Coolamon Community Chronicle - April 2023

The Coolamon Community Chronicle is now available online. Find the link on the Rotary Club of Coolamon Facebook page or website. To view the colour version of the Chronicle visit https://club.coolamonrotary.com/cc-chronicle/ or scan the QR code on page 2.

COOLAMON SHIRE IS IN WIRADJURI COUNTRY

Susan Gruber Photography

0407 016 449

Friendly. Reliable. Affordable. Specialising in –

 Weddings

 Family Portraits

 Maternity and Newborn shoots.

 Corporate Functions

 Head shots

Special Family Portrait Offer…..

$50.00 for a one hour location photo shoot and have your favourite image enlarged to an 8”x12” print. (Normally $170.00)

Alternatively if you, or someone you know is getting married I will give a 10% discount on any Wedding Photography Package booked in 2023

www.susangruberphotography.com.au https:// www.facebook.com/susangruberphotography

Coolamon Community Chronicle

The Coolamon Community Chronicle is a joint venture of Coolamon Central School and the Rotary Club of Coolamon, with support of the Coolamon Shire. It is a free monthly publication, printed and distributed to local outlets throughout the Coolamon Shire by Rotary members.

Letters to the editor, stories and diary items of local interest are welcome and can be submitted to the Coolamon Public Library or emailed to coolamoncc@gmail.com

Editorial Staff

Sharon Miles

Chloe Lafsky and students CCS

Paul Weston

Grahame Miles

John Bond

Email: coolamoncc@gmail.com

Please note: submissions are required by the 15th of the month.

DISCLAIMER – The editorial staff reserve the right to alter articles due to space or legal considerations. All content in Coolamon Community Chronicle is included in good faith. We apologise for any errors or misprints, however, we cannot accept responsibility for incorrect information given to us.

ADVERTISE IN THE CCC If you would like to advertise your business in our wonderful Chronicle, below are the costs for advertisements for the 11 months of publication:

Business card size advertisements: $200/year

¼ page advertisement: $350/year

½ page advertisement: $600/year

Business Directory insertion: $50/year

Ads are in black and white – when possible, colour is available at approximately double the cost. One-off ads are available as space permits.

We thank our advertisers for their financial support. This is a free publication and without your advertisements we could not continue to provide this newspaper free to the residents of Coolamon Shire and visitors. Scan the QR code at right to find the Chronicle on the web

Coolamon Landcare Newsletter #5

A big thank you to all the volunteers who helped out on Clean Up Australia Day 2023!

Despite the windy conditions, a few dedicated people gave a hand to collect rubbish around Coolamon. Most of the litter consisted of drink containers (cans/bottles) but some larger items were collected on Wagga Rd! All efforts were greatly appreciated; many thanks to the committed cleaners, Landcare members who assisted with volunteer registration on the day and material supply, and thank you to Jeannette Campbell for organising the event and barbecue.

Now until next year, remember that we can keep Australia clean everyday.

Erratum: apologies for the street raffle which was advertised for the wrong date in previous newsletter. Thank you to everyone who contributed.

Next meeting: 26th April 2023 at 7pm, Coolamon Sport and Rec Club

Tripping in and around Coolamon Shire

If you want to kick your heels up and have a great night out, consider going to the Downside Bush Dance, held on the first Saturday night of each month, except for January.

The Tin Shed Rattlers have been entertaining people there since 1971 and features Scottish, Irish, American and Australian jigs, reels, polkas and so on. The atmosphere is amazing! It is arguably one of the best preserved old-time community halls in the state.

There are ceiling fans for Summer comfort and a beautiful open wood fireplace for Winter. The lovely, very well maintained hall also features a large supper room where tea and coffee and a biscuit are served through the night. The entrance fee is just $5 for adults and $3 for children.

It is also a BYO food and drinks night. The hall opens at 7 pm and the first dance starts at 8 pm and continues through until midnight.

The Tin Shed Rattlers and Downside Hall are available for private functions. Enquiries can be made to David Dunbar on 0427 042 686.

Maureen Hulsman Guest contributor

Welcomes Members and Guests

Club open daily

Chinese Restaurant Thursday to Sunday Saturday Night Raffle and Member’s Draw

There’s no snags like our snags!

CoolamonSelfStorage

Short or Long Term Rentals Available

Lock-up storage for business equipment, furniture, boats, bikes, household goods, etc.

3 Curtis Street, Coolamon, NSW 2701 Phone 0427 291 246 or 0448 291 247

ROTARY YOUTH EXCHANGE PROGRAM

Coolamon Rotary Club is seeking applications from current Year 11 students who may wish to undertake a year of study overseas in 2024.

If you are such a student or if you know of one who may be interested please contact:

Follow your dreams and always use your talents to your advantage. Be confident in who you are and what you believe in.

Carla Zampatti

The Youth Services Director

Mobile: 0428146123

annerz1@bigpond.com

A Note From the Mayor

In this months’ Mayoral Note, I would like to report on the outcomes of a couple of meetings I have attended during the past month and share some of the progress being made across the Coolamon Shire.

The General Manager and I attend regular meetings with the residents of Allawah Lodge and Allawah Village. First and foremost, this is a great opportunity to catch up with many of our senior citizens and to listen to their comments on a number of issues. It is pleasing to hear first hand from the residents of both Allawah Lodge and Allawah Village that they are very happy with the services being provided. Council is always looking to improve the quality of life for our Allawah residents, and we value their astute feedback.

It is also timely to recognise Mr. Barrie Logan and the Ganmain community for another successful Shire Seniors Dinner at the Ganmain Sports Club on 28th February. This dinner has been an annual event for forty plus years, having been instigated by Barrie’s father, and its ongoing success is due to outstanding efforts of the Ganmain community and hard working volunteers who ensure our seniors enjoy a wonderful night out as part of Coolamon Shire’s Seniors Week celebrations.

The Coolamon-Junee Community Safety Precinct Committee meets quarterly and provides Council with a forum to discuss local issues with our Local Emergency Services, School Principals, and invited representatives from a diverse range of organisations such as Inland Rail Corporation and the Burning Seed Festive to discuss issues which may impact on our Shire. At the most recent meeting community concerns regarding contacting local police in the Coolamon Shire was raised. It would appear that some residents are still attempting to contact local police via the old telephone numbers at Coolamon and Ganmain particularly. The correct numbers to use for local police are Coolamon: 69379810, Ganmain: 69379830 and Ardlethan: 69732800. If you are experiencing an emergency, you should call 000 without delay. If the local police station is unattended, your non urgent call will be diverted to Wagga Wagga Police Station and details will be taken. I am aware that some members of the community have expressed concerns with regard to follow up, but I am assured this is being addressed. Should you experience problems making a report to police, please advise your local Councillor who will bring it to my attention.

Local police are also concerned at the increase in on-line scams being reported to them. It is timely to remind your friends and family, particularly those who may not be as familiar with social media or the internet to be careful. Remember, if it looks too good to be true, it probably is.

Council has begun it’s Budget process for the coming year. Councillors and Senior Staff have undertaken a tour of the Shire and met with our Advance Committees and community group to discuss community needs in the coming 12 months and beyond. Council will take those discussions into consideration as we work through the budget process and I hope to be able to provide outcomes of the budget process shortly.

David McCann, OAM Mayor Coolamon Shire

The Southern Aurora recently visited Coolamon with around 70 visitors who joined the train in Sydney. They had several hours to enjoy our lovely town. They were escorted by this Ansett Clipper. After Coolamon they travelled on to Griffith, Temora, Parkes and

Ardlethan Lion Kerri-Jayne Neyenhuis has been very busy making arrangements for ANZAC Day, with a lot to organize she is doing a great job. The Lions Club will be serving lunch this year in the Hall. Please put your name in by 20th April if you’d like to attend.

Birthday wishes:

 Mary Bennett who was given a small gathering with her close friends at Ariah Park

 Terrie Anne Caldow—her daughter Ruby had her own party with Repunzill and her Fairy Friend; the best of fun was had by all. TerrieAnne’s partner Matt baked a chocolate birthday cake. Also her son Vinnie, daughter (Audrey) Evelyn, and Laila sent her mum the best of wishes.

The CWA ladies hold Bingo every Wednesday at Ardlethan CWA Hall at 11 am. Please bring your own lunch. Light afternoon tea provided. Enquiries phone Danielle 0432 022 904.

It was sad to hear of the passing of Bernie Gaynor who lived in Ardlethan for many years. Get well wishes are sent to Kevin Popple who had a short stay in Wagga Wagga hospital having a knee replacement.

Don’t forget the Music Festival on 14th, 15th and 16th April. Camping and food available. Phone Donna (President) 0403 183 325 or Janet (Secretary) 0427 278 550.

A successful day was held at the Ardlethan Picnic Races recently.

The Lions Club Mother’s Day Markets are on Saturday 13th May. Must have own insurance send to Kerri at Ariah 62 or phone Janice 0447 667 490.

www.coolamonmensshed.org.au

“Men’s Sheds are not just fixing furniture and building toys, they are fixing men.”

Peter and Bob literally on the last leg, a very stubborn little horse proved reluctant to part with his wobbly legs.

It will come back stronger and better in the near future.

A special thanks to all those who keep Men’s Shed going.

Janice Lewis, Ardlethan

NEWSFROMTHEOFFICEOFSTEPHCOOKE,MP,MEMBERFORCOOTAMUNDRA

Steph Cooke MP our Local State Member for Cootamundra Electorate A lot more news this month, the headlines and appropriate links of which are listed below. You can find more information on Steph’s website: https://stephcooke.com.au/about/ COOLAMON-GANMAIN MPS TO UNDERGO $56 MILLION REDEVELOPMENT

A re-elected NSW Liberal and Nationals Government will invest $56 million in delivering a new Multipurpose Service (MPS) for the Coolamon and Ganmain communities, to support the health needs of the region for years to come. “The new facility will have more beds and offer increased services to ensure residents can access the health care they need, close to home. An investment into virtual care will also be a key part of this redevelopment.

APPRENTICE AND TRAINEE REGIONAL TRAVEL CARD APPLICATIONS OPEN Regional apprentices and trainees in the region can now apply for the NSW $250 Regional Apprentice and University Student Travel Card. www.service.nsw.gov.au/regional-apprentice-and-university-studenttravel-card

BIG BOOST FOR TEACHER TRAINING

An innovative approach to teacher training in regional NSW has proven wildly successful and is now being doubled to accommodate demand from aspiring teachers. https://education.nsw.gov.au/teach-nsw/become-a-teacher/grow-your-own AGRICULTURE SKILLS PROGRAM EXPANDS TO LIVESTOCK INDUSTRY Fee-free training will be rolled out to the livestock sector in the region and across NSW thanks to the expansion of a NSW Nationals Government program investing in upskilling and growing the agricultural workforce. https://www.nsw.gov.au/education-and-training/vocational/vet-programs/agskilled FIXING LOCAL ROADS IN COOLAMON SHIRE Marrar North Road in Murrulebale is set for an overhaul with funding of $454,718 secured by Coolamon Shire Council through the latest round of the NSW Nationals’ $500 million Fixing Local Roads program. https://www.transport.nsw.gov.au/ operations/roads-and-waterways/business-and-industry/partners-and-suppliers/local-government-17

BACK TO SCHOOL VOUCHERS SUPPORTING FAMILIES Three vouchers worth $50 each, so $150 in total, for each child can be used towards the cost of a range of things for school, for example shoes, backpacks and technology and can now also be used to help cover the cost of school excursions in Term 1 and 2. vouchers visit: www.service.nsw.gov.au/back-to-school-vouchers

APPLY NOW FOR RURAL AND REGIONAL HEALTH CAREER SCHOLARSHIPS Communities across the region will benefit from a program that attracts healthcare workers to rural and regional NSW https://www.heti.nsw.gov.au/Placements-Scholarships-Grants/scholarships-and-grants/ diploma-of-nursing-rural-travel-scholarship-incentive

FAMILIES SET TO SAVE WITH VOUCHER SWAP SCHEME

Parents will have more choice when it comes to cost of living support thanks to the NSW Liberal and Nationals Government’s Active Kids and Creative Kids voucher swap initiative. service.nsw.gov.au/services/concessions-rebates-andassistance/ vouchers

BOOSTING MOBILE RECEPTION IN THE BUSH

The NSW Liberal and Nationals Government will invest $250 million to boost mobile reception in the bush in small communities, www.nsw.gov.au/ connectregionalnsw

$1 BILLION ELECTION COMMITMENT TO CONTINUE TO FIX LOCAL ROADS AND RAIL

The NSW Nationals have announced a commitment of $1 billion if re-elected to continue fixing local roads and rail across the region.

PHARMACY PLAN TO ALLOW WOMEN EASIER ACCESS TO MEDICATIONS AND TREATMENTS NSW will be the first state in Australia to allow pharmacists to renew prescriptions for the contraceptive pill as part of a fast-tracked plan to make it easier for women to access important medications and treatments.

MOBILE DIALYSIS UNITS TO DELIVER LIFE SAVING TREATMENT TO PATIENTS A reelected NSW Liberal and Nationals Government will invest $15.3 million to roll out six new state-ofthe-art mobile dialysis buses across rural and regional NSW, In the Cootamundra electorate between July 2022 and December 2022, 1,946 people accessed the IPTAAS scheme, receiving $1,074,998.96 in total.

SOLARPANELSTOPOWERUPLANGTRYOVAL Marrar Football and Netball Club are set to benefit from $10,000 in funding thanks to the NSW Government’s Local Sport Grants Program. “The oval is not only utilised by the Marrar Football and Netball Club, this space also acts as a Neighbourhood Safer Place in the event of an emergency.” This project is just one of six awarded across the Cootamundra electorate under the 2022/23 Local Sports program which has seen a total of $50,000 awarded to the region.

GARDENING and COOKING by The Jam Tarts

A hot cross bun is a spiced sweet bun usually made with fruit, marked with a cross on the top, and has been traditionally eaten on Good Friday.

One origin theory is that the contemporary hot cross bun originates from St Albans, in England, where, in 1361, Brother Thomas Rocliffe, a 14th century monk at St Albans Abbey, developed a recipe called an ‘Alban Bun’ and distributed the bun to the local poor on Good Friday.

Another belief is that during the Pagan festival of Eastre, the Saxon’s prepared and ate buns marked with a cross which was thought to have represented the four quarters of the moon. Fun Fact – The world’s oldest hot cross bun is believed to be more than 200 years old. It is owned by a couple from Essex in England, claiming the bun was made in 1807 – and it isn’t even mouldy!

Why not have a go at baking your own hot cross buns this Easter?

Traditional Hot Cross Bun Recipe

4 ½ c plain flour

14 gm dried yeast ¼ c caster sugar

1 ½ tsp mixed spice pinch salt

40 gm butter

300 ml milk

Glaze 1/3 cup water 4 tbsp apricot jam

1 ½ c dried fruit

2 eggs, lightly beaten 4 tbsp water

Combine 4 cups flour (retain ½ cup flour), yeast, sugar, mixed spice, salt and dried fruit in a large bowl. Melt butter in saucepan and add milk. Heat until lukewarm. Add milk mixture and eggs to dry mixture. Lightly mix dough until it almost comes together to a soft dough. Knead dough on a floured surface for 10 minutes until the dough is smooth. Place dough into a lightly oiled bowl and cover with plastic wrap. Place in a warm spot for 1 – 1 ½ hours or until dough doubles in size.

Line a baking tray with baking paper. Punch dough and knead for 30 seconds until smooth. Divide into 12 even balls. Place balls onto tray ~1 cm apart. Cover with oiled cling film and set aside in warm place for 30 minutes or until buns double in size. Preheat oven to 170 °C. To make a paste for crosses, mix ½ cup plain flour and 4 tbsp water together in bowl until smooth. Add more water if paste is too thick. Place in snap-lock bag and snip off one corner to create a piping bag. Pipe flour paste over the tops of the buns to form crosses. Bake for 20 – 25 minutes or until cooked through.

For glaze, place water and jam into a saucepan over low heat and stir until jam dissolves. Bring to the boil for 3-4 minutes, then brush glaze over warm hot cross buns. Slather with lashings of butter and enjoy.

Use your tomorrows to improve on your yesterdays

THINGS TO DO IN THE GARDEN

The first autumn leaves will be tumbling so get smart, start a compost heap. These leaves, once broken down, are the stuff great gardens are made of. Large gardens will benefit from a home-made structure (maybe of corrugated iron), while plastic, commercially-made compost bins are ideal for smaller gardens. It is time to prepare your soil, if you don’t have compost or manure, apply a slow-release fertilizer.

April is right for planting in flower beds – consider planting aquilegia, calendula, cineraria, cornflower, delphinium, dianthus, hollyhock, impatiens, poppy, larkspur, lobelia, pansy, snapdragon, stock, sweet pea and lupins.

Vegetables – lettuce, onion, peas, radish, shallots and spinach.

Pruning can be very beneficial – even essential for flowering shrubs but it can be intimidating to attack your favourite flowering bush. Proper pruning can encourage larger blooms or more frequent flowering. If your shrub flowers in summer/autumn then prune in late winter or early spring. If your shrub flowers in spring then prune after the blooms wither and die. If the shrubs need very heavy regenerative pruning, then prune in late winter or early spring. If your shrub is damaged, diseased or has dead branches, prune anytime. It will be worth it to revitalise your plant.

UNTIL NEXT TIME

Storytime date – 28th April – Theme: “Happy to be me”.

Please note: Storytime will not be held over the school holidays.

Easter Cups

Come along to the Library to decorate an Easter cup – just in time for Easter. This will be held on Tuesday, 4th April from 4.00-5.00 pm. Cost of $5 per person – phone the Library to book – 6927 2492.

“Vegetable Plot”

The Library will be hosting a live musical performance from the “Vegetable Plot”. This talented band of three uses the power of music and storytelling to help kids fall in love with veggies! Come along to listen to their catchy tunes, sweet harmonies, dances and jokes. It will be held during the April School Holidays, Wednesday 12th April @ 10.00 am, cost is $5 per person. Phone the Library for further details – 6927 2492.

Baby Bounce

Baby Bounce will be held on Wednesday, 26th April @ 10.30 am. Baby Bounce is a 30 minute early literacy program designed to help very young children to explore language. This is done by everyone joining in and learning an array of simple stories, rhymes and songs. Everyone is most welcome to join in.

Local History Group

Our local family History group will meet again at the Library, Saturday 29th April @ 10.30 am –everyone is most welcome.

Tech Savvy for Seniors

The Library is offering free computer courses for our seniors in our community. The Tech Savvy Seniors program helps you build the skills and confidence to use computers, tablets and smartphones. It includes face-to-face training - Phone the Library for further details – 6927 2492.

Easter Closure The Library will be closed for Good Friday 7th April, Easter Saturday 8th April and Easter Monday 10th April. Also the Library will be closed for Anzac Day, Tuesday 25th April.

THE COOLAMON and DISTRICT HISTORY GROUP

The Coolamon and District History Group is seeking financial donations to assist in making a start to fund the digitisation of the Coolamon-Ganmain Farmers Review Newspaper to be digitised by the National Library of Australia and placed on their Web Site “Trove.” The Coolamon- Ganmain Farmers Review Newspaper commenced in 1906 and was published up to the mid 1950’s. The paper contains a lot of the history of the Coolamon Shire, the people and events, and would be invaluable to researchers. The cost quoted by The National Library of Australia to have this newspaper digitised from 1906 to 1951 is in the order of $23,000. This is to have 11,808 pages digitised which is only an estimate and the true number can only be obtained after the digitisation process is complete. Copyright issues make the digitisation of the paper after 1954 an issue.

The Coolamon and District History Group is looking at all available funding options. Any donation, no matter how large or small, will allow the Coolamon and District History Group to raise funds to have the paper digitised, whether it be in all at once or maybe just a few years or decades at a time.

Donations can be made by on-line transfer to the Coolamon and District History Group account at Beyond Bank in Coolamon (BSB 325185, Account No. 03907153). Alternatively, you can also visit Beyond Bank at Coolamon or Ganmain and they will put your donation into the Coolamon and District Groups account. Please consider as to have the local newspaper digitised would be of such a benefit to those researching their families or local history research.

The Group have already fully funded the digitisation of The Coolamon Echo Newspaper which can be viewed on "Trove."

Marc Canino, President, The Coolamon and District History Group.

News to hand for the Coolamon and District History Group is the donation of a substantial amount of early memorabilia from the collection of Sylvia Edge and Ardel Prout nee Edge.

The Rotary Club of Coolamon meets on Mondays at the Sports and Rec Club at 6.30 for 7 pm start. We regularly host interesting guest speakers covering diverse topics, and arrange trips away throughout the year to encourage fellowship and experience interesting places. Youth programs are one of our major objectives, with many of our activities targeted in this direction. Our club is a friendly, dynamic organisation with a great sense of community involvement looking to enhance Coolamon and surrounds.

VISITING ROTARIANS AND GUESTS ARE ALWAYS ENCOURAGED AND WILL BE MADE MOST WELCOME

Turn a catastrophe into just an annoyance

Credo of Rotary District Peace Communities

Respect for the life and dignity of every person, without discrimination or prejudice

Reject violence in all of its forms and towards all people

Resolve conflict among people within local and global communities

Reconcile differences in the pursuit of harmony

Rejoice in the diversity of every person in an inclusive community where everyone is valued and belongs

Coolamon is a Rotary Peace Community! What is a Peace Community? Look for the story next month...

AREA LANDSCAPING SUPPLIES

11 CURTIS STREET COOLAMON

SUPPLYING: BARKS, MULCHES, SOILS, STONES, SANDS, ROADBASE ETC

EXCAVATING: SKID STEER, POST HOLE BORER, LEVELLING, FOOTINGS, DRIVEWAYS

SLASHING, STUMP GRINDING ETC

FOR ALL INQUIRIES PHONE TONY 0427 273 689

Showcasing Gigi brands using Riverina Produce

Gourmet Hampers

Regional and Australian Products ready made or made to order

April 2023 - Coolamon Community Calendar

Saturday 1 Beware April Fool’s Day

Saturday 1

The Anglican Parish of Coolamon/Ganmain Palm

Sunday service: 6 pm at Ganmain

Sunday 2

The Anglican Parish of Coolamon/Ganmain Palm

Sunday service: 8.30 am at Coolamon

Horse trials – Coolamon Showgrounds, 9.00 am

Monday 3

Rotary Club Meeting – Coolamon Sport and Recreation Club, 6.30 for 7 pm

Tuesday 4

The Men’s Shed – 9.00 am-1.00 pm

Gentle Exercises – Coolamon Community Centre, 9.00 - 10.00 am

Thursday 6

Canola Adventurers – Community Centre, 9.30 am

Thai Chi – UTD Store, 10.00 am

The Anglican Parish of Coolamon/Ganmain

Maundy Thursday Service: 8 pm at Coolamon

Friday 7 Good Friday

The Anglican Parish of Coolamon/Ganmain Good Friday services: 8 am at Coolamon 3 pm at Ganmain

Sunday 9 Easter Sunday

The Anglican Parish of Coolamon/Ganmain

Easter service: 10 am at Coolamon with an

Easter egg hunt for families

Horse trials – Coolamon Showgrounds, 9.00 am

Tuesday 11

The Men’s Shed, 9.00 am-1.00 pm

Gentle Exercises – Coolamon Community Centre, 9.00 - 10.00 am

Thursday 13

Canola Adventurers – Community Centre, 9.30 am

Tai Chi – UTD Store, 10.00 am

Friday 14

Ardlethan Music Muster 14-16th April

The Men’s Shed – 9.00 am-1.00 pm

CWA Monthly Meeting – CWA Hall, Coolamon, 2 pm

Sunday 16

Horse trials – Coolamon Showgrounds, 9.00 am

Monday 17

Rotary Club Meeting – Coolamon Sport and Recreation Club, 6.30 for 7 pm

Tuesday 18

The Men’s Shed – 9.00 am-1.00 pm

Gentle Exercises – Coolamon Community Centre, 9.00 - 10.00 am

Thursday 20

Canola Adventurers – Community Centre, 9.30 am

Thai Chi – UTD Store, 10.00 am

Friday 21

The Men’s Shed – 9.00 am-1.00 pm

Sunday 23

Horse trials – Coolamon Showgrounds, 9.00 am

Monday 24

Rotary Club Meeting – Coolamon Sport and Recreation Club, 6.30 for 7 pm

Tuesday 25 ANZAC Day

Dawn Service 6.30 am at Cenotaph 10.45 am ANZAC March

The Men’s Shed – 9.00 am-1.00 pm

Gentle Exercises – Coolamon Community Centre, 9.00 - 10.00 am

Thursday 27

Canola Adventurers – Community Centre, 9.30 am

Thai Chi – UTD Store, 10.00 am

Friday 28

The Men’s Shed – 9.00 am-1.00 pm

Kids Fest UTDS Coolamon 4.30-6 pm

Youth Fest UTDS Coolamon 6.30-8.30 pm

Saturday 29

Coolamon and Districts History Group 10.30am at Coolamon Library

Sunday 30

Horse trials – Coolamon Showgrounds, 9.00 am _____________________________________

Save the Date:

Art on Ford, Ganmain 23-25 June

Faraway Book Fair, Ganmain 14-17 September

PLEASE CHECK BEFORE ATTENDING EVENTS LISTED IN THE CALENDAR IN CASE THEY HAVE HAD TO BE CANCELLED OR POSTPONED

PLEASE NOTE THE COMMUNITY DIARY IS IN THE LIBRARY FOR YOU TO FILL IN DATES. CUTOFF DATE FOR ALL ITEMS IS 15TH OF EACH MONTH.

TRADE INDEX

BANKING

Beyond Bank 132 585

BUILDER

A. J. and V. A. Rudd

Tony: 0427 931 583

COMPUTERS

George Marland

Coolamon Computers 0412 044 906

PEST CONTROL

COOLAMON PEST CONTROL 6927 2102

mob 0427 026 190

EXCAVATIONS/LANDSCAPING

AREA LANDSCAPING SUPPLIES

Tony Bourne 0427 273 589

TRANSPORT

Wayne Lewis 6927 3501

mob 0427 311 174

BLINDS and CURTAINS

Nicole Bourne 0439 269 849

MOTOR VEHICLE MECHANIC

JBK MECHANICAL

James Kember 0400 922 072

ELECTRICIAN

Billy Kelly

0448 590 076

PLUMBER

Jack Kelly 0407 618 730

TEST AND TAG SERVICE

(William) John Bond

0427 273 226

MOBILE VET NURSE

MARE’S ANIMAL SERVICES

Marianne Burrows

0429 323 606

EMERGENCY SERVICES

FIRE 000 POLICE 000 AMBULANCE 000

LOCAL

6927 3303

ARDLETHAN

1800654324 (COMMUNITY CARE INTAKE SERVICE)

WAGGA WAGGA BASE

02 5943 1000

CALVARY HOSPITAL – WAGGA

6925 3055

NARRANDERA

6951 0200

6980 0200

An endorsement or two (or more)

A few weeks ago I picked up a book to see if it was worth a read. I checked the title page to see how recently it was published……..some number of pages later, I found what I was looking for. The first three pages were filled with endorsements!! Flipping through the many hitherto unknown names, I struggled to connect with even one that I recognised. Clearly this book wasn’t for me!

I’ve always been amused by endorsements. I frequently undertake what I like to think is the “alternative” or what the reviewer was really trying to say about the book which was subsequently taken out of context to make the book look like being a worthy read. The 25th Anniversary edition of Harry Potter, for instance, needed no introduction to enjoy a best seller status. Another recent purchase, Orhan Pamuk’s “The Innocence of Objects”, merely noted on the cover that the author had won the Nobel prize in Literature. No further accolade was necessary. Likewise the lower order recommendations that almost guarantee the enjoyment of a more humble read. “Enjoy this book or your money back” is such a one, as is “The Oprah Book Club” logo as well as “The Woman’s Weekly Good Read” guarantee. Generally speaking, if I’ve opened one of these titles, I’ve enjoyed it right through.

Tenderfoot authors, however, obviously need a little more of a push. I truly enjoy the quotes considered suitable to be part of the covers of these newbie (and sometimes, not so newbie, attempts).

The Globe and Mail wrote of one book “Cool Water is unforgettable” [and truly should be consigned to the remainder pile?]

Ann Patchett appears on the cover of “Lucy by the Sea” saying of Elizabeth Strout ‘One of my favourite authors.’ Was this so she could avoid reading the book her publishers had asked her to support, possibly in a short turnaround time? The Observer critic was quoted on the back cover of the book “Few writers can pack so much emotion, so much detail into a single paragraph”. That suggests to me that one paragraph was all that was needed. (N.B. I did read the book right through and enjoyed it immensely so I can heartily recommend it as a quick, easy read – a commentary on one couple’s living through Covid times in the US)

The Times Literary Supplement says of Mrs Harris Goes to Paris, “It is almost impossible not to succumb to Gallico’s spell” [so we fell asleep instead of reading it. After all a movie has been made. Sure to be a success without further commendation!?]

The Sunday Telegraph writes of Sally Rooney’s “Conversations With Friends” “A sharp, darkly funny comment on modern relationships. Required reading.” [for whom? The mind boggles!!]

However, the most honest of the endorsements I noted when preparing for this month’s article was by Neil Gaiman who confessed that he had forgotten to read the book in question [whose title I’m bound to protect].

As always, happy reading from your Cool Bookie

Proudly Sponsored by The

Lions Club of Coolamon

We Serve

The Lions Club of Coolamon was Chartered in 1979 and has proudly served the local community for over 40 years. Funds raised through our service activities stay in the local area. If you are looking for a way to give back to your community, why not become a Lion? We need community minded men and women to help with our activities. New members are always welcome. For more details, contact the Lions Club at CoolamonLions.gmail.com or find us on Facebook.

“We make things easy for you.” Services:

• Business tax

• Personal tax

• GST

• Fringe Benefits Tax

• Payroll tax

• Capital Gains Tax

• Employee’s Superannuation Entitlement

• Cash flow analysis

• Benchmarking

• Payroll and administration

• Sales and Acquisitions

• Property purchase analysis

• Strategic planning

• Business start up

• Structural advice for asset protection

• Financial reporting

Looking after all your needs in Taxation and Accounting Services. Make an appointment to come and discuss your personal or business Accounting with us.

13 Railway Street Wagga Wagga Phone 02 6921 3682 or Email accounting@lcaccounting.com.au

The Advance Ganmain Committee recently hosted the Gathering of Ganmainians at the Ganmain Showground on Saturday 11th March

Funded by the NSW Government through the Reconnecting Regional Communities Program, the night featured live music entertainment and a free light meal by Michelle Seymour Catering.

Approximately 150 people enjoyed the fantastic four-piece band 'Reckless' consisting of Daryl Day, Garry Salvestro, Rob Campbell and Dave Wilson. The band covered a range of classic rock songs, and both young and old took to the dance floor throughout the night.

Roast meat rolls were on the menu and many took the opportunity to bring along a picnic and soak up the atmosphere.

Supported by Coolamon Shire Council in their application, Advance Ganmain were appreciative of the crowd and recognized the importance of coming together as a community.

Wills and Estate Planning

It’s grim, but people will die. And that’s terrifying. Planning for death is never fun but it’s better than leaving a mess for your family to sort out. Our job is to make it as simple and stress-free as possible. The estate planning process is an opportunity to make things easier for your family when you’re gone. But it’s also about you: feeling in control and confident that you have done everything you can do to take care of things.

What is a will?

Your Will is a document that sets out what happens when you die. It deals with your "estate". Your estate is, essentially, what you own and owe when you die. You can change it at any time before then (provided you have capacity).

When you make a Will there are some important things that you need to think about. Firstly, drawing out a detailed family tree is important to understand all the individuals who might be affected by your Will and who might have an interest in the decisions you make. Modern family relationships are often complex and can have implications for your planning.

Secondly, it is critical to review your estate: the things you own, the things you control, the assets that you otherwise have an interest in and your debts. The nature of your estate often has an impact on how your Will is prepared.

Thirdly, you need to decide on your executor – the person who will be in charge. This can be more than one person. And you can nominate a backup too. The executor takes care of everything when you’re gone. They take on a significant responsibility which can be difficult and time consuming. When considering who you would like to be your executor, we recommend talking to them to ensure that they are happy to take on the job and the responsibility.

Finally, you’ve got to decide who gets what. These are your beneficiaries. you also need to think about when they will get their benefit and how they will get it. Most of the time, you can freely choose your beneficiaries and what they receive. Sometimes there might be restrictions on what you can do (i.e. an owners or a binding financial agreement) or there might be specific things that need to be addressed (i.e. where a beneficiary dies before you).

When doing a Will it’s important to consider doing a power of attorney and appointing an enduring guardian too. We can take care of this for you.

When you’re ready to sort your estate planning out, we’re here to help. We can organise estate planning either in person or by telephone or video conferencing.

Please get in touch with our office on (02) 6936 6940 or make an appointment to see us on a Tuesday at 106 Cowabbie Street, Coolamon.

Article by lawyer Nick Wood and Rhys Bower

Muddy’s Musings - April 2023

I love superhero movies. I, like many people around the world, queued up to get a ticket to “Avengers: Endgame” as soon as I possibly could upon its release in the small community I was living in at the time, and like many went through the emotional climax and completion of Tony Stark’s Iron Man character arc from egotist willing to save himself to making the ultimate sacrifice for the greater good.

In many ways, the hero sacrificing themselves nobly, always of course with a beautiful heroic speech (and a poignant musical score to accompany it), is taken directly from the scriptures. Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross however didn’t come with a great triumphant speech, or powerful music. Seven words were the big speech, the sound of wailing the soundtrack. God himself, born as a human baby as we celebrate at Christmas, dies for us on the cross, so that we can live.

Of course, when the hero dies in the cartoon world, they hit the reset button somehow, or someone else takes up the mantle. When Jesus died, a similar thing happened. Though, unlike in a comic, where everyone is somehow ignorant of the reset button being hit, when Jesus died, the world changed and everyone knew it. Nobody who stood at the foot of the cross that day forgot what they saw. If this were a comic or movie, that would be the end, a poignant cliffhanger to get people to see what comes next. When Jesus died, we know what comes next. Friday, the dark moment is replaced by an empty tomb and rejoicing on Sunday.

As we gather again throughout the Easter weekend, we are often like many things in the Christian tradition, almost immune to the emotion, because we hear the story every year. Yet, the Easter story is one that is so deep and has so many facets that you can never not feel something, experience something new that you didn’t sense or feel or realise before. So I encourage you to borrow a phrase from a wise colleague of mine to encounter the mystery, that the risen Christ may reveal himself to you, as he did the disciples that first Easter, and allow yourselves to be filled as he speaks the words “peace be with you.”

I would like to invite you to join the Anglican Parish of Coolamon/Ganmain for Easter. Our service times are shown on the poster opposite

With every blessing for Easter, Fr. Scott

Parish Priest | Anglican Parishes of Narrandera and Coolamon/Ganmain

Email: revscotttmudd@gmail.com

Mobile: 0411 191 864

Social: @Anglicanncg

Coolamon Local Advisory Committee (LHAC) monthly update.

LHAC members are volunteers from the Coolamon Shire community, our role is to advocate for the community about the issues surrounding health and wellness. The committees have been set up by Murrumbidgee Local Health District (MLHD) it’s responsible for our local public health system. We also work closely with the Murrumbidgee Primary Health Network (Allied Health and GPs etc) A few points brought to our attention this month I thought you may find

interesting:

Isolated Patients Travel and Accommodation Assistance Scheme – If you travel 100 km one way or accumulate 200 km or more in a week to a specialist service, it would be wise to check out the financial assistance that could be available. You need a Medicare care but do NOT need a Health Care Card.To apply and for all information visit www.iptaas.health.nsw.gov.au or phone (1800 478 227) for forms and help.

March was Melanoma Month – have you had your skin checked lately

Endometriosis Awareness www.qendo.org.au an amazing website offering support for many different pelvic issues.

Visit, Like and Follow our Facebook page to stay up to date with health and other wellness information. Coolamon LHAC

Emergency magnet – contains some very handy info. It was published by LHAC

Clare Munro, Coolamon LHAC Member