Rural Bank Livestock and Rural Property Finance Seminar
• The team from KMWL and Ray White Rural - Tom Tyson, Luke Whitty and far right Ian Simpson are working with Ron McLead (centre right) to provide quality Rural Bank banking services with rural expertise.
On Thursday the 1st of September Rural Bank held a Livestock and Rural Property Finance Seminar at the Condobolin RSL.
The session introduced residents to Rural Bank, looking at who they are as an Australian owned and operated company, and a wholly owned subsidiary of Bendigo Bank and Adelaide Bank.
Rural Bank was founded to specifically service the needs of the rural community providing banking products and services catering to the needs of the agricultural sector.
Local Representative for Rural Bank, Ron McLeod, said that of interest for Condobolin residents were the term loans and seasonal finance products.
Originally from Central NSW, Ron has more than 30 years experience in rural finance and can certainly claim a local touch when dealing with these matters. He also has a local connection through the Condobolin real estate agency, Ray White.
Rural Bank and Ray White Rural have teamed together in a partnership to deliver advice and financial solutions designed to meet specific requirements of Australian Agribusiness.
In your local area that’s with the longstanding agency of Kevin Miller Whitty Lennon & Co – Ray White Rural Condobolin, Forbes and Parkes.
People can contact any of the friendly staff from KMWL – Ray white Rural and they will pass on your details for me to contact them or they can contact me direct on 0409 229 590 or on e-mail ron.mcleod@ruralbank.com.au
Ron said, “Our team can provide you with the important conversations you want to have so talk to us about your business and your property plans.”
Unholster your hotdogs, JanRay’s in town
ADVERTORIAL
Many Condobolinite’s will remember the days of Morgan’s Cafe in Bathurst Street.
For a while now, that friendly little café we all knew and loved has been sitting in our main street empty and unused.
Recently however, it was given a new face and opened last Tuesday by Tammy Staines and John (Buzz) Buswell of Condobolin as JanRay’s.
It has always been Tammy’s dream to one day own a cafe, and after 20 years in the mining industry, John was looking for a new direction and a challenge.
So when the opportunity arose to obtain the premises that was once Morgan’s Cafe, the pair grabbed it with both hands.
Buzz says that so far they have had nothing but positivity and support from the community in their new business venture.
“We have had 98% positive feedback. It is still a learning curve, so that remaining 2% of constructive criticism we have taken on and used to improve our service; we are always open to feedback” says Buzz.
“We just want to provide Condobolin with a friendly, homely, community minded atmosphere with great food and coffee” he said.
And whilst on the subject of community mindedness, JanRay’s is offering one of their front windows to any community groups and events that would like to create a display to promote themselves.
So drop in to JanRay’s on Bathurst Street and try their gourmet hotdogs, delicious baked potatoes on Thursdays and Fridays, and I can personally vouch for their scallops and thickshakes.
A passion for painting
ADVERTORIAL
As a second generation painter with over forty year’s experience, Graham Byrne knows a thing or two about his trade.
Based in West Wyalong, Graham said he was always willing to travel to for a job, and examples of his work could be seen throughout the region.
“I did the house of the Principal at Condobolin High last year, as well as the high school itself some time ago,” he said.
“I’ve also done the post offices in Cootamundra and Young, as well as the Catholic Church in West Wyalong.
“I regularly do jobs in Tullibigeal, Lake Cargelligo and Ungarie as well, so for me it’s basically a case of going where there’s work.”
Graham said he offered quality guaranteed work and was more than happy to provide free quotes and free advice.
“I’m more than willing to help out if the owner’s having some trouble picking a colour scheme for the project,” he said.
“I can basically help by giving input on any issues associated with painting; you get to know your stuff after a lifetime in the business.
“I do interior and exterior work as well as any sort of commercial projects.”
Graham can be contacted on his mobile on 0427297393 or at home on 02 69723863.
Free Cuppa for the Driver campaign shifts up a gear
By Dominic Geiger
The success of the ‘Free Cuppa for the Driver’ campaign will see the initiative expand well beyond the borders of Forbes, Parkes and Lachlan Shires when it is reintroduced in Easter next year.
The campaign, which was first run last Christmas holidays, invites participating businesses to offer free cups of coffee or tea to drivers passing through town with the aim of combating driver fatigue in rural areas.
Speaking at the recent Lachlan Shire Council meeting, Road Safety Officer for the Forbes, Parkes and Lachlan Shires, Melanie Suitor, said businesses as far north as Moree would now be asked to participate.
“It was an interesting campaign and we learnt a lot from it,” she said.
“We had about 75 people who took part in the project fill out feedback forms and who also went into the draw to win various prizes.
“The feedback we received from businesses was that summer was too hot for people to want coffee or tea, so that’s why we’ve moved it to the Easter holidays this time.”
Melanie said the campaign also offered businesses a chance to promote themselves.
“We’ll be creating posters and stickers as well as erecting banners at the entrances to towns to help raise awareness about the scheme,” she said.
“We’ll also cross promote towns through tourism information centres and caravan parks.”
In Condobolin, approximately five businesses took part in the campaign last Christmas.
Angela Coceancic, from participating business Nolls Bakery, said she found very few people actually asked for the free cuppa, despite having promotional posters on the windows of the bakery.
“We found we offered the drinks more often than the customers asked for them,” she said.
“People were very appreciative, but it seems if people actually want coffee, they’re going to pay for it rather than be looking for something for free.”
Moogenilla bull sale
Condobolins “Moogenilla Angus Stud” will be offering 50 Bulls at auction in Forbes on Friday the 5th August.
“This will be our second auction in Forbes after 20 years of selling on farm north of Condobolin” Sarah Wrigley of Moogenilla said.
Last year’s auction saw a total clearance, partly due to a terrific season driving the demand for bulls.
“It gave our existing clients a chance to inspect all our best bulls at once, and introduced some new clients from further east.
“This year we will offer more bulls, and are expecting to have a higher number of affordable options for local breeders to choose from” she said.
The Moogenilla herd has recently been benchmarked in the top 5% of all Angus herds for the CAAB $Index in a TakeStock Report commissioned by Angus Australia.
“We use the TakeStock Report to check all our breeding objectives are being met, and to see how we’re travelling compared to other breeders. We’re really pleased with the recent report.
“Moogenilla is above average in all areas, with excellent results in Growth, Marbling and Eye Muscle Area.
“We will continue to focus on growth, to ensure maximum weight in all our client’s calves, and we are continuing to aim to supply the best genetics in the world at commercially viable prices to beef producers” she said.
Pictured right is Brett Stockman who has been weighing Moogenilla calves this week. Brett moved to Condobolin from Tarcutta in June to take up a position with the Moogenilla cattle and cropping program. Brett is already enjoying the wide open spaces Condobolin offers, and is looking forward to settling into our community.
Michael Timmins writes a bush script
The nationally circulating magazine, Australian Pharmacist, has selected Condobolin’s own Michael Timmins to help tell the story of how pharmacy has changed in regional Australia over the past 50 years.
The article, which will be released in a month’s time, will chronicle the changes Michael has experienced in his profession since arriving in Condobolin in 1969.
Coincidentally, the release of the article comes at a time when Shortis and Timmins Pharmacy is welcoming a new fully qualified pharmacist to their ranks with Ashleigh Marsden-Smedley receiving her official pharmacy practising documents last Thursday.
Win your honeymoon
ADVERTORIAL
The retirement of Bob and Erica Kuhn is not the only change the Condobolin Swiss Watch Centre has undergone recently.
A few weeks ago, the Kuhns handed over the reins of their jewellery business to their son Peter.
Peter and wife Leanne used this change as an opportunity to make a few more adjustments.
A new floor, new counters and a paint job have certainly brightened up the place and given it a fresh appearance.
Peter says he couldn’t have done it without the help from staff and very special friends and family.
Peter is very enthusiastic about taking over his family’s jewellery business and wants to ensure his customers that Condobolin Swiss Watch Centre will “continue to give great service and value for money”.
Peter would also like to let customers know about a great competition he currently has running.
Buy any set of wedding rings at the Condobolin Swiss Watch Centre and you can go into the draw to win a honeymoon in Fiji.
And with Peters help, you are sure to find those perfect rings for your special day.
“We can compete with any of the big chains on quality and price due to the buying power of Showcase Jewellers of which we are a member” he said.
“We also specially source diamonds for engagement rings to get that perfect ring and the best possible deal for you”.
For more information on the competition, or for any help with your jewellery needs, drop into the Condobolin Swiss Watch Centre and see Peter.
Paul Riley Electrics – July business of the month
Professional, reliable and available are three words most would want to associate with an electrician.
Paul Riley is one of the rare few who do indeed fit this description.
This is exactly why The Condobolin Argus has chosen Paul to kick off our business of the month promotion for July.
Paul has had six years experience in the electrical industry and does all general electrical work and maintenance from small domestic to large industrial jobs.
The Argus has had some great feedback about Paul’s services from happy customers including;
“He’s reliable. If he says he is going to be there he will be”.
“He cleans up after a job. There’s nothing worse than being left with a big mess after you’ve had an electrician come to your house”.
Paul has also recently taken a new apprentice under his wing: Anthony Toohey of Eugowra.
Anthony plans to continue working in the business after finishing his apprenticeship with Paul so you can expect to see a lot more of him around.
And as part of our promotion, for the month of July only, mention to Paul that he is the Argus business of the month, and you can receive a 9KW Panasonic inverter split system, fully installed for the incredible discounted price of just $3500.
Quality on display
Upon walking through the front door of your local Condobolin Butchers, you will now be greeted with a bigger and better view sure to tantalise the taste buds.
Daryl’s beautifully presented mouth watering cuts of meat and other selections in the new gourmet range are enough to make even the least avid of meat eaters lick their chops.
Condo Quality Meats have recently upgraded their display by installing two new meat cabinets at the front of the shop.
Rather than working solely on cold plates, the new cabinets refrigerate the air within allowing for more efficient temperature control of the meat on display.
Condo Quality meats is also exploring a new avenue with a range of gourmet easy meals.
These delectable treats are so simple to cook; all the hard work is done for you.
The range includes lamb rumps, rounds and noisettes, tuckerbags, chicken and bacon rolls and the new ingenious addition, gladiators.
These delicious tender garlic steaks wrapped in a crisp flaky pastry topped with parsley go perfectly with a side of creamy mashed potato and fresh green beans.
Daryl has also recently introduced two new staff members to his team; Tess D’Arro and Des Barwick.
So pop into Condo Quality Meets to see the great range of goodies they have in their bigger and better display.
The only problem you’ll have is deciding what you want.
Horses need shoes too
Advertorial
Most people will agree that holding up the leg of a several hundred kilogram horse while you upgrade its footwear is not the easiest job in the world.
But according to local farrier Graham (Spud) Whiley, maintaining a horse’s feet is one of the most important aspects of owning one.
Spud began farrier work 13 years ago after a problem with one of his own horses hooves sparked an interest in learning how to treat such cases.
He then enrolled in a three year farrier and blacksmith course at Scone in NSW, which involved extensive study of horse anatomy and hoof function as well as lameness problems and corrective shoeing.
Spud also had the opportunity to work alongside vets where he has learned to interpret scans and x-rays as well to correspond with vets and chiropractors.
With a family that has been involved in Pony Club for many years, Spud has had a vast amount of experience with horses and this shows in his calm and confident manner when handling them.
Spud works with horses of all shapes and sizes and is happy to travel to do so.
He currently travels to clients in Parkes, Forbes, Tottenham, Trundle, Tullamore and Lake Cargelligo.
You can make an appointment with Spud by giving him a call on 0427 480 325 or 02 6896 2210.
RSL’s new Bistro opens
The Condobolin RSL bistro will reopen today under new ownership.
Featuring a Chinese variety menu, new restaurateur David Lau said he was thrilled to have the chance to supply good local service for customers.
“Today we will be featuring normal deals as well as seven dollar lunch specials which alternate throughout the week,” he said.
“Every Friday night we will feature all you can eat banquettes at $16 per adult and $12 for children under 16.”
David said he has over twenty years experience working in Chinese restaurants.
“I started in Mt Druitt where I ran a restaurant for four years,” he said.
“From there I went to Springwood in the Blue Mountains where I worked in friend’s shop for 18 years.
“Most recently I worked in Trundle for three years, so I feel as though I already know a lot of the people around here.”
New hairdresser has roots in Condobolin
By Dominic Geiger
Annie Ryan has returned to the place her hairdressing career began.
Having done work experience at Leanne’s Hairdressing on Bathurst Street during the early 1980s, Annie left Condobolin to pursue her career in Sydney.
Now, after more than twenty-one years away, Annie has made the decision to return home to Condobolin with her young family.
“My husband Craig and I have a little one who’s two and a half and we’re looking forward to giving him a simple country upbringing,” she said.
“It will also be good for him to be able to spend time with his grandparents, who live in Condobolin.”
Following her Sydney apprenticeship, Annie moved to Bathurst for twelve years and then to the South Coast for nine.
“On the South Coast Craig and I managed a pub, but I maintained the hairdressing work,” she said.
Annie said after such a long time away, she couldn’t wait to once again work at Leanne’s.
“To start with I’ll be working three days a week; Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday.
“I really love doing the young, modern guys’ haircut styles, but I enjoy all facets of hairdressing.
“I’m really looking forward to working with Leanne as well; it’s going to be great.”
Annie begins work today, Wednesday June 22 and has already begun taking appointments.
Erika and Bob Kuhn retire
By Dominic Geiger
After 43 years serving the Condobolin community at Condobolin Swiss Watch Centre, Bob and Erika Kuhn have decided to call it a day.
Their son, Peter Kuhn, will be taking over the reins and continuing the business.
Bob and Erika said they wanted to thank all their customers who had supported them over the past 43 years.
“We first opened shop in Condobolin on the October long weekend of 1968,” Bob said.
“We were on the other side of the street to begin with, in the building beside the pizza shop, but we were burnt out in a fire in 1980.
“We then had to find another place so we purchased [the current shop] and we’ve been here ever since.”
Bob said far from leaving the industry altogether, he would continue to repair clocks from home and both he and Erika would help Peter with the running of the shop from time to time.
“Peter was an apprentice here, this is where he learned his trade, and he then went to Sydney to work at Seiko,” he said.
Bob said he couldn’t imagine having spent the past 43 years any other way.
“I am a watch maker; it is what I was trained in,” he said.“Erika and I wish Peter all the success for the future.”
The Condobolin Swiss Watch Centre will also be holding a ‘Genuine Pre Stocktale Sale” from June 20 to June 30 with 20-80% selected stock.
The Centre will close at 5:30pm on June 30 and reopen July 4 2011.
Vandals attack family and community services
By Dominic Geiger
Yet another spate of senseless vandalism has struck Condobolin over the weekend with local police receiving reports of smashed windows, scratched cars and damaged council facilities.
At least six businesses on Bathurst Street had their windows smashed or cracked, with owners discovering the damage on both Sunday and Monday morning.
One of the luckier businesses was left with only a footprint on their front door, suggesting the perpetrator was kicking the shop fronts as he or she travelled down Bathurst Street.
Owner of Happy Daze, Shirley Bell, said she was appalled someone would attack her store for no reason.
“What can you do about it?” she said.
“Until something serious is done, this [vandalism] isn’t going to stop.
“They should catch [whoever] did this, make them serve time or make them pay for the repairs.
“If it’s a juvenile, the parents should be made to pay the bill.”
A spokesperson for Condobolin Police called on any members of the community with information about the incident to contact the Condobolin Police Station.
The vandalism on the main street coincided with a malicious attack on a car belonging to the owner of Condobolin Newsagency, Lorraine L’Estrange.
Lorraine’s car was vandalised multiple times, leaving deep scratches across the rear of the vehicle.
“The perpetrator has entered private property to wantonly damage the car,” Lorraine said.
“It was clearly someone who was very angry.”
Loraine has offered a reward of $500 for anyone who can provide information leading to the conviction of the person responsible for the damage.
Lachlan Shire Council announced earlier this year that funding had been allocated to install three surveillance cameras in the main street of Condobolin.
General Manager of Lachlan Shire Council, George Cowan, said at this stage it was likely the cameras would be installed by the end of the year.
“We still need to meet with shopkeepers and police to discuss actual sightings for the cameras,” he said.
“We will be calling for tenders for the cameras in the coming weeks.”
George said a cubicle door in the public toilets on Bathurst Street had also been ripped off its hinges over the weekend.
“There are elements in our community that are destructive,” he said.
“We have a certain amount of money available to install surveillance cameras and we encourage shopkeepers to take advantage of this and to possibly make contributions [for the project].”
More funding for Condobolin Skatepark Committee
By Dominic Geiger
Progress Printing has recently made a donation of $1,460 to the Condobolin Skatepark Committee.
The grant is the result of a decision to contribute 10% of the proceeds from Progress Printing’s 2011-2012 Community and Business Directory to a suitable community project.
Helen Barrass, Marketing Coordinator for Progress Printing, said the organisation would continue to nominate different community organisations to benefit from sales of the business directory over the coming years.
“Next year it might be a different project,” she said.
“Hopefully the skatepark is built by then.
“Obviously (choosing the site) has been a bit contentious and the project needs to go through the necessary processes to see what the community wants.”
Helen said she believed the skatepark would eventually have an incredibly positive impact on the town’s young people.
“It’s a good project and will keep the youth occupied,” she said.
“Condobolin’s produced some athletes over the years that have gone all the way to the top; so this skatepark will be good for the town I’m sure.
“The project needs to be community driven; the community needs to get involved in it.”
Biggest Morning Tea
Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea celebrations were held across Condobolin last week, with an impressive number of different local organisations raising funds for Cancer Council Australia with a selection of delicious mid morning snacks.
First off the mark on Tuesday May 24 was the CWA at the Western Plains Regional Development Office.
All the usual morning tea treats were on offer and a raffle was drawn with 100% of the proceeds going to the Cancer Council.
$350 was raised at the event and four different people took home raffle prizes.
Wednesday May 25 saw Lindy Hall at Condo Clothing bring along homemade lamingtons and providing cups of tea for a gold coin donation.
The total amount raised for the day was $221, which included Lindy contributing $5 of every item purchased in the store on the day to the Cancer Council.
“It’s something simple for a great cause,” Lindy said.
Thursday May 26 saw a whole host of organisations offering morning tea around town, with Cafe Romo raising around $700 and offering an incredible selection of cakes and slices to all those who made a donation.
At The Condobolin Aboriginal Health Service’s morning tea, approximately $220 was raised with staff and members of the public enjoying an array of sweets in the organisation’s meeting room.
Thursday also saw the Condobolin Tennis Club, Condobolin High School and Quota having morning teas of their own.
Quota raised an outstanding $710 with 78 morning teas being served and Beatrice Hamilton winning the raffle.
The Tennis Club raised $440 and the high school raised $162.50.
Wrapping up celebrations for the week on Sunday was Happy Daze Coffee Lounge with a morning tea, raffles and giveaways and a grand total of approximately $500 being raised.
A big congratulation also goes to all the other organisations around town not mentioned in this article, and a big thumbs up to everyone who donated to such a worthy cause.
Fashion trends for winter
By Rowena Wald
I believe that “fashion” is in the way you wear an item of clothing, be it a 30 year old winter coat that belonged to your mother in the 70’s, or a pearl necklace that belonged to your great grand-mother.
Having said that, there are a few things that I look for every season when buying for The White Picket Store these top three things being versatility, point of difference and off course quality made garments from Australian designers who are at the forefront of the Australian fashion industry.
This Winter 11 was no exception. For this season you will see that lace, leather, silk and wool have featured heavily in all collections. There has been a minimalist approach to the style of the garment using beautiful base colours like airforce blue, khaki, oatmeal, taupe, nude, cream, grey and off course no collection would be complete without black. If you can or want to wear brights then go for some bold print and wear it with a pair of long beautiful leather boots or shoes and a woollen coat.
The philosophy for the season is to match and layer different fabrics. A beautiful leather jacket with a silk or lace tunic top/dress and leggings for a day to night look. For a casual daytime look, go for a good pair of jeans in any colour of denim. I believe dark denim is always more flattering, team it up with a gorgeous long sleeve cotton tee or a Bellissima and some sumptuous wool. If colour is what you like then go mad with a bright scarf (the must accessory still) and lots of lovely jewellery. The winter coat is very much on the must buy for this winter. The trench is still very ‘en vogue’ but so is the military style coat and the leather jacket has definitely made a comeback this season.
I love a dress and this winter there are lots of dresses and tunics which can be teamed up with leggings or tights. Find a shape that flatters your body and enjoy the easiness of it all. If you are not sure then try on a few different shapes – don’t ever discount a dress for the way it looks on the hanger it’s really not the best way to judge.
The main thing with fashion is to invest in some good pieces for each season. For me this year it’s a lovely long-line cardigan, a good winter coat, a couple of lovely dresses and tops, black pants, leggings and my basic layering pieces. Build your wardrobe around your favourites for the season you’ll be surprised how many times you can re-invent a good piece.
Renewing the Condobolin’s Renown
By Jessica Symonds and Dominic Geiger
Condobolin’s Renown Theatre has been lamenting on Bathurst Street for quite some time now, gathering dust and cobwebs (and probably a lot of pigeon poop) behind its firmly locked doors. In fact, you’d be hard pressed to find someone who’s been inside the complex in the last 20 years. The ageing theatre is once again in the spotlight however, with local drama and singing teacher Hannah Symonds hoping to turn it into the entertainment hub of Condobolin. There’s one problem though: no one seems to know where the current owner might be.
And that’s not without trying; Hannah will gladly tell you about the hours she’s spent searching for the owner, who is said to reside somewhere east of the Blue Mountains, perhaps in Sydney or Wollongong. Either way, the difficulty contacting him is ultimately delaying plans to make an offer of acquisition for the building.
The history of the Renown Theatre is surprisingly exciting given its now ruinous appearance. Mr Bassett had the Grand Central Hall (as the Renown was then known) built in 1914, and, according to Fay Boys of the Condobolin Historical Society, it was “one of the finest of its kind outside of Sydney.” It was fitted with dressing rooms used by travelling theatre companies, as well as local theatre professionals and other community groups. It was used for ANZAC Day celebrations, receptions for returning Diggers, balls, charity events, concerts, and even skating. The hall seated around 1000 patrons, and 150 couples in the adjoining “Supper Room”. After some time, the Grand Central Hall was converted into the Central Theatre.
Along with the open air Aussie Theatre, the Central Theatre was taken over in 1946 by Emmanuel Fatseas. The Central became the Renown in 1955, while the Aussie was demolished in 1967 after its license was surrendered in 1966. The Renown then came under the control of Fatseas Enterprises Pty. Ltd. in 1967, shortly before Emmanuel Fatseas passed away in 1968. The theatre was then left to Emmanuel’s two sons, who continued to run the business for some time before the building was eventually decommissioned.
Fay Boys said the closing of the theatre was due to a culmination of things.
“With the advent of television, and then video, people just didn’t go to the movies very much,” she said.
Hannah Symonds said she hopes if she is able to reopen the theatre, the community will be able to use it for a variety of activities.
“To reopen the theatre would provide the community with a great source of business, as well as entertainment, and plans for its use would not be limited to cinema,” she said.
“Re-opening the milk bar, opening a restaurant and conducting drama classes are just some of the things that have been suggested by members of the community.
“Local youth organisations also have plans to use the building to attract people to their programs.
“The building has the potential to become the social hub of the town, and would be available for public use.”
If anyone has contact with the owner of the building, or wishes to support the project and the resurrection of the theatre, please contact Hannah Symonds on 0423567037, or join the Facebook page for the Condobolin Community Theatre Company.