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Orange Ex-Services' Club joins statewide club campaign against domestic violence. Orange Ex-Services’ Club staff are wearing purple every Friday in May as part of a statewide initiative taking a stand against domestic and family violence. “Purple Friday” is a grassroots movement that began in Ballina following a local tragedy that deeply impacted the community during an already difficult time. The message is simple: wear purple on Fridays to show that violence has no place in our homes, workplaces or communities. The campaign has continued to grow, gaining significant momentum in 2025 with the launch of ClubsNSW’s Clubs for Community - United Against Violence program, focused on education, advocacy and community connection. This year, the Orange Ex-Services’ Club is one of more than 200 registered clubs across NSW participating in Purple Friday. Orange Ex-Services' Club CEO Nathan Kelly said the initiative is about raising awareness, encouraging conversations and making support visible in places people already trust. “Clubs are so much more than hospitality venues. They are trusted community hubs — places where people work, gather, connect and at times, seek safety. That gives us both a unique responsibility and an opportunity when it comes to preventing and responding to domestic and family violence,” Mr Kelly said. “When you walk into our club on a Friday in May, you’ll see staff wearing purple shirts, hats and pins. Our team will also be available to provide helpful information and practical resources in a respectful and discreet way. “Purple Friday is about raising awareness, starting conversations and making support visible within the community.” Alongside staff wearing purple, the club will use each Friday throughout May to help promote awareness of support services including 1800RESPECT, StandbyU Foundation and Lifeline. “For those who may not feel comfortable speaking directly with someone, there will also be digital screens, posters and signage throughout the club displaying support information, online resources and contact numbers for advice and assistance,” Mr Kelly said. “Purple symbolises strength, courage and dignity. It represents the club industry’s commitment to breaking the silence around domestic violence and standing in solidarity with those affected. Raising awareness, educating our communities and providing support is something all of us can play a role in.” Support Services 1800RESPECT 24/7 support for anyone affected by domestic, family or sexual violence. Call: 1800 737 732 Text: 0458 737 732 Website: 1800RESPECT StandbyU Foundation Australian not-for-profit social enterprise focused on helping people stay safe through innovative technology and human connection. Call: 1800 069 010 (then press 2) Email: info@standbyu.org.au Website: StandbyU Foundation Lifeline 24-hour crisis support and suicide prevention services for Australians in distress. Call: 13 11 14 Text: 0477 13 11 14 Website: Lifeline Australia

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.

Celebrate Members Week at the Orange Ex-Services' Club with exclusive offers, events, and rewards just for our valued members. Don’t miss out! MONDAY 11 - THURSDAY 21 MARCH Head into the Orange Ex-Services' Club OR The Country Club and present your Senior's card throughout Seniors Week when purchasing any MAIN meal* and receive a complimentary house wine, tap beer or soft drink! *EXCLUDES SPECIALS, STARTERS, KIDS MEALS & DESSERTS. AVAILABLE AT DIGGERS & THE COUNTRY CLUB ONLY FREE Monday, 11 March MONDAY MORNING MELODIES WITH NEIL GILL 10:30AM • ORANGE EX-SERVICES' CLUB Join us in the Northcott Lounge Monday morning from 10:30am - 12:30pm and enjoy free live acoustic music with Neil Gill! Tuesday, 12 March BRIDGE BASICS FOR BEGINNERS 2:00PM • ORANGE EX-SERVICES' CLUB Join us at the OESC on Tuesday from 2:00PM for our Bridge Basics for Beginners session. Whether you're new to the game or looking to brush up on your skills, this event is designed to provide you the tips and tricks of bridge! FREE FREE Wednesday, 13 March LIVE LUNCH SHOW WITH NEIL GILL 11:30AM • NORTHCOTT BAR We have Neil Gill returning on Wednesday to perform a live lunch show at 11:30AM in The Northcott Bar! Thursday, 14 March BINGO & BICKIES 3:00PM • ORANGE EX-SERVICES' CLUB Join us at the OESC on Thursday from 3:00PM for Club Bingo and Afternoon Tea session! Our Bingo has progressive Jackpots, with Mini & Major Jackpots that will increase every game until WON! * Cost is $5 per Bingo book and I ncludes Afternoon Tea $5* FREE Sunday, 17 March MUSICAL BINGO AT THE GREENHOUSE 3:00PM • THE GREENHOUSE OF ORANGE Head up to the Greenhouse from 3:00pm on Sunday and enjoy an afternoon of fun with our Musical Bingo! Musical Bingo is free to play and fun for all ages! Don't miss our live music on the rooftop every Sunday from 12:00pm! BOOK TABLE Tuesday, 19 March HEARING AUSTRALIA: FREE HEARING CHECK 10:00AM • ORANGE EX-SERVICES' CLUB Head into the OESC from 10:00am - 3:30pm to receive a FREE 15 minute hearing check. Located at back reception, the Hearing Australia team will look after you! FREE FREE Wednesday, 20 March SOCIAL BOWLS AT THE COUNTRY CLUB 11:00AM • THE COUNTRY CLUB Have you always wanted to try Bowls? Why not visit The Country Club from 11:00AM on Wednesday and test out your skills at our FREE social bowls session! The Country Club kitchen will be open to get some lunch after your game! Thursday, 21 March HEARING AUSTRALIA: FREE HEARING CHECK 10:00AM • ORANGE EX-SERVICES' CLUB Head into the OESC from 10:00am - 3:30pm to receive a FREE 15 minute hearing checks. Located at back reception, the Hearing Australia team will look after you! FREE

Join the Glee Club at The Country Club and enjoy singing, camaraderie and fun-filled evenings in a welcoming and supportive community environment. OESC GLEE CLUB Are you looking for a new way to make friends? The Orange Ex-Services' Glee Club is a social club that meets every Saturday night at The Country Club Orange. Come and enjoy a meal in the Bistro before joining us for the weekly raffles and a social drink. GET IN TOUCH To find out more information and to express your interest in becoming a member of the OESC Glee Club, please contact the Club President, Rosemary Priest on 0414 262 078. CONTACT US

Join the OESC Board of Directors and help shape the future of the Orange Ex-Services Club. Make a difference, contribute your expertise and lead our community forward. Who Are We ORANGE EX-SERVICES’ CLUB IS SEEKING NOMINATIONS FOR OUR BOARD OF DIRECTORS Are you a person seeking career progression, a leadership opportunity or a role that increases your involvement within the Orange community? Be a part of the Orange Ex-Services’ Club direction and development process of significant current and upcoming projects. This role will also include being involved in the Club’s financial viability and sharing knowledge from ongoing leadership training. We are looking for individuals who possess a people-orientated leadership style and are community-minded, with the ability to navigate business structures and can provide innovative concepts. A successful nominee would ideally demonstrate the following key requirements: Strategic and innovative. Ability to work in a diverse team. Capacity to attend monthly Board meetings and other essential meetings. Commitment to attend learning and development programs, including leadership and strategy. Applicants must have held an active Orange Ex-Services’ Club membership for at least three months immediately before their nomination for election. If this opportunity resonates, we would like to invite interested parties to attend an informational meeting held on Monday, 9 February 2026, from 6:30pm to 8:30pm at Orange Ex-Services’ Club, 231-243 Anson Street. This evening will provide information regarding the requirements for holding a directorship at Orange Ex-Services’ Club and the process to be accepted for election by the Members. Whether you plan to nominate for a Board position in 2026 or are interested in how a Board position could benefit your career aspirations and community involvement, you are strongly encouraged to attend as this is an inspiring time to be a part of the Orange Ex-Services’ Club. To RSVP to the information evening or for further information on the program, please contact Nathan Kelly, Chief Executive Officer at Orange Ex-Services’ Club, on 02 6362 2666 during office hours by Friday 6 February 2026. CLICK TO RSVP