7am: On this Queen's birthday weekend hope you're out and about enjoying the sights and sounds of Orange.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Central Western Daily journalist Janice Harris here for your morning wrap up..
If you know something our readers might find useful - a news tip or traffic report- please email it to janice.harris@fairfaxmedia.com.au or text it to 0477 308 571.
First off, today's weather ...
Drivers should be mindful of the icy conditions on Orange district roads this morning after a low of 0 degrees at 6am. The weather should remain fine and clear for the rest of the day, reaching a top of 13 predicted for 3pm today.
Around the region, Bathurst experienced a cooler morning with a low of minus 2 degrees at 6am. The temperature is expected to reach 15 degrees at 3pm and its a great day for putting the washing out with sunny conditions all day.
Our friends in Dubbo,naturally had a warmer start to the day with 4 degrees recorded at 6am this morning. Temperatures there should climb to a warm 18 degrees at 3pm.
7.15am: If you're celebrating a birthday today you share the day with some special celebrities.
This is the day Hollywood actor Johnny Depp turns the big 50.
Much younger Hollywood actress Natalie Portman shares a birthday with Depp, and she turns 32 today.
Even though in Australia we are holidaying on the Queen's birthday weekend, Queen Elizabeth II was actually born on April 21, 1926 which makes her 88 this year.
If you're having a birthday tomorrow, why not share the celebration with our readers? Email your photo, name and age to nick.mcgrath@fairfaxmedia.com.au
Although its a belated birthday wish Orange Express hopes you will enjoy sharing this corgi tribute to Her Majesty given her love of the Welsh breed corgi.
7.30am: There are no scheduled roadworks today due to the public holiday.
Sergeant Luke Blissett of Orange's Highway Patrol is urging drivers to slow down today on the final day of the long weekend
Since Thursday night Orange Highway Patrol has booked 38 drivers for speeding.
Police have carried out 846 roadside breath tests and booked another 36 drivers for a range of offences including not wearing seatbelts.
One Orange driver has been caught drink driving with a low range PCA detected.
"There will be high volumes of traffic on the road today because of the long weekend, so we urge people to obey the rules and take breaks on long trips," Sgt. Blissett.
7.45am: Check out what's making headlines in Orange today.
Congratulations to popular and highly respected Orange clinician Dr Gabriel Shannon who has been honoured in the Queens Birthday list with an Order of Australia.
Dr Shannon shares his time at Orange hospital as a clinical staff specialist and at the University of Sydney School of Rural Studies which is on the Bloomfield campus.
Meanwhile, finding love is not easy and finding love when you work on the land can be extra hard, says Mitch Hughett, who turned to the creators of the reality show When Love Comes to Town for help.
8.00am: We had the pick of state rugby talent in Orange at the weekend....
Our rising rugby stars took to the field this weekend along with players from across the state in the NSW Under 14 State Championships.
Check out their form in today's photo gallery. The final day of play in the championships kicks off at 9.30am at Endeavour Oval.
8.05am: Rafa makes more history on the clay at Roland Garros, winning a ninth French Open crown ...
8.15am: Here's what's happening on the national front....
Police have found the remains of a man taken by a crocodile in front of his family in Kakadu National Park.
The 62-year-old's remains were found inside a 4.7-metre long crocodile, which was shot dead by police. Police also shot a second large saltwater crocodile during their search for the man, who was in a boat when he was attacked in a billabong, southwest of Cooinda, in the Northern Territory.
Meanwhile....Checking emails in bed late at night may seem like time well spent, but researchers have found that after-hours use of smartphones and other devices is counterproductive.
8.30am: Here's a classic power ballad to get you through your shower ...
At this time in 1986 Wham were making a big impression on the charts with Wake Me Up Before You Go Go - the classic jitterbug hit.
More than 20 years earlier on the same day British songbird Cilla Black was at the top of the charts in the UK with her big hit Your'e My World.
In 1994 Wet Wet Wet's classic power ballad Love Is All Around topped the charts for 15 consecutive weeks.
8.40am: Time to have your say on our poll for the day....
SHIRALEE residents have voiced their concerns about Orange’s future southern suburb, saying the small lots are out of character and current road infrastructure will not be able to cope.
Thirty-five residents gathered at Emus Rugby Club last week to discuss the proposal, demanding additional information and an extra month to comment.
8.50am: On this day in 1934 the legend of Donald Duck was created with the release of his first cartoon.
9am: That's a wrap for today's Orange Express.
On the Queen's Birthday Weekend here's a final farewell from her majesty before you head back into the working week tomorrow.