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Staff writer The Banjo Paterson Poetry Festival is on from February 12 to 20 in Orange and surrounding locations. Highlights include: Saturday February 12 Visit the ruins of the Banjo Paterson family homestead on Buckinbah Station. The event will also serve as a launch for a reprint of a book titled A.B. “Banjo” Paterson (1963) by Mr Clement Semmler OBE, AO, an authority on the works of Australian poets, particularly Banjo Paterson. Semmler's son Peter Semmler OBE, QC and family will be guests on the day to launch this reprint. The event is free and Covid-friendly, just bring a hat, water and a chair. Enter the property at the lower end of Lord Street, Yeoval. Saturday February 12 The Molong Advancement Group, Molong Players and Freemasons Hotel present the Poetry Brawl. Judged by National Champion Bush Poet Robyn Sykes. Entrants must perform a one-minute original poem/lyric/limerick. This poem can be recited, sung or rapped. Monday February 14 and Tuesday February 15 Poetry on the Pavers and barbeque breakfast, sponsored by Rotary, Orange Centre South Court near the library. Saturday February 19 Youth Poetry Competition at the Orange Conservatorium of Music Sunday February 20 The festival closes with Community Day at Orange Showground. There are events in Orange, Yeoval, Molong, Stuart Town and at wineries. * All events will be Covid-safe. Many events are free however you may need to book a ticket. Full program here: www.orange360.com.au/Events/Banjo-Paterson-Australian-Poetry-Festival

MORE NEWS: "Desperate call" to the cats and doggos of Orange - your city needs you MORE NEWS: These signs are definitely there, but have you ever seen them? MORE NEWS: Top of Mount Canobolas no-go zone for months; penalties for non-compliance MORE NEWS: Badly parked ute possibly the result of sloppy circle work: police

By staff writer Four people with Covid are in intensive care across the Western NSW Local Health District, and 23 are in hospital, according to the latest figures from NSW Health. The numbers cover the 24-hour period to 8pm on January 26, 2022. There were 684 positive cases across Western NSW, the result of 439 positive PCR test results and 245 positive Rapid Antigen Test (RAT) results. NSW Health notes that some cases may involve people who have reported positive PCRs and RATs. MORE NEWS: Fast food restaurant on Orange’s Golden Mile up for grabs MORE NEWS: People in 2800 postcode have $750,000 in kitty of owed money - are you one of them? Across the state another 29 people with Covid died. There were 19 men and 10 women. Two people were aged in their 60s; eight people were aged in their 70s; 13 were aged in their 80s; and six were aged in their 90s. "Older age is a significant risk factor for serious illness and death for COVID-19, particularly when combined with significant underlying health conditions," states NSW Health. Four people had received three doses of a COVID-19 vaccine, 16 people had received two doses, two people have received one dose and seven people were not vaccinated. The Western figures: Bathurst - 127 Blayney - 16 Bogan - 9 Bourke - 10 Brewarrina - 2 Cabonne - 17 Cobar - 6 Coonamble - 12 Cowra - 16 Dubbo - 154 Forbes - 18 Gilgandra - 7 Lachlan - 13 Mid-Western - 84 Narromine - 17 Oberon - 7 Orange - 114 Parkes - 20 Walgett - 13 Warren- 4 Warrumbungle - 10 Weddin - 8 MORE NEWS: This is what happens when a truckie forgets to put the fuel cap back on MORE NEWS: Tip-top spot for Pip as Molong set to pop The total number of vaccines administered in NSW is 15,463,827 with 4,741,026 doses administered by NSW Health to 8pm last night and 10,722,801 administered by the GP network, pharmacies and other providers to 11:59pm on Tuesday January 25, 2022. For more information on cases by postcode, visit: https://bit.ly/C19stats For a full list of COVID-19 testing clinics visit: https://bit.ly/C19testclinics For more information on vaccination visit: https://bit.ly/C19vaxWNSW.

By Peter Holmes A radio station in Orange has cut a deal with a business selling rapid antigen tests. The city's community radio station, FM 107.5, will receive income towards its annual fundraising with each RAT sold. "Rapid Antigen Tests available RIGHT NOW!" says a post on the station's Facebook page, which contains a link to the wholesale site selling All Test brand of RATs. "Rapid Antigen Tests are currently available through the client of a station media partner, Business Plaza, and they’ve contacted us to let you know ... There are very limited supplies, so if you want them, you need to be quick." The website is selling the rapid antigen tests in smaller lots and in bulk. A pack of five is $105 ($21 each). A pack of 20 is $360 ($18 each). A pack of 1,000 is $14,420 ($14.42 each). The federal government is supplying free RATs to concession card holders, however the tests have been in short supply around the city in recent weeks. Despite the challenges of lockdown, FM 107.5 has continued broadcasting through much of the pandemic. The station plays a wide variety of music and is staffed by volunteers. Disclaimer: The reporter has been a member of the local community radio station FM 107.5 for about five years. MORE NEWS: Orange, we need to talk roundabouts … MORE NEWS: We rang every chemist to see if they had rapid antigen tests. Oh dear … MORE NEWS: EXCLUSIVE: "I was shaking uncontrollably". Six people in one house in Orange have Covid

By Peter Holmes Towards the end of 2021 small signs were stuck to the windows of a restaurant in Orange advising customers that the establishment - best-known for its steaks, curly chips and mega sundaes - was closed for "equipment maintenance and repairs". However it never reopened, and now it's on the market. The Hog's Breath Café on Lords Place is for sale with an asking price for the business of $785,000 plus training costs ($6,600) and stock. On August 26 last year the café was still advertising home delivery on social media. "Tired of cooking and cleaning up dishes! Well, we've got the solution....Hog's home delivery! Enjoy a great, restaurant cooked, home meal at your place from Hog's!" MORE NEWS: These signs are definitely there, but have you ever seen them? MORE NEWS: Top of Mount Canobolas no-go zone for months; penalties for non-compliance However its only post since that date was in October, advising the restaurant had shut. There are three Hog's Breath Cafés for sale in NSW via the Hog's Breath Café franchise page: Forster ($250,000), Port Macquarie (price not listed) and Orange ($785,000). Hog's Breath franchisees pay a monthly royalty of five percent, calculated on gross food and beverage sales less promotions, merchandise and discounts. They also pay a monthly co-operative advertising royalty of two percent, calculated on gross food and beverage sales less promotions, merchandise and discounts. MORE NEWS: Badly parked ute possibly the result of sloppy circle work: police EVEN MORE NEWS: Fast food restaurant on Orange’s Golden Mile up for grabs The monthly rental on the sizeable CBD building is unknown. The restaurant faced multiple competitors in the CBD including the Lonestar Rib House and a number of pubs serving burgers and steaks. The Orange News Examiner has sought comment from Hog's Breath Café head office.

By Peter Holmes The latest data from Revenue NSW shows that $751,390 is waiting to be claimed by people living in the 2800 postcode, including Orange, Lucknow, Spring Hill and Nashdale. Revenue NSW said that people sometimes don't receive monies owed to them for reasons such as changing name and/or address, losing paperwork or forgetting. The $751,390 is split between 2,242 "items", at an average of $335.14 each. "In NSW, businesses and public sector superannuation funds send information to us about money owed to people they can’t find," Revenue NSW stated. "It’s our job to make this information available, so the money can be found and given to the right person." Examples of monies owned include refunds and overpayments from a purchase; share dividends; cheques that have not been cashed or deposited; commissions; expenses; principal and interest; and public sector superannuation. The figures were valid at January 1, 2022. To see if you're owed money go to www.revenue.nsw.gov.au/unclaimed-money MORE NEWS: "The size of a chicken": Huntsman almost ruins holiday MORE NEWS: Heavyweights meeting to consider $25 million stadium

By Peter Holmes They look like contraptions you might use to tootle about on a golf course. Or the Moon. You may have noticed Australia Post's EDVs (Electric Delivery Vehicles) popping up around Orange in September 2021. A spokesperson for Australia Post told The Orange News Examiner that six EDVs are now in operation throughout the city. "They're proving popular with our team members, with many across Australia having transitioned to the almost 3,000 EDVs now in operation around the country," said the spokesperson. Australia Post plans to roll out more of the EDVs. The spokesperson said that not only were the EDVs "better for the environment", but that they were safer for posties: "These vehicles are easier to see, more stable and offer significant protection for the driver." EDVs can carry up to three times as many parcels as pushbikes or motorbikes, and "can perform additional functions such as collecting mail from street posting boxes", the spokesperson said. Australia Post is the country’s biggest operator of electric vehicles. The fleet also includes 1,400 electric bikes, and three new Fuso eCanter electric trucks, the latter of which hit the roads in November 2021. Another 17 trucks will be put into service in early 2022.

By Peter Holmes Dateline: 2003. Of all the men in rock, Mr Meat Loaf settles comfortably towards the end of the spectrum marked Do Not Irritate. Down there in the naughty corner with John Lydon, Lou Reed, Keith Moon and Axl Rose. It's true that the Mr Loaf before me today is no longer the sweaty, crazy-eyed, long-haired man mountain from the Bat Out Of Hell '70s, clomping and wobbling around the stage like a vast, hirsute, demented musical blancmange. No, he's older, and his hair is cut short. His face has gained some lines, and he's lost some weight. But he's still scary when he's not happy, and I have no idea whether the agitated man before me is Marvin Aday, or Meat Loaf, as played by Marvin Aday. I am sitting in the back of a minivan. It is 2003. Across the aisle is Mr Loaf. Behind him sits his backing vocalist Patti Russo, a New Jersey native who is 10 years into her stint with the '70s icon. It's about a 45-minute drive from the singer's five-star Sheraton On The Park hotel in the Sydney CBD to Brookvale Mall, a vast shopping complex on the northern beaches. Here, Mr Loaf will sign vinyl, CDs and books, and do the grip-and-grin with fans who are already patiently waiting his arrival. Meat Loaf makes a sport out of verbal jousting. Interviews are combat, and you better be ready. But even if you're prepared, you're never ready, because Meat Loaf will jerk the conversation this way and that. He'll challenge you. He'll use sarcasm. He'll throw a question at you like, "What is acting?" with such force you won't be sure if he expects you to answer, or whether he's just taking a breath into those big lungs before enlightening you with the correct response. We're barely 10 minutes into the journey, stuck in traffic on Military Rd in Cremorne, when Mr Loaf turns on me. The cause of his displeasure is my natty new Nokia 3100, which has started, and now won't stop, playing the Mexican Hat Dance ringtone. It'll be the newsdesk at my Sunday paper, calling with a range of questions that at any other time on a Saturday morning, production day, might seem reasonable: Where are you? Have you interviewed Mr Loaf yet? Has the photographer taken the pix? When will you be back in the office? Can you file over the phone now? But not today. Today I am juggling a tape recorder, a notepad, a pen and a phone that won't stop playing what is possibly the most annoying ditty ever written. Despite regular and tiresome nagging from the newsdesk, I have repeatedly put off buying a mobile phone. I hate the damn contraptions, and it irritates me that I'm expected to buy it, pay for its upkeep, and put in a monthly claim for the calls that are work related. Everybody knows only the most indolent or anally retentive news reporter can be bothered to fill out the paperwork every month for 10 or 20 clams, so I know this will end up costing me. I reluctantly fork out for a Nokia 3100. And now look, the news desk is using it to turn Meat Loaf against me. I press feverishly at the buttons on the phone but the Mexican Hat Dance has no intention of stopping just yet. Time stands still, and I begin to perspire. I look up to find the great man glaring angrily at me. This is not going to be good. "That's the STUPIDEST phone ring I ever heard in my life!" he bellows at me. And now the phone stops. "It's my first proper mobile phone," I offer apologetically. "I've only had it two weeks." Meat Loaf doesn't care about this. "If I was you, I'd change that immediately." He says this curtly, and it's not so much a suggestion as a directive. I should let it go and move on, but Meat's got me rattled. "I wouldn't even know how to start changing that," I blurt. "I'll pass it to my brother. He'll know." "Yeah," Meat snaps back darkly. "Pass it on to your brother to change that. 'Cos all that's going to happen is people are just going to laugh out loud at you every time it rings." There is a sudden meanness about the way he is speaking. It's unpleasant. In a clumsy attempt to brighten the mood, I suggest that left unchanged, the Mexican Hat Dance ringtone could ultimately lead from laughter to violence. "Yeah, it will lead to that," Loaf shoots back. I ask Meat about his upcoming 2004 performances with the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra, and how he might avoid turning the extravagant, Wagnerian heartland pop-rock he created with Jim Steinman on 1977's Bat Out Of Hell (estimated 43 million copies sold) into mere Muzak. "That I don't know, because I've never gone there," he says. "But I guarantee ya, if it starts to-." The Nokia 3100 is not done. The newsdesk has left a message, which triggers a series of bleeps. Meat Loaf's train of thought has been broken. "I'M gonna start hitting ya!" he says as the phone finally falls silent. We're still a good half hour from our destination, and I'm starting to wonder where along the way Meat might have the driver pull over and open the sliding door.

By Peter Holmes The Orange News Examiner asked the Commonwealth Bank media wing via email on January 10 why the bank's ATM from North Orange Shopping Centre had been removed. The ATM allowed customers from a range of major banks to make free transactions. It was removed late last year and replaced by a generic atmx machine that charges fees per transaction, unless you bank with a limited number of mostly smaller financial institutions. The Orange News Examiner sent another email to the Commonwealth Bank on January 20. The bank failed to acknowledge or respond to the emails, which requested an explanation as to why the ATM was removed. The Commonwealth Bank faced a brutal backlash from the public and politicians at all levels of government last year after it was revealed it would close branches in Molong and Blayney. It has netted around $1 million from the sale of the Molong and Blayney branches, with the Molong building selling in mid-January in the mid-$400,000 price range, and the Blayney branch selling for $560,000 on September 21, 2021. atmx is operated by Armaguard Group, which in turn is owned by Linfox, and was launched in November 2020. According to its website it has more than 2,100 machines around Australia. "atmx ensures you have the freedom and flexibility to access your cash whenever, and wherever you are ... [it] is the easiest way for banks and financial institutions to meet account holder needs, it is the future of efficient cash access in Australia, available for everyone". atmx allows cardholders from some institutions to "use atmx direct charge fee-free* for withdrawals and balance enquiries", its website states. They include ANZ, Bank of Queensland (BOQ), Suncorp Bank, ME Bank, Virgin Money and a number of smaller credit unions, however many major banking institutions are not listed as being involved in free withdrawals and balances. A spokesperson for North Orange Shopping Centre said: "The removal of the ATM was not a decision made by the Landlord/Centre Management." MORE NEWS: REWIND 1995: Australia Sends Its Good Wishes To O.J. Simpson (Part 1) EVEN MORE NEWS: Can Stars of Orange proceed? MORE NEWS: "Desperate call" to the cats and doggos of Orange - your city needs you MORE NEWS: It sat empty for months, despite a prime location. Now new owners are set to launch

By Peter Holmes Shoppers at Woolworth's in North Orange on New Year's Day 2022 were met with empty displays in the fruit and veg section. One shopper, who visited the North Orange Shopping Centre early on Saturday evening, was surprised by the dearth of produce. If you'd been planning vegetable soup and a fruit salad for dinner, you may have been left very disappointed. There were plenty of pumpkins, however. "Due to COVID related impacts on our supply chain operations, we’re experiencing delays with some of our stock deliveries to stores," a Woolies spokesperson told The Orange News Examiner on Sunday morning. "Our teams are doing all they can to replenish stock as quickly as possible." Woolworth's apologised for the inconvenience and thanked customers for their patience. It is understood that the logistical problems relate to Covid absences among drivers and those working at distribution centres.

By David Fitzsimons A housing complex for seniors with seven units has been proposed. Plans for the $1.43 million project, in the centre of Spring Hill, are currently on public exhibition at Orange City Council. Each of the seven units would contain two bedrooms, kitchen and living areas, an outdoor terrace and attached single garage, and would be built at 18-20 Lucknow Street. An existing cottage on the site would be retained however six trees, a carport and sheds would be removed. Plans for the Hatton Family Property Trust project said the proposal would aid the town’s ageing population and help residents stay in the area. “Upon completion residential accommodation for aged persons and disabled persons will be provided, being a benefit to the community which has an increasing aged population,” the DA stated. “Specifically designed housing will also allow residents currently living in the area the option to move to more suitable housing while still maintaining their circle of acquaintances and support.” It said the buildings’ design would complement the existing look of the town. MORE NEWS: Oh No I’ve really upset Meat Loaf MORE NEWS: Orange, we need to talk roundabouts … MORE NEWS: We rang every chemist to see if they had rapid antigen tests. Oh dear … MORE NEWS: EXCLUSIVE: "I was shaking uncontrollably". Six people in one house in Orange have Covid “The exterior of the buildings [is] proposed to be in a traditional country style with weatherboard and board and batten-style lightweight cladding. "Roofs will be Colorbond sheet.” The plans are on exhibition until Tuesday January 25.

By David Fitzsimons Access to the top of Mount Canobolas will be closed for more than two months to finally allow for works to upgrade the summit’s car park and facilities. The NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service has announced people will not be allowed to travel to the summit from Monday January 17. “The Mount Canobolas summit precinct will be closed for redevelopment from 8am Monday January 17 to 5pm Monday March 28,” according to an alert on the National Parks’ website. “This alert will be updated depending as the works progress.” Contractors needing to gain access to the telecommunication towers on top of the mountain have been advised to contact the local park office. The alert also states that “penalties apply for non-compliance” in regards to anyone accessing the summit during the works period. MORE NEWS: Orange chemist to move on, leaving large CBD site available at $150,000 a year MORE NEWS: REWIND 1995: Australia Sends Its Good Wishes To O.J. Simpson (Part 1) EVEN MORE NEWS: Can Stars of Orange proceed? MORE NEWS: "Desperate call" to the cats and doggos of Orange - your city needs you Recent visits by The Orange News Examiner to the top of the mountain, including on Saturday January 15, found the car park was in a poor condition with plenty of potholes, rocks and pools of water. The access road to the top was, in parts, also in a poor condition with many potholes. The works will create more user-friendly facilities at the summit to encourage visitors to use the mountain. User groups, including cycling groups in Orange, have alerted members to the closure.

By Peter Holmes The Red Rooster fast food restaurant on Bathurst Road is on the market. Known for its roast chicken meals, burgers and best-in-class coleslaw and potato and gravy, the Red Rooster franchise is part of the Golden Mile strip that includes KFC, McDonald's and Taco Bell. The business has been listed for sale at $590,000 on several commercial real estate sites. One advertisement for the sale states the franchise is a "High Volume Store with Drive-Thru Net Sales $1,840,000". "Fully upgraded, modern free-standing store with drive-thru ... Great location in takeaway food hub with excellent street signage and easy access ... Offering inside dining for approx. 32 people and takeaway." According to the advertising, the sale includes all equipment, serviced and well-maintained cool room and freezer and a new $10,000 warmer. The business would be "ideal for a couple to run", and has delivery services. The rent on the property is listed at $16,330 per month, with a long lease and 10-year option. When contacted by The Orange News Examiner, the store's owner declined to comment.

By Peter Holmes The café at the entrance to North Orange Shopping Centre - last trading as Urban Cup - has sat vacant for many months, which was surprising given its prime position and the foot traffic generated by anchor client Woolworths. Now a new venture is set to launch on Tuesday January 11. The BoW Project - Café & Eatery will conduct a "soft opening" as they find a groove, with coffee and pastries. It will upsize to burgers and other meals. The space has been given a slight makeover but retains features from the old café. Other businesses at North Orange Shopping Centre include a butcher, newsagent, pizza franchise, two Chinese restaurants, an Asian grocery and a bakery. MORE NEWS: See our food reviews here.

By Peter Holmes It's a 424-square-metre ground floor site surrounded by cafes, and it can be yours for about $150,000 per year in rent. Plus outgoings. The McCarthy’s Pharmacy site on Lords Place has been listed for rent and is available in April. McCarthy's, which is a compounding pharmacy, was established in 1952 by Max McCarthy. The listing stated: "The building has been extensively renovated & includes great plate glass display areas which provide good natural light & suspended ceilings with recessed lighting & full disabled access." The pharmacy, which fronts Lords Place and backs onto a council car park, has an open plan layout, and is underneath Pinnacle Physiotherapy. The site is air-conditioned and has full staff amenities. It is zoned B3 Commercial Core. The rental is $314 per square metre per annum, plus GST and a percentage of outgoings. MORE NEWS: Oh No I’ve really upset Meat Loaf MORE NEWS: Orange, we need to talk roundabouts … MORE NEWS: We rang every chemist to see if they had rapid antigen tests. Oh dear … MORE NEWS: EXCLUSIVE: "I was shaking uncontrollably". Six people in one house in Orange have Covid When contacted by The Orange News Examiner, the pharmacy and the agent leasing the property were unable to comment. McCarthy's Pharmacy is part of the Life Pharmacy Group, which includes chemists in Parkes, Forbes, Dubbo and Bathurst.

By Peter Holmes Police believe a Mitsubishi ute found tipped on its side on Glenroi Oval on Saturday morning may have been the result of some circle work gone very badly wrong. The ute was photographed by resident Robbie Beet, who advised the owner on social media to "Come and claim your ute, it will probably be burnt tonight...", referencing the number of stolen cars that had been burnt out in Orange. The owner of the ute is not known. When The Orange News Examiner attended the site on Saturday two police officers and a tow truck driver were on the scene. The ute had been moved onto the truck and was about to be transported to a police compound in Orange, awaiting collection. Surveying the scene, one officer said he believed the ute may have ended up on its side after travelling down a dip on the oval while doing circle work, otherwise known as donuts or burnouts. He said that police would get in touch with the vehicle's owner. A vehicle tipped on its side could have a number of issues, including fluid leaks, poor wheel alignment and electrical or mechanical damage.

By Peter Holmes You may have seen a man wandering around town on Friday morning dressed as a bishop. At the end of his tether, the owner of the Blind Pig Sound Lounge & Bar, John Vandenberg, decided all that was left was to play dress ups and walk to Bensons for a cuppa. Vandenberg is furious, and believes that live music venues such as his have been singled out with regulations banning singing and dancing. And they are crushing his business. “Hospitality and bars are the lowest hanging fruit, and everyone [in government] grabs that to make it look like they’re doing something,” Vandenberg told The Orange News Examiner. He was particularly irritated by the recent controversy surrounding a camp run by the Hillsong church that featured hundreds of young people inside tents singing and dancing to bands. MORE NEWS: Oh No I’ve really upset Meat Loaf MORE NEWS: Orange, we need to talk roundabouts … “Because you're praising a deity, you can sing, and if you’re getting married you can sing and dance and hug and kiss, but with a bar you can’t sing and dance because Covid knows [the difference]." Hence the costume. “Why is a wedding different from being in a small bar where there are strict checks on vaccinations and social distancing?" he asked. “I can go and scream and chant with 30,000 other people in an outdoor fish bowl at the cricket or the tennis, because there is too much riding on sports, with the TV rights and the gambling ads. But no-one is backing hospitality.” Vandenberg has cancelled his DJ for Friday night. He will proceed with the Robbie Mortimer gig on Saturday, but instead of having four bar staff, one person on the door and himself working the room, it will only be Vandenberg and one other person. Financially, he is on the ropes. Two years of being buffeted by a pandemic - and the endless daisy chain of new rules that have come and gone with each phase - have left him battered, but not broken. “I was a fireman for two-and-a-half decades, my super has gone [into this business], and I now get $250 a week from my pension," he said. “I’ve never paid myself [a wage] at the Blind Pig. We were starting to make money [again], but last week I was down to 37 percent of normal revenue. “I won’t give up. I’ll keep fighting. MORE NEWS: Little Quirks live review Bloomfield Hall MORE NEWS: Game review: Wingspan “I’m getting old, but I’ve invested that much time and money, and it’s a place that Orange wants and needs - a place where groups of women feel safe, and a safe place for the LGBTQI community. “I’m not going to let it go.” The Blind Pig opened in 2017. NSW Restrictions As of January 12, 2022: Anyone can attend a wedding, funeral or place of worship. You don't need to be fully vaccinated or show proof of your vaccination status. Face masks are required for indoor premises, subject to exemptions. You must use the Service NSW Check-in app at places of worship, funerals, memorial services, and at any gatherings after a ceremony. Density limits no longer apply to weddings, funerals and memorials. Singing and dancing at hospitality venues is no longer allowed other than for wedding services and receptions.

By David Fitzsimons A $3.7 million project to provide housing for seniors and people with a disability has been proposed for Orange. Mercy Connect, which is sponsored by the Institute of the Sisters of Mercy, is planning to build a facility consisting of four homes, a social pavilion, staff accommodation and a car port on The Escort Way near the intersection with the Northern Distributor Road. The facility would operate 24/7, have three staff at any one time and eight parking spaces to fit cars, a bus and an ambulance. Plans for the facility, on 2,446 square metres of land, are currently on public exhibition at Orange City Council. The development application says the facility would help ease a shortage of accommodation for people with disabilities and seniors in Orange. “It will rationalise and consolidate existing Mercy Connect accommodation in the Orange LGA,” the DA says. “It will increase the availability of diverse and high-demand housing for dependent persons in the community.” Vehicle access would be onto The Escort Way with the DA forecasting the facility would generate 40 vehicle trips a day. Each of the four homes would be self-contained with ensuites, kitchen and living areas. One would have three bedrooms while the others would have two bedrooms each. It is on exhibition for public comment until Tuesday January 25.

By Peter Holmes Do you know how much blood a cat can donate to save the life of another cat? If you could ask the cat, it would probably say "none, but thanks for asking". "50mL is the most you can take from a cat," Dr Judith Carney from Mulberry Lane Vet Hospital told The Orange News Examiner. The hospital is on the lookout for cats (mostly, but also dogs when required) with owners who are willing to have their beloved take a blood test to see if they have the right type required. "We need blood donors, particularly for cats," Dr Carney said. She explained that while dogs can receive a blood transfusion without “cross matching” (testing for blood type), cats are more complex - of course they are - and require blood cross matching before a transfusion. To be on the donor list, your dog needs to have a calm temperament, be in good health and fully vaccinated, weigh more than 25kgs, and be aged over 18 months but less than seven years. When your dog goes on the donor list they receive a free health check up and heartworm test if necessary. If your dog is used for a blood donation, they will get their next vaccination free. Meanwhile, a donor cat also needs to be aged over 18 months but less than seven years, in good health, vaccinated, and weigh over 4kg. Before going on the donor list, your cat will receive a free health check up and FIV test. If used for a transfusion, your cat will receive his or her next vaccination, including FIV, for free. MORE NEWS: "It must measure up or it won't go ahead": New mayor on bike track MORE NEWS: Orange chemist to move on, leaving large CBD site available at $150,000 a year MORE NEWS: REWIND 1995: Australia Sends Its Good Wishes To O.J. Simpson (Part 1) EVEN MORE NEWS: Can Stars of Orange proceed?

By Peter Holmes 4am Wednesday: Shift workers, night owls, insomniacs and people rising to spend a penny were among those most keenly affected as parts of Orange were plunged into darkness when power was cut for nearly three hours overnight. Fallen power lines were to blame for the blackout in North Orange shortly after midnight. Essential Energy advised that 1,663 "customers" were impacted. McDonald’s in North Orange was also affected, but didn’t lose all power. The incident occurred at 12:06am Wednesday. According to an early map published overnight by Essential Energy, roads that went dark included parts of Hill and Peisley streets and Roselawn Drive, and streets on the northern side of the Northern Distributor. However a map published a few hours later by Essential Energy had removed the northern side of the Northern Distributor from the areas that lost power. The 24-hour McDonald’s in North Orange didn’t suffer a full blackout, however some equipment was briefly affected. Residents who were still awake just after midnight headed to social media to try and establish what was going on. At about 1:30am today The Orange News Examiner phoned Essential Energy and was met with a recorded message saying the phone lines had been inundated with calls, and a request that only emergencies proceed to speak to an operator. At about 2:50am lights came back on, fridges started humming and ceiling fans resumed whirring. At the time of publication the exact location and cause of the fallen power lines were not known. Orange Fire Station was not called to assist with the fallen power lines. Electricity supplier Ausgrid states that power lines "can be damaged by fallen trees, lightning strikes, car accidents, vandalism, fires, birds or other animals, and flying debris during high winds".