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May 6, 2024 By Peter Holmes A teen has been charged following an investigation into multiple alleged break and enters in the state’s Central West. "Officers attached to Central West Police District commenced an investigation following reports of multiple alleged break and enters at homes in the Orange and Bathurst areas between Friday 19 April 2024 and Tuesday 23 April 2024, where cars were allegedly stolen," NSW Police said. Police will allege the stolen vehicles, including a Volkswagen Amarok, Toyota Tarago, Ford Ranger, Ford Falcon and Mercedes, were involved in a number of pursuits throughout the Orange area. "Following inquiries, about 10.30am on Friday 3 May 2024, police arrested a 16-year-old boy at Orange Local Court and [he was] taken to Orange Police Station, where he was charged with four counts of be carried in conveyance taken without consent of owner," police said. The teen was granted conditional bail to appear at a children’s court on Thursday May 23, 2024. MORE NEWS ... Teen "disguised" during robbery in Orange, police allege Owners says Summer Street hotel will go ahead, but plans being tweaked after construction costs soar 12:30am bail visit in Orange leads to arrest of teenage boys aged 14, 15 and 16 Bloomfield supermarket back on the agenda after 2020 rejection by councillors Owner will "limit" bookings if Orange farmstay DA is approved New 82-seat FIFO charter flight landing in Orange weekly UPDATED: Man charged with murder to appear in Orange Local Court Grand plans for seniors’ hostel in Orange, with swimming pool, gym and clubhouse New toilet blocks for Lake Canobolas + Dredge sucking up a metre of Orange pond sludge Apology to Uncle Neil Ingram

March 25, 2024 By Peter Holmes At times, Orange has a problem with motor vehicle theft (followed by arson), break and enters, and bored, wayward and/or damaged youth. It’s not unusual for the same crime to involve all three. It ebbs and flows with the seasons. When warm weather and school holidays coincide, crime can spike. In February 2023 we reported that a two-week “crime wave”, including home break-ins and stolen cars being burnt-out, occurred after one young person was released from custody. Chief inspector Peter Atkins told Orange City Council’s Community Safety and Crime Prevention committee at the time that there were six burnt-out vehicles and 31 home break-ins in Orange in October 2022. He said the subsequent arrest of that person was likely the reason behind crime rates immediately dropping in November 2022. In July 2023 The Orange News Examiner reported that Orange police believed 14 juveniles, including two repeat offenders, had caused 50 percent of the crime in the area in the three months from March to May 2023. Chief inspector David Maher’s report to an Orange council committee at the time said the offences included aggravated break and enter and vehicle theft, stealing and malicious damage, and traffic, domestic violence and street-related offences. We published a story last week about Orange’s crime rates per capita being higher than Bathurst in almost all categories. Orange is a place to which people from further west in the state migrate. Temporarily. Permanently. On and off. Come and go. It is a hub for medical services - including mental health, cardiology, drug rehab - and a place where magistrates from other locales may send kids to live with relatives. It is fair to assume that the NSW government’s new bail laws will see more of our young people locked up in coming months and years. For some, this news will be sweet relief. They believe if you keep locking children up they will eventually get the message and become law-abiding citizens who contribute to society. And if they don’t they will stay locked up. Others argue that while this might satisfy a lust for revenge, it will ultimately cause more damage than it alleviates, as children aged 14 to 17 enter the juvenile justice system. The changes to the Bail Act mean there is now an extra test for 14-to-17-year-olds charged with committing serious break and enter and motor vehicle theft offences while on bail for the same offences. For a young person to be granted bail in these circumstances, judges, magistrates and police will need a “high degree of confidence” that the young person would not commit a serious indictable offence while on bail. You can assume that not many police would be willing to give that assurance. What of the beaks? Bathurst based NSW upper house MP Sam Farraway told The Orange News Examiner that while the Liberals and Nationals backed Labor’s new bail laws, they weren’t tough enough. “We welcome the government doing anything on regional crime, if that includes the Crime and Bail Act and those amendments, that is something we didn’t oppose, but we tried to move a lot of amendments and the government would have a bar of it.” Those amendments included broadening the number of specific crimes to be included, and requiring crime stats to be compiled relating specifially to the demographics involved. Farraway said the new laws had “a few loopholes”. “It is a step forward, but it’s very watered down on bits and pieces around 10 to 14-year-olds. They’re the ones that we need to get in there and they need to know the consequences.” He backed the Regional Crime Inquiry, but said “it’s also been watered down”. Lower house MPs for Orange, Phil Donato, and Bathurst, Paul Toole, will sit on the inquiry, but Farraway said an upper house inquiry would have had more teeth. Asked if the new bail laws would strike a balance between the community feeling safer, and young people being given the best chance to rehabilitate, Farraway said: “Yes and no. You’re not going to get one single element that’s going to fix regional crime. I think the community needs to have their say, they need to be able to get their experiences and their criticisms off their chest.” Independent MP for Orange, Phil Donato, described the new bail laws as “about right”. He pointed out that there “has always been judicial discretion” in terms of refusing bail, but said one inexperienced magistrate in a town further west had been too lenient, and “the whole thing got out of control”. He said that if police did not have a “high degree of confidence” that the child would not commit the same level of serious crime if bailed, they would request bail be refused. The matter could then go to a judge or a magistrate, who would have to have that same degree of confidence. Donato said “no society wants to lock up its children” but that the public had a right to feel safe. He referred to people in Orange who had been the victims of home invasions. The Orange News Examiner has spoken to numerous people who have been robbed while they were at home. He said it’s likely that those who will have bail refused will be young offenders for whom diversionary programs and other community outreach have not been successful. He conceded that there was a risk that refusing bail more often might mean young people “get used to incarceration and learn things from other crooks in the institution, but it’s rarely going to be some 15-year-old who’s never been in trouble with the police before”. “They will be people who’ve been through the cautions, through the conferences [with victims], through the diversionary programs,” said Donato. “Sometimes those things just don’t work. They usually have a lengthy criminal history, and these are serious crimes that are being committed, with sentences up to 14 years.” On March 17, 2024, the Aboriginal Legal Service released an open letter to the Minns government. It had been signed by 61 groups, including the NSW Aboriginal Land Council, the Justice Reform Initiative, Redfern Legal Centre, Australian Lawyers for Human Rights, First Peoples Disability Network, AbSec - NSW Child, Family and Community Peak Aboriginal Corporation, Central Tablelands and Blue Mountains Community Legal Centre, North Australian Aboriginal Justice Agency, Sydney Institute of Criminology, Australian Research Alliance for Children and Youth, and Save the Children. “Throwing more children in jail will make crime worse in regional communities, not better,” they said. “Throwing more children in jail will lead to horrific outcomes for communities, families and those children, compounding abuse and trauma. Throwing more children in jail will cause unspeakable damage to Closing The Gap and efforts to create a better future for Aboriginal children in NSW.” It said the “new policy to increase youth incarceration … ignores decades of evidence on how to reduce youth crime, prioritises punishment over investment in the proven prevention strategies that you promised to implement, will cause crime to get worse …” “This is a devastating betrayal of Aboriginal children and other vulnerable groups across NSW,” it said. “This is a devastating betrayal of regional communities who want prevention measures not stunts.” The signatories asked the Minns Labor government to “urgently replace your punishment measures with prevention measures: Resources allocated for local communities to support after-school, evening and weekend activities that engage at-risk young people; intensive and targeted programs and responses for at-risk children with appropriate referral services; formal community partnerships between police and Aboriginal controlled services”. The following day, the Aboriginal Legal Service issued a second open letter. This one had been signed by more than 500 people - lawyers, researchers, academics, psychologists, ministers and community groups. It was a last-ditch - and futile - plea. “We support the premier’s goal to improve community safety and wellbeing and strengthen early intervention initiatives,” it read. “The proposed laws however will have the opposite effect. The evidence tells us that such laws do not make communities safer and in fact exacerbate the social drivers of young people’s contact with the justice system. “Overwhelming evidence by youth detention management, children’s commissioners, outside experts and young people pointed to the fact that youth detention does not work, and in fact aggravates the traumas and behavioural issues that young people experience.” It stated that it cost, on average, $2,759.13 per day to house a young person in detention. “ … these laws … will make it harder for children between the ages of 14-17 to be released on bail for certain break and enter and car theft offences. The government acknowledges the result will be that more children are imprisoned on remand. More punitive bail laws and new offences will not achieve our common goal: safer communities.” The ALS statement said that NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research (BOCSAR) data showed that the majority of young people in custody in NSW were already there on remand, which meant they were detained after bail was refused by either police or the courts. The ALS said “a high proportion of those are Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander children and young people”, which was “a massive indictment on the system as it is currently operating, with those statistics set to worsen with the proposed bail changes”. It said that at the end of December 2023 there were 174 young people incarcerated in NSW. Nearly three quarters (74.1 percent) were on remand. Of the total youth custody population, 61.5 percent were Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander young people. “The average age of young people on remand after bail was refused by police was 14 years old, and 100 percent of those were Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander young people,” the ALS said. “The average age of remanded young people refused bail by the courts was 16.2 years of age. And 65.1 percent of the 129 young people on remand in custody in NSW were Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander.” The ALS said many children in youth detention had disabilities “with high and complex needs that can only be addressed in the community”. “This includes individualised and wrap-around services and responses that involve family, school, community, cultural and my therapeutic supports. These must be supported and led by Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations.” Alongside the stricter new bail laws, the Minns government finally backed a regional crime inquiry, and announced a trial in Moree aimed at strengthening early intervention and prevention programs for young people. According to Moree Plains Shire Council, the state will invest $13.4 million “to address crime, support young people and improve community safety”.Initiatives will include additional judicial resources and a new $8.75 million bail accommodation and support service in Moree for young people. “This will provide police and courts with more options to put a young person on bail with higher confidence that they will not reoffend,” council said. Also, young Aboriginal people would be linked to Indigenous organisations, elders, cultural and family supports from their own communities with “skilled, qualified, trained and consistent staff on site 24/7 providing child-safe care”. The trial would see “continuing NSW Police Force operations in the Moree area to meet community needs. This includes continuing to surge operational resources”. MP Sam Farraway backed the trial in Moree, but had some concerns. He said the government had given itself up to six months to work out the “action plan” for Moree, but that the new bail laws had a sunset clause of 12 months, meaning there may not be time to fully implement and appraise the success of new programs being used in concert with tougher bail laws. “Six months!” he said. “They should be able to work out an action plan in six weeks.” He said that trials should be held concurrently in numerous locations across western NSW so that a wider range of potential solutions could be found. Farraway said that he “fought hard for the Parental Responsibility Act” to remain in place in Orange [the only place in NSW with such provisions], which allows police to return young people roaming the streets home, rather than taking them to Orange Police Station, however he noted Orange’s high crime rate compared to Bathurst and said “we need to know if it’s actually working” by reviewing data. He said “youth crime in NSW is out of control” and that it was up to politicians to listen to community members about their experiences, and to their suggestions for improving the situation, before enacting “a balanced approach” to law enforcement. “But there are too many horror stories,” he said. During the debate last week Dubbo MP Dugald Saunders told the parliament that “gone are the days when you could leave a window open for some fresh air at night. Now the house needs to be tightly sealed and secured, while you wait to see who will be targeted next on your street or in your neighbourhood”. He added: “If you live in a regional area, chances are that you have been impacted by crime or that you know someone who has. That is terrifying. As a regional MP, I am very close to this issue, and I take it very seriously. It is happening in my backyard and the backyards of several of my colleagues, and there is no doubt in any of our minds that things are getting worse.” Saunders delivered some statistics: “In 2023, rates of violent offences such as assault were 57 percent higher in the bush than in the city, and violent incidents at schools in regional New South Wales increased to their highest level in five years. “Non‑domestic assaults in regional towns across the state grew by 14 percent from 2019‑23. Sexual assault across the regions is up 47 per cent from 2019, and domestic violence incidents increased by 24 per cent. “An obvious question is why are these crimes not included in the bill? In the past two years, domestic violence assaults went up 7.6 per cent and sexual assaults went up 11.3 per cent in the bush, yet there are no protections for women in the proposed changes.” As Saunders himself made clear, these issues haven’t sprung up overnight. They’ve been years in the making - years in which the Coalition was in power. It begged the question: Why didn’t the Nationals and the Liberals establish an inquiry into regional crime in 2020? Or 2021? Or 2022? The Orange News Examiner put this to Farraway. “In fairness, we’ve been out of government for 12 months, and regional crime was nowhere near the level it is now,” he said. “I’ve never said it’s the government’s fault, it’s crept up, and it’s really been out of control in the last 12 months. The government should’ve acknowledged this and accepted the need for an inquiry.” Donato told The Orange News Examiner that a lot of the young people in trouble came from towns where there wasn’t much to do. “And a lot come from homes that are dysfunctional with drug, alcohol and domestic violence issues, and when you’ve got that happening at home you don’t want to be there, so you go hang out with mates. Then they get up to mischief with peer pressure.” But, he said, “people don’t want their house broken into while they’re asleep in bed at night. People work bloody hard for things - a car, a house - and they’ve had a gutful of having their property damaged and stolen and ripped off”. A senior officer at Orange police station said they were unable to comment, and directed us to NSW Police Media. Comment was also sought from the Children’s Legal Service.

April 30, 2024 By Peter Holmes Charges have been laid following an alleged stabbing in Orange on Saturday. "About 2.30pm on Saturday (April 27, 2024), emergency services were called to Dalton Street, Orange, following reports of an assault," NSW Police said. "On arrival, officers attached to Central West Police District located a 33-year-old man suffering from stab wounds to his chest." Police said they were told that "the man had a physical altercation with two other men before he was allegedly stabbed". Police believe the three men are known to each other. The man was treated by NSW Ambulance paramedics before being taken to Orange Hospital in a stable condition. A crime scene was established and an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident commenced. "Following inquiries, about 2.15am today (Tuesday April 30, 2024), police attended a home on Matthews Avenue, Orange, and arrested a 35-year-old man," police said. "He was taken to Orange Police Station and charged with robbery armed with offensive weapon cause wounding/grievous bodily harm, and breach of bail." He was refused bail to appear at Orange Local Court today. The alleged incident occurred on the corner of Dalton and McLachlan streets. Police are appealing for anyone with information about this incident - including dashcam or CCTV footage - to contact Orange Police Station or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000. The Orange News Examiner is closing. Please cancel all subscriptions. MORE NEWS ... Teen "disguised" during robbery in Orange, police allege Owners says Summer Street hotel will go ahead, but plans being tweaked after construction costs soar 12:30am bail visit in Orange leads to arrest of teenage boys aged 14, 15 and 16 Bloomfield supermarket back on the agenda after 2020 rejection by councillors Owner will "limit" bookings if Orange farmstay DA is approved

April 30, 2024 By Peter Holmes At about 3:30am last Tuesday (April 23, 2024) police received reports of a break and enter at a home on Blanche Avenue, Orange. Police will allege a mobile, computer tablet, car keys and a Hyundai were stolen. "A woman and child home at the time were not injured," said NSW Police. Following inquiries, about 9.30pm yesterday (Monday April 29, 2024), police attended a home on South Terrace, Orange and arrested a 19-year-old man. During a search of the man, police allege they located a machete and jewellery. The man was taken to Orange Police Station and charged with face blackened/disguised with intent commit indictable offence, goods in personal custody suspected being stolen, aggravated break and enter commit serious indictable offence, take and drive conveyance without consent of owner, and breach of bail. He was refused bail to appear at Orange Local Court today. The charges were laid as part of Operation Regional Mongoose, a "high-visibility police operation to tackle serious property-related crime committed predominately by young offenders". The Orange News Examiner is closing. Please cancel all subscriptions. MORE NEWS ... Owners says Summer Street hotel will go ahead, but plans being tweaked after construction costs soar 12:30am bail visit in Orange leads to arrest of teenage boys aged 14, 15 and 16 Bloomfield supermarket back on the agenda after 2020 rejection by councillors Owner will "limit" bookings if Orange farmstay DA is approved New 82-seat FIFO charter flight landing in Orange weekly Grand plans for seniors’ hostel in Orange, with swimming pool, gym and clubhouse Fresh plans lodged for OAMS’ community facility with indoor pool and gym “Human error” led to Orange Ex-Services' Club accidentally giving away $21,000 DA approval the only thing standing between Orange land owner and a motza

April 26, 2024 By Peter Holmes The owner of The Village on Summer Street says the proposed hotel at the front of the shopping will be built, but only when commercially viable. Paul Saunders from BMPS88 was responding to a story in The Orange News Examiner about the closure of cafe, bakery and gelato shop Billyliks. Shop owner Matt Chimenti said a number of issues had forced him to exit the business after 18 months. They included price spikes for ingredients and other business expenses, difficulty in finding staff, and the lack of action on the hotel. Saunders said “there was a little thing called Covid” that got between his dreams and the reality of constructing the hotel, which was first announced in 2020. Covid not only put the brakes on people being able to gather and to travel, but also on international trade. Australian bans on foreign and interstate travel, and lockdowns in place during stages of the pandemic, gave Orange a short-term tourism boost, but it was only ever going to be a sugar hit. As governments worldwide wrestled with the best way to keep people safe while ensuring economies stayed afloat, supply chains were broken, which made it more difficult to source building materials. When demand eventually returned, the supply wasn’t there, which put inflationary pressure on material prices. Then came staffing issues - finding enough skilled tradespeople to do the work. Saunders said the cost of the refurbishment at the The Village on Summer, announced 18 months into Covid in August 2021, had blown out by $500,000. He also said the centre contributed towards the fit out at Billyliks. The centre was placed on the market midway through 2022. Saunders stressed that all tenants at The Village on Summer signed leases including a disclosure statement about the hotel - that it was still planned, but would only go ahead when commercially viable. When the hotel project was announced, it came with a budget of $25 million. Saunders said that had blown out by 50 percent - to $37.5 million - in just a few years. “I could go and buy a building for that,” he said. Budget blowouts on major projects have become a common theme in Orange since Covid, with the sporting precinct going from $25 million to $59.5 million in four years and the Orange Regional Conservatorium breaking its $25 million budget by $8.5 million late last year. The con shortfall is to be funded by Orange ratepayers, whose contribution to the $33.5 million project has risen from $10 million to $18.5 million. Last September The Orange News Examiner reported on the number approved hotel-motel developments where construction was yet to commence. Saunders said a “hotel is the way to go, there is a lack of accommodation and the opportunity in Orange is still there”. But finding a way of recouping the extra $12.5 million via hotel room nights was a significant challenge, he said. “I’ve got some alternative plans - we’ve scaled it down a bit, looking at lower rise. We’re looking at a laneways concept, breaking it down into smaller buildings, but that’s all in the future.” He said the Billyliks site would work well as business focusing on coffee. MORE NEWS ... Bloomfield supermarket back on the agenda after 2020 rejection by councillors Owner will "limit" bookings if Orange farmstay DA is approved New 82-seat FIFO charter flight landing in Orange weekly UPDATED: Man charged with murder to appear in Orange Local Court Grand plans for seniors’ hostel in Orange, with swimming pool, gym and clubhouse New toilet blocks for Lake Canobolas + Dredge sucking up a metre of Orange pond sludge Apology to Uncle Neil Ingram

April 26, 2024 By Peter Holmes It was about 12;30am on Anzac Day (April 25, 2024) when police attended a home in Orange "to speak with a boy for breaching his bail". A short time later three boys – aged 14, 15, and 16 – were arrested and taken to Orange Police Station. "During a search of the boys, police located three sets of car keys and a knife," NSW Police alleged. "Checks reveal the keys belong to three vehicles that police have previously seized." Police said the older boy was charged with fail to give full and correct address, possess housebreaking implements, and breach of bail. He appeared at a children’s court yesterday, where he was formally refused bail to appear at another children’s court on Monday April 29, 2024. "The 15-year-old was charged with three counts of receive motor vehicle part theft serious indictable offence, possess housebreaking implements, two counts of possess prohibited drug, drive conveyance taken without consent of owner, and breach of bail," police said. He appeared at a children’s court yesterday, where he was formally refused bail to appear at another children’s court on Thursday May 2, 2024. The younger boy was dealt with under the Young Offenders Act. The bail check was part of Operation Regional Mongoose, "a high-visibility police operation to tackle serious property-related crime committed predominately by young offenders". Police in the state’s Western Region have charged more than 190 people since the launch of Operation Regional Mongoose. The ongoing operation began in September 2023. "To date, the operation focussed on areas including Dubbo, Tamworth, Moree, Orange, Gunnedah, Bourke and has resulted in 192 people – including 140 juveniles – charged with more than 1617 offences, of those 275 were for breach of bail," police said. Commander of Western Region, assistant commissioner Rod Smith, said "we have seen in several cases that elderly and vulnerable people are being targeted, with no hesitation to inflict or threaten violence on victims. We will continue to take steps to keep our communities safe, we will continue to arrest and charge serious offenders, both youths and adults, and put them before the courts". "The Youth Command supports local police districts through many prevention and diversionary programs across the region of Western NSW," said Smith. "These programs engage with a significant number of young people throughout the region, drawing them away from boredom and the environment that often leads to offending. “We are seeing great success and support from local communities in these programs, and it is critical that we continue to target serious offenders, as well as provide diversionary opportunities for potential offenders." MORE POLICE & CRIME ... INSIDE STORY: Will tougher new bail laws for teenagers make Orange a safer place to live, or just create more hardened criminals? Woman, 76, chases thief from house in Orange: "I should have thrown the apricot chicken at him!" Teen charged after allegedly threatening Orange senior constable during arrest Ford Ranger in Orange allegedly doing 150km/h in a 50km/h zone "Operation Ambush" leads cops to an Orange motel New crime data shows the chance of your property being broken into Orange, Walgett, Dubbo and Broken Hill is roughly the same "Tone it down": Orange deputy mayor Gerald Power shocked by Nat leader's remote camp language SHENANIGANS: Nationals claim regional crime "skyrocketing", "out of control", people "too scared to leave their homes". The statistics say otherwise Arrest in Orange at 2am after alleged spear gun shooting BREAKING: Cash, weapons, drugs and bikes seized as police swoop on Orange house Police, ambos and firies on scene as girl trying to hide gets wedged at Orange Civic Centre

April 24, 2024 By Peter Holmes Eighteen months after launching the premium bakery and gelato shop Billyliks in The Village on Summer Street, owner Matt Chimenti has pulled the plug. The bakery sold an array of sweet and savoury treats, including focaccia, donuts, gelato, pies and rich, creamy pastries. Chimenti said one of the main reasons he opened the shop in October 2022 was because of a proposed $25 million four-star "international hotel" and shops on Summer Street at the front of the shopping centre. There was talk early on about an outdoor cinema and pool, but as with other hotel development applications approved in recent years, for all the song and dance, nothing has happened at the site. “I’ve been in Orange for 12 years and to me [The Village on Summer] was always a bit of the ugly duckling, but the hotel development would’ve seen a dramatic change in the number of people visiting the centre,” he said. Chimenti said that when he took the lease “I thought it was a good site, fairly low risk, but they pull the plug on the hotel, I pull the plug on my plans”. Aside from the lack of progress on the hotel and retail shops, Chimenti said the foot traffic at the shopping centre was not what he had hoped it would be. “For any kind of business marketing is a big thing, but the cheapest customer acquisition is the customer who walks past your shop,” he said. Finding staff was also an ongoing issue, as were steep increases in the wholesale cost of ingredients and containers. One empty premises in the shopping centre is believed to have been rented to Pellegrini's Italian Restaurant as a storage room. The anchor tenants at the centre are IGA supermarket and Dan Murphy’s booze emporium. The centre earns about 75 percent of its income from those two tenants. It's apparent to anyone who spends time at the shopping centre that many people buy liquor at Dan Murphy’s, which is positioned outside the centre on the western edge of the site, and then leave without heading into the centre. Chimenti has spent about 20 years of his working life as a small business owner, and has worked in the mines. His next move will be back into a job with a wage. MORE NEWS ... Bloomfield supermarket back on the agenda after 2020 rejection by councillors Owner will "limit" bookings if Orange farmstay DA is approved New 82-seat FIFO charter flight landing in Orange weekly UPDATED: Man charged with murder to appear in Orange Local Court Grand plans for seniors’ hostel in Orange, with swimming pool, gym and clubhouse New toilet blocks for Lake Canobolas + Dredge sucking up a metre of Orange pond sludge

April 24, 2024 By Peter Holmes A supermarket at the Bloomfield Medical Centre is back on the agenda, with Orange City Council (OCC) considering amending its own Local Environment Plan to allow such a development. Council is seeking public comment on the change, as a “neighbourhood supermarket” is currently not permitted in the R1 Zone. A Planning Proposal (PP) prepared for James Richmark Pty Ltd “seeks to amend Schedule 1 of Orange Local Environmental Plan 2011 (the LEP) to permit a neighbourhood supermarket with a maximum gross floor area (GFA) of 650m2 as an Additional Permitted Use (APU) on the subject land”. “The intention is to offer convenience to local workers and residents but not detract from the Orange CBD as the principal retail centre,” states the proposal. Known as Amendment 40, the planning change would allow for a supermarket in an area of the Bloomfield Medical Centre known as Precinct 1. According to the PP prepared for James Richmark Pty Ltd, Precinct 1 has been approved for “health facilities such as pathology, medical imaging, medical suites, chemist and the like; as well as retail activities, including a convenience store; newsagent; hairdresser; shops; restaurant; and takeaway food and drink premises”. It states that the approved floor area breakdown is: • Health facilities over three tenancies with an aggregate area of 3,062 square metres. • Retail space over 12 tenancies ranging from 102-293 square metres, with an aggregate area of 1,791 square metres. Stage 1 of the approved building has been constructed, however now the issue is how to fill it. A supermarket would be considered an attractive anchor tenant, and one that could attract other retailers. The amount of approved retail floor space for Precinct 1 would not be increased, the proposal states. “The balance of the already approved [gross floor area] for retail space (i.e. some 1,141m2 ) would be shared across other convenience shops within the approved building and may include a newsagent, bottle shop, takeaway food, bakery, fresh food and the like”. The proposal sought a “Gateway determination under Section 3.34 of the Act”. “The gateway determination is a checkpoint for a planning proposal to review strategic and site-specific merit and whether the planning proposal should proceed to public exhibition,” says the NSW government [see full explanation below]. Following a staff report in December 2023 recommending councillors "support the proposal in principle and direct staff to refer the matter to the Department of Planning and Environment for a Gateway Determination", Orange City Council CEO David Waddell forwarded the PP to the state government. He received a response from Garry Hopkins, the director for Western Region at the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure. Hopkins is a delegate of the minister for planning and public spaces Paul Scully. “I am writing in response to the planning proposal you have forwarded to the Minister,” said Hopkins. “... I have determined that the planning proposal should proceed subject to the conditions in the enclosed Gateway determination. I have also agreed … the inconsistency of the planning proposal … [is] justified in accordance with the terms of the Directions. “No further approval is required in relation to these Directions. Considering the nature of the planning proposal I have determined that Council may exercise local plan-making authority functions in relation to the planning proposal.” The letter says the proposed local environmental plan (LEP) “is to be finalised on or before 6 November 2024. Council should aim to commence the exhibition of the planning proposal as soon as possible. The NSW Government has committed to reduce the time taken to complete LEPs. To meet these commitments, the Minister may appoint an alternate planning proposal authority if Council does not meet the timeframes outlined in the Gateway determination”. According to the Gateway Determination, in 2020, a previous planning proposal was lodged to “rezone the subject site to B1 Neighbourhood Centre and reconfigure the distribution of the retail spaces to facilitate a mid-sized supermarket of between 1,600m2 and 1,700m2 GFA”. “This planning proposal drew opposition from several existing retailers in the area who were concerned about the scale of the development and the potential impacts on the trading performance of the area,” it stated. “The proposal was rejected by Council due to concerns that the rezoning could increase retail activity and floor area beyond what is already intended for the site (expanding from the approved area of 1,791m2 to 2,910m2).” An Economic Impact Assessment prepared for James Richmark Pty Ltd described the proposed development as a “small supermarket”. It said that the gross leasable area for other shops in Orange included Big W (7,015 sqm), Coles (3,715 sqm), Woolworths CBD (3,100 sqm) and Woolworths North Orange (3,500 sqm), Harris Farm (1,115 sqm) and Foodworks (640 sqm). It predicted the supermarket would have an annual turnover of $5.1 million in the 2025/26 financial year (including GST), growing to around $9 million in 2041. WHAT IS A GATEWAY DETERMINATION? From the NSW government “The gateway determination is a checkpoint for a planning proposal to review strategic and site-specific merit and whether the planning proposal should proceed to public exhibition. The department will undertake a review of the proposal. This includes: a high-level check of the planning proposal to ensure the package meets the minimum administrative requirements a strategic merit assessment of the proposal against relevant district plan, regional plan, LSPS, section 9.1 Directions, SEPPs and any department endorsed local strategy an assessment of potential environmental, social, economic, and infrastructure impacts of the proposal obtain high level advice and guidance from the department’s legal team or PCO (where required) seek agency advice and/or comments, where required or where an authority or government agency has not consulted at the pre-lodgement stage review proposed community consultation and expected timeframe for the proposal. We prepare an assessment report and provide a recommendation to the Minister for Planning (or delegate) on whether the planning proposal should proceed. The minister (or delegate) will issue the gateway determination, which will specify: whether the planning proposal is supported to proceed or not any necessary technical studies or supporting studies whether the planning proposal needs to be amended (and possibly resubmitted to the department) prior to exhibition required community consultation required consultation with state or federal authorities whether a local contributions plan must be exhibited at the same time as the planning proposal whether a public hearing is needed the timeframes within which the various stages of the process for making of the proposed LEP are to be completed whether the council is to be authorised to make the proposed instrument as the local plan-making authority any other conditions. The purpose of the gateway determination is to ensure early in the process that there is sufficient strategic and site-specific merit for the planning proposal to progress. A gateway determination that specifies the proposal should proceed, does not guarantee that the proposed LEP will be made. The gateway determination may identify the requirement for any additional information, revisions, studies, or targeted consultation to occur with authorities or government agencies and other stakeholders prior to public exhibition. It may also identify that a revision needs to be considered by the department prior to exhibition. The planning proposal authority is responsible for ensuring the required matters are completed prior to the public exhibition of the planning proposal.” MORE NEWS ... Owner will "limit" bookings if Orange farmstay DA is approved New 82-seat FIFO charter flight landing in Orange weekly UPDATED: Man charged with murder to appear in Orange Local Court Grand plans for seniors’ hostel in Orange, with swimming pool, gym and clubhouse New toilet blocks for Lake Canobolas + Dredge sucking up a metre of Orange pond sludge Apology to Uncle Neil Ingram More than 900 potholes repaired last week, more to come in post-rain blitz Fresh plans lodged for OAMS’ community facility with indoor pool and gym

April 24, 2024 By Peter Holmes The man behind a proposed three-building, five-bedroom farmstay development on Canobolas Road says he will limit the number of bookings if the development application (DA) is approved. A DA - which includes converting an aircraft hangar into two-bed accommodation - has been lodged with Orange City Council (OCC). It seeks approval for farmstay accommodation, an office and farm buildings (machinery shed, shearing shed and hay shed). Proposed works include: 1. Conversion of an existing farm building to farmstay accommodation (two bedrooms); 2. Conversion of an existing aircraft hangar to farmstay accommodation (two bedrooms); 3. Conversion of an existing farm building to farmstay accommodation (one bedroom); 4. Internal alterations to an existing farm building to provide an ancillary office and amenities; 5. Construction of three new farm buildings, comprising a barn-style shearing shed 18m x 10.8m (height of 8.3m to ridge); a hay shed 34m x 12m with skillion roof height of 5.7m; and a machinery shed 30m x 14m, with ridge height of 6.5m. Concept development approval is also sought for a proposed dual occupancy (one additional dwelling) on the land - further development consent would be required for a detailed dual occupancy proposal. The site is about 6km southwest of the Orange CBD and is primarily used for agricultural purposes. According to the DA, "Farm Stay Building 1 was previously constructed as a farm building as exempt development … the building has not yet had a dedicated use”. "Farm Stay Building 2" is an existing aircraft hangar. The proposed building will have alterations and additions to convert it to a two-bedroom farmstay accommodation, including a deck and pergola area on its northeastern side and additions that will allow for the installation of a bathroom and ensuite area, as well as a two bay carport and water tank on the western side of the building. "Farm Stay Building 3" is an existing barn-style structure previously used for agricultural storage. According to real estate searches, rooms in the house on the site are rented individually. One is listed at the moment for $250 per week. The listing reads: “This stunning home is offered for FIFO or shared accommodation. There are 5 bedrooms in the main house available for lease individually. Weekly cleaning of the common areas will be included in the rent as well as utilities and internet … 6 or 12-month leases preferred. Shorter term leases can be negotiated at a higher rent.” According to the DA: “The land owners have chosen to utilise and convert existing buildings on the site incorporating modest additions to those buildings for farmstay accommodation in order to renovate their appearance and bring them to their highest and best use. “The renovation of the farm buildings maintains their overall scale and makes use of existing access driveways, internal farm tracks between these buildings.” It says that “a minimal amount of the land area used for agricultural cropping will be reduced …” The DA states that “the land owner/operator of the site Mr David Elliot confirms that through his own research that he anticipates that farm stay accommodation will operate with a 50% occupancy rate being utilised Thursday to Sunday”. It says the owner “intends to limit the occupancy of each of the three farmstay buildings to two separate bookings for each farmstay accommodation building between Thursday and Sunday (weekly). This rate of occupancy allows for cleaning and maintenance of the accommodation”. The owner’s intent is “to provide an enjoyable and memorable farmstay experience for his guests”. The site contains a large farm dam adjacent to the western property boundary, and “neighbouring land-uses include intensive farming in the form of orchards adjoining the southern and part of the western allotment boundaries. Other adjoining land uses include cropping and residential land uses”. According to realestate.com.au the 16-hectare property last sold in March 2021, for $1.4 million. The application will be on public exhibition from April 24, 2024 to May 8, 2024. During this period, any person may make written submission on this development proposal to Orange City Council. The exhibition documents are available for viewing here. MORE NEWS ... New 82-seat FIFO charter flight landing in Orange weekly UPDATED: Man charged with murder to appear in Orange Local Court Grand plans for seniors’ hostel in Orange, with swimming pool, gym and clubhouse New toilet blocks for Lake Canobolas + Dredge sucking up a metre of Orange pond sludge Apology to Uncle Neil Ingram More than 900 potholes repaired last week, more to come in post-rain blitz Fresh plans lodged for OAMS’ community facility with indoor pool and gym "No comment": Lords Place investigator appointed by Orange City Council

April 22, 2024 By Peter Holmes Charter flight operator National Jet Express (NJE) is launching a weekly service between Brisbane and Orange on an 82-seat aircraft to cater for Fly-In, Fly-Out (FIFO) mine workers at Cadia. Perth-based NJE, which is owned by Rex Airlines Group, describes itself as “one of Australia’s leading providers” of FIFO charters. The company has been contracted by Queensland-based mining and civil contractor SEE Civil. “We are delighted to be bringing NJE’s state-of-the-art De Havilland Dash 8-400NG aircraft into Orange,” NJE’s interim chief operating officer, Robin Furber, said in a statement. “Rex has a proud and long history of services to Orange via our scheduled services to Sydney.” The weekly charter service will use NJE’s “modern and fuel-efficient” De Havilland Dash 8- 400NG aircraft, which have capacity for up to 82 passengers. “With its jet-like speeds and modern, comfortable passenger cabin, it has become the aircraft of choice for the mining, resources and construction industry,” said NJE. NJE says it is “very conscious that this type of flying can easily become just part of a regular work routine for our passengers. To help make their long commute to work a little more comfortable, we provide customised passenger meal options on many of our flights.” The Brisbane-Orange route is NJE’s eighth destination on the East Coast since commencing  services from Brisbane in July 2023, and its first port in NSW. SEE Civil deliver construction and engineering services for major infrastructure and urban development projects. It currently has a number of jobs going in Orange on an 8/6 FIFO roster. Roles to be filled include rigid truck, dozer and grader operators and a site supervisor. “We are looking for experienced Plant Operators to take part in the delivery of multiple infrastructure works across the Cadia Integrated Tailings Project,” says a job listing. “Work includes bulk and detailed earthworks, haul road construction and maintenance and drainage installation.” The positions are full-time and come with chartered flights from Brisbane Airport, food and accommodation. The 8/6 FIFO roster (eight days on, six days off) is common in mining, where the alternatives include the 1/1 Roster (one week on, one week off), the 2/1 Roster (two weeks on, one week off) and the 4/1 Roster (four weeks on, one week off). Daily hours tend to be significantly longer than the average working day. Locals are encouraged to apply. MORE NEWS ... UPDATED: Man charged with murder to appear in Orange Local Court Grand plans for seniors’ hostel in Orange, with swimming pool, gym and clubhouse New toilet blocks for Lake Canobolas + Dredge sucking up a metre of Orange pond sludge Apology to Uncle Neil Ingram More than 900 potholes repaired last week, more to come in post-rain blitz Fresh plans lodged for OAMS’ community facility with indoor pool and gym

April 22, 2024 By Peter Holmes A 29-year-old man has been charged with murder after a woman was located deceased in the state’s Central West overnight. "Just after 2am today (Monday 22 April 2024), emergency services were called to a home on Young Street, Forbes, after concerns were raised for the welfare of a woman," said NSW Police. "Officers from Central West Police District attended and located the body of a 28-year-old woman inside." A crime scene was established, and an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the woman’s death has commenced under Strike Force Trenchard. A short time later, a 29-year-old man was arrested at a property in Fifield and was taken to Parkes Police Station. He was charged with murder (DV), and contravene prohibition/restriction in AVO. The man was refused bail to appear at Orange Local Court today (Monday April 22, 2024).

April 22, 2024 By Peter Holmes Police have arrested a man after a woman was located deceased in the state’s central west overnight. "About 1.50am today (Monday 22 April 2024), emergency services were called a home on Young Street, Forbes, after concerns were raised for the welfare of a woman." NSW Police said. "Officers from Central West Police District attended and located the body of woman inside. She is yet to be formally identified, however believed to be in her late 20s." A crime scene was established, and an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the woman’s death has commenced. A man was arrested at a property in Fifield and has been taken to Parkes Police Station, where he is assisting police with inquiries. Investigations are ongoing.

April 18, 2023 By Peter Holmes A 153-room hostel for seniors - with an inground swimming pool, clubhouse, gymnasium, bowls green and bocce court - has been proposed for Orange. A DA lodged by BZ Capital Pty Ltd is seeking approval to construct the large facility on land at 60 Witton Place, west of the CBD. “The development will provide leased co-living and supported residential accommodation for seniors (60 years of age or older),” states the DA. “Meals, laundering and other facilities will be provided by the operator.” Due to the nature of the proposed development it is considered “regionally significant”, and the consent authority will be the Western Regional Planning Panel, not Orange City Council. Council, however, is able to make a submission. To be named Bingara Gardens, the DA proposes a “seniors ‘co-living’ style hostel”. Rooms would comprise a bedroom, living room with small kitchenette, and bathroom. "The rooms meet relevant circulation standards to allow a wardrobe and a single-size bed ..." the DA states. The resident-only community clubhouse would cover 350 square metres and would be located in the house currently on the block. The DA states the facility would provide “purpose-built facilities for the ageing population. Of particular note is the predominance of 3 and 4 bedroom housing in Orange, which does not cater for, or provide an affordable option for, residents who live alone”. “The proposed development will create a safe, secure, and active community that offers a sense of belonging and peace of mind to the ageing population. "It will deliver crucial social infrastructure in Orange, which, as with rest of the country, is facing a cost of living crisis, rapid growth in market rents, and inadequate supply of housing for seniors.” It says Bingara Gardens would offer a “unique solution to the housing needs of Orange seniors, with premium accommodation and facilities, while maintaining an ‘affordable’ approach”. It said fortnightly payments would be pegged to the aged pension, and that there would be “security of tenure as the facility is institutionally owned”. A flag-down public bus service route (route 537) was about 250 metres from the site. 60 Witton Place last sold at the end of October in 2023 for $3.3 million. Access is proposed via Witton Place to the north and a new private road to connect with Bowman Avenue in the southern section of the site. If approved, the development would see the removal of a shed, 20 trees and two hedgerows. Aside from the 17 buildings, permission is sought to construct 39 parking spaces (including 10 accessible spaces, two staff spaces and one ambulance space). The DA says there would be three to four staff, “including an on-site manager on the premises at all times”. Most of the construction will be single-level, however the DA seeks a maximum building height of 8.65 metres for two two-storey buildings (Buildings B and D). The size of the land at 60 Witton Place is 21,750 square metres. The proposed gross floor area of the buildings is 5,100 square metres. Landscaped areas would cover 11,400 square metres and would include “retention of some existing vegetation, new plantings, and accessible pedestrian paths throughout the site”. The Clubhouse area would include meal service, dining area, kitchen, lounge, library, laundry, bathrooms and gymnasium. There would be 1,250 square metres of communal facilities including outdoor inground swimming pool (already on site, but to be adapted), lawn bowls, bocce, open space areas, dining area and a BBQ area. Communal bins would be provided in multiple areas, and a weekly collection would be organised via a private waste agreement. “ … the development will provide crucial social infrastructure to the Orange community,” states the DA. It describes the facility as “a progressive and independent co-living model for people aged over 60”. It says it “has been thoughtfully designed to respond to the contextual setting with residential uses to the east and north, rural uses to the south and west, as well as potential future residential development of the land to the west …” The application will be on public exhibition from Friday April 19, 2024 to Friday, May 3, 2024. During this period the public can make comment. Submissions must be received by OCC by 5pm on Friday, 3 May 2024. MORE NEWS ... New toilet blocks for Lake Canobolas + Dredge sucking up a metre of Orange pond sludge Apology to Uncle Neil Ingram More than 900 potholes repaired last week, more to come in post-rain blitz Fresh plans lodged for OAMS’ community facility with indoor pool and gym "No comment": Lords Place investigator appointed by Orange City Council Lavish modern home with outdoor terraces, inground pool and fire pit: DA lodged Tim Mortimer makes a call on the future of Orange's "A Night In Nashville" honky tonk “Human error” led to Orange Ex-Services' Club accidentally giving away $21,000 DA approval the only thing standing between Orange land owner and a motza Terrifying highs, and devastating lows: Euan Macleod, Flux: Orange Regional Gallery INSIDE STORY: The mystery behind the naming of Orange's newest street

April 18, 2024 By Peter Holmes Construction on two new toilet blocks at Lake Canobolas will begin this week. The facilities are the latest stage of the $1.3 million upgrade at the lake. Two new prefabricated facilities will include male, female and accessible cubicles. Orange City Council (OCC) said the new units were similar to the toilets recently installed at Banjo Paterson Park on Ophir Road. The lake upgrade began in June 2023. “It’s been great to see the size of the crowds enjoying the lake lately,” Orange deputy mayor Gerald Power said. “Hundreds of people have been making the most of the new paths, the upgraded beach areas and the new playground.” One toilet block will be installed alongside the new playground on the eastern side of the lake, and the other on the western side of the lake, near picnic areas, a fishing deck and the dragon boat launching platform. The $1.3 million upgrade is majority-funded by the NSW government, with smaller contributions from OCC ($34,000) and a local mine ($6,500). It includes 10 projects “that improve access to the water and recreation areas for all community members”, OCC said. The projects include: • Retaining walls with built-in paths designed to make the lake’s two beaches more accessible; • Replacing the playground on the eastern side of the lake with more modern accessible play  equipment; • An upgrade to the visitor walkway in the historic pump house; • Re-aligning internal roads between the lake and the café, including a new pedestrian crossing; • New line marking in parking areas; • A new location to launch canoes and dragon boats; • New shade structures. Council said work was due to begin later this year to construct a new sewer pump station at the lake, which will connect with recently built water and sewer pipelines. Until the station is completed, the new toilet blocks will operate on a tank-based system and will be pumped out by waste contractors. It is expected the toilets will be operational by June 2024. In other water news, OCC said that “local specialist contractors Blackpoly Pipelines are working to maintain Orange’s stormwater harvesting scheme, as Orange City Council gets the system ready to be used in the coming months”. A floating dredge and a heavy-duty pump used in the mining industry are pumping sediment out of ponds that are part of the scheme. “When we need it, our stormwater harvesting scheme can deliver a quarter of our city’s water needs, so it’s important to keep it operating smoothly,” said deputy mayor Power. “Taking a metre of sediment off the base of the pond doesn’t increase its volume by much. It’s more a step that delivers better water quality by giving the sediment, settling out the water, somewhere to go.” “When water is pumped from Orange’s stormwater harvesting wetlands to add to Suma Park Dam, it first flows into a holding pond before going through two sedimentation ponds,” said OCC. “In the two ponds, which each hold 17 megalitres, the stormwater is tested and treated to remove impurities like sediment. A water treatment is added which helps the sediment settle out of the water and onto the base of the pond.” Power said that “over the years, sediment has settled and built up on the floor of the pond. It’s estimated to be around a metre deep, and this week a specialist contractor is working to remove that mud”. He added: “From the pond, the mud is pumped up a small hill and captured in a huge mesh bag, which filters out the sediment, leaving clear water that flows back down hill to another pond.” MORE NEWS... Apology to Uncle Neil Ingram More than 900 potholes repaired last week, more to come in post-rain blitz Fresh plans lodged for OAMS’ community facility with indoor pool and gym "No comment": Lords Place investigator appointed by Orange City Council

April 13, 2024 By Peter Holmes A group of locals are said to be considering lobbying NSW police commissioner, Karen Webb, over the appointment of an Orange police officer to investigate the recent Orange Rainbow Festival. NSW Police told The Orange News Examiner they are “conducting inquiries into the activities of a stallholder at the festival”. It is believed complaints have been made about a "vibrator race" held in wooden boxes on Saturday March 23, 2024, at the Robertson Park festival that followed a street parade. A photo and video have been published online of vibrators and a box allegedly on display at the festival. The race consisted of multi-coloured vibrators vibrating their way down lanes within the boxes painted in rainbow colours. It has been suggested the boxes were at a safe sex stall, but The Orange News Examiner has not been able to confirm this with Orange City Council or festival organisers. Comment has been sought. Christians and others, including councillors Kevin Duffy, Steve Peterson and Glenn Floyd, attempted without success to derail the first Orange Rainbow Festival by having council withdraw its support at the last minute. Despite the debates along the way, the multi-day festival went ahead, drawing large, happy crowds. In the wake of the festival the photo and video began circulating online, and generated willing debate between members of the community, some of whom thought it signalled the continued march of Western society into the abyss, and others who said sex was normal, and that a modestly proportioned vibrator wasn’t anything teenagers hadn’t seen or heard about before. “Wait until half these parents find out that a lot of schools teach high school students to put condoms on bananas!” wrote one, adding in a separate comment: “I’d rather teens in Orange race vibrators instead of stolen vehicles ...” “It was a cucumber in my class!” was one reply. “Pfft get over it. How dull,” wrote another. One person - who promotes their Christian faith online - said in a Facebook discussion that the Rainbow Festival contained “disgraceful” elements including what he mistakenly described as “dildos”. “I heard there might be an enquiry [sic] into the festival real soon,” they predicted. “Surely a law was breached, given they are adult toys,” wrote another. Another poster, who directed people to read The Bible, described the vibrator race attraction as “disgusting” and "perverted". In a post they later deleted, which contained a serious criminal accusation we will not publish, they added: “As far as I’m concerned that is not welcome in this town … With this type of stuff going on it makes me sick. This matter should be referred to the police …” They said they later removed the post after facing “some really hurtful comments”. They said they had noticed the festival “has really split out community and that’s sad”. A response to this comment said: “The only thing that has split our community is … close[d] mindedness … you’re out there caring for the haters and homophobes that are making the lives of others harder …” A number of local Christian ministers attended the Orange Rainbow Festival in support of the event. "They are not real Christians, because good Christian people would never carry on with the hateful speech they are saying," wrote another in the discussion. In the wake of the so-called Good Vibrations Imbroglio, it is understood that complaints were made to Orange Police, who are obliged to investigate. One Christian who railed against the festival told The Orange News Examiner that the law around displaying vibrators was “ambiguous”. This refers to the NSW Crimes Act Section 578E (see full description below), which deals with ​​offences relating to advertising or displaying products “associated with sexual behaviour”. The relevant section, says it is an offence to “exhibit or display any such products to a person who has not consented to or requested the exhibition or display, or in a manner so that they can be seen from outside the premises of the business by members of the public”. It is not clear how a case would be made to suggest the general public was able to view the vibrators in the wooden box from outside the festival in Robertson Park. Or - given the festival was ticketed - that people mistakenly entered the vibrator race stall thinking they were at another event. Much of the anger appeared to be based on hearsay, as none of those making the complaints on social media admitted to being at the festival. The Christian activist said they had received multiple complaints from people about the alleged vibrator matter, and that they had advised them to contact police. “Why would council put themselves in that situation?” they asked. “We did raise those issues with them [before the festival].” On Saturday afternoon it emerged that a group was not satisfied with the police officer who had been appointed to investigate the matter, claiming they have worked as an LGBTQIA+ liaison officer during their career. The group is understood to be undertaking a letter writing campaign to the NSW police commissioner calling for a different officer to be appointed. It is not known if any data is kept on the success rate of members of the public lobbying the police commissioner to engage in caseload swapsies in such matters. CRIMES ACT 1900 - SECT 578E Offences relating to advertising or displaying products associated with sexual behaviour (1) This section applies to products (such as articles, compounds, preparations or devices, but not printed matter) that are primarily concerned with, or intended to be used in connection with, sexual behaviour. (2) Any person who carries on, or who is engaged in, the business of selling or disposing of products to which this section applies must not-- (a) advertise, or cause another person to advertise, in any manner the nature of that business, or (b) exhibit or display any such products-- (i) to a person who has not consented to or requested the exhibition or display, or (ii) in a manner so that they can be seen from outside the premises of the business by members of the public. Maximum penalty - in the case of an individual - 100 penalty units or imprisonment for 12 months (or both), and in the case of a corporation - 200 penalty units. (3) Nothing in this section makes it an offence for a person who carries on (or who is engaged in) the business of selling or disposing of products to which this section applies to advertise the nature of that business to a person who carries on (or who is engaged in) a business or profession that ordinarily involves selling or disposing of, or advising on or prescribing the use of, such products. (4) This section does not apply-- (a) to any person who carries on (or who is engaged in) a business that sells or disposes of contraceptive devices or compounds (but not any other type of product to which this section applies), or (b) to such persons, or classes of persons, as the Minister may, by notice published in the Gazette, specify for the purposes of this section. (5) A person can rely on the exemption provided by subsection (4) (a) only if the contraceptive devices or compounds are not displayed or exhibited to public view in any window or entrance to the premises of the business. (6) Proceedings for an offence under this section are to be dealt with summarily before the Local Court. You can read more of our coverage of the Orange Rainbow Festival here.

April 17, 2024 By Peter Holmes A grant application approved by Orange City Council on Tuesday night incorrectly named Wiradjuri Elder Uncle Neil Ingram as being involved in a community event that was benefitting from the funding. The man behind the event has apologised to Uncle Neil, and said he didn't realise that all grant applications to council were on public record. The application was made by Lewis Bird of The Amend Project. He was seeking nearly $2,000 of ratepayer funds to hold a "Remembering Our Mates" candlelight barbecue social event on May 8, which is focused on men’s mental health and suicide prevention. The grant application contained a section under the heading "Local Business Use" that asked the question: "Will you be supporting local businesses? Please list any local business that you will be using and the level of expenditure." In this section Bird had written that the funds would be used for expenses including $500 for meat from North Orange Butcher, $250 for drinks from IGA, $500 for Uncle Neil Ingram to conduct a "Welcome/Acknowledgement To Country", $250 for an unnamed guest speaker and $250 for Officeworks items and advertising. However Uncle Neil had no idea about the event, nor had he been approached to conduct a Welcome To Country. The matter of the grant was debated in the council chambers on Tuesday night. Councillors spoke in support of Bird's initiative, but two concerns were raised: first, that The Amend Project was a for-profit organisation, and council grants were only given to not-for-profits; second, they wanted to know if Bird had first approached people to do a Welcome To Country or guest speech for free, given the nature of the event. Ultimately, councillors voted in favour of the grant funding. The Orange News Examiner published a report on the council meeting late on Tuesday night. When Uncle Neil read our story and saw that he had been named in a grant application, he was mortified and deeply upset. He called us and said he had no idea about any event or grant application, and that he had not been approached to conduct a Welcome To Country. Nor had he set a fee of $500. He said he was considering legal action. The Orange News Examiner contacted Bird to ask how Uncle Neil Ingram's name had come to be included in a grant application published in an Orange City Council meeting agenda. Bird said that he had received quotes for a Welcome To Country that varied between the low hundreds of dollars and $1,000, and that he had put down Uncle Neil's name because he was the Elder he planned to approach if the grant was successful. "I'm very sorry - I didn't realise this was a public document," he said. "I didn't understand it would be made public to the media. [If I had] I wouldn't have mentioned his name as I was still waiting to chat to him. I hold Uncle Neil in such high respect and I'm devastated." Uncle Neil told The Orange News Examiner: "I'm upset and believe that Lewis should have sought my permission first before addressing council, and not wait until after council approved the grant application." Bird has spoken to Uncle Neil. "I apologised for my naivete. I'm just trying to learn from this." Councillor Tony Mileto said Bird should consider re-adjusting the grant application. "I can understand why Uncle Neil is upset. Knowing Uncle Neil, and knowing his regard towards supporting mental health and suicide initiatives, I think if he had been approached he probably would've done it for nothing out of his own goodwill." MORE NEWS ... Fresh plans lodged for OAMS’ community facility with indoor pool and gym "No comment": Lords Place investigator appointed by Orange City Council Two bodies found in shipping container on Saturday morning Lavish modern home with outdoor terraces, inground pool and fire pit: DA lodged Tim Mortimer makes a call on the future of Orange's "A Night In Nashville" honky tonk “Human error” led to Orange Ex-Services' Club accidentally giving away $21,000 DA approval the only thing standing between Orange land owner and a motza Terrifying highs, and devastating lows: Euan Macleod, Flux: Orange Regional Gallery INSIDE STORY: The mystery behind the naming of Orange's newest street

April 15, 2024 CORRECTION: An earlier version of this story named Uncle Neil Ingram as the Wiradjuri Elder to give the Welcome to Country, as per Orange City Council papers. We have spoken to Uncle Neil this morning (Wednesday) and he says he knows nothing about this event, and is extremely upset that his name has been included. We unreservedly apologise to Uncle Neil Ingram. By David Fitzsimons A $500 fee to provide a Welcome to Country ceremony for a mental health/suicide prevention community event has raised concerns in Orange. Orange City Council last night considered providing nearly $2,000 to the Amend Project, run by Lewis Bird, for a "Remembering Our Mates" candlelight barbecue social event on May 8, which is focussed on men’s mental health and suicide prevention. While council ultimately approved the funding, questions were raised about why a quarter of the costs listed by the organiser were for a Welcome to Country fee, and why a fee of $250 was to be paid for an unnamed local speaker. The request said the $500 was for “Welcome/Acknowledgement to Country". Councillor Tony Mileto questioned why the fees had not been waived for such an event, and whether the organiser had requested waivers. “I would think that $500 for a Welcome to Country, whilst I understand the importance of it, suicide/mental health affects a lot of people, Indigenous and non-Indigenous people in society,” he said. “I’m just wondering whether the applicant made any representation or enquiry with the organisation, or the organisations that provide a Welcome to Country, to find out whether they were interested in wavering those fees. Same as the speaker, $250.” “I would have liked to have thought that anybody who was part of this type of event may have considered helping out in some way.” Councillor Steve Peterson said he was also concerned about the fees being charged to the event organiser. “A third of the total cost is the cost of the Welcome to Country and speaker. And given the topic of men’s mental health, the organisers may have found people willing to volunteer their time and contribute to the cause,” he said. However, councillor Melanie McDonell said it was right to charge a fee for a Welcome to Country ceremony. “I don’t think we should ever expect First Nations to do Acknowledgement or Welcome to Country for free,” she said. “Never ceded the land. I think that’s a very inappropriate thing to suggest.” Councillor Jeff Whitton said he was concerned council was breaching policy by funding a group that did not comply with a “not-for-profit” category. Also at council last night: Council backed plans for a proposed Aqua Park at Lake Canobolas, which would feature inflatable water play devices. Council will work with a developer to put the plan to Cabonne Shire Council, which controls the area. A controversial housing development in Cadogan Crescent was approved despite opposition from neighbours. Councillors argued that it complied with legal and planning rules. And a $3.9 million housing development on Icely Road at Emu Swamp was approved. MORE NEWS ... Fresh plans lodged for OAMS’ community facility with indoor pool and gym "No comment": Lords Place investigator appointed by Orange City Council Two bodies found in shipping container on Saturday morning Lavish modern home with outdoor terraces, inground pool and fire pit: DA lodged Tim Mortimer makes a call on the future of Orange's "A Night In Nashville" honky tonk “Human error” led to Orange Ex-Services' Club accidentally giving away $21,000

April 15, 2024 By Peter Holmes After recent heavy rain in the Orange district, Orange City Council (OCC) says it is "switching the emphasis of its road repair strategy to potholes". "With around 120mm of rain recorded so far this month in Orange, local roads are feeling the impact and council crews are responding," said OCC. Following recent heavy rain, OCC said that last week pothole patching focused on: • Redgum Ave, near Pine Ridge Drive • Cadia Rd, near Ballykeane Lane • Emu Swamp Road, near Mitchell Highway • Pinnacle Road, near James Road • Whiley Road, from Spring Hill Lane to Warburton Lane • Kurim Ave, from Lone Pine Ave to Attunga Place • Beasley Road, near Comins Road In these areas, more than 915 potholes were repaired. Deputy mayor Gerald Power said, "While the recent rain is very welcomed, long-term Orange residents know that rain also means extra potholes. When the ground is so wet, any tiny cracks in a road surface can lead  to a pothole. We’re getting on with the work to get to as much of this done as we can.” Last week, OCC said, its road repair crew also worked on correcting surface defects. "Repairing cracks and damaged road surfaces is aimed at preventing potholes before they happen," council said. This work happened in: • Emu Swamp Road, near the Mitchell Highway • Whitton Place, from Cargo Road to Wirringulla Place • Sampson Stret, from Rosemary Lane to March Street In these areas, 325 square metres of seal was applied. “This rain has led to some unavoidable damage to the road surface," Power said. "The more a car drives over a  damaged surface, the quicker a pothole will appear. “Orange residents know it’s a seasonal thing and that potholes are part-and-parcel of heavy rains. We know that filling a pothole with asphalt and gravel is a short-term bandaid but it makes the roads safe.” MORE NEWS ... Fresh plans lodged for OAMS’ community facility with indoor pool and gym "No comment": Lords Place investigator appointed by Orange City Council Two bodies found in shipping container on Saturday morning Lavish modern home with outdoor terraces, inground pool and fire pit: DA lodged Tim Mortimer makes a call on the future of Orange's "A Night In Nashville" honky tonk “Human error” led to Orange Ex-Services' Club accidentally giving away $21,000

April 15, 2024 By Peter Holmes Nine months after a community facility at Orange Aboriginal Medical Service (OAMS) - including an indoor pool - was approved by Orange City Council (OCC), plans have been resubmitted with alterations. The new design includes double the number of consulting rooms and a central garden. The original approved development at the OAMS precinct in Cameron Place (the Gateway Estate) included a community facility with a program pool, consulting rooms, storeroom, plant room, amenities, gymnasium, off street parking and the provision for building identification signage. “The key planning matters considered in the initial application included consideration of the 20m wide right of carriage way at the rear of the site, car parking, building design and landscaping,” says the new DA. “The proposed amendments include a redesign of the building to a more contemporary and exceptional design to better reflect the connection with nature and architecture and metaphysical wellness, creating a community hub for healing and a place where senses are nurtured for overall well being.” A summary of the proposed amendments: Redesign of the building. “Minor extension” of the building to the northern side boundary. Relocation of the plant room and external mechanical storeroom to the rear northern section of the site. Modifications to the internal layout “to better utilise in the internal floor space”. Creation of the central garden. Increase the number of patient consulting rooms from three to six. The creation of a dedicated therapy room. Reduce the number of car spaces from 18 to 17. The size of the approved swimming pool and the bathroom and change room facilities will be maintained. There are no proposed changes to the approved site access arrangements and operating hours. The approved hours of operation were 8.30am to 5pm on all days including public holidays. The new facility would run in tandem with OAMS' existing Walu-Win service, which provides medical and primary health care to many in the local community. The DA states: “OAMS offers a wide range of healthcare services encompassing primary medical care, chronic disease management, maternal and child health services, mental health support, substance abuse programs and dental care.” MORE NEWS ... "No comment": Lords Place investigator appointed by Orange City Council Two bodies found in shipping container on Saturday morning Lavish modern home with outdoor terraces, inground pool and fire pit: DA lodged Tim Mortimer makes a call on the future of Orange's "A Night In Nashville" honky tonk “Human error” led to Orange Ex-Services' Club accidentally giving away $21,000 DA approval the only thing standing between Orange land owner and a motza Terrifying highs, and devastating lows: Euan Macleod, Flux: Orange Regional Gallery

April 13, 2024 By Peter Holmes A crime scene has been established and an investigation is underway after police discovered two bodies in a shipping container on Saturday morning (April 13, 2024). About 11am on Saturday, emergency services were called to Goolma Road, Gulgong, about 30kms north of Mudgee, following reports of a concern for welfare. "On arrival, officers attached to Orana-Mid Western Police District located two bodies in a shipping container," said NSW Police. Goolma Road connects Gulgong with Wellington and runs for about 70km. Anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000. A report will be prepared for the information of the coroner.