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In 2025, the Club awarded $157,266 to 30 local groups and organisations, continuing its strong commitment to initiatives that strengthen the Orange and Central West community. Previous recipients included Lifeline Central West , which received $20,000 for life-saving crisis support training for volunteers, along with Fair Fight Foundation , Clontarf Foundation , Miracle Babies Foundation , The Salvation Army and many more. Category 1 funding is for projects that contribute to the welfare and broader social fabric of the local community. This includes initiatives in community welfare, social services, community development, health programs, and employment assistance, with applications assessed by the Orange Local Government Area Committee. In addition to Category 1, the Club also supports Category 2 funding, which is available all year for general community development and support activities, including junior sport, grassroots programs, and veteran welfare initiatives. This allows local organisations to access grants outside the main Category 1 funding round and support ongoing projects throughout the year. Past Category 1 recipients have used ClubGRANTS funding to deliver critical services, purchase essential equipment, and implement programs that directly benefit local residents — from crisis support training and community health initiatives to youth engagement programs and emergency relief services. Applications for 2026 ClubGRANTS Category 1 funding close Sunday, 31 May 2026. All local community groups are encouraged to apply and take advantage of this opportunity. Click the button below to learn more and to submit your ClubGRANTS application. Category 1 You are considered eligible for Category 1 funding if your project falls under specific community welfare and social services, community development, health services and employment assistance activities, and other projects aimed at improving the living standards of low income and disadvantaged people. Category 2 Funding for general community development and support activities, such as junior sport/grassroots sport or veteran welfare activities. Unlike Category 1 funding, Category 2 is available all-year-round. Follow the applications steps above to determine how to submit your application.

Total destruction in a fire in 2019 of the original Wentworth Golf Club seemed likely a death-knell for "The Wenty"; but fate still had a hand to play. Having only just passed its half-century a few years before, it looked like this beloved local institution, might not meet the 60th anniversary which it celebrates this week. Fortuitous events, however, led to its amalgamation with Orange Ex-Services Club, and they haven’t looked back since, Services’ Chief Operating Officer, Mark "Fez" Fleidner believes. "It was a tragedy when the 50-year plus club house burnt to the ground however, at that time, the Orange Ex-Services Country Club - which had its own course - lost our lease out at Bloomfield," Fez explained. "So, we eventually formed an amalgamation between Orange Ex-Services Club and Wentworth, which has been beneficial for both parties," he added. Half-century member, Stan Streatfeild, said that the amalgamation with the Ex-Services Club, was a lifesaver after the devastating inferno of May 18, 2019. "In the end, it was probably the best thing to happen for all concerned," Stan said. "The Servies lost a country club, and got a first-rate golf course as a swap," he added. Bricks-and-mortar of the new clubhouse is one sign of the successful marriage between one of the top courses in the bush and Orange's biggest community organisation. "The cost was about $25 million to build, making it one of the most modern buildings and golf courses in NSW," Fez said proudly. "We've got a pro-shop, two golf simulators, a sports bar, a main restaurant, two cafes and function spaces, and a kids play area." With the fine and ancient game of golf now struggling for numbers in many towns across Australia, "The Wentworth", as it is now known, has only grown and thrived. "At the time of the re-opening, we had about 550 full members, now we have about 760 members, and that doesn’t include the 26,000 social members across the group," Fez revealed. He emphasised not just the good work in recent years, but also the hard labour of those who founded the club all those years ago. "The golf course, wouldn’t be where it is, if not for founders like John (Bankovic)" with the events of 2019 shattering for the members. "It’s been a home away from home for so many, and it was sad for everyone but, saying that, it gave us the opportunity to benefit the whole community," Fez said. He points to the long-standing commitment of so many at the club to its ultimate success now and into the future. "We have 48 juniors, an increase on previous years, which is great; Todd (Brakenridge, Club Pro), does everything. "We have a beautiful 18-hole, par 69 course in top condition, that is a testament to the work of so many people over the years," Fez said. For many members, he believes, the club is so much more than just another golf course. "I used to work out here since I was 16, Todd’s been here since he was 16, for all of us, it’s a special place," Fez said. "In the end, they’re not members, they’re friends." Early days of the club for everyone, only £5 a year! Drinks between a group of golf-loving friends way back in 1965 was the catalyst for the establishment of The Wentworth, now one of the best clubs in country NSW. Increasing popularity of golf in the post-war years - a sport until then traditionally associated with the wealthy upper middle class - had led to a crisis, where Orange’s established century-old course, simply could not cope with application numbers. "At Duntreyleague, you couldn’t join unless your father or grandfather had been a member, there was just too long a waiting list," Wentworth Golf Club founding member, John Bankovic recalled. "So, it was six local businessmen, over a beer at the old Orange Hotel, who decided to go ahead and build another golf course," he added. This led to a public meeting being called, where the unmet demand for the course, was starkly illustrated with a huge attendance. "We had a meeting at the Armaco Hall (Orange Function Centre) where more than 750 people turned up, at the end of the meeting, everyone paid ~$5 to become founding members," John said. Then the next year, it went up to $10, a 100 per cent increase," he joked (conversion to the new decimal currency in February 1966, was at one pound to two dollars). For John though, at the time a recent migrant from the Croatian province of communist Yugoslavia, the club has been a second home. "You couldn’t find a better place to play golf, the first golf ball I ever hit in my life, was there, the first game I ever played, was there" John said. "It is more than a club, it is a family." Foundation member, John Bankovic Wenty member, Stan Streatfeild, said the amalgamation with the Ex-Services Club, was a lifesaver after the devastating fire.

The Orange Ex-Services’ Club has unveiled a new name for its popular upstairs function space, now officially known as the Tarin Kowt Room. Tarin Kowt, the capital of Uruzgan Province in southern Afghanistan, was the central base of Australian military operations during the nation’s involvement in the Afghanistan conflict. Orange Ex-Services’ Club CEO Nathan Kelly said the name change not only aligns the venue with other club function rooms named after historic campaigns, including the Coral Sea, Tobruk, Borneo and Moresby Rooms, but also serves as a meaningful tribute to veterans of more recent conflicts. “The space was previously called the Greenhouse Function Room, and we saw an opportunity to rename it as a mark of respect for the veterans of Afghanistan, a new generation of local servicemen and women,” Mr Kelly said. “Most of our rooms are named after Australian battles or campaigns, but none yet reflected the experiences of our more contemporary veterans. The Tarin Kowt Room helps bridge that gap.” The new name was officially revealed on Wednesday, October 15, ahead of a special screening of the Australian war documentary Bravery and Betrayal , presented by veterans’ charity Wandering Warriors. Special guest “Horse”, a former SAS Patrol Commander who features in the film, helped unveil the Tarin Kowt name and accompanying information wall. “It’s actually my first time in Orange, which is ironic because I spent so much time in Tarin Kowt during deployments that we used to joke I’d end up getting citizenship there,” Horse said with a smile. “It’s an honour to be here and part of something that recognises the men and women who served there.” Director Simon J. Heath also attended the event and spoke about the importance of Bravery and Betrayal , which highlights the courage and dedication of Australian soldiers who served in Afghanistan. “Many Australians don’t realise the scale or impact of what our Defence Force, especially the SAS, achieved in Afghanistan,” Mr Heath said. “We made this film to share their story, to acknowledge their bravery and the sacrifices made not just by those on the front line, but by their families back home. These stories deserve to be told.” Heath said the film was also motivated by a desire to give SAS veterans a voice after years of negative media coverage and the heavy toll it has taken on many within the Defence community. “For a decade, only one narrative has been told, and it’s damaged reputations, families, and lives,” he said. “This film gives these soldiers, and their loved ones, the chance to tell their side of the story.” Funded entirely through community donations, Bravery and Betrayal has been touring Australia since June, with the Orange screening marking its 87th showing, most of which have been to sold-out audiences. “Our hope is that people walk away having heard directly from the SAS, their families, and those who paid the ultimate price,” Mr Heath said. “It’s vital that the ANZAC story continues to evolve, that we recognise the courage of those who served in Afghanistan as part of that proud tradition.”

ClubGRANTS is one of Australia’s largest grant programs, providing more than $100 million in cash each year to a variety of causes across NSW. Need assistance writing your ClubGrants application? Attend the FREE Grants Writing Workshop Here 2026 CLUBGRANTS CATEGORY 1 NOW OPEN Applications close on Sunday 31 May 2026 HOW TO APPLY APPLY NOW FAQs ARE YOU A LOCAL CHARITY OR ORGANISATION IN NEED OF FUNDING FOR A WORTHY CAUSE OR COMMUNITY PROJECT? ClubGRANTS is one of Australia’s largest grant programs, providing more than $100 million in cash each year to a variety of causes across NSW. In 2025, Orange Ex-Services' Club was proud to support our local communities ClubGRANTS recipients with a total funding donation of $157,266.00 VIEW 2024/25 CLUBGRANTS CATEGORY 1 RECIPIENTS VIEW 2023/24 CLUBGRANTS CATEGORY 1 RECIPIENTS CLUBGRANTS CATEGORY 2 Funding for general community development and support activities, such as junior sport/grassroots sport or veteran welfare activities. VIEW 2024/25 CLUBGRANTS CATEGORY 2 RECIPIENTS VIEW 2023/24 CLUBGRANTS CATEGORY 2 RECIPIENTS FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS What is the difference between Category 1 and Category 2 ClubGRANTS? Category 1 Supports projects and/or services that contribute to the welfare and broader social fabric of the local community and are aimed at improving the living standards of low income and disadvantaged people. Category 1 is regulated is assessed through the local ClubGRANTS Committee in the Local Government Area (LGA). Category 2 Supports local community development initiatives, including sporting clubs, schools, community groups and events. Examples could include equipment purchases, local programs, facility use and in-kind venue support. Category 2 applications are assessed internally by the Orange-Ex Services' Clubs Board of Directors. More information can be found here: https://www.nsw.gov.au/business-and-economy/liquor-and-gaming/liquor-gaming-nsw-grants/clubgrants-resources(https://www.nsw.gov.au/business-and-economy/liquor-and-gaming/liquor-gaming-nsw-grants/clubgrants-resources) What is the Category 2 grant year? The Category 2 ClubGRANTS funding year runs from 1 September to 31 August each year. All in-kind funded projects, events or activities must take place within the relevant grant year. For example: • If you are applying during the 2025–2026 grant round, your event must occur between 1 September 2025 and 31 August 2026. • If your event is scheduled outside this timeframe (e.g. December 2026), you will need to wait and apply in the appropriate future grant year. This does not apply to financial donations. Applications submitted for projects outside the current grant year cannot be assessed. Can I apply for a Category 2 in-kind ClubGRANT for an event happening next year? Only if the event falls within the current grant year (September–August). If your event is scheduled after 31 August of the current funding year, you must wait until the next grant round opens. We recommend checking your event date carefully before submitting your application. How long does assessment take for Category 2 ClubGRANTS? As a general guide: • Applications are reviewed by the OESC ClubGRANTS team i.e. any missing information etc. • Then referred to the Sports and Community Committee • Final approval is required by the Board of Directors Please allow up to 6-8 weeks from submission for a decision. Applicants will be notified via the ClubGRANTS portal once a decision has been made. We kindly ask that applicants avoid contacting the Club for updates during the assessment period unless additional information is requested. What information should I include in an In-Kind Category 2 ClubGRANTS application? To ensure your application can be properly assessed, please contact our events team to discuss the following: • The exact venue or room requested • Preferred event date(s) • Estimated number of attendees • Purpose of the event • A detailed breakdown of requested support (e.g. room hire cost, AV equipment, catering, golf course use, sporting field hire, etc.) • Confirmation that you have checked availability with the Events Team (if applicable) Incomplete applications may be delayed or returned for further information. When do ClubGRANTS rounds open and close? Specific opening and closing dates are published in our table below. Can we apply for multiple Category 2 ClubGRANTS in the same year? Organisations may apply for multiple initiatives; however, funding is not guaranteed. Each application is assessed on its individual merit. When do we need to provide acquittal or progress reports? An acquittal or progress report is typically required: • After the event or project has concluded • Before the end of the current grant year (31 August), or • Prior to being considered for future ClubGRANTS funding Failure to provide acquittal documentation may impact future funding. Do we need an ABN? Eligibility: • Organisations delivering community welfare/social services and related programs within NSW are typically eligible; individuals are generally not. See NSW Government guidance. ABN: Strongly recommended for grant recipients. • An ABN supports tax and reporting obligations (ABR guidance). If a recipient does not quote an ABN, the payer must withhold tax at the top marginal rate unless the recipient provides the ATO Statement by a Supplier form. Where a grant recipient does not provide an ABN • Use the ATO “Statement by Supplier” Form • If a recipient does not have an ABN, they must complete the Statement by Supplier form to declare why they are not quoting an ABN. • View ATO guidance here(https://www.ato.gov.au/forms-and-instructions/statement-by-supplier-not-quoting-an-abn) Verify Legal Entity Status when no ABN is Quoted If an ABN is not available, you can provide the following registrations which will assist eligibility verification • ASIC registers for company or incorporated association details. ASIC Search [a(https://asic.gov.au/online-services/search-asic-registers/company-and-organisation-registers/)sic.gov.au](http://asic.gov.au)(https://asic.gov.au/online-services/search-asic-registers/company-and-organisation-registers/) • Searching the ACNC Charity Register for not-for-profit or charity status. ACNC Charity Register [a(https://www.acnc.gov.au/charity)cnc.gov.au](http://acnc.gov.au)(https://www.acnc.gov.au/charity) • For Indigenous Corporations, verify via ORIC. There is conflicting information in relation to the requirement to quote ABNs. Whilst Liquor and Gaming may indicate an ABN is not required, The ABN validates the entity as a potential club grant recipient. Clubs NSW recommend the ABN. Those applications without an ABN have a higher threshold requirement to meet the criteria, and will need to be validation with ASIC, ACNC or ORIC as well as a valid Statement by supplier. ABN Application The process of attaining an ABN takes 10 minutes. The link below will take you to the relevant page Applying for an ABN | Australian Business Register(https://www.abr.gov.au/business-super-funds-charities/applying-abn) Once completed, list the ABN number provided on the application. Please note you do not need to register for GST. CLUBGRANTS APPLICATION DATES Category Month Reviewed Category 1 Open February 2026 Reviewed by Sport Committee 31 May 2026 Category 2 September 2025 Reviewed by Sport Committee October 2025 Category 2 October 2025 Reviewed by Sport Committee November 2025 Category 2 January 2026 Reviewed by Sport Committee February 2026 Category 2 June 2026 Reviewed by Sport Committee July 2026 (if funding is not exhausted) Orange Local Government Area Committee Melissa Stanford Manager Community Services Orange City Council Ph 6393 8605 Nikita Bourke Waratah Sports Club Ph 6362 8773 nikitabourke@waratahsportsclub.com.au Vanessa Willis NSW Communities & Justice Ph 6361 6902 vanessa.willis@facs.nsw.gov.au Sam Nelson Lives Lived Well Ph 1300 727 957 sam.nelson@liveslivedwell.org.au Jason French Office of Sport 0417 413 989 jason.french@sport.nsw.gov.au Nathan Kelly, Leanne Vogler, Isabella Thomas, Luke Wilson Orange Ex-Services’ Club Ph 6362 2666 clubgrants@oesc.com.au Need More Info? Please read the ClubGRANTS information on the ClubGRANTS website carefully for details on eligibility and applying online. CALL 02 6362 2666 EMAIL US clubgrants@oesc.com.au CONTACT Committee Member

Kidsfest is back in January to help keep the kids entertained before they go back to school. From junior golf clinics to cup cake decorating, there's plenty to keep the kids busy. SCHOOL HOLIDAY ACTIVITIES KidsFest is back again throughout 2026, so join us at the Orange Ex-Services' Club during the April School Holidays! The OESC is buzzing with excitement as we ha ve a range of kid-friendly activities lined up! From Sunday 12th to Sunday 19th April , we invite you to join us for an array of fun, laughs and epic memories! Adults you are welcome to *drop and dine with us! We will entertain your little people whi le you have a coffee at our Coffee Shop, a drink at Northcott Bar or some lunch in Diggers. FAMILY BOWLS DAY SUNDAY 12TH APRIL FREE THE COUNTRY CLUB 11:00AM - 1:30PM Looking for something fun and free to do together? Come down to the Country Club for a relaxed and friendly Family Bowls Day, proudly hosted by our passionate club members. No experience needed – just bring your crew, give it a go, and enjoy some laughs on the green. BOOK WENTY MOVIE NIGHT MONDAY 13TH APRIL $5 PER CHILD THE WENTWORTH ORANGE 6:30PM Enjoy a relaxing night out while your kids have a blast at our Movie Night watching ELIO! It’s the perfect way for parents to relax while the kids are entertained! Receive one (1) FREE kids meal with any meal purchased over $20. Tickets include the movie and popcorn. BOOK CHOCOLATE BINGO TUESDAY 14TH APRIL $2 PER CHILD ORANGE EX-SERVICES' CLUB 12:30PM - 1:30PM Get ready for a sweet time at our School Holiday Chocolate Bingo! Kids can play a fun game of bingo with a delicious twist – tasty chocolate prizes for every win! It’s a perfect mix of excitement and treats, making it the ultimate holiday activity for chocolate lovers! BOOK MAKE YOUR OWN PLAYDOH THURSDAY 16TH APRIL $5 PER CHILD ORANGE EX-SERVICES' CLUB 11:00AM - 12:00PM A fun and engaging Kids Introduction to Martial Arts class run by Pollet’s Martial Arts Centre is the perfect way for children to build confidence, focus, and fitness. Designed for beginners, this class teaches the basics of martial arts in a safe, supportive environment. Through games, drills, and simple techniques, kids develop discipline, coordination, and respect – all while having a great time! Suitable for ages 4 and up. BOOK IMPORTANT NOTES Please note that if your little one is 5 and under, you must remain with them for all kids activities. For kids aged 6-14, you are welcome to drop and dine. Head downstairs to enjoy OESC outlets but please remain in the venue while your child participates in an activity. Please ensure your contact information is correct (mobile number of supervising parent or guardian). We will use the information provided via this ticket purchase on the day if required.

Orange Ex-Services' Club has been proudly serving members and supporting our local community for over 60 years. LEARN MORE What's On Monday Morning Melodies - The 6 O’Clock Rock Tribute Mon, 09 Mar Orange Ex-Services' Club MORE INFO Never Ending 80's: 80s v 90s! Sat, 21 Mar Orange Ex-Services' Club MORE INFO Pete Murray LIVE Sat, 09 May Orange Ex-Services' Club MORE INFO VIEW ALL WHAT'S ON Drink & Dine VIEW MENU VIEW MENU Become an OESC Member today and enjoy the benefits at all of our venues! The Wentworth The Greenhouse The Country Club Mercure Orange BECOME A MEMBER EVENTS SOCIAL • CORPORATE • WEDDINGS • CATERING ENQUIRE TODAY