New uniforms music to ears

The donation coincided with Thank a Paramedic Day and was welcomed by Dubbo District Band president Tony Wheatland and secretary Don Nicholson, who said they jumped at the opportunity to have quality dress uniforms handed down by the NSW Ambulance Concert Band.

"It is something we wouldn't have been able to afford," Mr Wheatland said.

The Dubbo District Band's traditional grey press pants and navy blazer has been switched with a smart looking pair of navy pants with a blue stripe down the side and matching navy blazer with blue cuff details.

NSW Ambulance Service Central West zone manager Brad Porter presented Mr Wheatland and Mr Nicholson with one of the uniforms yesterday at the Dubbo Ambulance Western Sector Office.

Mr Porter said the Ambulance Service of NSW was happy to help.

"It is great to have a community band that contributes to the area," he said.

Dubbo District Band assistant bandmaster Justin Screen had previously played in the Ambulance Concert Band.

"When the Ambulance band offered the uniforms we were just gobsmacked," he said.

"We do have a uniform, blue blazers which have largely been snapped up from Vinnies whenever they've become available, so at least we are wearing the same colour."

Preparing the uniforms has taken hours of work by Dubbo District Band member Terry Delwurst and his wife Judith, who have unpicked the roundels and removed the NSW Ambulance logos.

The band intends to debut the uniforms in grand style, marching in the Elvis Street Parade at Parkes in January next year.