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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.”

Orange Ex-Services' Club has been proudly serving members and supporting our local community for over 60 years. LEARN MORE What's On Pete Murray LIVE Sat, 09 May Orange Ex-Services' Club MORE INFO Karen Baldwin Medium Sat, 30 May Orange Ex-Services' Club MORE INFO Thirsty Merc Live at OESC Fri, 19 June 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

Be a part of OESC with weekly Bingo, Meat Tray Raffles, Live Shows and Entertainment for all of our members and guests to enjoy. CHECK OUT WHAT'S ON AT ORANGE EX-SERVICES' CLUB Multiple Dates Midday Meat Raffle Tue, 07 Apr Orange Ex-Services' Club MORE INFO Details Multiple Dates Bingo Rewards Jackpot Tue, 28 Apr Orange Ex-Services' Club MORE INFO RSVP Multiple Dates Poker Wed, 29 Apr Orange Ex-Services' Club MORE INFO Learn more Staying Safe From Scams - Free Course Thu, 30 Apr Orange Ex-Services' Club MORE INFO RSVP Multiple Dates Bingo Rewards Jackpot Thu, 30 Apr Orange Ex-Services' Club MORE INFO RSVP Multiple Dates $50,000 Cash Splash Thu, 30 Apr Orange Ex-Services' Club MORE INFO RSVP Multiple Dates Friday Meat Tray Raffle Fri, 01 May Orange Ex-Services' Club MORE INFO Learn more Multiple Dates Charity Housie Sat, 02 May Orange Ex-Services' Club MORE INFO Details Multiple Dates Spinner Winner Sun, 03 May Orange Ex-Services' Club MORE INFO RSVP Multiple Dates $50,000 Cash Splash Sun, 03 May Orange Ex-Services' Club MORE INFO RSVP Shape The Future of TPI NSW Tue, 05 May Orange Ex-Services' Club MORE INFO RSVP Shape The Future of TPI NSW Wed, 06 May Orange Ex-Services' Club MORE INFO RSVP Pete Murray LIVE Sat, 09 May Orange Ex-Services' Club MORE INFO RSVP Karen Baldwin Medium Sat, 30 May Orange Ex-Services' Club MORE INFO RSVP Faulty Towers - The Original Dining Experience Thu, 11 June Orange Ex-Services' Club MORE INFO RSVP Thirsty Merc Live at OESC Fri, 19 June Orange Ex-Services' Club MORE INFO RSVP Arj Barker - Comedy Show Fri, 26 June Orange Ex-Services' Club MORE INFO RSVP Australian Wrestling Superstars Sat, 08 Aug Orange Ex-Services' Club MORE INFO RSVP An Evening With Fatty Vautin Fri, 30 Oct Orange Ex-Services' Club MORE INFO RSVP

Diggers restaurant is open 7 days for Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner. Book a table and enjoy our Diggers weeknight specials. OPEN 7 DAYS BREAKFAST: 7:30AM - 9:30AM LUNCH: 12:0 0PM - 2:00PM DINNER: 5:30PM - 8:30PM BREAKFAST MENU VIEW MENU BOOK A TABLE DIGGERS LUNCH SPECIALS MONDAY PORK ROAST with Crackling & Gravy M: $11.90 | V: $17.00 TUESDAY BANGERS & MASH with Peas & Gravy M: $11.90 | V: $17.00 WEDNESDAY BEEF ROAST with Veg & Gravy M: $11.90 | V: $17.00 THURSDAY CHICKEN SCHNITZEL with Chips & Salad M: $11.90 | V: $17.00 FRIDAY BATTERED FISH with Chips & Salad M: $11.90 | V: $17.00 SATURDAY CHICKEN SCHNITZEL with Chips & Salad M: $15.00 | V: $18.75 SUNDAY BEEF ROAST with Gravy & Roast Vegetables, Seasonal Greens & Gravy M: $20.00 | V: $25.00 MONDAY $20 HALF RACK OF PORK RIBS with Chips and Slaw TUESDAY $20 LAMB CUTLET NIGHT w ith Mash, Veg & Gravy WEDNESDAY $20 HUMPDAY-RUMPDAY 300g Rump Steak served with Roast Potatoes, Steamed Veg and Gravy THURSDAY $20 PORK ROAST NIGHT with Roast Vegetables, Apple Sauce, Gravy & Crackling DIGGERS WEEKNIGHT SPECIALS