Molong Express 15 Sept 2022 by Molong Express

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THURSDAY 15 September 2022

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Ground Conditions

Molong Show postponed - Markets reorganised Seemingly endless wet conditions have again caused upsets to major events in the district. The football season underwent several disruptions including cancellation of major Molong-Manildra Rugby League clashes. Now, two of Molong's most popular events, the Show and the Long Weekend Markets are feeling the wet. The Molong Show Society has postponed this year's show to a date in November. It would have been the first show in 3 years due to Covid19. The long weekend Molong Markets will be rejigged around the environs of the Recreation Ground should the actual oval area remain wet - very likely given the forecasts. The Show Society, following an inspection of the grounds and their current condition, has postponed the Show due to public safety concerns and protection of the grounds themselves. The Society is seeking a new date in November.

INSIDE

No laughing matter - a third La Nina event has been declared

Next Week:

Queen Elizabeth

An amazing woman, wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, friend to millions - a world leader. A woman who never stopped believing in life, or in all people across the world, the church, God. "Well, that's streets ahead of most of us" by Rozzi

Can nursing homes evict residents?

Telegraph Hotel 53 Bank St. Molong Ph: 6366 8095

Celebrate HM Queen Elizabeth with a long lunch at the Telegraph Hotel

Locals trip to the Rabbit Trap Entertainment Pages

Truth and Fibs, Jokes, Funny Stories, Local Nicknames, Who said that?, Local Trivia, Crosswords, Word Finds, Ghost and Ghostess stories, Famous Local Sayings, Who spooked who? Local Stories, Reader's Travel. See Pages 8, 9 & 10 in your weekly Express.

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Molong: Molong Post Office and Newsagency, Bank St: BP Molong, Hill St Manildra: Coffer on Kiewa, BP Roadhouse Cumnock: Cumnock Store Cudal: Cudal Post Office Orange: Greengate Newsagency • Nextra Orange City Centre • Orange Central Newsagency • TJ's Downtown News - Summer St • North Orange Newsagency

Bank St MOLONG PH 6366 8062

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MOLONG EXPRESS, Thursday 15 September 2022

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MOLONG EXPRESS, Thursday 15 September 2022

Inland Rail project rolls on, but planning concerns remain

Inland Rail project rolls on, but planning concerns remain The Country Women’s Association of NSW has expressed concern at the progress of the Inland Rail project in NSW with the release of the reply to submissions for the Narrabri to Narromine (N2N) section of the proposed alignment. Communities in this region have been keenly waiting on this report since February last year as it is supposed to be a report where ARTC outline how they have taken on feedback and concerns made through the EIS exhibition process” said CWA of NSW President Joy Beames. “The community was told to engage in the process if they wanted to have their say and that is what they did, in a large and significant way. CWA of NSW was also instrumental in arranging a collective of landholders to fund legal and other expert reports to put forward a professionally written and well researched submission to the N2N EIS. “We are currently working through the detail of that report, but overall it appears there have been some hard-fought wins that we have secured for our members, including some changes to public level crossing safety. That said, for the amount of work and genuine evidencebased research put forward, ARTC have once again mostly dismissed, ignored or inadequately addressed the issues. These include flooding and hydrology concerns, impacts on agricultural

lands and associated severance concerns and fencing standards to name a few areas. “The community only have 21 days to read and respond to well over 1000 pages of bureaucratic and repetitive jargon in the N2N reports. Similarly, we saw the community only being given a short time to respond in the Albury to Illabo EIS, until local political representatives stepped in to push for more time. It’s the same pattern over and over again which points to a wider problem within the NSW planning system. “We have made requests to meet with NSW Minister for Planning, The Hon. Anthony Roberts, to specifically discuss these issues. At any future meeting it will be important for us to raise the matter of the NSW planning processes more broadly, as the current process does not serve the community at large. We would also urge the Minister to consider the merit of referring the project to the Independent Planning Commission for its views, and to allow the community to have their say fully.” CWA of NSW is also seeking clarification from the federal Minister for Infrastructure, Hon. Catherine King , as the federal government had previously Supply and lay Carpet, Vinyl, indicated that they Vinyl planks and laminate. would be conducting a Central west area. review into Inland Rail, No job too big or small. which is a CWA of NSW No charge for travel. member policy. “There are ways to conduct any potential review to minimise time wasted towards the completion of the project, and also take on board the recently completed cabonnecarpets@outlook.com Senate Committee Inquiry and associated recommendations on Inland Rail,” Joy said. “We have repeatedly stated that we support this project, and we do, but the execution has been, TIMBER & PLUMBING SUPPLIES and remains, an issue. This project is large, it is nation-building Greenworks is a Mon - Thu and potentially Global leader in 7.30 - 5.00 transformative for Fri many communities. battery powered But at the moment outdoor power 7.30 - 4.00 it’s coming at these Sat tools for DIY and communities in a way 8.00 - 12.00 that it could end up landscaping as a disruptive and professionals. We unproductive white Deliver elephant. It’s time for those in charge to take to this on and deal with You the issues once and for all.”

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4 MOLONG EXPRESS, Thursday 15 September 2022

Police numbers boost to target rural crime

The NSW Police Force response to rural crime will be bolstered across the Central West with a new Rural Crime Investigator position starting in Orange as part of the biggest increase in police numbers in more than 30 years. Deputy Premier and Minister for Police Paul Toole said the new position would create a unit of two specialist investigators in Orange, backed in by the existing two specialist investigators in Parkes. “Rural crime specialist investigators focus on a range of crime, whether it’s theft of stock, grain or wool, rural arson and fraud, firearm offences, cruelty to animals or trespassing,” Mr Toole said. “These crimes affect farmers, their families and entire livelihoods, so it’s critical we have the support and resources needed to ensure regional communities continue to thrive. “These investigators have lived and worked on the land, and continue to play a critical role in building positive relationships between police and the farming community, as well as supporting victims of crime.”

Detective Chief Inspector and head of the Rural Crime Prevention Team Cameron Whiteside said the new positions would make a significant difference to the way police supported rural communities. Many of our current investigators have worked on the land themselves for years or decades, so they can very much relate to farmers who need our help,” Detective Chief Inspector Whiteside said. “Whether it’s investigating cattle theft or a case of animal cruelty, the services that these investigators provide to the community are extremely diverse and unique. “With our regional communities growing, the NSW Police Force is now better equipped than ever to prevent and respond to rural crime.” Today’s announcement has boosted the total number of Rural Crime Investigators in the NSW Police Force to 53, as part of a doubling of dedicated Rural Crime resources over the past five years.

The Bureau of Health Information (BHI) has today released its latest Healthcare Quarterly report, showing activity and performance for public health services in NSW during April to June 2022. BHI Acting Chief Executive Hilary Rowell said patients typically waited longer for hospital and ambulance services during the quarter, as activity remained at historically high levels across most parts of the system. “NSW healthcare services continued to experience pressures in April to June, with sustained COVID-19 case numbers and the arrival of the winter flu season,” said Ms Rowell. Ambulance There were 375,215 triple zero (000) calls for an ambulance and 333,927 responses, up 21.1% and 7.8%, respectively, compared with the same quarter in 2019. Ms Rowell said: “Demand for ambulance responses remained high, particularly for patients requiring an emergency (P1) response, and patients waited longer for an ambulance than in any quarter since BHI began reporting in 2010.” Half of the 175,892 responses to emergency patients took more than 16.3 minutes – the longest since 2010. Additionally, the response time for half of the 12,134 highest priority (P1A) cases was more than 9.1 minutes. Emergency department There were 793,987 emergency department (ED) attendances, up 5.2% compared with April to June 2019, but short of the record high in April to June 2021.

Around six in 10 patients (62.8%) were seen on time, the lowest of any quarter since BHI began reporting in 2010. The number of patients who left without, or before completing treatment (76,117) was up 67.6% when compared with 2019 and the highest on record. This includes patients who were triaged but left the ED before treatment began, and patients who began treatment but left before it was completed. Ms Rowell said: “Our additional analysis shows that one in five patients who leave without, or before completing treatment, tend to re-present to an ED within three days.” Of those patients who arrived at an ED by ambulance, 72.5% had their care transferred to ED staff within 30 minutes. Elective surgery Ms Rowell said: “Fewer elective surgeries were performed than the historically high numbers a year earlier, but activity was up 41.1% (15,649) compared with January to March 2022, when non-urgent surgery was suspended for a period of time.” Waiting times for non-urgent surgery continued to increase – half of those patients waited longer than 339 days before receiving their surgery. There were 98,625 patients on the waiting list at the end of June, down 2.3% (2,286) from the end of March. At the end of the quarter, 18,748 patients had waited longer for elective surgery than clinically recommended, the highest any quarter since BHI began reporting in 2010.

Report reveals ongoing pressures on NSW healthcare system

Central West Unmasked – 2022 RDA Central West Photography Competition Open

‘Central West Unmasked’ is this year’s theme for Regional Development Australia Central West’s (RDA Central West) annual photography competition. Entries are now open with entrants encouraged to capture the true essence and hidden gems of their hometowns. Director of RDA Central West, Wayne Sunderland, said the competition is a wonderful platform to highlight everything that is special about 2020 finalist Emilie Rogers, ‘Ancestors our region. “The Watching’, Central West has so much to offer and the competition is free and open to all ‘Central West is Best’ photography competition is a great ages. Entries are now open and close way to capture what you love most 5pm AEST Friday, 30 September about your community,” said Mr 2022. Entrants can submit up to four Sunderland. “We want you to show photographs. More information, the world what an amazing place the including how to enter, can be Central West is to live in and visit – found on the RDA Central West this could be through an image of a website at www.rdacentralwest.org. place, person or an event, and entries au CATEGORIES & PRIZES: • There are two categories: Junior also don’t need to be current.” Mr Sunderland said that competition (under 18yo) and Open (18yo and entries doubled in 2021 from the over) • First place: $300 + Fujifilm competition’s launch in 2020 and that entrants should not be deterred Instax Mini 11 camera. Second by their level of photographic ability. place: $200 • Two ‘special mention’ entries “You must be in it to win it. We are encouraging locals from all levels of will receive a FujiFilm Instax Mini 11 ability to submit photographs and Photo Kit. Questions can be directed we also have a junior category for to the RDA Central West office the under 18’s.” Entry into the 2022 on (02) 6369 1600 or by emailing ‘Central West is Best’ photography admin@rdacentralwest.org.au

More roles than just ‘professionals’ in regional NSW Regional NSW employers are experiencing a critical shortage of workers, according to a new report released today looking at job vacancies and the recruitment challenges faced by businesses in regional NSW. The research, conducted by the Regional Australia Institute (RAI), in partnership with VERTO, highlights the demand in regional NSW for technicians and trades, machinery operators and labourers, hospitality workers and retail workers. “Regional employers are experiencing record-breaking demand for staff, with job vacancies over the last 12 months higher than that experienced during the mining boom,” he said. “This report looks at what’s happening on the ground in regional NSW and what jobs and skills are in demand by regional employers,” Mr Maxwell said. By surveying more than 400 VERTO client businesses, the report, Training for your future: filling the jobs in regional NSW, identified 1,096 job vacancies across regional NSW, with 3.5 vacancies per business surveyed. The proportion of regional vacancies in NSW by industry reported in-demand roles in

manufacturing (24 per cent), accommodation and food services (16 per cent), construction (11 per cent), retail trade (10 per cent). And more than 30 per cent of these vacancies are for new roles in these businesses, indicating an expanding job market in regional NSW. Mr Maxwell said the research revealed that businesses are looking for more general skills and qualifications such as computer literacy, driver’s licence, first-aid, basic literacy and numeracy, white cards and responsible service of gambling and alcohol. “The majority of skills and qualifications sought by surveyed businesses are those that could be undertaken through vocational education and training institutions (VET) as opposed to universities,” he said. Around 70 per cent of businesses surveyed identified difficulty in filling positions and two thirds of them see this pattern continuing over the next 12 months. This has led some businesses to change the way they recruit, moving to advertising on social media to broaden their recruitment net outside their region, without incurring costs for placing advertisements on online job sites.

Letters The proposed referendum on “The Voice to Parliament”. The September 8 edition of “The Land” published a thoughtful letter from Doug Hurst, Chapman ACT on “The Voice” which is to be put to a referendum soon. He asks: Is it needed? Indigenous Australians already have a minister and department in our Canberra Parliament. There are also a number of Members and Senators of Aboriginal descent in the parliament. Then there is representation in state parliaments (In NSW Parliament; Hon Ben Franklin, MLC is Minister for Aboriginal Affairs.) and various

Land Councils. Is it not racist to select delegates for The Voice only from people of a certain genetic background? How will national unity and harmony be maintained when members of that group get special representation in the nation’s parliament? Most people won’t follow all the detail of the legal debate over The Voice, but if they ask themselves these questions the referendum should fail. Dougal Pottie, Molong

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Can nursing homes evict residents?

THIS question was asked by a caller to the Combined Pensioner & Superannuants Association on behalf of her elderly father, who had been evicted from his nursing home while he was in hospital. The family was under pressure from the hospital to find a new nursing home for her father, whose hospital stay was no longer necessary. In this particular case, the nursing home sent the family a specific termination-of-contract letter, citing the prolonged absence of her father and claimed he was violent and disruptive. Her father had dementia and had been in the locked section of the nursing home. The nursing home’s action was a bluff, but a bluff that works more often than not, as it did in this case. The federal Department of Health has the following policy on the eviction of residents, which covers seven scenarios. First, a nursing home closing down is a logical reason for residents having to be assisted in finding an alternative. Closure can be because the provider has made a decision to close a home for any reason, but it can also be because the regulator closes the home after the home has been found to be unsafe.

Second, non-payment of agreed fees for six weeks can be a basis for eviction, but only if a resident refuses to pay them. A resident becoming unable to pay is not a basis for eviction. Third, an Aged Care Assessment Team (ACAT) may decide a resident doesn’t need the care provided by a nursing home anymore. This could apply in the case of people recuperating from medical interventions and regaining their health and functioning. A fourth scenario is where a resident is absent from the service for seven days or more for reasons not permitted. Going into hospital obviously is a permissible reason, but a fourweek cruise might not be. Fifth, a resident was receiving care under a specialist dementia care agreement, which a clinical advisory committee has determined they no longer need. For example, in the latter stages of dementia, someone who previously displayed violent behaviour may enter a catatonic stage. A nursing home specialising in care for dementia sufferers with violent or severe roaming behaviours would obviously want to free up that person’s place. Sixth, if a nursing home cannot, or can no longer meet a resident’s assessed long-term needs,

this resident may need to be accommodated elsewhere. For example, advancing dementia can cause sufferers to become violent. Obviously, a nursing home without a locked section would not be able to manage such behaviour. Lastly, a resident who intentionally causes serious damage or injury to staff or another resident may be evicted. The Department of Health makes it very clear that eviction doesn’t mean making residents

Councils aim to reduce food waste by creating an online recipe book

Central West Councils are tackling the food waste crisis by creating an online recipe book inspired by community members. The members of the NetWaste waste management network, are calling on individuals, local schools, community groups and businesses to get involved by sharing their favourite leftovers-inspired recipes, plus any tips and ideas about practical ways to reduce food waste. Environmental Sustainability Policy Committee Chair Cr David Mallard said food waste was a global issue with local solutions. “Each year the average Australian household throws away $2500 worth of food, the equivalent to one in five shopping bags, and yet 5

food waste one plate at a time. If any member of the community has a great recipe idea they would be willing to share, or even some practical ideas on reducing food waste, Orange City Council would love to hear from them. Locals can submit your recipe online: https://forms.gle/ c6tpeKBFfiGbMCcc8 Submissions close on Friday 25th November 2022. Once completed, the online recipe book will be free to download from Orange City Council’s website and will be a valuable tool in helping residents find inspiration and ideas to reduce food waste and transform leftovers into nutritious, delicious dishes.

million Australians experience food insecurity each year, one quarter of these are children,” Cr Mallard said. The majority of Australia’s food waste comes from our homes (2.5 million tonnes per year), with organic waste making up approximately 48 per cent of the contents of the average general waste bin in the Central West. “When food is sent to landfill, it not only wastes all the resources it took to grow, package, transport, sell and prepare the food, but as it breaks down, noxious greenhouse Combined Pensioner & Superannuants Association gases are released,’’ Cr Mallard said. The NetWaste ‘Love Your Leftovers’ initiative is a cross community collaboration tackling

For more information on this innovative community inspired initiative, contact NetWaste’s education consultant on 0400 407 685 or via email at netwaste. loveyourleftovers@envirocom.com. au NetWaste’s ‘Love Your Leftovers’ initiative is inspired by the NSW Environment Protection Authority’s (EPA) Love Food Hate Waste Program. The program helps households, communities and business to reduce food waste and protect the environment. For more information, visit www. lovefoodhatewaste.nsw.gov.au

homeless. Alternative accommodation must be found before a resident is made to leave. This brings us back to the caller to CPSA whose father was evicted while in hospital. Clearly, his nursing home simply turfed him out, relying on the hospital not to do the same. Eventually, the caller and the hospital found a new nursing home for the caller’s father. This is the text of an email the caller sent to CPSA: “I found somewhere for my 37kg dad to go on Friday. He was on his way to the new facility, where I was waiting for him to arrive. (..) I was informed by the facility that they had been told dad was COVID-positive and he would not be allowed to enter. He was in transit only five minutes away. Dad was then sent back to [the hospital] and is currently on [a ward] which is not a COVID-ward and they are treating him as palliative although he is breathing easily but they have started the morphine and he is no longer responsive. No happy ending.” Clearly, the original nursing home’s bluff worked, but shame on them!

MOLONG EXPRESS, Thursday 15 September 2022

View from the Hill

Michelle Grattan

Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra

It would be appropriate for King Charles to remain strong on climate: Albanese

Mick Tsikas/AAP

Anthony Albanese has said it would be appropriate for King Charles to continue his advocacy on the challenge of climate change. “That’s a matter for him, of course,” Albanese said on Sunday. But “in my view that would be appropriate”. “I think dealing with the challenge of climate change shouldn’t be seen as a political issue – it should be seen as an issue that is about humanity and about our very quality of life and survival as a world,” he told the ABC. “This is a big threat and King Charles has identified that for a long period of time. I think engagement in issues is very different from engagement in party political matters.” Albanese’s comment came as he declared a public holiday in Australia on Thursday September 22, which will be a “national day of mourning” and the day a national memorial service will be held for the late Queen. Opposition leader Peter Dutton, quizzed on whether King Charles should drop his public advocacy on issues such as climate change, expected him to become less outspoken. “As King, he is there now as an impartial person.” “He will have very strong views on this issue and many others, I’m sure, but I think the point he made in his speech yesterday was that he now doesn’t express those views on a day-to-day basis,” Dutton said on the ABC. He said Prince William, now Prince of Wales, was “very strong in relation to this issue and many others. He’s a patron of many organisations as well, and as the Prince of Wales he will have a greater ability to speak out on, and to support causes that are important to him.” In his Friday (Saturday morning AEST) address to Britain and the Commonwealth King Charles said: “It will no longer be possible for me to give so much of my time and energies to the charities and issues for which I care so deeply. But I know this important work will go on in the trusted hands of others.” The King flagged he expected William to fill a similar role to the one he had filled. “With Catherine beside him, our new Prince and Princess of Wales will, I know, continue to inspire and lead our national conversations, helping to bring the marginal to the centre ground where vital help can be given.” On Sunday Governor-General David Hurley, in a ceremony at parliament house, formally proclaimed King Charles king of Australia. This week’s sitting of federal parliament has been cancelled, and politics essentially put on hold. But Albanese indicated the days missed would be made up later. Maintaining the cancellation was appropriate, he said: “It would be difficult to envisage parliament sitting and going through the sort of adversarial activity that occurs in our parliament, under our Westminster system”. Albanese and Hurley leave on Thursday to attend the Queen’s funeral on Monday September 19. Australian Medical Association president Steve Robson was critical of the Albanese announcement of a public holiday, tweeting it would mean cancellation of operations and lots of patient consultations “at a time when access is difficult”.

Albanese’s commitment to transparency should apply to national cabinet The change of government has transformed many things but, unfortunately, not the secrecy surrounding national cabinet. Anthony Albanese beats his drum about transparency but he has rejected calls for more light to be shed on the meetings he has with his state and territory counterparts. Last week’s national cabinet decision that cut the COVID quarantine time from seven to five days highlights the case for the public to be better informed, especially when controversial matters are being decided. That decision saw health and economic considerations collide. Health experts point out people can be still infectious after five days and so, some maintain, a cautious approach should be retained. But many businesses, and individuals, say we are now “living with COVID” and economic and social considerations should be put first. Neither stand is objectively “correct” – it’s how you balance risks and priorities. The point is, the community should be given the information that played into the course the national cabinet chose. When Albanese was asked early last week (ahead of the isolation decision) about his keeping national cabinet papers secret, his response was dismissive. He lauded the fact that after these meetings he spoke for all the leaders, in contrast to the Morrison days, when the PM’s news conference would be followed (or even preceded) by premiers putting out their own takes. He also suggested there weren’t papers for meetings these days. There are spurious arguments. Unanimity might be desirable, but if there are differences and they are aired, at least the public have an idea of what’s going on. And there are always minutes. The Morrison government lost a legal challenge brought by then-crossbench senator Rex Patrick to prise open national cabinet, making it subject to freedom-ofinformation applications. In that case, the government argued national cabinet was a committee of federal cabinet, which was obviously absurd. Although Patrick won, the Prime Minister’s Department frustrated later attempts to get information. Little has changed with the new administration. Patrick was defeated at the election but is still on the national cabinet issue. He applied for the minutes of the new government’s first meeting on June 17. His application was rejected by the decision-maker, an assistant secretary in the PM’s Department. Patrick was told disclosure of the document would or could “cause damage to Commonwealth-State relations by adversely affecting the trust and co-operation that underpins the National Cabinet, and in particular the ability to freely raise and discuss agenda items. "Disclosing the requested document would inhibit the ability of First Ministers to conduct robust deliberations and make decisions on critical intergovernmental policy issues […] "This would undermine the trust between the Commonwealth and the States and Territories and would prevent full and frank discussions that achieve the best outcomes for the Australian public […] "In turn this would lead to poorer outcomes and adversely affect all governments’ abilities to consider and respond urgently to issues of national interest, and would undermine the key decisions needed to deliver outcomes in the public interest.” But material genuinely demanding confidentiality obviously could be redacted, rather than refusing to release anything. Patrick has now applied for any advice the Australian Health Protection Principal Committee (AHPPC) – which comprises state and territory health officers and advises national cabinet – distributed to national cabinet for the August 31 meeting that decided to reduce the isolation period. NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet led the charge for last week’s decision. Albanese earlier had resisted a change to the isolation period, but was now ready to move.

Lukas Coch/AAP

Ahead of the meeting, Commonwealth Chief Medical Officer Paul Kelly put a recommendation to the AHPPC to shift to five days. But the AHPPC is supposed to operate by “consensus” and Kelly could not get general acceptance for the recommendation. Western Australia, South Australia and Victoria favoured staying with seven days. Other states either supported change or were willing to go along with it. Some AHPPC participants were discontented at being presented with what they saw as a done deal by the Commonwealth. When this was raised, Kelly strongly rejected any suggestion he was acting politically. Michael Kidd (acting chief medical officer on the day) presented the epidemiology and the outcome of the AHPPC meeting to national cabinet. Kidd gave a verbal briefing on the different views. As there was not an AHPPC consensus, there wasn’t a paper from that body, but presumably what was non-advice would be reflected in the minutes. The Australian Medical Association immediately called for the government to make public the advice. AMA President Steve Robson, pointing out that up to three in ten people were likely to be still infectious after five days, said: “Throughout this pandemic the AMA has continuously said governments must base their decisionmaking on the health and medical advice and we need to see that advice and whether it supports today’s decision.” The AMA received short shrift from the PM. “The chief health officers in every state are responsible for their respective advices, so that’s a matter for the state governments as to whether that happens or not,” he said. Medicos in the Labor caucus weren’t consulted before the decision. One of them, Mike Freelander, who’s chairing a House of Representative inquiry into long COVID, admitted to the ABC national cabinet had made a “political” decision, adding “we have got to live with it”. Another doctor, Labor’s new member for Higgins, Michelle Ananda-Rajah, had already tweeted “5 days is not enough”. The way the decision on the isolation period played out can be seen as bringing full circle the story of experts in this pandemic. At the start, panicked politicians, with little clue what they were dealing with, leaned heavily on the health experts. “We follow the health advice,” became the mantra, justifying what was done. Leaders used the health experts as crutches, and as political shields (even though with Morrison there was always a tug of war between health and economic considerations – he elevated economics wherever possible). These days, the politicians – on both sides – have grabbed back their agency. Political leaders know the community – or a majority of it – has moved on, despite the tens of COVID deaths daily. COVID case numbers, hospitalisations and deaths are now to be reported on a weekly, rather than daily, basis. The escalating cost of living has well and truly taken over from COVID as the hottest issue in the public mind. Be that as it may, the public still deserve to know about the health advice on COVID issues. More generally, Albanese needs to live up to his professed views on transparency. As things stand, Patrick is right when he says that Albanese “has taken the blue secrecy blanket off national cabinet and replaced it with a red secrecy blanket”. (theconversation.com)

MOLONG EXPRESS, Thursday 15 September 2022

Infobriefs

Local Seniors need help to gain better aged care services

by Rozzi Smith The daunting task continually facing senior family members is the need to continually wade through the paperwork, bureaucracies and policies in order to receive pension entitlements. It’s confusing. An important example is the need for your family seniors to follow last year’s Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety and the 17 important recommendations made by the Royal Commission that are now being implemented by Government. There Key Outcomes from the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety : More to come: Star Rating: The bill includes the introduction of a star ratings system that will see the publication of comparison ratings for all residential aged care services by the end of 2022. Serious Incident Response Scheme: This will be extended to home care providers covering preventable incidents of abuse and neglect. Second Bill: Aged Care Amendment (Implementing Care ReformBill) : If passed this bill will require all nursing homes to have registered nurse on duty 24 hours a day 7 days a week. This Bill includes measures to monitor aged care costs and what providers spend money

are more recommendations coming for the Govt to implement. Keep an eye out! The Federal Government has now passed the first of two major aged care reform bills through both parliamentary houses. This is a much needed outcome that can be attributed to the valued findings of the Royal Commission.

Families of Senior citizens need to be aware of these important recommendations/changes (and others to follow) to ensure their loved ones benefit.

on. Targetting home care fees with a cap on how much can be charged for administration and management is a positive change. However, providors have stressed the need for a sustainable funding model into the future. Paul Sadler Interim CEO Aged & Community Care Providers Association said the residential care funding model, the Australian National Aged Care Classification (AN-ACC) plus the estalishment of the Independing Pricing Authority were positive steps. “The Government’s promise of a 10 per cent increase in funding with the introduction of AN-ACC glosses over the fact that all of that additional funding will go towards hiring extra staff in order to meet the requirement for 200 minutes of care per resident per day by October 2023” he said. (Editor’s note: Make sure change happens?)

Will it happen? Better Pay for Aged Workers

Aged Care Workers are some of the lowest paid in Australia e.g. personal care workers earn $23.55 - $24.76 per hour. The Health Services Union has applied to the commission for a 25 percent increase for some 200.000 residential and home care workers. Aged Care Minister, Anika Wells said “The complexity of their work has increased significantly, not just through COVID but from the kind of standard care that we are asking them to now give older Australians and in the years and decades to come”.

In a submission to the Fair Work Commission the Federal Government has said it will pick up the tab for any pay increase for aged care workers - but at the same time the spokesperson stopped short of saying how much $$ it would be. As the Health Serices Union President Gerard Hayes described the government’s recognition of the workforce as a “shot in the arm” after “a decade of neglect”. “For too long Australia has allowed a mostly female insecurely employed workforce to be exploited and overworked.” (Editor’s Note: Is this not a tradition that can surely be changed).

“Single Age Pension should be fairer”

A couple on the aged pension receives $1488.80 per fortnight including supplements. If they pay rent they would also receive rental assistance of $137.40 leaving them $926.20 for food, power, transport, phone and internet, water, health, clothing, maintenance and day to day expenses. Problem is if one partner dies, the surviving partner’s income is slashed from $1488.80 to the single pension rate of $987.60 per fortnight - a cut of $501.20. Yet, that person still has the same household and living payments to meet on $501.20 per fortnight less. Single pensioners are severely disadvantaged is the view of Frank Gower of the Australian Pensioners’ and Superannuats League of Queensland who has been leading a campaign to represent the disparity to the Federal Government. “There are single aged pensioners living in

poverty, many are barely surviving and it’s time for government to do something to help them.“ Do you need help? You can phone the Australian Pensioners’ and Superannuats League of Queensland on (07) 3844-5878 if you are affected to discuss your options. OR Seniors Rights Services on 1800 700 600

OR Truth - The Molong Caravan Park attracted some out of town ‘casual tenants’ last weekend. One wallet was reported to have been stolen. Truth or Fib?: It’s beem said that cards from the reported stolen wallet were found in Dubbo. .Truth or Fib? Several Caravan Parks in towns around Dubbo attracted casual tenants. Same group? Truth - The previous weekend a resident of Hill Street was woken after a bottle was thrown through a front window. Truth - Keep an eye out - have the police emergency number ready to call if you see or hear anything to raise your own ‘alarm bells’. Apparently the police responded to Hill Street in a short amount of time. Report anything and everything. Fib or Truth - Molong’s popular ‘winter water park’ at the Rec. Grounds is to close before winter 2023. Football will be played instead! Fib or Truth? - Someone is going to fix the ‘nobody owns me’ goat track leading into the Molong Showgrounds/Caravan Park/Golf Club? Truth - International disc golf players are coming to Molong soon and will be well worth watching what will be some great play on the local course at the Molong Golf Club. Truth - The Molong Show has been postponed from this weekend (Sunday 18th September 2022) to a date to be planned in November 2022. Truth - For those complaining about the amount of media coverage of Queen Elizabeth’s passing - consider taking a closer look at the formalised events as the cortege moves through Scotland to London. The ‘pomp and pageantry’ has grown from history that is well worth reading about and worthwhile to know about. The stories are fascinating and cover the lives of 61 monarchs of England and Britain over a period of some 1200 years. Ascension - Succession - Take-overs - Deaths how the world operated. Truth - Consider listening to the music and lyrics from the formalised services as Queen Elizabeth’s cortege continues to London. At the St. Giles Cathedral - the 17th-century music of Henry Purcell’s ‘Thou Knowest, Lord, the Secrets of Our Hearts’, was sung. Followed by Karen Matheson, who rose to fame with the folk group ‘Capercaillie’ who sang, in Gaelic, a haunting version of Psalm 118:17 (“I shall not die, but live, and shall the works of God discover”), set to harp. These music/ lyrics represent an important part of world history - and part of the base of the growth of white civilisation/history across the monarchy of which we should be proud of. . Truth or Fib? Molong’s Sunday Morning Golfers have been invited to play in the new LIV Saudi Arabian government backed $25m event after Greg ‘The Shark’ Norman heard about the locals’ prowess on the local course. Four events will be played in the US, one in London, one in Thailand and another in Saudi Arabia. Organiser, Greg Norman told the Express “I reckon the Molong Sunday Golfers will compete well against world champions.” Responding to the invitation, Molong GC President, Ged, told the Express “Greg heard that being a country bloke I’m pretty good at handling a shotgun. So, I’ll be providing the shotgun starts at each event” said Pres. Ged who is looking forward to overseas travel. Oatsy reckons he’ll be ready to play in Thailand; Bruno’s keen on playing in London. The Phantom Walker reckons he’ll be ready to play at all four events. Stubbie and Belle reckon they’lll be ready to play on the air-conditioned course in Saudi Arabia. “That will be different” said Stubba. (Express Note: Definitely a total FIB! - but good reading!)

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Express Readers take a Drive

Story and photos by Rozzi

When I overheard Dodgey, Billy Boy, Smithy, Tina, Michelle and Pauly talking over a beer at their 'table of knowledge' at the Freemasons (Molong pub) - I put up my hand to go along for the drive. Enthused by my imagination of the stories and scenery I could well come across travelling, for the first time, with this crowd - I threw my overnight bag together, grabbed the Express camera, and packed my favourite cheese sandwich for the three hour trip where I suspected (being a non-drinker) I would be chosen as a 'designated driver'. Not True! I didn't have to drive at all - instead I was able to sit back - enjoy the view, snap photos, and write stories. Thanks 'table of knowledge'! The experience? I wasn't disappointed

at all. I was with some of the funniest Molong characters ... meeting the funniest characters in other towns. Nothing like taking an impromptu short trip and taking the time to drive out of town prepared to experience seeing 'the world through the eyes of others'! Love it! Next Trip is already planned - Woodstock (We've got a date with the local brides - read on for the story - well, part of it!!).

Readers ... Please send to the Express your photos/travel details of your favourite/ interesting places to share with other readers on this page. Keep in mind .... we have a lot of readers who don't travel far these days - but love to read the stories and photos.

When we left Molong after a counter'y at the Freemasons Pub - the weather was dismal, light rain, overcast, creek rising, plenty of big puddles to avoid on the road. Here is one of the BIG puddles - one of many we travelled over on the way to Albert. (Note: We safely followed 4 wheel drivers before we crossed the still receding waters on the road - the result of a year of waterlogged overflowing paddocks).

Made it to The Rabbit Trap Hotel! Designated drivers decided to stop off at Bogan Gate (no pub open but renovations continue); Trundle (pub closed for renos headed to Country Club - FANTASTIC), Tullamore friendly pub and great stories ... off again through water and maneating potholes to Albert (11 pop) and the famous Rabbit Trap Hotel (great stories, filled to the brim with a mix of locals, visitors, travellers, tourists, and a busload of ladies from Woodstock on a 'Hen's Night Out'. Food? Good pub food. Accommodation? New manager starting in two weeks so may get better. Lights, heating, hot water died through the night. Best to check before planning to stay overnight ... or if readers are happy to 'rough it'! Tr u n d l e P u b . . . closed for repairs ... re-opening very soon. Why are the streets so wide ... bullock trains had to turn somewhere? Trundle: Water-logged main street - "it's better than a drought" said one local at the country club. (L) Tullamore: Bob only too happy to give a hand to Anna (local) and Michelle (pub) unload the meat trays ready for Sunday arvo raffle/ community fundraiser.

Tullamore: Time for a yarn with locals at the pub - Tony McLean (farmer of 50 years), 'Moses' Stevenson (shearer of 30 years - played Rugby League with Tullamore United and Trundle Boomers - competed against Molong RL Kevin Houlihan, Terry Brown and others. Michael Dengate (yardsman at pub); Ivan Stevenson (resident 14 years).

(R) Albert: Paul Mullins rewarding local Roo hunter Des with a rabbit trap for winning the 'Table of Knowledge' best "bull****" story of the weekend. (L) Trundle, Tullamore, Rabbit Trap Hotel. Help! The Molong Table of Knowledge noticed a mini bus from Woodstock following us. Why? One of the gorgeous passengers wearing a Princess tiara and a 'Bride' sash (sipping on an unusual pink straw) was keen to have her photo taken. Meet the lovely Maddi Kelly of Canowindra who will be married to her long-time and much loved partner on 8 October. Thanks for the invite Maddi - 'we all love u'. (Left) Albert: Enjoying the night at the Rabbit Trap Hotel - l to r Sue and Mark Williams (son of Molong's Ron and brother of Leon) Shaun Larkings, Janine Fisher, and centre, the very brave volunteer driver of the now famous 'Hen's transporter' the Woodstock Hotel Mini Bus. MOLONG EXPRESS, Thursday 15 September 2022

Your Country Your Voice

Andrew GEE MP

FEDERAL MEMBER FOR CALARE RUNS ON THE BOARD FOR CABONNE √ $2 billion for Great Western highway upgrade √ $40 million for Mitchell Highway upgrades between Orange and Molong √ $2.1 million for streetscape improvements in Molong and Canowindra √ $15 million for a new Molong Multipurpose Service √ $492,410 for construction of the Eugowra Community Centre √ 24 hour rescue helicopter √ $408,000 for childcare/early learning services in Molong √ $700,000 for Bangaroo Bridge Replacement √ $117,396 for resurfacing and new lighting at the East Molong Tennis Club √ $60,000 for the Molong water tank artwork √ $390,210 for new lighting and nets at Molong Rec Ground √ $308,175 for an education and info centre at the Australian National Field Days site at Borenore √ $2.5 million for an ambulance station in Molong √ $2.59 million for new overtaking lanes on the Cargo Road √ $185,764 for a new amenities block and support for the Molong Showground and Society √ Establishment of the Regional Banking Taskforce √ 44 mobile phone towers and base stations for Calare

FAREWELL TO HER MAJESTY QUEEN ELIZABETH II - CONDOLENCE BOOKS OPEN This week, our communities mourn the extraordinarily sad loss of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. For more than 70 years, through the darkest of days and in times of triumph, her Majesty devoted herself to her country and to the Commonwealth. Throughout her extraordinary reign including her final hours, she epitomised service, duty, and dignity. In a rapidly changing and often tumultuous world, she was a reassuring presence of continuity and calm. The Queen toured Australia on sixteen separate occasions. On the first of these visits, in 1954, the royals visited 57 towns and cities in the 58 days they spent in Australia – including two lucky towns in the Central West. On February 12, 1954, the royal flight touched down at Raglan Aerodrome, and the Queen bid a big g’day to Bathurst. The much-anticipated event saw more than 25,000 people flock to Bathurst's King's Parade to welcome the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh to the bush. That same day, the Queen stopped at Lithgow where a civic reception was held at Lithgow Park, which was renamed Queen Elizabeth Park after the visit. Some 15,000 people gathered at the park bandstand, where a young Legacy ward Janice Northey presented a bouquet to Her Majesty. A decade and a half later, on 28 April 1970, Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip visited Orange. The Queen planted a tree on the eastern side of Robertson Park which still stands and toured the Email refrigerator factory in Edward Street - later known as Electrolux. These visits show the Queen’s great fondness and interest in regional Australia, and created a strong and lasting connection between residents of the Central West and the royal family. During this sad time, we thank and salute her Majesty’s for her seven decades of unwavering and resolute service to the Commonwealth, and the international community of nations. She was a truly exceptional leader.

If you would like to pay your respects to the Queen, Books of Condolences are currently available to sign at our Orange and Bathurst electorate offices. Following the observance period these condolence books will be sent to Canberra, before being mailed to Buckingham Palace. Condolences can also be left online by visiting www.pmc.gov.au Pictured: Above right - The Queen shakes hands with station master Louis Le Breton at Bathurst Station as she prepares to board the Royal Train in February 1954. Left- The Queen touring the Email refrigerator factory in Edward Street, Orange.

A NEW SENSORY GARDEN FOR MOLONG The Molong Advancement Group (MAG) is a community organisation that strives to help Molong, and the greater Cabonne community, thrive. There is no doubt its next undertaking will certainly do that! I was delighted to catch up with Group members recently and present them with $13,000 grant to create a new sensory garden at the Molong Multi Purpose Service (MPS). Awarded under the previous Coalition Government’s Stronger Communities Programme, the funding will be used to develop a garden that provides a therapeutic and inclusive space for members of the community to relax in and invigorate their senses. Molong’s MPS includes 24 hour emergency care, inpatient beds, residential aged care and staff accommodation so there are many people who will benefit from this new development. Congratulations to the Group for their successful application! I can’t wait to visit the garden when it is complete.

HAPPY 90TH BIRTHDAY! It was great to be back in Molong recently for the 90th birthday celebrations of Kathy Burns at Molong RSL Club. Kathy and her late husband Noel lived in Mumbil for many years until Kathy recently moved to Molong. Noel was a Korean War Veteran. Kathy was joined by her many friends and also family members from all over Australia. Happy Birthday Kathy and thank you for your enormous contribution to our region and for having me to this wonderful celebration!

VERY DISAPPOINTING - FUEL EXCISE RELIEF TO END

I am incredibly disappointed that the Federal Government has announced that the fuel tax excise holiday will end on September 28. Earlier this year, in an effort to relieve cost of living pressures, the previous Federal Government halved the fuel excise by 22 cents per litre. This was always due to end late September as it was hoped that fuel prices would have settled by that date. Given that the prices are still high, and are still having a devastating effect on our country communities, I believe a continuation of this relief is vital. That is why I have been calling on the current government to

continue the holiday beyond the end of this month. A 22 cent increase in petrol prices will be a major blow to rural communities, households and businesses right now, especially because country residents must drive longer distances and don’t have access to public transport options like our city counterparts. I will continue to do all I can to ease the cost of living pressure for people living in the bush. It’s a huge issue affecting all our communities. The new government now has to explain to our communities why their fuel bills will rise by 22 cents per litre at the end of the month.

ORANGE ELECTORATE OFFICE 1/179A Anson Street PO Box 673 Orange NSW 2800

(02) 6361 7138 @ andrew.gee.mp@aph.gov.au www.andrewgeemp.com.au Authorised by Andrew Gee, Suite 1/179A Anson Street Orange, NSW 2800.

MOLONG EXPRESS, Thursday 15 September 2022

For regular updates and news, follow me on Facebook and Instagram @andrewgeecalare

REG’S BENCH A guy stuck his head into a barbershop and asked, "How long before I can get a haircut?" The barber looked around the shop full of customers and said,"About 2 hours.• The guy left. A few days later, the same guy stuck his head in the door and asked, "How long before I can get ahaircut?" The barber looked around a the shop and said,"About 3 hours.' The guy left. A week later, the same guy stuck his head in the shop and asked, "How long before I can get ahaircut?" The barber looked around the shop and said,'About an hour and ahalf." The guy left. The barber turned to his friend and said, "Hey, Bob, dome a favor, follow him and see where he goes. He keeps asking how long he has to wait for a haircut, but henever comes back." A little while later, Bob returned t the shop, laughing hysterically. The barber asked, "So, where does he go when he leaves? Bob looked up, wiped the tears from his eyes and said, "Your house! My girlfriend broke up with me because she says I'm too 'controlling'. Funny thing is, I don't remember giving her permission to speak. A farmer goes to the market to buy a rooster He sees one he likes, so he asks the seller:"Is he any good for mating?" "Oh, no problem there, he's had every single chicken I've got. He even chases ducks, turkeys, even pigs!" "Then why" asks the puzzled farmer "are you even selling him?" "You see" answers the seller "lately he's been looking at me kinda funny."

WORD SEARCH

Solutions page 14

QUICK CROSSWORD

I used to run a dating service for chickens, but I was struggling to make hens meet. Remains to be seen if glass coffins become popular. I, for one, like Roman numerals. My lack of knowledge on Greek literature has always been my Achilles' elbow. I used to be addicted to soap, but I'm clean now.

Across 1 More daring (6) 4 Artificial waterways (6) 8 Float along (5) 9 Immature toad or frog (7) 10 Teach (7) 11 Scope (5) 12 Comfortable seat (4,5) 17 Copious, abundant (5) 19 One who checks accounts (7) 21 Wind instrument (7) 22 Unadorned (5) 23 Imitated (6) 24 Brie, for example (6)

What’s the best part about living in Down Switzerland? Not sure, but the flag is a big 1 Financial plan (6) 2 Spare time (7) plus. 3 Additional (5) I told my doctor that I broke my arm in 5 Small state between France and Spain (7) two places. He told me to stop going to 6 Oak nut (5) those places. 7 Israeli currency unit (6) My therapist says I have a preoccupation 9 Incisive (9) with vengeance. We'll see about that. 13 Spire (7)

14 Go over again (7) 15 Derived from milk (6) 16 Alloy of copper and tin (6) 18 Well-rounded (5)

What is the difference between CRYPTIC CROSSWORD ignorance and apathy? I don’t know, and Across I don’t care. 1 Stone encountered in hasty scramble (8) A nurse told me, "Sorry for the wait!" I 6 Scrooge's comment replied, "It's alright, I'm patient." before a holiday starts? (3) I used to be addicted to the hokey 9 Musical heroine joining pokey...but I turned myself around. Laurie in a song (5) 10 Old murderer holding suitable officer (7) 11 Present flower (7) 12 Roman date to take in Caesar's second thoughts (5) 13 Worthless attempt to hug tree (6) 15 Sex object in Germany briefly (6) 19 Expert in garden centre didn't linger (5) 21 Right animals? Wrong'uns! (7) 23 Escape trouble during 5 Deposit collected for a fight (4,3) cut of meat (7) 24 No crazy wanderer (5) 6 Support for a couple (5) 25 Boat from Portugal (3) 7 Crew members 26 Prize in college for from Yarmouth and flowers (8) Sheringham (5) 8 Lucky charm Mark found on racecourse (6) Down 14 Fish a theologian 2 Child caught on a steeped in wine (7) Spanish island (7) 16 Conceive, having new 3 Subject of article — pram due (5,2) Simeon's heart (5) 17 Journey to get quarters 4 Cathy's new boats (6)

20 Profundity (5)

in lodge (6) 18 Nectar ordered for islander (6) 19 Artist's club in African capital (5) 20 Many fish hold on (5) 22 Garment cut in pieces (5)

SODUKU Fill in the grid so that every row, every column and every 3x3 box contains the digits 1 to 9, with no number repeated. MOLONG EXPRESS, Thursday 15 September 2022

TRADES & SERVICES

BUILDING / CARPENTRY

ACCOUNTANTS / SOLICITORS

• • • •

Campbell Paton & Taylor SOLICITORS, ATTORNEYS AND NOTARIES

In Attendance are:

THURSDAY & FRIDAY by appointment.

CONCRETE / LANDSCAPING PRODUCTS

11 BANK STREET MOLONG

Ph: 6362 1922

Picton Bros Panelspan

MARGOT SAWYER

• Glass Rooms • Patios • Cladding • Carports • Recreation Rooms • Enclose existing verandahs BL83737C

6361 9244 www.pictonbros.com.au

G R EA D Y M IX

CONCRETE

CONVEYANCING

FIREWOOD AVAILABLE

BULK WATER DELIVERY

Concrete Trucks Mini Mix •3 •Mini digger, Bobcat, Truck & Truck Trencher, Dog hire

Licence No: 1033852

2/67 Bank Street, Molong NSW 2866 PO Box 174, Molong NSW 2866

Ph: 02 6366 8222 Fax: 02 6366 9273

Free Quote

N LO

CONVEYANCING

Orange office 193-195 Anson St.

BUILDING

Carpentry Painting Tiling Plastering

General Repairs & Maintenance No Job too Small ! Ph: 0437 218 930

TUES- Andrew Kermode Solicitor WED- Michelle Reynolds Conveyancer

Molong 02 6366 8049

Mark O’Donahue Home Maintenance

•Sand, aggregates •Topsoil, Mulch •Mushroom compost •Woodchips

SERVING THE LOCAL COMMUNITY FOR OVER 40 YEARS

Call Dusty

6366 8448

E: margot@margotsawyerconveyancing.com.au

AUTOMOTIVE / SMASH REPAIRS

m 0428 650 499 Family owned & f 63 669 559 operated 33 BETTS ST, MOLONG

CONCRETE

ON FARM BUTCHERS

Lic. MVRL45372

Watson Street MOLONG

T 6366 8280

Extensive range of driving lights and light bars starting from

$140

Now doing

Orange OnFarm Butchers

LIGHT VEHICLE BLUESLIPS

A local butcher providing on farm butcher services. Home kills from slaughtering right through to wrapping for the freezer

• EXTENSIVE RANGE OF TYRES • WHEEL ALIGNMENTS • E-SAFETY INSPECTIONS • VALVOLINE PRODUCTS • SUPERCHARGE BATTERIES • EXHAUST REPAIRS

0402 259 891

Open Monday to Friday - 8 am to 5.00 pm

ELECTRICAL

• Residential & Commercial • Network & data cabling • Security & access control • Optical fibre & TV cabling • CCTV

0447 239 937 sammueldwyer@gmail.com

orangeonfarmbutchers@outlook.com Find us on Facebook

RESIDENTIAL & COMMERCIAL ELECTRICIAN

» » » » » » »

Switchboard Upgrades Lighting & Power Appliances Smoke Alarms Sheds Test & Tagging Emergency Call Outs

AVAILABLE 24/7

Recieve a Complimentary Electrical Safety Health Report Rest easy knowing your Home is safe & sound! Valued at $149!

TROY BARRETT ELECTRICAL Servicing Molong and the Central West

0407 274 358

MOLONG EXPRESS, Thursday 15 September 2022

LIC. No 323812C

PUMPS + ELECTRICAL

FUNERAL SERVICES

PACKAGING

6361 7777 6362 3751

EVERYTHING NEARLY

MOVING HOUSE OR OFFICE?

Serving the Molong District

PRE-PAID AND PRE-ARRANGED FUNERAL SPECIALISTS, RESPECTING ALL DENOMINATIONS email: mail@penhallfunerals.com.au

OUR FAMILY CARING FOR YOUR FAMILY

Book Boxes | Tea Chests Bubble Wrap | Glass Jars Packing Tape

ALL YOUR PACKAGING NEEDS! Come and see us at 1 Wellington Street, Molong

AFDA

CONNECTIONS

CABLE/ PIPE LOCATIONS TREES LOPPED / REMOVED TRENCHING / YARDS CLEANED PHONES / CABLES REPAIRED PHONE / TV EXTENSIONS ANY TIME ANY WHERE

NORMAN J PENHALL FUNERALS PROVIDING 24 HOUR 7 DAYS SENSITIVE, DIGNIFIED & PROFESSIONAL CARE WHEN YOU NEED IT MOST

Wr ght

Or phone us on 02

6366 8100

NOW CLEANING CHIMNEYS Avoid a fire ! Call Lenny Punch

M: 0481 119 039 T: 63 668 108

SMASH REPAIRS

PLUMBING

Molong

Javelinplumbing

we’ll pinpoint your problem Lic No. 160917C

Licensed Plumber, Drainer, Gasfitter Servicing

Servicing Molong / Cabonne & District

• Hotrods/Restoration/Vintage vehicles • Motor bikes/boats and all marine vessels

0408 031 829

Ph: 6366 8208

(02) 6366 9010 e: javelin@telcomail.com.au

B-Double Livestock, Hay & General Freight Matt Knott

0428 986 164 knotttransport@gmail.com WATER BORES

OBLIGATION FREE QUOTE OVER 50 YEARS EXPERIENCE FULLY LICENCED & INSURED

(m)0468 962 162

14 Enterprise Place Molong NSW 2866 info@molongsmashrepairs.com.au

TREE SERVICES

MOTOR TRIMMING

Country Tree Services Garry Livingstone

• Arborist • Tree Felling • Trimming • Stump Grinding • Fully Insured • 30 years experience

0408 655 811 WELDING

CALL BRYAN OR CLIVE NOW ON

WELDING & FABRICATION FIXED & MOBILE PLANT MAINTENANCE MOBILE WELDING SERVICE

PROMPT, PROFESSIONAL & RELIABLE SERVICE

0409 041 659 email: srdwelding@bigpond.com

6366 5220

Quality Smash Repairs

• Insurance & Private Work • All vehicle makes & models • Custom work and paint

• Domestic • Rural • Commercial

TRANSPORT

Smash Repairs

WATER TANKS

Sam & Jacqui Duncan

MOLONG EXPRESS, Thursday 15 September 2022

CLASSIFIEDS

that work !

PHONE: 02 6366 8017 • Email: molongex@bigpond.net.au

POSITIONS VACANT

PUBLIC NOTICES

Cumnock Markets

Full Time positions available.

We are seeking outstanding individuals for the following positions: Welding Labourer General Labourer Our employees are the link to our company’s successful product line. We hire for attitude and train for skill. Honesty, integrity, and high ethical practices are expected. Our employees are the ultimate source of our business’s strength. Please refer to our website for full details and position description – www.davimacgroup.com.au Applications to be submitted with a covering letter and current resume by 07 October 2022 to: hr@davimac.com.au Attn: HR Manager 55 Wellington Street, Molong NSW 2866. Ph: 02 6366 8584 for further details.

Looking for a career in Local Government? Cabonne Council has the following positions vacant: • Department Leader Transport Infrastructure • Development Engineering Coordinator • Pool Lifeguard and Kiosk Attendant • Transport Delivery Coordinator • Transport Contracts Coordinator • Water and Waste Water Coordinator • Pool Administrator - Canowindra • Out of School Hours Care Assistant – Various Locations Please visit Council’s website at www. cabonne.nsw.gov.au to find information about these positions and to begin your application, for confidential enquiries please contact Council’s Leader of People & Culture, Glenn Meehan on 63923218 PO Box 17 MOLONG NSW 2866

B J Byrnes General Manager

at the Crossroads Park (next to Playground, main street)

SATURDAY

17 SEPTEMBER

Yeoval Central School

Village Green Bank Street Molong

Over the next few months we will be holding a number of events to celebrate our Craft Cottage's 50th Birthday

FRIDAY 21 OCTOBER

10 am to 3 PM Most Days

or until sold

Huge Plant Sale

Cobb & Co Coach House Presentation of Prizes to children from Molong Central and St Joseph’s Catholic Schools - Cottage Colouring Competition. All entries will be on show in Cottage and Coach House.

Members 50th Anniversarry Luncheon & Unveiling of 50th Anniversary Quilt

With 50th Anniversary Quilt On Display in Cobb & Co Coach House

Restricted Numbers - Book Early - Cost $27.50ea in advance. Ticket entry only.

SUNDAY 30 OCTOBER

“Vintage Crafts Revisited”

More Than 12 Amazing Vintage Crafts Of Yesteryear On the Village Green, Bank St, Molong Some of these beautiful items will be for sale

The Molong Express Shop 5, 1 Bank St (PO Box 38) Molong NSW 2866. Ph: (02) 6366 8017. Email: molongex@bigpond.net. au. Published each Thursday by Molong Publishing Pty Ltd. Paul Mullins (Prop.) Rozzi Smith (Editor). Letters to the Editor are encouraged and must include the writers name and address and daytime phone number. Some letters may need to be edited for space or legal reasons. Notice to Advertisers, Letter Writers & Readers. The publisher accepts no responsibility for any advertisement, notice or letter published . Any advertisement, notice or letter is published at the risk of the contributor who accepts liability for any intended publication. All such contributors, by forwarding advertisements, notices or letters, agree to indemnify the publisher and warrant that the material is accurate and is neither deceptive or misleading, in breach of copyright, defamatory or in breach of any other laws and regulations. Responsibility for election comment is taken by Paul Mullins

Manildra 9 am: TBA Molong 11 am: TBA Heather Woodhouse 63668218

Home-made cakes, jams, chutneys, Honey, Plants & lots of local market treasures

Are you feeling isolated? Judy’s Morning Tea Come along to The Saint’s Rest 73 Wellington St, Molong. Meet with locals and enjoy a cuppa. 1st Thursday of each month 10am - 12pm Next: Thursday 1 September Contact Judy: 0413 143 906

MOLONG COMMUNITY CHURCH We are back in our Building

Meeting Sunday mornings At the ‘REC’ Opp 1 Edward Street Time: From 10 am For more informationContact Deon 0498 659 703

SEEDLINGS FOR SPRING/ SUMMER

50th

TUESDAY 18 OCTOBER

Sunday 18 September

9 a.m. to 12 noon

The Molong Yarn Market

SATURDAY 8 OCTOBER to 15 OCT

UNITING CHURCH

Invitation

is seeking expressions of interest for Temporary School Learning Support Officers (Teachers Aides) to join our dynamic team. Please contact Yeoval Central School on 02 6846 4004 for further details. Applications will close 9am Friday 23 September 2022.

ANNIVERSARY 1972 - 2022

CHURCH NOTICES

MOLONG EXPRESS, Thursday 15 September 2022

Timing is right! Now available at the Express office (open on Friday, Sunday, Monday, Tuesday 10 am to 4 pm) and at this Saturday’s Cumnock Markets (9am - 12 noon) - available in singles and packs. Frost resistant ... bring beauty and colour to your home, gardens, pots with Petunias, Polyanthus, Carnations, Alyssum, Ranaculas, Nemesia, Bocopa’s, Stocks, ... and more. Tomato Seedlings/Herbs ready to grow in frost protected places/pots etc Vegie seedlings - available when frosts are finished - and ground/soil recovers from wet and cold season Aim for mid to late October for greater success (and more sun)! Rozzi, 0490734650 CRYPTIC CROSSWORD

Claim the date – 2022 Send your 2022 dates to molongexpress@bigpond.net.au

September

17 Cumnock Markets

13 Molong Probus 10am Bowling Club

20 Molong Hospital Auxiliary 4 pm

October

13 Molong Men’s Shed (AGM)

15 Molong Advancement Group 7pm RSL Club 17 Cumnock Markets 11 Molong Probus 10am Bowling Club

18 Molong Hospital Auxiliary 4 pm

November

7 Show Society General Meeting 7.00pm Molong Showground 3 Molong Men’s Shed QUICK CROSSWORD

Molong Bowls

Molong Golf

Margot

Sundays Pennants Well it turned out to be a fantastic sunny….. yes I did say sunny -Sunday for the final game of Pennants, with a good crowd attending. Amazing what a bright day can bring. The Molong 3’s which consists of 3 teams of 4 played Orange City. This was a fantastic game of 21 ends times 3 = 63 ends of bowls on 3 rinks. Molong held the advantage on the big board up until the last few ends. You could have cut the air with a knife on the last end. The winners were Orange City, defeating Molong 60-59. Well done Orange City who are winners of the Mens Pennants 3’s and good luck as you go further. The Molong 4’s which consists of 3 teams of 4 played Canowindra. There was lots of laughter and cheering from green 2 with this lot. Molong led from the beginning of the day and there was excitement from the Canowindra fellows when they finally won an end as they didn’t have to do a nudie run. Molong were winners on the day defeating Canowindra 74-47. Good luck to the Molong 4’s as they progress. A big thanks to our sponsors SHED WORLD for their continued support. Thanks to the lady bowlers for preparing the sandwiches for lunch. Big thanks to Macca and Narelle who had their work cut out with the greens, with over one and a half inches of rain on them, the bowlers said they were spot on. Good job McKenzies. Good to see Gossie over having a look and giving some sound advice to his team mates on how to bowl as well. His guidance didn’t do any good, so best stick

LANDMARK TABLELANDS LIVESTOCK

We offer Auction Plus assessments on both sheep and cattle. Direct paddock sales, over the hook rates, Weekly stock sales in Carcoar (CTLX), Forbes, Dubbo & Wagga saleyards. Contact one of our Landmark Tablelands Livestock team. Paul Glynn (Molong & surrounding districts) – 0428 168 638 CTLX CATTLE Tue 13 Sept Numbers fell by 240 for a yarding of 637. It was a good quality yarding with some good pens of young cattle ideal for the feeders along with some well finished young cattle to suit the processors. There were limited numbers of grown steers, good numbers of grown heifers and there were 85 cows yarded. The usual field of buyers were in attendance and operating. Young cattle to the processors were 8c dearer with prime vealers selling to 589c/kg. Prime steer yearlings sold from 530c to 556c, while the prime heifer yearlings sold from 470c to 555c/ kg. Feeder steers were 9c dearer while the feeder heifers were 4c cheaper. Feeder steers sold from 510c to 585c while the feeder heifers sold from 420c to 544c/kg. Young cattle to the restockers continue their upward trend with the young steers selling from 560c to 719c, while the young restocker heifers sold from 520c to 579c/ kg. The few grown steers were around firm while the grown heifers were 9c to 14c/kg dearer.

& Meat Raffle

NOW

5.45 pm

Euchareena Rd 0418 637 641

Prime grown steers sold from 463c to 479c, while the prime grown heifers sold from 441c to 490c/kg. Cows were firm with the 2 and 3 scores selling from 270c to 400c/kg. Prime heavy weight cows sold from 380c to 429c to average 408c/ kg. Heavy bulls sold to 360c/kg.

The fairways at the Royal Molong golf course were the wettest I’ve seen them and there were water hazards on the greens as well but we managed to play nine holes. We only had five players and played an ambrose event with Al, Matt and Michael in one team and Bro and myself in the other. It was good to see Michael Philpott having a hit with us. It’s been a while since he played but he hit some good shots. It was all very even. Bro and I got a shot ahead, they came back even and then got ahead. Ged joined us on the sixth to make it two teams of three. On the eighth Ged hit a great tee shot and followed it up with a second shot to the edge of the green. Two putts for a par squared things up and then we got a shot ahead on the ninth to pip them by one. There was also a stick (golf club) throwing episode by a particular player after a poor shot oﬀ the ninth tee but only in jest. Thanks to Ged for cooking the bbq. On the professional golf circuit three of the four “major” golf tournaments are played in America. Two of the “majors” alternate between diﬀerent courses whereas the “Masters” is always played at

Augusta National in the state of Georgia. The theme for this event is “the tradition continues”. Well at Royal Molong we have a couple of “the tradition continues” occurrences. The first one is it’s traditional that at least one player puts their ball over the fence oﬀ the seventh tee. This week it was Matt, again. The second traditional occurrence is that one player will hit the low hanging branch in front of the eighth tee. This tradition was upheld by Michael on Sunday. There is always a lot of banter about the low hanging branch when players are teeing oﬀ. Stubba and Bell have being doing their research and discovered that the average golfer walks about 900 miles a year. They also discovered that on average golfers drink around 22 gallons of alcohol a year (Stubba must be above average haha). This means, on average, golfers get about 41 miles to the gallon. With those sort of stats Stubba thinks this makes him feel almost like a hybrid. With the Molong Show having been cancelled golf will again be played on Sunday weather permitting, 8.30am for 9am.

CTLX SHEEP 31 August Numbers lifted by 1,250 for a yarding of 6,300 lambs. It was a mixed yarding with some good runs of heavy weight along with odd pens of trade weights and there were still the expected numbers of lambs showing the effects of the winter. There were also a few pens of new season lambs as well as a large consignment of Merino wether lambs in from the Wellington district. Trade lambs were $12 to $16 cheaper selling from $105 to $173/head. Trade weight new season lambs sold from $170 to $192/head. Heavy weight lambs were $17 cheaper with the lambs over 24kg selling from $163 to $238/head. Merino lambs were up to $5 cheaper with trade weights selling from $105 to $139/head. A large portion of the Wellington Merino wether lambs sold to the restockers for $115 and $129/head. Crossbred lambs to the restockers were $5 cheaper selling from $78 to $132/head. Hoggets were $3 cheaper selling to $166/head. It was a mostly good quality yarding of 2100 mutton where the lightweight ewes were $5 to $8 cheaper, and the heavy weights were $7/ head dearer. Merino ewes sold from $85 to $166 while crossbred ewes sold from $92 to $169/ head. Merino wethers sold from $127 to $153/ head. The restockers paid $116 and $120/head for Merino wethers.

It’s your club!

Saturday Night

MOLONG BOWLING CLUB Saturday

Night Badge Draw

to drinking beers and keeping your advice to yourself Gossie. The Members draw of $725 didn’t go off on Saturday night. Commiserations to Sharon. There was a good crowd there, with 3 meat raffles up for grabs, going to 3 very happy families. If you are a member of the club, come along on Saturday night. This Saturday will be $750.00. The draw is at 5.45pm, with meat tray raffles drawn straight after the badge draw. Happy hour is also on from 4.30pm-6pm with $5 schooners. BRAG BOWLS IS BACK- commencing the first Friday after the long weekend. Get your teams of 3 entered in for this fun comp. The cost is $10 per person, this includes green fees and BBQ sandwich after the game. This is a very social, fun event, you are always guaranteed a good laugh. To nominate please ring Bron Trethowan on 0428 668 717 or Margot Brown 0427 261 037 or put your teams name down at the club or Luke at the Newsagency. If you just want to have a roll up occasionally, put your name down as a fill in. There will also be the Club bus to pick you up for $5 if needed. This is a great service and appreciated by all players. We have had a few teams nominated already which is good. The lady’s Presidents Day is on Saturday 24th September. President Janelle is looking forward to the day and is hoping for some lovely spring weather like the men had on Sunday. If you feel like a roll up, every Wednesday at 2pm the greens are there for social bowls.

Gerard

Happy hour prices 4.30 - 6pm

Now on Tap

Badge Draw

New Time: 5.45pm Meat tray raffles WEDNESDAY SOCIAL BOWLS 2 pm every Week Everyone welcome MON: 4 pm close TUES: Closed WED: 1 pm to close THU: Closed

FRI: 4 pm to close SAT: 4 pm - close SUN: 4 pm - close (earlier open if scheduled bowls is on)

22-24 RIDDELL ST MOLONG

P: 6366 8105

e:admin@molongrsl.com.au

BISTRO

LUNCH : Wed 12 - 2 Sun 12 - 2.30 DINNER : Wed - Sat 5.30-8.30

Great specials and a menu to suit everyone. BAR: Mon Tues 3.00 - 9.00 WED 11.30 - BISTRO Wed 12.30-2.00 9.00 THU 12.00 - 10.00 FRI 12.00 - 11.00 & 5.30-8.30 Thu, Fri, Sat 5.30-8.30 SUN 12-2.30 SAT 11.00 - 10.00 SUN 11.00 - 8.00

MOLONG EXPRESS, Thursday 15 September 2022

AUCTION

AUCTION 57 Pilcher Road, Spring Terrace “Eagle Farm” 172ha* (425ac*) of idyllic lifestyle land, 20km* from Orange with sealed road access and a dwelling entitlement.12 paddocks, rich fertile, basalt, open country with shade & shelter. Exceptional pasture. Excellent water with 8 dams, reliable rainfall, frontage to Flyers Creek & a bore site.

Auction Friday 23rd September, 10.30am Open By Appointment Kurt Adams 0428 747 050

72 Cudal Street, Manildra

Situated in Manildra and on the banks of the Mandagery Creek. This original 3-bedroom home is on a decent 695sqm* block and will tick the box for those looking for affordable space. • Spacious living areas, with a wood fire in the family room. A large, drive through single garage

Auction Friday 7th October, 10.30am Open Saturday 17th September, 10.30am - 11am James Taylor 0457 792 800

SALE

AUCTION 410 Moorilda Road, Barry “Fairview” is located in the historic Moorilda district, first settled in the 1820’s. Known for its high rainfall & carrying capacity, “Fairview” is a quality grazing property on 177 acres*. The soft rolling country has a stunning northerly aspect & outlook extending to Mt Canobolas.

Auction Friday 23rd September, 10.30am Open By Appointment Ben Redfern 0457 770 062

760 Tallwood Road, Forest Reefs

“Wilkens Estate” 60.06 hectares* just 10minutes* to Millthorpe, an ideal location known for its relaxed lifestyle, high rainfall & productive soils. 3-bedroom, 1-bath cottage w/ a wood fire & reverse A/C + building entitlement. Shed with workshop, hay shed, steel yards with crush & loading ramp.

Sale Contact Agent Open By Appointment Kurt Adams 0428 747 050

Ray White Emms Mooney

34 Bank Street Molong NSW raywhiteemc.com 02 6366 9606 16

MOLONG EXPRESS, Thursday 15 September 2022