Our Contributors

Angela moved to Orange with her family from Sydney in 2016. She owns and runs Argyle Australian Saffron, producing some of the best saffron in the world, and also manages a full time job heading up Operations for a large Financial Planning licensee. She also sits on the FOOD Week Orange committee.

Ali grew up on the Central Coast of NSW before venturing to Armidale NSW for University. She has recently moved to Orange NSW, looking for a change of pace from the hustle and bustle of Sydney with her 2 young boys and hubby. She loves exploring gardens and new areas, camping, cooking, baking, photography, writing, and a sense of community.

Wife, mother, business owner, taxi driver, negotiator, organiser and lover of all things interiors - Ali has lived and worked in Central NSW for over 25 years. Having experienced first hand how overwhelming things can be when preparing a home for sale, moving house and more - she decided it was time to help!

Hi there, I’m a local female tennis coach owner of Gersbach Tennis, along side my Brother Darren Gersbach. Born and bred in Orange. Truly love everything about my job and town from the weather to the great people. Family is my top priority but it’s closely followed by my passion for tennis and golf! Married with three beautiful children.

Amorette is a Mum of two boys who often keep her flying by the seat of her pants and a wife to a man who is so much fun to share life with; never dull! Friends often call her a ‘connector’ because she loves putting like minded people together curating experiences for them.

Anna is a Mum of two boys aged 11 and 8, a Master of Early Childhood Education, and is completing further research into Outdoor Play. She is a passionate advocate for children and social justice.

Anthea is a mum, interiors and architectural photographer & yoga teacher. She is based in Sydney however loves to travel and explore places and people near & far. www.antheawilliamson.com

Beth is a Bathurst local and the Musical Director of the Bathurst Panorama Chorus

Professional bra fitter for all women through every stage of life.

Cherie Rivas is the fresh thinking, straight shooting Women’s Health & Wellness Coach who shares her knowledge and experience in weight loss, psychology, personal training and yoga, together with her studies in nutritional medicine, epigenetics and chronobiology, to inspire and empower other women to rise into the life they love.

Dr Christopher Booth (Chinese med.) has been practising acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine for over 20 years. He services the Central West from his clinics - East West Clinic in Orange (02 6361 9069), and Macquarie Natural Therapies in Bathurst (02 6332 1511). More info at www.orangechinesemedicine.com.au

Christine Ghrayche is an Orange local and interior designer, passionate about helping others have their homes feel like a big ol’ hug when they walk in the door (the beauty is just the icing on the cake).

In the DanicaB PR Collective, we work with all sized businesses and enterprises to find the words, positioning, and connections to grow and achieve your goals – no matter what your challenges we have the full service offering to meet your needs.

Denise Mills is a writer and accountant based in Central West NSW. Her words have featured in The Guardian, Brevity, Sydney Morning Herald, The Age and more.

I'm an Orange-based photographer, writer, face painter and book designer. I enjoy meeting the lovely folk of our community and have been involved in publishing/media/comms for about 15 years. I have done several exhibitions and in 2022 published my own childrens story, 'The Mouses Houses.'

Dr Jo Braid is a Life coach and MD specialising in burnout. She helps exhausted women overcome burnout and get their energy back. Jo lives in Orange, NSW, Australia with her husband and 3 lively sons. She continues to practice medicine as a Brain Injury Rehabilitation Physician part time. Jo enjoys a hit of tennis any day of the week and plays her violin in a string quartet, The Moderatos.

Sandra is a mum to three young children who loves travelling, exercise and a fabulous coffee. Sandra is also a board registered Specialist Paediatric Dentist passionate about Oral Health in the newborn through to the adolescent. She has a keen interest in treating anxious children and those with special needs.

Eliza lives in Orange and is married with three young children under the age of 7. They love family adventures and exploring the East Coast after relocating from Fremantle, WA. Eliza is a scientist from the city and is surprised to find herself shoveling alpaca poop on the vege garden since being converted to the joys of country life in the Central West.

Hello! I’m Emma and I’m a school teacher and Mum of three little wildlings living in Cowra. I am super passionate about encouraging others to make the most of our beautiful town and enjoy the simple, unique and special things we have to offer.

Gabby is the mother of 2 children and also a qualified General Practitioner with a passion for mental health and preventative health. She is passionate about the Central West Community and giving back to its members.

Genya Miller moved to the Central West more than 20 years ago to study Broadcast Journalism and Public Relations at Bathurst's Charles Sturt University. She worked for more than a decade as a television and radio newsreader and journalist in both commercial stations and at the national broadcaster ABC.

Give to every human being every right that you claim for yourself - R.G.I

Darryl is a born and bred Orange local who runs Ecoscape Solutions, an erosion control and revegetation service, with his two brothers. They now offer lawn seeding services to assist families in achieving a great, year-round lawn at an affordable price.

Sarah is a mother to her two boys and is also an experienced Occupational Therapist, SCENAR and Physiokey practitioner with over 15 years experience.

Jen is a mother of 10 year old twins who love the outdoors and as a family they seek adventurous getaways constantly. They currently live on an acreage in Tallebudgera Valley on the Gold Coast and manage a busy household and family business - but always make time for getting out and enjoying nature.

I am a Women's Health Physiotherapist based in Central West NSW. I am on a mission to empower women and promote their health and wellbeing.

Jessica is the founder of Bullyology and driver of The Upstander Movement. She is a speaker, educator, coach, and consultant with a core focus on empowering others to own their ability to speak out and in turn become champions of change.

Joanne Lawrence-Bourne is a registered midwife and provisional psychologist.

I am an Orange Local - born and raised in the Central West. I am married, three great kids, Christian, photographer and coffee lover. Love the Central West, except come August when I am sick of winter....

Jo is a mum of 3 who grew up in Orange. Jo spent almost 20 years in Sydney before returning with her family to give her kids the chance to grow up as country kids. Jo has special interests in all things relating to sport, tech and girl power.

Josie Sanders Mum to Natalie and Michael, Nonna Josie to Laura and Alex and married to Gary a mad “Liverpudlian” I work full time in finance to pay for my gardening addiction. My hobbies include gardening, buying plants and gardening. and keeping up my Italian heritage in the garden.

I’m Juliana a mother of two children an older boy and a baby girl. I’ve moved to Australia six years ago to live with my ozzy husband, I come from Brazil but I have also lived in the USA for couple years in order to study and travel.

Karina has lived in Bathurst for over 10 years, since moving from Sydney with her family as a teenager. She completed her studies at Charles Sturt University and now works as an Accredited Exercise Physiologist in Bathurst & Orange. Karina enjoys the sense of community that comes from living and working in the Central West and loves spending her weekends being active and relaxing at local cafés.

Kate Hook founded Futuring Orange to facilitate local awareness and action on Climate Change and other sustainability issues. She has been actively involved in climate change research and action for 15 years after first studying it 28 years ago and keeping a close eye on the issue ever since.

Kate Ridley moved to Orange for work in the TV industry nearly 30 years ago! She met her husband Hunter who is a local and has now been married for nearly 25 years and has 3 boys Jack 22, Sam 19, and Billy 17. She is a part-time House Colour Consultant and also works at The White Place in Orange on a Friday.

Kath works in stakeholder relations, is a qualified mediator and serial renovator. Her favourite things in the world are her niece and nephews, white shirts, art, dogs and laughter.

Why hello there! I’m Kirsten, I’m a photographer and content creator and I live in Orange, NSW. Orange is my place. You know, that place that makes your heart sing, where you go outside breathe fresh air and smile just because, where people are funny and kind and the food and coffee are awesome.

Speech Pathologist and Owner of Learn2Communicate Speech Pathology (Orange/Cowra)

Mum to a two-year-old, a freelance writer and a communications professional. Lyndsey loves spending time outdoors and having fun with her young daughter.

Marianna Saran moved from Toowoomba, Queensland to Orange, NSW in 2007 and has called the Colour City Home ever since. She has two gorgeous girls aged 10 & 8.

Maryanne Jaques job-shares the Communications Officer role at regional arts development organisation Arts OutWest and is a mum of two girls.

Melissa is a mother of two boys and also an experienced Clinical Psychologist with over 25 years clinical experience working across a range of settings. Melissa started her journey working in both Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services and in GP practices working with adults.

Michele Schiller is a self-proclaimed nerd who loves all things finance. As a qualified accountant, business owner, and bank manager she has most bases covered when it comes to money.

I moved to Orange in 2006 from Sydney, and have called it home ever since. I have a four year old daughter and two year old son with my husband who I met shortly after moving here. I studied Public Relations and Business Studies at CSU Bathurst and now currently work for a not-for-profit.

Olivia Andrews is a Funeral Director & Celebrant, Palliative Biographer, and the creator of Diary of a Funeral Director, where she shares insights, stories, and reflections on embracing the beauty in honouring life. Based in Sydney, Olivia combines her passion for storytelling with her commitment to creating personalised, meaningful farewells that celebrate life in all its uniqueness. With ongoing studies in trauma-informed counselling and psychotherapy, Olivia’s work is grounded in compassion and a creative approach to supporting individuals and families. Looking ahead, she is working towards launching Verdant Farewells, a social enterprise focused on eco-conscious and sustainable funerals, with profits reinvested into holistic mental health support for those navigating the end-of-life journey.

Hello, I’m Heather, Professional Organiser, Declutter Coach, aspiring minimalist and founder of Orange Organising Co. My journey has led me to be passionate about decluttering and organising to create calm in our heads, hearts and homes.

Pearl was diagnosed with breast cancer in June 2007 (age 63), she had surgery in August then took up dragon boating the following October for the Dubbo Outback Dragons who at the time were the only club in the Western Region.

Rob was born and bred in Sydney, NSW but discovered the delights of Orange as a medical student in 2005. Prior to this he hadn’t travelled further west than the Blue Mountains. After completing his medical studies he moved with his wife Amorette and two sons, Oscar and Marlon, to Orange in 2013 to begin working as one of the first medical oncology consultants in the area.

Sarah Buckerfield, I have lived in Orange NSW for 21 years and absolutely love it. The central west constantly has so many unturned treasures to discover. I have owned/operated a small beauty salon for the past 8 years and feel so humbled by the constant support, especially since having my first born In Nov 2019.

Sarah Hoskin, landscape architect, horticulturalist, mother

Freelance editor and writer based in Aotearoa New Zealand.

Seana Smith is a professional writer and a very unprofessional mother of four teenagers and young adults. Seana lives in Orange where she freelances for magazines, newspapers and non-profit organisations and runs the Sober Journeys and Swim The World websites.

Mum of 2 girls, 5 years and 9 months. Moved to Orange in mid-2018 and became a stay at home mum after a career as a Maths teacher. Lover of arts and crafts, with a focus on natural fibre arts

Shelly Horton is a journalist, TV presenter, keynote speaker, emcee and runs her own company ShellShocked Media . Where she teaches media training, how to improve your confidence and how to nail your next presentation. Basically, she helps people find their inner Beyoncé.

Sarah-Jane is a mother of two sets of twin girls aged 15 and 11. Although residing in Sydney, "SJ" is a country girl at heart, with family in the Central West and Northern Tablelands. Sarah-Jane loves her local community, food, wine and watching her daughters dance.

Mandy is the owner and director of SpiritAbility, a disability support service here in Orange, she started SpiritAbility two years ago when she realised the need in rural New South Wales for well supported and trained disability support.

With over 20 years’ experience, and a degree (Graduate Diploma) in Financial Planning, Julie Nipperess, founder of Step Up Financial Group, knows that with enough education, knowledge and financial literacy from a young age, her clients can ‘Step Up’ and take control of their financial future. “People really need help – some earn good money yet spend it all and can’t get ahead. I have such a passion for making a difference, and knowing, with a bit of guidance and coaching, lives can be changed.”

Henrietta Hood is a horticulturist and one half of The Avid Gardener, Orange - the other half being the delightful Peta Swift. The two friends cofounded their business back in March 2020 (just as the world pandemic was announced) and haven’t looked back. Together they have a combined 35 years experience in gardening.

Based in Orange, Ex-teacher and Purveyor of business “The Market Cat” or Robbie Robinson as he is more typically known, has been providing top-quality Central West produce to leading restaurants/ and hotels to Sydney, The Blue Mountains, Canberra, and Qantas since 1985. 

Tilly is a cook, photographer and designer, based in the Blue Mountains, Australia, with her husband and two small children. Here, in between chasing kids around, she photographs food and flowers, designs botanical-print linens and greeting cards, and writes seasonal baking recipes for her website and other publications.

Dr Nicholson is committed to advancing urological services and men’s health in the region and is actively involved in registrar training and medical student teaching.

Debi is a professional dog trainer and behaviour specialist. Her passion is to help caregivers of family pet dogs build lasting relationships through education and understanding. Debi is a force free accredited professional who also trains and assesses therapy dogs and Psychiatric Assistance dogs throughout Central West NSW

Vanessa Delaney is a member of Central West Mums and has two daughters, aged 22 and 17. Vanessa has a strong interest in mental health and wellbeing and is the Senior Development Officer at the Centre for Rural and Remote Mental Health, one of Central West Mum’s mental health partner organisations.

Victoria works as a GP in Orange, having emigrated from the UK 7 years ago. She has particular interests in women’s, adolescent and mental health. She is also a mum to 3 children- Rohan (11), Luca (8) and Anoushka (5), and 2 fur babies (Charlie and Izzy!).

Jess is a mum of two, based in Orange, servicing clients across the Central West, from Lithgow, Bathurst, Orange, Cowra, Young, Dubbo and surrounds. Jess has over ten years of experience in the financial services industry. Jess is dedicated to helping others better understand their financial situation, empowering her clients, whilst supporting and celebrating her clients as they achieve their short and long-term goals, to feel more financially confident about their decisions.

Claire is a founder and director of Ward Nutrition. She leads a team of Accredited Pracitsing Dietitians who provide professional nutrition advice to those around the Central West. www.wardnutrition.health