Armstrong bowling 5 shots.
Third place was won by the team of Tracey Keenan, Alan Stratford and Graham Ross with 22 shots from Leo Balstad, Peter Bennison and Phil Knight on 7 shots.
On rink 8, Mick Stawhan, Jenny Spratt and Gaye Cottee won their game with 15
shots from Sue McCauley, Vicki Hummell and Mel Giddings on 8 shots.
Ken Whittaker, Roger Sherwin and Neil Hayburn bowled 19 shots to win their game from Chris Castlehouse, Cheryl Storch and Rod Pfeiffer making 13 shots.
The team of Di Hildebrandt, Pat Ryan and Paul Goodstat won their game bowling 19 shots from John Kennedy, Ray Strawhan and Brian Jones on 11 shots.
Welcome back Neil Hayburn to our Sunday Bowls after quite a long break.
Three resters this week won by Ros Joseph, Ken Whittaker and “Lucky” Leo Balstad and the Lucky Numbers were won by Pat Ryan, Brian Jones and Phil Knight, proving you don’t even have to play bowls to get a win!
As always, new and casual players are most welcome and can contact Graham Ross on 0419 248 520 or Sporties Club on 5820 0380 from 8am on the Sunday. Players names to be in by 9am for a 9.30 start please.
der and the right to host the qualifying semifinal.
Mathematically Gulgong can also finish in second position if both Coonabarabran and Narromine lose both their remaining games after they defeated the Dunedoo Swans 28 to 12 at Dunedoo on Saturday.
The Bull Terriers will be banking the competition points next weekend courtesy of having the bye before hosting Coonamble Bears in the final round.
The Bears sit on 24 competition points, equal with the Cobar Roosters, but have two tough assignments coming up, playing both Coolah and Gulgong in away games.
Similarly, the Roosters face tough opposition, having to travel to Coonabarabran this Saturday before taking on the Narromine Jets at Tom Knight Oval in the final round.
The Bears registered a big win over the Baradine Mag-
pies at Coonamble last Saturday, the score being 64 to 12, and whilst the Magpies are not in semi-final contention, they can put a big dint in Dunedoo’s aspirations of a top five finish if they can down the Swans this coming Saturday at Baradine.
The Swans, who are two competition points below both Cobar and Coonamble, have the bye in the final round so a win for them against the Magpies is vital to if they are to have any hope of playing on after the competition rounds finish, and even with a victory they will still be relying on other results to go their way.
The match of the round this Saturday will be played at Coonabarabran with the Unicorns desperate for a win to hang on to second spot on the ladder, and the Cobar Roosters just as equally desperate for victory to keep their semifinal hopes alive!
Contributed by SOUTH STAKE
A LAWN with six hoops, four balls, and one mallet per player.
Across all codes of croquet, players take their turn in a set order hitting a ball through one of the hoops which must be cleared in their own order. The various codes are distinguished by different sets of rules to do with additional shots per turn, to explain it in its simplest form.
Firstly, four balls are used in each game. The primary balls used are played in the order of blue, red, black, yellow, with one ball assigned to each player. Blue and black are partners, as are red and yellow. Each of those pairs need to co-operate on tactics as scores are awarded to the pair and not to the individual players. Scoring is the number of hoops run.
Another set of balls will be used if two games are to be played on the same court at the same time. The order of this second set, also played in turn, are green, pink, brown, white.
In doubles play, two players take a ball each against their opponents.
In singles play one player will take control of the two partner balls (e.g. blue and black) and the opponent has the other pair (e.g. red and yellow). If three players only are avail-
able, one will play the pair and the order of play will be blue (player A), red (player B), black (player A again) and finally yellow (player B’s partner, C). This arrangement is a social game arrangement and not employed in competitions.
A recent Tuesday drew an uncharacteristically smaller group of members on the courts. These were the people who do not see the cold as a reason not to play.
The pairing of Ian McKenzie and Kate Colwell took their first game against Chris Strojny and Bev Chapman to a 7-4 win after trailing initially, and then confirmed their superiority by winning the second game 7-2. Kate and Ian clearly make a formidable pair as the next round played that morning shows. When Ian was paired with Ross Smith against Peter Clarke and Chris Strojny the outcome was 4-7. Kate paired with Graham Bender had a close-run thing against Bruce Seddon and Rosslyn Joseph, snatching the game at 7-5.
Other games on the day were Bruce Seddon and Rosslyn Joseph against Tracey Keenan and Wendy Coffee, the former pair winning 7-3. The hidden information about this score is that the game lasted over an hour, and the rematch had to be called at 2-2.
Dubbo Croquet Club currently has terested persons are able to access multiple training and coaching sessions and participation in three playing days without cost before deciding whether to join and become part of a vibrant club and its intriguing sport.
Contact details are available via a web search for our Facebook page and our blog site. Alternatively, visitors and enquirers are welcome at the club at 74 Brisbane Street every Friday at 9am or Sundays at 2pm.
SUNDAY 27TH JULY APEX OVAL, DUBBO
By DUBBO DEMONS
THE Dubbo Demons travelled south on the weekend and battled the chill of the Bathurst air to take on the Bathurst Giants in the three senior grades.
The Men’s Tier Two opened the campaign with a strong line-up.
The Demons midfielders got on top early with Callum Schmidt and Xander Larkin winning the clearances to send the ball forward.
Jarod Clark and Damian Talbot made the most of their opportunities taking home five goals apiece.
The ever-reliable backline duo of Mick McMullen and JP directed the backline to make it hard for the Giants to get forward entries.
Trent Clark put in a strong performance pushing forward to kick two goals and earn himself the players player award.
The boys have really started to play some great team footy and will look forward to the upcoming challenges in the weeks leading up to finals.
In the women’s match, the Demons showed great sportsmanship in lending three players to a young, rebuilding Giants side. The competitive spirit and friendly rivalry between teammates was on display with the Demons donning the orange Giants outfit not taking a backwards step.
The Demons got away to a good start with Orlagh Quigley and Shae Dunn combining well in the centre to send the ball into the forward fifty. Kristen Coady was the first to draw blood with the
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