Molong has a vibe at the moment! Spending some time in the town last week and speaking with some of the store owners, they have a spring in their step and all are saying: ‘The town has undergone a transformation, with new shopfronts, renovations to existing businesses and new businesses opening.’ It is very different town compared to 12 months ago.
This new buzz was capped with the prestigious Daroo Awards held at the Molong RSL Club on Friday night, with Cabonne Mayor Michael Hayes saying “ The Daroos showcased the range of business enterprises in the Cabonne area, the hard work and ingenuity of the owners and the quality of the staff they employ.” Many local businesses in Molong took out awards on the night, reinforcing the quality found in the town.
One of the new businesses on the block is Home Décor 22 at 12 Bank Street. The unique gift shop opened in October and the owner, Kath, says “I’m so excited to have the opportunity to trade with the lovely community of Molong.” They provide as many different lines as possible to suit a wide variety of tastes. The shop includes clocks, inspirational sign, cushions, photo frames, stools and unique gift items plus a Be Enlightened candle range that smells divine. And for fellas being dragged on shopping trips fear not! They have a ‘Man Cave’ area with a selection of rustic tin signs including brands such as Ford, Holden and Shell. Bar signs are also available with ranges for men’s garages or bar rooms. “Many years ago, we owned a gift ware shop in Orange called Pebbley Creek. During that time we built many beautiful friendships with our customers and we look forward to doing it all over again with Home Decor No.22” says Kath.
All that browsing works up a bit of a thirst and one of the renovated businesses in the main street is the Freemason’s Hotel. Originally established in 1860 the building has been totally renovated and now has a swish, modern feel to it and a beer garden complete with umbrellas to laze the day away in the shade. The team at Freemasons have been busy organising heaps of great events in the elad up to Christmas, including live music on Friday 19th.
Molong R.S.L has a few things you wouldn’t expect in a Club. Currently there is an Ex-Servicemen and Women portrait gallery that is open to the public. It includes a collection of portraits of the men and women who served in the Boer War, WWI, WWII and the Vietnam War, painted by local artist Anne Marie Ingham. This collection is particularly relevant this month as we remember the fallen on Remembrance Day. The R.S.L also has a bistro attached called “Soldiers On Riddell” and has a for hire ballroom which comes with it’s own commercial kitchen, stage, full-service bar and dance floor to boogie the night away!
Just about opposite Home Décor No. 22, in the main street, is Marsden on Bank, who are the biggest cane specialists in the Central West. They also stock second hand furniture and collectables and are one of the few businesses who do repairs to cane furniture. Set up in Molong three years ago, Carolyn and Jeff moved from Lucknow and are very pleased they have made the move. “People in Molong have more time to browse” says Carolyn. Marsden on Bank is full of unique wall art, baskets and tables that would make a great gift.
Shopping is hard work and these summer days are hot, so why not pop into Sweetness Your Lolly Shop and try some famous Molong Gelato? Walking into the lolly shop you find yourself surrounded by delicious treats even the sweetest of tooths are unable to resist. The range on offer, including sweets from American, New Zealand, Holland and England, will leave you spoilt for choice so while you’re deciding why not have an Art of Espresso coffee, which they serve in store. Sweetness Your Lolly Shop and Gelato is run by sisters with great memories of their local sweet store when they were kids. They felt that the lolly aisle is supermarkets just didn’t provide the same experience, so decided to open an old-fashioned family run lolly shop. In 2013, they expanded and began selling over 32 flavours of gelato, which you can enjoy whilst sitting in a retro booth.
After a day of walking through Molong’s street, what better way to wind down than with a massage at Molong Massage & Therapies. Robyn and her team of experienced therapists provide individual assessments for personalised treatments. Molong Massage specializes in:
Remedial massage:. Deep tissue manipulation to promote healing and improve movement.
Aromatherapy: Uses traditional essential oils to relieve tissue trauma and relax the nervous system and promote longevity.
Dry needling: Works to specific trigger points in the muscles reducing inflammatory conditions and hastens healing.
Myofacial Release: Stretches body fascia to warm, relax and energize the muscles.
Colonic Massage: Calms the large intestine and promotes healthy bowel activity.
Relaxation Massage & Indian Head Massage reduces stress and relaxes the mind and body to enhance wellbeing.
Sounds too tempting to miss! We hope you enjoyed your literary drive through Molong!
By Rhi Quinn