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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.”

At first glance, it’s just an ordinary t-shirt, but look closer and you’ll see the Supertee is so much more. “Our mission is to change the hospital attire for kids in hospitals,” says Operations Coordinator Terry Edgar, of the children’s charitable organisation Supertee. The Supertee, Terry explains, is a medical garment disguised as a fun costume. It was an idea brought to life by founder Jason Sotiris, whose one-year-old daughter Angela was diagnosed with a rare cancer that led to a three-year hospital battle. Feeling useless and helpless, Jason looked for ways to improve his daughter's level of comfort... and the Supertee was born. “It is essentially two pieces of material that come together by these plastic press studs,” says Terry. “Being plastic makes it MRI and PET scan safe, and all of the wires and tubes that the kids may be attached to can be stored neatly between these press studs down the sides.” A medical gown is an almost universal symbol of being sick, which can be demoralising for a child undergoing treatment for life-threatening illnesses. It’s like, ‘You feel sick, now you officially look sick'," says Terry. “With the Supertee, it is a garment whose aim is to give the kids in hospital that comfort, that dignity and also to inspire that imaginative play. We don't see them as medical garments; we see them as battle armour.” Supertees come in a number of different designs, including ‘Space Commander’, ‘Ballerina’ and Marvel superheroes Captain America, Captain Marvel and Spiderman. Marvel has allowed Supertee free use of their characters and logos for the garments. Supertees can now be found in 105 hospitals around Australia and, thanks to a grant from the Orange Ex-Services’ Club, 192 more Supertee packs have been donated to our hospital here in Orange. Last week, the club’s board members and staff spent a morning individually assembling Supertee care packs, which included handwritten notes to be given to children at the hospital. “We like to include our donors into the activity, to see where their money goes,” says Terry. “So we offer up an activity where they can pull together a team from the club – whether it be management, whether it be members, or the community – where these care packs actually get packed and then delivered to the local hospital to distribute the super tees where needed.” This is now the third year the Orange Ex-Services Club has supported Supertee, and they are proud to do so, says club president Graham Gentles. “The reason we're partnering with Supertee is because of our commitment to the community. Our club, our ethics, and our directions have always been to look after those within our area, and we support a lot of like-minded groups,” Mr Gentles said. “Supertee is a wonderful initiative and it's just grown into something now that I think has become very valuable in hospitals for those children that are suffering, in some cases, with life-ending disease or other issues they may have. And so it's a wonderful opportunity for us to be involved in something that's worthwhile for our community.”

Thirty local charities and community organisations have received a combined total of $157,266 as this year's beneficiaries of the Orange Ex-Services' Club's ClubGRANT Category 1 program. Orange Ex-Services' Club announced the successful recipients at a special presentation evening at the Greenhouse of Orange last Wednesday night. Major beneficiaries of the Club funding in 2025 include Lifeline Central West , who received $20,000 for life-saving crisis support training for volunteers, along with the Cerebral Palsy Alliance ($10,000), Fairfight Foundation - Supertee Project ($10,000), Clontarf Foundation ($15,000) and Cancer Patients Foundation, who received funding support for " Look Good Feel Better " workshops. "Each year, this evening is a highlight for us - it's about recognising and celebrating the organisations that give so much to our community," Orange Ex-Services' Club CEO Nathan Kelly said. "As a community club, we see it as our responsibility and privilege to reinvest back into the region. The diversity of recipients this year shows just how broad the needs of our community are, and we're proud to help meet them." ClubGRANTS Category 1 funding is allocated for projects and/or services that contribute to the welfare and broader social fabric of the local community, such as community welfare and social services, community development, community health services and employment assistance activities. Applications are assessed by Orange Ex-Services' Club subcommittee made up of representatives from the club, Orange City Council and the community. Since its founding in 1998, the ClubGRANTS program has provided over $1 billion in funding to deserving community groups across NSW. Orange Ex-Services' Club President said that here in Orange ClubGRANTS are an opportunity for them, as the largest club in the area, to support organisations that do so much good in the community. "It's always one of the most rewarding parts of the year, as a director at the club, to be able to support the community in the way that we do through ClubGRANTS. It's also a pleasure for me personally, because I've done this now for nearly 20 years," Mr Gentles said. "If you look at a cross-section of those that apply for ClubGrants, they all benefit our community. Sometimes they are big organisations, sometimes they're alot smaller and in some cases, they are partners with us in many things. "So its rewarding that we're able to give to the community and it gives us an opportunity to showcases what we do in the community and showcase what we have in terms of assets with the club, whether it be the main club, Wentworth Golf Club or the Country Club or tennis club. "And it does really highlight to the community that we try to look after the interests of not only our 26,000 members but the community as a whole. To find out more about ClubGrant or to apply, visit www.oesc.com.au/clubgrants

OESC is sincerely honoured to be able to fund, through the ClubGrants Program , 96 Supertee packs that have been gifted to the Paediatrics Ward at the Orange Health Service. The Supertee is a purpose built medical garment designed to inspire children's imaginations while simplifying their medical care in hospitals. With Marvel superhero inspired designs, it allows for easy changes and access to medical lines, offering comfort, convenience, and the magic of imaginative play. The Supertee helps these brave kids be recognised as the true superheroes they are . About the Supertee Project Fair Fight Foundation Limited aims to alleviate the discomfort and distress children experience when battling life-threatening conditions. The Supertee is a medical garment disguised as a superhero costume which has been specifically designed for children facing long term treatment. It is purpose built with plastic press studs on the sides and shoulders to be able to by-pass IV cables, oxygen cables, heart rate monitors and other medical equipment that a child may be hooked up to. The aim is to give a Supertee to every child up to the age of 14 in Australia who is facing a long-term hospital stay. "Since its launch in June 2018, the Supertee Project has gifted over 20,000 medical garments to children facing huge battles and has been welcomed by all major children's hospitals and paediatric wards in Australia" - Fair Fight Foundation

It’s been the scene of countless special occasions and milestone moments for so many members of the Orange community. From birthdays to balls, weddings to graduations, there would be very few locals who do not have memories of a night at the Coral Sea Room . The Orange Ex-Services Club’s well-known function space has recently undergone a significant renovation, with revamped bar space, new carpet and a state-of-the-art sound system ensuring the Coral Sea Room will be the backdrop to memorable moments for years to come. “We’ve been operating for 70 years and I think most people in Orange would have some association with the function facilities at the club, in particular the Coral Sea room,” Orange Ex-Services Club CEO Nathan Kelly said. “Most people would know someone that’s been married in the club or had a birthday party or a wedding or been at a conference. "I had my 18th birthday here and I had my 21st birthday here”, added club president Graham Gentles. “At one stage, we used to have movies for the members,” he continued, pointing out where the projection box used to be located. “Not many of the members would have had TVs back then, so we used to screen movies on Sunday nights... and I think it was Wednesday nights they used to have carpet bowls.” More than just weddings and birthdays, the Coral Sea Room has long been the venue of choice for community balls and fundraisers, conferences, political rallies and live entertainment. During the devastating Eugowra floods two years ago, the Coral Sea Room was even used as an evacuation centre. “If you went back some 40 or 50 years ago, there was not any other function area in Orange that was able to cater for some of those events except for the Coral Sea Room. So, we’ve been a major part of the community in many ways,” Graham said. The stage at the Coral Sea Room has also hosted countless live acts over the decade, from local bands and stage shows to big-name performers. “We’ve hosted some iconic live shows,” Nathan said. “ Jimmy Barnes , Cold Chisel , INXS , John Williamson , the Cockroaches and The Wiggles !” With January and February traditionally being a quieter time of the year for events, Nathan said the club decided to take advantage of that to do a refurbishment of their function facilities, in particular, the Coral Sea Room. “The club decided, after a few years of some other projects around our business, that we would spend some of our member’s money in upgrading our conference and events facilities,” he said. “So we’ve updated a couple of bars, put in new carpet, painted, new joinery and installed a new major sound system. And we have some exciting live shows and concerts coming up in 2025!” Visit our What's On page for a complete guide to entertainment at The Orange Ex-Services' Club. If you like to enquire about hosting an event or function at one of the Orange Ex-Services' Club Venues, please contact our dedicated Events Team on 02 6362 2666 or click the link below.

The Orange Ex-Services' Club is proud to once again support local community organisations through the 2025 ClubGRANTS program , with applications now open for Category 1 funding. In 2024, the Club awarded a total of $150,575 in funding to 28 deserving community groups, including Lifeline Central West, which received $25,000 for life-saving crisis support training for volunteers, and other major beneficiaries such as the Cerebral Palsy Alliance ($10,503), the Vinnies Van Orange ($10,000), and the Clontarf Foundation ($10,000). Chief Executive Officer Nathan Kelly said, "Each year through ClubGRANTS, clubs across NSW provide support to tens of thousands of local community organisations, sporting groups and charities that make a difference in the local area. Since the program's inception, more than $1 billion has been provided to community groups statewide, with more than $100 million donated just last year alone." Category 1 funding is allocated for projects and services that contribute to the welfare and broader social fabric of the local community. These include initiatives focused on community welfare, social services, health services, and employment assistance activities. Applications are assessed by an Orange Local Government Area Committee. In addition to Category 1 funding, the Orange Ex-Services' Club also contributed over $180,000 in ClubGRANTS Category 2 funding last year, which included numerous in-kind support initiatives for the Orange community. "By supporting these organisations-many of which rely on volunteers­ through grants, we are building the capacity of the community and enhancing the quality of life for residents in the Central West region. It is an initiative the Orange Ex-Services' Club is proud to be involved in;' Mr. Kelly added. Past recipients of ClubGRANTS funding have used their grants to provide critical services, equipment, and programs that directly impact the lives of local residents. From crisis support training and community health initiatives to youth engagement programs and emergency relief services, the funding ensures that essential support reaches those who need it most. The Orange Ex-Services' Club remains committed to investing in the community and looks forward to seeing the positive impact of this year's grants. Applications for the 2025 ClubGRANTS Category 1 funding close on Saturday, 31st May 2025. All local organisations and groups are encouraged to apply and take advantage of this fantastic opportunity. 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. To learn more and to submit your ClubGRANTS application, visit www.oesc.eom.au/clubgrants

The Country Club is inviting the community to a free barefoot bowls evening this Friday, April 4, which will be filmed for an upcoming television commercial. The free event runs from 4–8pm this Friday at The Country Club, located behind the Orange Base Hospital at Bloomfield. It’s a last chance to enjoy the extended daylight hours before the end of daylight savings this Sunday, Orange Ex-Services’ Club CEO Nathan Kelly said. “We’ve had such a great response to Barefoot Bowls over the summer period with social bowls, functions and Christmas parties, and we want more people in our community to experience just how fun and social it can be,” Nathan said. The event is aimed at all ages with live music on the deck from Shane Kerr and kids are encouraged to come and explore the brand-new outdoor playground. “It will be a fantastic free event to spend time with family and friends in a relaxed environment – especially with the addition of our brand-new kids’ outdoor playground,” Nathan said. The Country Club will also be capturing footage of the evening for use in an upcoming television commercial.

Hop Into Easter Fun at The Greenhouse of Orange Family Fun Day! Get ready for an egg-citing day packed with laughter, games, and family fun as The Greenhouse of Orange teams up with HitFM to bring you the ultimate Easter Family Fun Day! Mark your calendars for a fantastic celebration filled with activities for kids and adults alike, designed to make this Easter one to remember. What’s Happening at the Easter Family Fun Day? This special event is all about bringing the community together to enjoy a day of wholesome fun in a friendly and safe environment. Here’s a sneak peek of what you can expect: Easter Egg Hunts: Let the little ones run wild in our big Easter egg hunt with plenty of prizes and treats hidden throughout the venue. Music by HitFM: Enjoy lively tunes, great vibes, and interactive games hosted live by your favourite HitFM personalities. Fun Activities & Games: From free face painting to arts and craft , there’s something for every member of the family. Delicious Food & Drinks: Satisfy your cravings with tasty bites and refreshing drinks available from our Greenhouse Garden Bar and Restaurant. Meet the Easter Bunny: Don’t forget your cameras! The Easter Bunny will be hopping around, ready for photos and hugs. Why You Can’t Miss It The Greenhouse of Orange Easter Family Fun Day is more than just an event - it’s a chance to create wonderful memories with your loved ones, meet new friends, and celebrate the joy of the season together. Plus, with HitFM bringing their infectious energy and fun giveaways, it’s guaranteed to be a day full of smiles. Bring Your Family & Friends! Everyone is welcome to join the festivities — the more, the merrier! Don’t forget to bring your Easter baskets and your biggest smiles. We can’t wait to see you there!

Honouring Our Heroes: ANZAC Day at Orange Ex-Services’ Club Each year on April 25th, Australians and New Zealanders pause to remember the courage, sacrifice, and mateship of the ANZACs — the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps — who fought bravely during World War I and in conflicts since. At Orange Ex-Services’ Club, ANZAC Day holds a special place in our hearts. As a proud community hub for veterans, their families, and all members, we come together to commemorate this important day with respect, reflection, and connection. ANZAC Day Commemorations Our club hosts a range of activities to mark ANZAC Day, beginning with the traditional Dawn Service. This solemn and moving ceremony gives us time to remember the fallen and pay tribute to the bravery of those who served. Following the service, a breakfast is served to bring the community together in fellowship. Remembering the Spirit of ANZAC ANZAC Day is not only a time to honour those who fought and died but also to celebrate the spirit of mateship, resilience, and community that defines the ANZAC legacy. It’s a moment to reflect on the values that continue to inspire Australians today. At Orange Ex-Services’ Club, we are proud to keep this legacy alive — supporting our veterans and fostering a strong community spirit. We invite you to join us this ANZAC Day as we come together in remembrance and gratitude. Lest We Forget

Matt Moran with Jack from The Wentworth Orange We were proud to welcome legendary chef Matt Moran and Your local club to The Wentworth Orange to experience our entry into this years Perfect Plate competition! This year we entered Trunkey Creek Pork Roulade filled with local Charred Apples, Walnut, Apricot & Wilted Spinach with Dukkah Spiced Pumpkin, Asparagus and Smoked Apple Jus. The dish was created by Chef de Partie Jack Clifton, alongside Head Chef, Nicole Dews, both of whom are passionate about supporting local producers and showcasing the incredible ingredients available in our region. The dish showcases what we believe is the best pork available: 100% local, hormone-free Trunkey Creek Pork . It is paired beautifully with locally sourced apples to create a balanced blend of sweet, savoury and all-round deliciousness. One of our members told us that it was the best meal he'd eaten in Orange in a very long time. Matt loved the stuffing in the Roulade, saying "it felt like Christmas time"! Matt Moran , the chef behind some of Australia's best-known fine dining restaurants, was touring the Central West as the ambassador for the Perfect Plate competition. The Perfect Plate is the club industry's premier dining competition which is designed to showcase the incredible quality and diversity of food on offer at clubs across NSW, highlighting the many talented chefs that work within the industry. While Matt was full of praise for the tenderness and textures of the dish, its the opinions of local diners that truely matter as its their scores that determine who has served up the "perfect plate". The Club with the highest average score at the end of the competition will be crowned the winner in their respective category.

Saturday night was filled with excitement, cheers, and life-changing surprises as we held the Grand Final Draw for our OESC Car & Cash Promotion and what a night it turned out to be! After weeks of anticipation and thousands of entries from our amazing members, one lucky winner drove away in a brand new Mazda CX-3 and 19 others shared in a massive $10,000 cash prize pool. It was the kind of night that reminds us why we love doing what we do for our members. And the Winner Is... We’re thrilled to announce that Rhiannon Lamb was the incredibly lucky member who picked the golden case that held the keys to the Mazda CX-3. Rhiannon was absolutely stunned when her selection revealed the grand prize and the look of joy and disbelief on her face was priceless. It’s moments like these that make our member promotions truly special. More Winners, More Smiles In addition to the grand prize, 19 other members walked away with a share of $10,000 in cold hard cash. The atmosphere in the room was electric as each member picked their golden case and revealed what they had won. Thank You to Our Members We want to extend a heartfelt thank you to every single member who took part in this promotion. Your continued support and loyalty are what make events like these possible. Whether you won a prize or were there to cheer others on, you are a valued part of the OESC family. Looking Ahead to 2026 We’re already planning for next year’s Members Giveaway and we promise it will be bigger, better, and more exciting than ever. Stay tuned for announcements and make sure your membership is up to date - you won’t want to miss what’s coming! Until then, congratulations once again to Rhiannon and all our winners. And thank you for being part of something special.