Will Ferguson is Orange born-and-bred – a musician and Solutions & Integrations Manager with Phocus, a locally grown software company making its mark across the world.
In this episode, Will traces his journey from a childhood spent in the heart of Orange’s creative, close-knit community to chasing musical dreams across the United States. He shares stories from living and performing in New Orleans, meeting extraordinary musicians, and soaking up the city’s unmatched culture.
We talk about Will’s return to Orange and his experience taking over the Pet Shop Café – one of the early venues to bring true espresso culture to the region. Will also shares the story of reconnecting with a kindergarten classmate years later… and eventually marrying her.
Coming from a highly regarded musical family, Will reflects on the role of creativity, community, and the people who’ve shaped his path. He also takes us inside Phocus – the Orange-based software company that has quietly expanded across the globe – and explains how regional ingenuity can compete on the world stage.
Finally, we explore Will’s views on the rise of AI and why he believes it will ultimately benefit us all.
Episode 11 – Jack Cole
This week we sit down with Penrith Panthers rising star Jack Cole, one of Orange’s own. Jack talks about growing up in the Central West, his days at Orange High School, and the pathway that took him from CYMS juniors to the NRL. It is a grounded chat with a young bloke who has already achieved plenty and still has a huge future ahead. A good reminder that elite talent can come straight from our backyard.
Justine is the School Manager at the School of Rural Medicine, Charles Sturt University in Orange — a role that places her at the centre of efforts to strengthen regional healthcare and medical education.
Growing up in Orange, Justine experienced the freedom and community spirit that come with regional life. After exploring different roles and building her experience in education, she’s now helping shape how future doctors study and train close to home.
In this episode, Justine reflects on how Orange has changed over the years, the social and cultural progress happening across the Central West, and the ongoing challenge of retaining medical graduates in rural areas. She shares how the School of Rural Medicine is tackling these issues head-on, by expanding access to medical education and helping to address doctor shortages across regional Australia.
It’s an open and engaging conversation about community, education, and the people working to build a stronger future for regional healthcare.
Brad Hammond’s journey to becoming Director of Orange Regional Gallery is as inspiring as it is international. Growing up in South Africa during apartheid, Brad’s early experiences shaped his deep belief in inclusion, accessibility, and the power of art to connect communities.
After years of study, travel, and creative exploration, a chance meeting in Paris led him to Australia – and eventually, to Orange. Today, Brad is one of the driving forces behind the city’s thriving arts scene, bringing a global perspective and a heartfelt commitment to local culture.
In this episode, Brad shares his story – from his formative years in South Africa to his path into gallery leadership. We talk about the importance of making art accessible to everyone, his love of artists and the creative process, and the extraordinary collection and facilities at Orange Regional Gallery.
With warmth, insight, and passion, Brad reflects on what makes Orange such a special place for art – and how community, creativity, and connection continue to shape the region’s cultural landscape.
Fem Hawke is a trailblazer in regional retail, hospitality, and tourism – a true matriarch of Orange’s food, wine, and tourism community. Born and raised in Orange, Fem has seen the world – but there’s no place she loves more than her hometown.
Throughout her life, Fem has worked alongside her family to help shape the region’s hospitality and retail landscape. From serving Orange’s first espresso to pioneering bold new ways of connecting local producers with visitors, her legacy is woven into the fabric of the town.
As one of the founding members of Orange F.O.O.D Week, Fem helped establish what is now Australia’s longest-running regional food festival – championing local growers, chefs, and winemakers long before the paddock-to-plate movement took hold.
We talk to Fem about growing up in Orange, launching her first business, and the passion that’s driven her to keep innovating for decades. With deep roots, sharp instincts, and a true love for her community, Fem shares what it means to build something meaningful – and lasting – right where you are.
Fiona Hall is a proud regional producer, business owner, and advocate for the land she works and the community she calls home. Alongside her husband Bernard, she leads BiteRiot – a standout brand showcasing some of Australia’s best apples and cherries, grown in the rich volcanic soils of Mt Canobolas and now enjoyed around the world.
We talk to Fiona about growing up in Braidwood, meeting Bernard on the Polocrosse field while studying at Orange Ag College, and building a business that blends tradition with innovation. From weathering the highs and lows of farming to embracing cutting-edge ag-tech and opening export markets, Fiona shares what it takes to grow something truly world-class – all from right here in Orange.
Scott Petersen is a bloke who’s walked a hard road, and come out the other side with a deep passion for helping others. Born in the tiny outback town of Goodooga, NSW, he started his schooling through the School of the Air before moving to Sydney for boarding school – a childhood that taught him independence and resilience from the start.
A natural competitor, Scott found his place in rodeo and boxing, where toughness, discipline and community went hand in hand. But it’s his journey mental health that has shaped him most, and given him a drive to speak up and make a difference.
Today, Scott throws his energy behind initiatives like Boys to the Bush, supporting young men to find purpose, connection and strength. His story is one of grit, honesty, and a belief that no one has to face their struggles alone.
In this episode, we're joined by Jess Wilkinson, Economic Development Manager at Orange City Council, for an engaging conversation about the growth and prosperity of the region. Jess shares how the town's strong sense of liveability is attracting visitors, new residents, and industries from across the globe.
She also takes us through her personal journey — from growing up in Lithgow, working in a corporate role as an economist in Sydney, to eventually settling back in the country with her husband and children.
Josh Fitzgerald is a self made man, and intensely proud of the town he grew up in, and calls home. Family man, businessman, sportsman - he wears a lot of hats, but always does it with integrity and authenticity.
We talk to the bloke who brought one of Australia's premium and best-known real estate brands to Orange, and continues to tirelessly give back to the community which has given him so much.Whether it's business, sport or his personal life, for Fitzy it's all about family.
This week we talk with Jeremy Norris, founder of the iconic Orange cafe, Byng Street. From his childhood roots growing up on a farm in Young, to living and working in Scotland for more than a decade, Jeremy gives us an insight into the man behind the brand that delivers more than 1000 coffees a day to the people of Orange.
This week on The Orange Juice Podcast we sit down with local singer-songwriter Robbie Mortimer. Robbie has built a loyal following across Australia with his high-energy performances and heartfelt storytelling, all while staying deeply connected to his Orange roots. We chat about his journey in music, life on the road, and what keeps him inspired right here in the Central West.
In our very first episode of The Orange Juice, we chat with Amy van de Ven, owner of Quest Orange and tireless supporter of the business and wider community.
Amy has quickly established herself as an entrepreneur, business leader and public speaker in our city, but we also uncover a little more about the woman behind the hotel, as well as our weekly 'what's on'.
Squeeze the best out of your week.
The Orange Juice Podcast - coming September 1st!