Tongalacametogetheronabalmy nightofmusic,candlelightand Christmascheeratthisyear’s CarolsbyCandlelight.
�� Checkoutpages2&3 forafullphotospread.
O come, all ye faithful Ocome,allyefaithful
Tongala’sCarolsby Candlelight,presentedby EmbraceChurchTongala, deliveredawarmandjoyful eveningattheTongala SoundShell,withahuge turnoutofallagesenjoying thefestiveatmosphere. Itwasabalmynight,with familiesarrivingearlyfor thesausagesizzleand plentyofChristmas headwearandoutfits addingcolourandcheer. Entertainmentcamefrom theEmbraceChurchBand, StPatrick’sPrimarySchool, TongalaPrimarySchool andguestartistsincludingsomeamazing
Fijiansongs-,alongside crowdfavouritessuchas facepainting,jumping castlesandavisitfrom Santa Oneunforgettablemoment camewhenfiresirensrang out,sendingexcited childrenracingtothecurb inthebeliefSantahad arrived Instead,theywatched TongalaFireBrigade volunteersquicklysuitup andheadofftoacall,a timelyreminderofthe dedicationoflocal volunteerswhoservethe communityevenduring thefestiveseason.
PHOTOS:DianeAldous &SamuelDavie
Magicmilestone
Therewasplentyto celebrateatStPatrick’s PrimarySchoolinTongala thismonth,astheschool proudlyreachedamajor milestone,achievingan enrolmentof100students
Thelandmarkmomentwas officiallyreachedinOctober withthearrivalofJennifer andJoshua,helpingthe schoolrealisealong-term goalthatreflectsstrong communityconfidence, steadygrowthandthe enduringappealofCatholic educationinTongala.
“Thisismorethanjusta number,”theschoolshared atthetime
“It’sareflectionofthetrust, supportandbeliefthat families,studentsandour amazingteamhaveplaced inourmission”
Thatsenseofcelebration cametolifeonThursday, December11,whenthe schoolhosteda‘100 StudentsParty’,turningthe
groundsintoahiveof colour,musicandlaughter. Studentsenjoyedaday packedwithactivities includingadance,BBQ lunch,footyclinicandphoto booth,alongwithcraft stations,tattoos,party gamesandhands-onfoodmakingactivities.The festivitieswerecappedoff withavisitfromSantaand theCFA,completewith sprinklesandan enthusiasticsoakingfrom thefiretruckthatensured themilestonewas celebratedinunforgettable style
Reaching100studentsisa proudachievementforSt Patrick’sPrimarySchooland astrongindicatorofits growingrolewithinthe Tongalacommunity Asthe celebrationsshowed,it’snot justaboutnumbers,but aboutconnection,joyanda schoolcommunitythriving together.
Keepourhousesopen
Neighbourhoodhousesare oftendescribedasthe heartbeatofregionaltowns placeswherepeople connect,learn,volunteer, getsupport,andsimplyfeel partofacommunity
ButacrossVictoria,these vitalhubsareunderreal pressure,andmanycould facereducedhoursoreven closureunlessurgent fundingissecured
OnFriday,December5, representativesfrom neighbourhoodhouses acrosstheCampaspe region includingEchuca, Lockington,Crossenvale, Tongala,Kyabramand Girgarre metwithPeter WalshMPtodeliver hundredsofsigned postcardsaspartof NeighbourhoodHouses
Victoria’s“KeepOurDoors Open”campaign
Thepostcards,filledoutby locals,callontheState Governmenttoincrease essentialoperational fundingbeforeit’stoolate. Themessagewasclear: neighbourhoodhousesare irreplaceablecommunity assets,andtheyneed supportnow NeighbourhoodHouses
Victoria(NHVic)haswarned thatrisingcosts,surging communitydemandand yearsofstagnantfunding arepushingmanyhouses intodeficit
Almosthalfacrossthestate arealreadyfinancially vulnerable
“Neighbourhoodhousesare underunprecedented pressure,”NHVicCEOKeir Patersonsaid.
“Risingcosts,growing
communitydemand,and erodedcorefundingare forcinghousesacrossthe statetocuthours,staffand programs” Everyweek,morethan 185,000Victoriansaccess services,programs, emergencysupport,and socialconnectionthrough thestate’s400-plus neighbourhoodhouses Ye NHVicdatashowsthatfor every$1invested, neighbourhoodhouses return$21.94incommunit benefit anextraordinary returnforsuchmodest funding
Tokeepneighbourhood housesoperatingatcurre levels,NHViciscallingon theStateGovernmentto increaseannualfundingby 117million
Thiswouldhelpstabilise staffing,maintainessential programs,andprevent widespreadclosures.
Brett’s back in the Brett’sbackinthe
Thegreatestcomebacksin sportareasmuchabout timeastalent.
MuhammadAlireclaimed hiscrownafterexile; MichaelJordanstepped away,returned,andrewrote therecordbooks;Tiger Woodsfoundhiswayback totheMasters’greenjacket whenmanythoughtthe storyhadended Andthenthere’sBrett RadleyatKyabramValley ViewGolfClub,acomeback onahumblerstage,butno lessepicinheart:aclub championcrowned35 yearsafterdominatingin hishometown Brett’sstorybeginsin Rochester,wherethe CampaspeRiverbentlikea fairwayaroundhis childhood.
Atfivehereceivedaplastic golfset,orangeshafts,blue heads,andateightwas handedthreehickoryshaftedironswithrusted heads.
Hecarveda20-metre “course”acrossthenature strip,stuckaflagin,and soongraduatedtoflying shotsovertheroadand alongtheriverbank. GolfinRochesterwasn’t onlyplayed;itwasbuilt. Brett’sdad,Laurie,a bricklayerfromtheageof13 whostilllaystheoccasional bricktoday,helpedinstall sprinklersandplanttreesat theBlackCulvertRd Rochesterclub,andBrett grewupinsidethat volunteerheartbeat By11,he’dsteppedfrom juniorholesintomen’sgolf ona34handicap.
At12,hepeeledoffa64nett towinhisfirstmonthly medal,quitepossiblystill Rochester’syoungest winner.
Thesurgecontinued:three Rochesterclubtitlesonthe trotasa14-to16-year-old, theGVSandgreen Championshipplayedat Rochesterover36holes, winninginaplayoffagainst hiseventualcoach,Barry Cuttriss
Heevenplacedseventhat theStateSchoolboys ChampionshipatRoyal Melbourne,sharingtheera withnameslikeGeoffOgilvy andStuartAppleby Someofyoumayrecognise thosenames,forgood reason
Toaddcontexttothe
trajectoryBrettwason beforehepivotedaway fromthesport:GeoffOgilvy wentontowinthe2006US OpenatWingedFoot, sealedbyclutchparsas rivalsfalteredlate StuartApplebyetchedhis nametwice,firstwiththree straightwinners-onlytitles atKapaluafrom2004to 2006,thefirstthree-peat sinceGeneLittler,thenwith aclosing59toseizethe 2010GreenbrierClassicbya singleshot Notlongafterturning17,as happenssooftenfor teenagers,therewasa significantshiftinlifeand whatinterestedBrettmost Basketballarrived;he helpedsetupthefirst PiratesteaminEchucaand
becameleadingscorer Weeksawayfromgolf becamemonths,then decades.
Andatjust17,afivehandicapteenagersethis clubsdown
InSeptemberthisyear,for his52ndbirthday,Brett’s familygiftedhimaValley Viewmembership,“toget meoffthecouch,”he laughs Laurie,now78,lovesaround thereandgetsaroundina cart Forthefirstthreeweeks, Brettdidn’tswing. Hewalked18holesbeside hisdad,reacquainting himselfwiththepaceand soundofthegame Thenthecardscame:84, 78,79.
swing swing
AteenageBrettRadleyat RoyalMelbournegolf course35yearsago.
OnDecember5,StPat’s celebratedand farewelledmuch-loved staffmemberTeresa, marking25yearsof dedicatedservicetothe schoolcommunity Thesurpriseevent,kept secretuntilthelast moment,includedahigh teawithspecialguests,
heartfeltspeeches,a photomemorybook,a student-madevideo tribute,andatouching renditionofherfavourite song,IrishBlessing Atrulyfittingsend-offfor someonewhohasgiven somuchcareandjoyto students,familiesand staff
TheTongalaPrimarySchoolplaygroundhasbeenbuzzing sincethenewtabletennistableswereinstalledattheend oflastmonth,withstudentsquicklymakingthemostof thenewaddition.AhugethankyoutoTPS’samazing ParentsandFriendsteamformakingthisfantastic upgradepossible.
Greenham’sEnglish studentprofiles
MeetHerman
MynameisHerman Patterson.
IcomefromPapuaNew Guinea,MilneBay Province
PapuaNewGuineaisthe biggestcountryinthe Pacificwith22provinces, andIcomefromoneof them,whichisMilneBay Province
Itislocatedatthetipof mycountry,PapuaNew Guinea.
Itissurroundedbymany beautifulislands,and manyofthepeoplelove livinginthecoastalarea, whichmakeslifeeasyfor everyone Istartedschoolatan earlyageandcompleted myYear10.
Ididnotcompletemy educationbecauseof financialsituations,soI assistedmydadin constructionwork.
Mydadwasacarpenter andabuilderby profession,andIalso learntskillsinweldingand fabricationofirons
Iamthethirdoffour siblings twoelder brothersandayounger sister Mydadandmum don'tcomefromthe sameprovince MymumisfromNorthern Province,Popondetta, whereIwasrecentlyliving beforecomingto Australia
ThebigsurpriseIhad whenIcametoAustralia wastheuseoftime. Timeisveryimportant. Howwemanagetime andusetimeinourdaily activitiesisessential Wemustusetimewisely andspenditusefully WhenIfirstarrivedin Australia,Ihadtoplanm four-yearstay. Imadeatimeframeof fouryearstosaveenoug moneyandtodecidehow muchmoneytosave WhenIreturnhome,Iwill startasmallbusiness andrunit,letitgrow,so thatIcanemployyouths inmycommunityand helpthemliveagoodlife
Honour forMax
OnTuesday,December9, theRSLVictorianBranch awardedMaxWebstera well-deservedLife Membershipinrecognition ofhismanyyearsof outstandingservicetothe TongalaRSLSubBranch Maxhaslongbeenthe club’sdependable“go-to” man lendinghisskillsto renovations,leadership, organisingevents, managingthepublic addresssystem,offering soundadvice,and providingthekindof
fellowshipthat strengthensa community.
Nominatedby theTongalaRSL SubBranch,Max hadnoideathe honourwas coming. Hisfamilyand fellowmembers keptthesecret beautifully,and afterthemonthlymeeting hewastakencompletely bysurprisewhenMrDes CallaghanOAMBJJP,
Astandingovationfilled theroom.
Maxlookedalittle bewilderedatfirst,butwith wifeMarilyn,sonCarl,and theentireRSLfamily cheeringhimon,the momentquicklyturned intooneofprideandjoy. Hisacceptancespeech deliveredintrademark “Maxstyle” hadeveryone laughing
StateSeniorVicePresident ofRSLVictoria,presented himwithhisLife Membershipbadge.
Thecelebrationscontinued withaChristmasbreakup enjoyedbyall. Warmcongratulationsto Maxandhisfamily. Hisservicehasbeen steadfast,generousand deeplyvalued,andthe TongalaRSLSubBranchis allthestrongerforit. Here’stomanymoreyears ofhissupportandgood humour
StJamesAnglicanChurch 7StJamesSt,Tongala CHRISTMAS SERVICE withRev.SimonRobinson Tuesday,December23,5pm ALLWELCOME
StAugustine’sCatholicChurchKyabram 63ChurchSt,Kyabram CHRISTMAS SERVICES
MassWednesday,December,24,8pmCarols,7.30pm ChristmasMass,Thursday,December25,8.30am
EmbraceChurchTongala 80ManganSt,Tongala CHRISTMAS SERVICE
Sunday,December21,10am Therewillbecarolsinging anditemsandyouareall mostwelcometocomeand joininwithus Forallenquiries,phonePs LynHopeon0408821760
Festivecheer tofinishyear
Christmasvibesare everywhere! Abeautifulgingerbread housebyMurrayRossand histeamhasadded plentyoffestivecheer. Welldonetoeveryone involved
It’sbeenabusyyearfor theTonnySeniors,butin thebestpossibleway. Onceagain,wewere delightedtowelcome studentsfromTongala PrimarySchoolwho helpedoutonlunchdays Byyear’send,it’s wonderfultoseehow confidenttheybecome andthefriendshipsthat areformed
It’salwayssadtosee themmoveon,butnew faceswillarrivesoonand thecyclebeginsagain.
Throughouttheyearwe’ve enjoyedbustrips,club birthdaycelebrationsand, ofcourse,ourmuch-loved bingosessions. Wealsoroundedoutthe yearinstylewithour Christmasdinner,heldon Friday,December12, wherefestivefunwashad byall
Thehighlightoftheyear,
however,wasthe completionofourmural, anothermagicalscene paintedbylocalartist MurrayRoss Ahugethankyouto everyonewhosupported thisproject,particularly theTongalaLionsClub andtheTongala CommunityOpShopfor theirgenerousfinancial
assistance.Weareso fortunatetohavesuch supportivelocalgroups andtradies Thankyouall WeattheTongalaSeniors wisheachandeveryone ofyouapeacefuland happyfestiveseason, whereveryoumaybe MerryChristmastoall! —JoyChalmers, Secretary,TonnySeniors
TongalaSeniorCitizens
There’sstilltimetosnapup abargainattheTongalaOp Shop,withagreatselection ofChristmasstockinstore andjustoneweekleft beforeclosingforthe Christmasbreak.
Congratulationstothelucky winnersoftheOpShop raffles,drawnbyvolunteers Beryl,MargieandCatherine FirstprizewenttoJanice, secondprizetoDougand thirdprizetoGlen.
Picturedcelebratingthe winsareJaniceandLeanne (collectingonDoug’s behalf)withOpShop
PresidentMargie,alongwith Bianca,GemmaandNikki fromTongalawhocollected thethirdprizeforGlen. Ahugethankyoutothe wonderfulvolunteerswho continuetosupporttheOp Shopandthelocal community
TongalaFireBrigad
TheTongalaFireBrigade wouldliketowisheveryone inourcommunityavery MerryChristmasandasafe andhappyfestiveseason Asweheadintosummer, weremindresidentstostay firesafeandbeprepared Nowisthetimetoreview yourfireplanandknow whattodoifafireoccurs Helpfulinformationis
availableatcfa.vic.gov.au/ plan-prepare Andaspecialnotefor Christmasmorning:listen outforthesirens,as TongalaFireBrigade memberswillbeoutand aboutdeliveringlollies aroundtown Staysafe,lookoutforone another,andenjoythe season
Paddocktoplayground
TongalaPrimarySchool hasasplashoffreshcolour thankstoavibrantnew muralbylocalartistZowie fromTheArtofZowie BravingtheDecemberheat andwatchedcloselybya verycuriousschool audience,Zowiehas broughtthefarmingspirit
ofthecommunitytolife withcheerfulcharacters includingatractor,a farmer,apup,achicken andevenahappycow Thefinishedartworkisa brightcelebrationof Tongala’sruralheartanda welcomenewfeatureat theschool
PrimarySchoolannualGingerbreadHouse asmarkeditsthirdyear,andthismuchetraditioncontinuestogrowstrongerwith mas.Theeventonceagainbroughtthe munitytogetherforcreativity,laughterand er,withanewhighlightthisyearbeingthe Challenge,makingfulluseoftheincredible ngerbreadhousekioskcreatedbyMurray hankyoutoeveryonewhotookpartand pthisjoyfulend-of-yeartraditionthriving.
Sky-highsurprise
ExcitementfilledTongalaPrimarySchoolonDecember4 withasurprisevisitfromSanta,hiselvesandeventhe Grinch,whoarrivedinspectacularfashionbyhelicopter Afterplentyofcheering,acheekymomentsawtheGrinch brieflystealSanta’ssackbeforeanelfsavedtheday, allowingSantatohandoutbasketballs,hatsandlolliesto everyone.
AhugethankyoutoBeonAerialServicesforcreatinga magicalandunforgettableexperienceforthestudents
Bigwinsfor ourtown
There’splentytocelebrate inTongalaastheyear drawstoaclose Thetownhasbeen successfulinsecuringan ANZSeedsofRenewalgrant toinstallsolarlightingatthe Tongaladogpark Theupgradewillmakethe spacesaferandmore accessibleyear-round, whilethesolarsystem keepsitenvironmentally friendly. It’safantasticnextstepfor aparkthecommunityhas pouredsomuchtime,care andprideinto AbigthankyoutoANZand FRRRforsupportingsmall townslikeours,andto everyonewhohasbacked theprojectfromtheoutset Andlookingahead,there’s excitingnewsonthearts
fronttoo TheTongala DevelopmentGrouphas beenawardeda CampaspeShireSPARKArts &CultureGranttodelivera newprojectin2026 Keys totheHall:Bringing Tongala’sGrandPianoto Life. Theprojectwillreintroduce thegrandpianoasa centrepieceoftheTongala Hallthroughaseriesof performancesfeaturing localandvisitingartists Eacheventwillshowcase thepianoinadifferentway, creatingavibrantspacefor livemusic,creativityand communityconnection Withopportunitiesforboth emergingandestablished performers,2026isshaping uptobeanexcitingyearfor theartsinTongala.
94ManganStreetTongala
0358591268
0437469585
tcaccoordinator@tongala.vic.au
Tongala Childcare Notice Tongala Childcare Notice
DearFamiliesofTongalaChildcareCentre, WewillbeclosedfromThursday18thof December2025, toThursday8thof January2026.Weapologiseforany inconveniencethismaycause. Ifyouhaveanyquestions,pleasedonot hesitatetocalloremail: TheCoordinator �� tcaccoordinator@tongala.vic.au �� (03)58591268 �� 94ManganStreet,Tongala3621 Thankyouforyoursupport
OpeningHours OpeningHours
Monday9am-3pm Tuesday9am-3pm
Wednesday9am-3pm
Thursday9am-3pm Friday9am–12pm
Aheartfeltthankyoutoeveryonewho generouslysupportedTCACthroughout2025. Yourcontributionshavehelpedmakesomuch possible,including: Computerclasses
Morningteas
Upgradestothecommunitycentreand childcarecentre
Awiderangeofcommunityeventsand sessions
Becauseofyoursupport,TCAChasbeenableto reachmorepeople,strengthenconnections, andcreatelasting,positivechangeacrossour community.
Wearetrulygratefulforyourongoingsupport.
Koyuga–KanyapellaLandcare
Membershavebeenout andaboutlately,withastall atTongalaEatsandBeats onOctober12andanother atTongalaPrimarySchool’s FeteonNovember7.
Ithasbeendelightfultotalk tolocalsandthosefrom furtherafieldaboutthe activitiesofourLandcare Group,andtoencourage thosewhowanttomakea practicaldifferencetotheir environmenttoconsider joiningus
Asanaddedattractionto theTPSstall,Davidbrought alonghismodelsolarkitcar andexplainedtothose interestedhowstudentsare abletobuildandracetheir vehiclesattheModelSolar VehicleChallengeof Victoriaannually,underthe auspicesoftheMSV committee. Furtherinformationcanbe
foundatwww.modelsolar. org.au
TheKoyuga–Kanyapella LandcareGroupInc Annual GeneralMeetingwasheld attheKoyugaHallon October14,withoffice bearersre-elected. Theeveningconcludedwith supperandlotsofchatting Asthewarmermonths arrive,membersare continuingtowaterand weedthenewplantingsat theNightSoilsite. Itisverypleasingtoseethat almostallseedlingsare settlinginnicely,withnew growthevidentonmany
Thankyoutothe Landcarersfortheir diligenceinensuringthese plantshavethebest chanceofsurvivingand thriving Thefinalmeetingforthe yearwasheldoverlunchat theLockingtonHotelon December11 AtouroftheLockington HeritageCentre,with afternoonteaservedbythe
volunteers,completedour 2025activities
Whatabusyandinteresting yearithasbeen. Forfurtherinformation regardingmembership andjoiningplanting days,fieldtripsetc., contactKoyuga–KanyapellaLandcare Groupviaemail: kklandcaregroup @gmail.com
Tongala Servicing & Repairs
WearealocalVACCAccredited workshopandmobilemechanicforall yourautomotiveoragriculturalservicing andrepairneeds.
Wedoeverythingfromservicingyour chainsawuptofixingyourbrokentractor orfarmmachinery,wealsooffermini diggerhire(withoperator).
Nojobtoobigorsmall,feelfreeto giveusaringandaskifwecan helpwithanyofyour mechanicalneeds.
Koyuga–KanyapellaLandcare
Landcarersexplore thewondersofBoort
Anearlystartsawmembers andfriendsofKKLandcare revivewithacoffeeinBoort aftertheirdrivewestfrom theKoyugaHall,before travellingnorthtothe propertyof“Spannerman”. JohnPiccoli,afarmerwho livedwiththeeffectsof childhoodpolio,created remarkablesculpturesfrom whatothersmightcall “junk” Asthesayinggoes, “oneperson’sjunkis anotherperson’streasure” andawalkthroughthe sculpturegardensleftus withrenewedrespectfor therustyrelicslurkinginour ownsheds
SinceJohn’spassingin2021, hisfamilyhascontinuedto welcomevisitorstoexplore notonlythesculptures,but alsothemanyshedsfilled withrestorationvehicles, vintageJohnDeeretractors, collectionsofmobility scooters,modelaircraftand othermemorabilia.
Birdloversweredelighted bypheasants,turkeys, parrotsandchooks,while deer,otherfour-legged visitorsandasmallgallery oflocalartworkroundedout theexperience. Wecouldeasilyhavespent moretimethanwehad allowed
Ittooksomeefforttocoax reluctantmenfolkaway fromtheshedsforlunchat theGodfreyandBearCafé, butthepromiseofexcellent coffeeandfooddidthe trick
Lunchwasthoroughly enjoyed,withplentyoflively chatter acaféwellworth
remembering Nextonthe itinerarywastheVietnam Vetgallery,YungBalug Indigenoushistorydisplay andEremophilagardenof PaulandCathieHaw,just outsideBoortalongthe LoddonHighway Paul,afellowpoliosurvivor andfriendofJohnPiccoli, captivateduswithstoriesof histimeinVietnamwhile sharingphotographs displayedinhisnewly completedgalleryshed Inanothershed,Paulspoke withgreatknowledgeand respectaboutlocal Indigenoushistory,inviting ustohandleandadmire
boomerangs,stonetools, wovenbasketsandother artefactsfromdailylife anothereye-opening“who knew”moment. Astheafternoonworeon, Cathieinvitedustowander throughherEremophila garden,featuringmorethan 50floweringvarieties,and encouragedustotake cuttings. Aflurryofsecateursand pocketknivesfollowed. Thecolours,shapesand diversityofplants fascinatedeveryone,and thenextdaysawplentyof pottingactivityamong Landcarers.
Thevisitconcludedwith wattle-seedscones,jam andcream,baked especiallyforusbyPaul Overcuppasand conversation,Paul encouragedlandholdersto considergrowingwattles forseedharvestingand biodiversity Itwasarewardingdayof discovery,learningand laughter. ThankyoutoJoyfor organisingthevisits Welookforwardto exploringmoreofthe landscapes,historyand peoplethatshapeour beautifulcountry.
Shireroadnames
Whenroadswerefirst named,theyoftenreferred tolong-termresidents, geographicalfeatures,or localtradition
Astimepassedandsmall localpostofficesclosed, moreformalroadnames becamenecessarysomail contractorscouldnavigate thelargerdeliveryarea. Inthecaseofourregion aroundTongala,many roadswerenamedduring thetimetheShireofDeakin existed,anditisclearthat thesenamescomefrom theveryearlyyearsof settlement
Averyprominentnamein ourearlylocalhistoryisthat ofEdwardM Curr,a squatterwhosenamegave
usCurrRoad,andalsothe nameTongala,whichhe choseforhisrun. ThenamesMurphy,Looker, McBain,Wilson,Scobie, Matheson,Wellerand Sinclair allsquatters arerememberedfortheir timespentinthedistrict. Shirecouncillorsalso feature:W.T.Webb,J. Hendersonof“Koraleigh”,T Murphy,JamesCastles, JohnWatson,Thomas SpencerandGeorge Thornton. Theircontributionsto Counciltookplacebetween theyears1879–1893,each servingatdifferenttimes throughoutthisperiod Paddlesteamernamescan beseenintheWyunaarea
Curr Rd
Scobie Rd Webb Rd
Weller Rd
leadingofftheMurray ValleyHighway Bunyip, Waradgery,Alfred,Agnes andEmilyJaneareamong thoserecognised Thisisbynomeansa
completehistoryofroad names,butratheraninsight intothepreservationofour heritage
FromtheArchives TongalaHistoryGroupInc.
DEC 20 DEC 24
GTS’s “Runaway Reindeer”, 9am @ Potts Green
Jolly Jugs @ Old Tonny Pub, Mangan St
TCAC Dinner with Friends 5.30pm @ 94 Mangan St
Tongala Bowls Club
Centenary Fundraiser, 5pm @ club rooms
Picnic in the Park @ Tongala Soundshell
CHURCH SERVICES
StJamesAnglicanChurch Services:EveryTuesdayat 5pm HollycommunionwithRev: SimonRobinson(from Mooroopna) AllWelcome Forinformationonservice times,phoneDonSlade (Warden)on0428503844 orDianeManganon 0427590282
StPatrick’sCatholicChurch Tongala:FirstSundayof month,1130am PhonetheParishOfficeon (03)58521026
EmbraceChurch 80ManganSt,Tongala Morningservice:10am Servicesarealsolivestreamed. PhonePsLynHopeon 0408821760
NorthernRiversUniting ChurchClusterTongala Service10am PhoneRayWakefieldon 0419933938. Servicesareavailableon ZoomeachSunday
Scan the QR CODE to access the full-colour, extended digital version of Tonny Times
Fullpage
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CONTACT:
TongalaCommunity ActivitiesCentre
Phone:(03)58591268
94ManganStreet, Tongala,3621
OPEN:MondaytoFriday, 9amto2pm
Januarydeadline
Copydeadline: 07/01/26
Issuedate: 14/01/26
Email:tongalatimes@ tongala.vic.au
1stTuesdaymonthly,5pm 1st&3rdThursday,7pm 2ndTuesdayeverymonth 4thMonday,monthly 4thTuesday,monthly,1pm 4thWednesdday,6pm 3rdTuesday,Monthly,10am EveryWednesday
REMEMBRANCEDAY
OnNovember11,wepausedtocommemorateRemembrance Day atimetoreflectonthosewhoservedandsacrificedfor ourfreedom.OurGrade5/6studentsattendedthe communityserviceattheRSL,whiletherestoftheschooltook partinamovingceremonyheldinfrontofourLonePine MemorialGarden.Lestweforget.
EMPOWEREDGIRLS
OnNovember20,ourEmpoweredGirlsspenta wonderfulmorningwithRossyandJoanatthe TongalaStreetArtHub.Thegirlscreatedsome fantasticabstractartworksandthoroughly enjoyedlearningfromourverytalentedlocal artists.HotchipsandicypolesatThe GingerbreadHouseweretheperfectwayto wrapuptheirfinalsessionfortheyear.
KANGAROOSVISIT
TPSF–4studentsenjoyedafantasticmorningtakingpart inaQ&AsessionandfootyclinicwithplayersfromNorth MelbourneFootballClub.George,Riley,Cooperand Charliewerehugelypopularwiththestudents especiallyCharlie,whotoweredoverthecrowdatnearly 6foot7inchestall!Itwasanexcitingandmemorable experienceforeveryoneinvolved
GRADE3/4CAMP
OurGrade3/4studentsheadedofftoMurrayLife AdventuresforcamponNovember21and22,enjoying twodayspackedwithfun,learningandteamwork Dayonewrappedupwithtoastingmarshmallows aroundthefireandanearlynight,readyforanotherbig dayahead Bythetimethecampersheadedhome,they hadtakenpartinawiderangeofactivities,triednew experiencesandsupportedoneanothereverystepof theway MrHogan,MrsPearce,MissElborough,Joshand MrsHawwereincrediblyproudofallourstudentsfor steppingoutsidetheircomfortzonesandworkingso beautifullytogetherasateam.
COTTAGE BY THE SEA COTTAGEBYTHESEA
OurGrade5/6studentsenjoyedamemorablecamp atCottagebytheSeaearlierthismonth,arriving safeandsoundandwastingnotimesettlingin straightoffthebusandintoburgersandchips beforeheadingdowntothebeach. Daytwobroughthotandwindyconditions,butthat didn’tslowthefun,withplentyofactivitiesand coastalexploringkeepingspiritshigh.Bythefinal day,ourcamperswerehappilytiredaftermakingthe mostofeveryexperience. Abigthankyoutoalltheteachers,GoofaBrennan, andouramazingstudentsformakingitsucha successfulandunforgettable
OnDecember3,wewereabsolutely thrilledtowelcomeplayersfromNorth MelbourneFootballClubtoStPatrick’s PrimarySchool. Abigthankyouto: CharlieComben(#30) GeorgeWardlaw(#6) RileyHardeman(#17) CooperTrembath(#47)
NORTHMELBOURNEFCVISIT
StudentslovedtheQ&Asession,kick-tokickontheovalandthecardsignings, andthoroughlyenjoyedspendingtime withtheplayers.Theattemptedlong bombattheendwasadefinite highlight!ThankyoutoMelandDifrom GVAFL,andtoNorthMelbourneFC,for theirongoingsupportofsmallschools andregionalcommunities.
SANDHURST AWARDS SANDHURSTAWARDS
AttheinauguralSandhurstAwardsheldatAllSeasons BendigoonNovember20,CatholicEducationSandhurst cametogethertocelebrateexcellenceacrossitsschoolsand earlylearningcentres,withStPatrick’sPrimarySchoolproudly representedamongtheawardrecipients.Colmanwas namedOutstandingStudentLeader,Ellareceivedthe OutstandingStudentLearnerAward,andMrsJaleighaMcLay washonouredwiththeProfessionalPracticeTeaching ExcellenceAward,recognisingherreflectiveteaching practice,useofdataandfeedback,andcommitmentto continuousimprovementthroughmentoringandcoaching
LESTWEFORGET
OnNovember11,ourGrade4–6studentsandstaff proudlyattendedtheTongalaRemembrance Servicetohonourthebraveryandsacrificeofthose whohaveservedourcountry.Itwasamoving ceremonythatremindedusoftheimportanceof rememberingthosewhogavesomuchforthe freedomsweenjoytoday,withourstudents representingStPatrick’swithgreatrespectand gratitude,includinglayingawreathandreflecting onthemeaningofRemembranceDay.
CARITAS JUST LEADERSHIP DAY CARITASJUST LEADERSHIPDAY
OnNovember14,agroupofStPats’Grade5 studentsattendedaCaritasJustLeadership Day,joiningstudentsfromsurroundingschools foraninspiringdayoflearningandreflection Theyexploredkeyglobalissuesincluding climatechange,inequalityandconflict,learnt abouttheimportantworkofCaritasbothin Australiaandworldwide,andreflectedonwhat itmeanstobeastrong,compassionateleader. Studentsalsodevelopedideastobringbackto StPatrick’s,helpingtoeducatetheirpeersand supportCaritasfundraisingastheypreparefor theirGrade6leadershiprolesin2026.
SCIENCE INQUIRYUNIT
OnNovember28,ourwholeschool cametogethertocelebratethe conclusionofourScienceInquiry Unitwithaseriesofengaging, teacher-ledexperiments.Students werecaptivatedastheymade predictions,observedreactionsand enjoyedplentyof“wow”moments, whileparents,carersandfriends joinedustoshareinthefunand curiosity.Thankyoutoeveryone whohelpedmakethecelebration suchamemorableone
TongalaGirlGuides
Ourgirlshavebeengetting creative,makingbookmarks andsuncatchersusingthe flowerstheypressedlast month.
Weweren’tsuretheywould allflattenout;however,they surprisedusandturnedout wonderfully Itwaslovelytoseehow eachgirlinterpretedthe taskdifferently.
Campskillsaresomething thegirlshavebeenasking for,sowe’vestarted learningaboutcampfires andfiresafety Thishasalsoincludedsome classiccampfiresongs. Somuchfunwashadwhile decoratingourChristmas treethatthegirlsalmost forgotwhattheywere decorating!
Onegirlwasturnedintoa Christmastree,while anothertriedtousetinselto createastar,before
everyoneposedforaphoto Itwasveryentertaining.
Thegirlsfinishedofftheyear withcoldroastandsalads forlunch,followedbytrifle andchoccybananasfor dessert Sohereweareattheendof anotherwonderfulyear! GirlGuidesTongalahas nowclosedfortheyear. Thegirlswillenjoyawell-
Advertise in our trade guide:
Email: tongalatimes@tongala.vic.au
Phone: Tongala Community Activities Centre on (03) 5859 1268
earnedChristmasholiday break,andwewillreturnin Term1nextyear. We’recontinuingtocollect eligible10crecyclables throughtheCDSTongala initiative Ifyou’dliketosupportus, pleaseconsiderdonating yourbottlesandcans simplydropthemoffatthe frontoftheGuideHall,bring themalongonmeeting nights,orcontactusto arrangeacollectionor drop-off. Everycontributionhelpsus providemoreopportunities andexperiencesforour Guides Thankyouforsupporting ourcommunity!
TongalaGirlGuidesand Leaderswouldliketowish everyoneaMerryChristmas andaHappyNewYear Ifyou’dliketoseewhether Guidingisrightforyour daughter,pleasejoinuson Wednesdaynightsfrom 5.30pmto7pm(during schoolterms).Wewould lovetoseeyouthere
2025sportsstarsearch
Ourcalltothecommuni fornominationsofthis year’sstandoutjunioran seniorsportsstarsbroug inaninspiringarrayof submissions
Fromclay-targetshootin tofootball,netball,cricke bowls,athletics,and gymnastics-ourtown’s sportspeoplehavetruly shone
InJanuary,we’lldigeven deeperintostoriesofthose whosededicationand resultsthisyearhavebee aboveandbeyond.
Wanttoaddyourvoice? Emailusattongalatimes tongalavicau
Juniorstars
MarcusKeirl(Shooting)
Sixteen-year-oldMarcus hasbeendominatingcla targetcompetitionsacro VictoriaandNSW
Heclaimedthe2025Field& GameJuniorNational ChampiontitleatClunes, finishingfivetargetsclear, wonhisgradeattheEnglish SportingClays
ChampionshipsinWagga WaggainNovember,and wasnamedEchucaMoama Field&GameJunior Champion Hisconsistentsuccessin localeventscementshis statusasatopjunior shooter
EnriqueDosSantos (Soccer)
SelectedfortheAustralian Under12steam,Enrique representedatthe prestigiousIbercupinRiode JaneiroinJuly2025,earning internationalexperienceon theworldstage.
KenzieJohnstone(Netball &Tennis)
KenziereceivedherfifthBest &Fairestaward,captained hersidetothepreliminary final,debutedinBgrade netball,earnedselectionin theGoulburnMurraysquad, andsecuredatennisflag. Herversatilityand leadershipacrosssports markheroutasalocal talenttowatch
JessieJohnstone (Football)
AnAFLdraftprospect,Jessie featuredattheannual BendigoPioneersandwas invitedtothe2025AFLDraft Combine Astandout halfback,heplayed16 gamesthisseason, averaging15.6disposalsper game.
HudsonKellett(Football)
AlsoaBendigoPioneer, Hudsondebutedwith Echuca’ssuccessfulGVL seniorside Over19games, heaveraged15disposals andover6kickspermatch AvaBrunt&HannaHughes (Gymnastics,Netball& Athletics)
Withstrongsportinggenes, AvaandHannaarerising netballstarswhoarealso excellingingymnastics Hannashoneinregional athletics,takingsilverin hurdlesatarecentevent. IslaWhite(Netball)
Islaisanotherwith generationalconnectionsto theBlues Shesecured back-to-backBest&Fairest Awards,debutedinBgrade, wasselectedforthe
GoulburnMurraysquad, andfinishedrunner-upin leagueBNFcounts.
JeddTurpin–Australian RulesFootball Tongala’stopgoalkickerin U17swith62goals,he toppedtheMurrayLeague votecountforthedivision. EllaFordeandTippi Holyman(Athletics&All Rounders)
Therewereveryfewsports thatthispairofTongala primarystarsdidn’tfeature in,withEllacontinuingbuild abigreputationinthestate athleticsscene
HugoMonnichVo–Football
HugoplayedfortheU16 VLineSquadandBendigo Pioneers,earningselection toeliteyouthpathways.
TongalaPrimarySchool team(Bowls)
KaneandLucasPyke,Billy Dolling,EllaForde,Tippi Holyman,andJedBrennan finishedrunners-upatthe stateprimary-schoolfinal. AStPatrick’sprimaryteam alsoreachedtheregional final Brax
Edmunds TinningandSam Sawatdeedebutedthis seasoninpennant competition.
Seniorstandouts
RoseHammond–Horse Riding(Jockey)
Rosehasbeen“killingit”in thejockeyranksthisyear, withastandoutseason.
HollieReid
AstarreturningtoTongala forthe2026season,Hollie bringselite-level performance
PaigeWade(Netball) Amongthetopfivein leaguevotes,Paigeclaimed aB&Faward,servedas premiershipcoachand player,andwasBest-onGroundintheGrandFinal
JackHammond(Bowls) Jackexcelledinbowls duringthesummermonths andcapturedanother senmiorTongalaclubb&f awardinthewinter JaydenTucker(Cricket) Currentlyingreatform, Jaydenhasbeenakey
McMahonShieldcricket side
TraceyHughes(Netball) Aleaguemedalistand awardedClubCgradeBNF thisseason
KyleFitzgerald(Football) Teamcaptain,placedthird inB&F,playedinDarwin, andwasnamedMVPina votebyotherclubs’ presidents. LawnBowls
MattyLiverton,BradTinning, andBarryTinningreached theCampaspeDivision statetriplesfinal. BothDivision3and4 midweekteamshave enjoyedtop-of-the-ladder
turnaroundfrompast seasons
BernieTinningiscurrently fourthontheplayerladder inmidweekcompetition, withjustonelossasskip Whatayear!Thesestories showthebreadthand depthofsportingtalentin ourcommunity. StaytunedinJanuaryas wespotlightmanyofthese individualsindeeper profiles
Untilthen,don'tforgetto contactusattongalatimes @tongala.vic.auwithyour nominations,stats,and insightsforour2026 coverage
What’shappeningontheovals
Juniors
Nineroundsintotheseason fortheUnder11teamanda fewimpressiveresultsfrom theteam,includingaRound 5winagainstEchucaWhite Theteammade134fromits 20overs,withBenBrennan hittingapairofboundaries andJettTuckertakingtwo wickets.
Fourplayersreached doublefiguresinthegame againstMoamaMagpies, TexTownsendmaking19 from12balls,includinga pairofsixes.
TaitOhlsenandSpencer Williamswerealsogreat, whileThomasWestmade12 notout
AgainstMoamaB ArcherGreenshie BenjiLawlerboth wickets.
Lastweekthetea OhlsenandBenji leadingthewayw bat
Aftereightgames
Under13teamsit ontheladder,hav sevenofthosema includingarecen lastballoftheda againstEchucaW KaneandLucasPykewere thestarswiththebat,Lucas hittingthreeboundaries andasixin31retired,while breotherKanewas20not out(off18balls)
TONGALAGIRLGUIDE
ABOVE:OscarWatsonwas sizinguparunout opportunityatBrose ReserveonFridaynightin thejuniorcricketmatch. RIGHT:BenjiLawlerhada nightoutfortheUnder11 team,making14runsand alsotakingawicket.
KevinMaurizimade16and theTongalateamreeledin the102runEchucatotalwith oneballtospare.
InRound6theteamscored itsbiggesttotal,136runs from20overs,withMaurizi (20retired),LucasPyke(22) andKanePyke(20)all starring.Theyhadsupport
TomWesthashiseyeonthe prizeinTongalaUnder-11win againstEchucaSouth.
fromCyrilCleveland,who made16beforebeingrun out.AtUnder17levelthe lasttwogamesforTongala werehighlightedby HamishBaker’s20notout andRierTownend’s19, againstRochester/BLU, whileHugoMonnichVo’s17 wasthebestscore
againstLockingtonGunbower/Cohuna.
Seniors
Aroundeightwinagainst EchucaSouthwasthebest momentoftheseasonfor theTongalaA-gradeteam, whichwonthetossand batteditswayto107
damNunnmade30and nunbeaten18from achlanCaldwellatnumber wasalateinnings ghlight unn,nursinganinjury,then ok2-3fromsixovers(five thosemaidens)and esseJackmanwasin upportwith2-18 wowicketsfromMitch ornwallsawEchucaSouth loutfor84injust32.4 vers.
B-GradetheTongala amsitsthird,a216Round scorebeingitsbiggestof eseason featuredanunbroken partnershipbetweenHugo MonnichVo(61notoutfrom 57balls)andTravis Johnstone(79notoutfrom 72balls)
KyabramFireBrigadewas thenbowledoutfor189, CallumTYuckertaking56-13 fromeightoversandKade Northausen2-25from45 overs
Mathourawinstrophy
Athrillingtwo-shotwinby Mathouraearnedthe bottomteaminthe CampaspePlayingArea’s Divisiononeweekend pennantcompetitiona rarehighlightforseason 2025-26-winningthe inauguralJohnBentley Trophy.
Thetrophywasstruckin honourofthehighly respectedfigure,who contributedtoboth communitiesformany yearsinhisroleasan integralmemberforthe boardoftheTongalaand MathouraCommunity Bank
That’sMathoura’sDavid Vallanceholdingthe trophyalongsideTongala’s PeterTinningandthe communitybank representatives-Greg RossboroughandHamish Urquhart Tongala,apowerhouseof thecompetitioninrecent years,sits7 ontheladder andis22pointsadriftof thetopfourteams-with onlyoneroundtobe playedbeforethe Christmasbreak Thereare onlysixhomeandaway roundsoftheseason remainingfortheteamto makeupthelostground th IntheJBTrophymatchon Saturdaythelosscame despitethenine-shotwin ofreigningclubchampion MattLiverton,wholed20-9 withJorjaPonton,Mark CoulsonandBarryTinning
insupportafter13rounds. Despitelosingfiveofthe finaleightendshestillwon 25-16
Thatresultwasoffsetbya rarelossforBradtinning, wholed10-1aftersixends, onlytodropsixshotsonthe 7 endandsuddenlytrailby ashotnineendsintothe game th Hesecuredonlytwoofthe final10endsandwas beaten25-15. Withtheresultinthe balancetheStephen Hammondmatchwasthe decider,anditcamedown tothewire Hammondtrailedbyfour shotswithtwoends remaininganddespiteand despitewinningthrewof thosebackintheruntothe wirehelostbyashot,19-20 -histeamlosingoverallby twoshots59-61.
Tongala’sDivisiontwo
teamhaswonjustone gametothisstageandwas beatenconvincinglyinits lastoutingbyKyabramwhichsitsfourthonthe ladderinitscomeback seasonintheCampaspe playingarea.
Thestoryisprettymuchthe sameforTongala’sDivision threeteam,sittingbottom ontheladderwithonewin Theirmostrecentouting wasaneight-shotlossto Elmore,despiteDaleHateley leadinghisrinkofFrankVan derBurght,CraigFranklin andJordanSoutertoa2515win
InMidweekDivision3 competitiontheBullsare freshoffanotherwin,a14shotvictoryagainstRich River,makingit8-1forthe seasonandsittingin secondplace Bernie Tinningcontinueda sensationalseasonwitha
six-shotwinalongsideEllie VanderBurght,RosKellett andPeterKesson Thatwas backedupbytheeightshotwinofherhusband Peter,wholedTanya Kesson,RickSzakieland FrankVanderBurghtto anotherwin Berniesitsthirdonthe rankingsintheplayer ladderwitha7-2recordthis season.
Division4sitsthirdonthe ladderwitha6-3record, afterbeatingKyabramby15 shotsintheirlasthomeand awayround GeoffTinningcontinuesto belyhisyearandleda teamofPatMcMeeken, JennyGoldsandJennyReid toanine-shotwin Onthe remainingrinkPhilCooper wasasixshotwinnerwith JennyDicker,Wayne AndrewsandDarylReidin support.
Afantasticnightwrappedupthe SimplotNightBowlsSeriesfor2025 Congratulationstothisseason’s winners KimHanson’steamof LorraineChapman,GavinWellsand TomBooth whotookhomethe covetedSimplotpacks
AbigthankyoutocoordinatorPete Tinningandhisteamofbehind-thesceneshelpersformakingtheseries suchasuccess,andtoeveryonewho turnedoutforsomegreatfunonthe greens.Welookforwardtoseeing youallagainin2026!
TheLadiesClubChampionshipFinal forthe2025–26seasonwasplayedon Tuesday,December9 Congratulations toSallyBeach,whoclaimedthetitle withawinoverJorjaPonton Itwasacloselycontestedmatch, playedwithgreatskilland sportsmanshipbybothplayers.Well donetobothladies,andmanythanks toBarryTinningforofficiating
Afantasticdayofbowlingmarkedthefinaltournamentoftheyear, withtheCommunityBankTongalaLadiesCentenaryChristmas3BowlTriples.Congratulationstoallthewinners,andthankyouto everyonewhoparticipated
�� Winners:JeanSprague’steamfromRushworthBowlsClub ClaireCampbell,SueMoretonandJeanSprague(skip).
�� Runners-up:KyabramBowlingClub MargCox,JanMacFadyen andJillBarrett(skip).
�� Thirdplace:ChrisTaylor’steamfromDeniliquinBowlingClub ChrisFrampton,PamLimbrickandChrisTaylor(skip)
BestLastGame:CindyFelmingham’steamfromLockingtonBowls Club PosAndrea,TerrilWestwoodandCindyFelmingham(skip) ThewinnersarepicturedwithGregRossborough,representing CommunityBankTongala,andTanyaKesson(MC).
116a Mangan Street, Tongala
��A heartfelt thank you this festive season��
As 2025 comes to a close, we would like to extend our deepest gratitude to our loyal customers, our wonderful clients, and the local community who have supported us throughout the year Your trust, encouragement, and partnership have been the foundation of our success. Every interaction, every opportunity, and every shared milestone has meant the world to us As we enter the Christmas and New Year season, we wish you and your families joy, good health, and a truly magical festive break May 2026 bring prosperity, happiness, and new beginnings for all Thank you for choosing us, supporting us, and being part of our journey.
We look forward to continuing to serve you in the year ahead
Warmest
wishes, Maryanne, Emily, Andrea and Quinn
Team Cardillo – Eview Real Estate
EXTRA TONNY TIMES
DECEMBER 2025
Tongalahascontinuedtostrengthen itsreputationasanindustrial, farming,socialandsportingjewelin thecrownofCampaspeShire–even whileoftenfeelingalittle overshadowedbythelarger townshipsofEchuca,Kyabramand Rochester
In2025,thatperceptionbeganto shiftinabigway
Thetown’seconomicheartbeatis strongerthanever.
Thecontinueddevelopmentof Greenham&Sons,theongoing successofSltecFertilisersand CopRice,andthegrowthofTongala NutritionhavecementedTongala’s placeasapowerhouseinregional manufacturingandagribusiness. Addingtothismomentumisthe excitingdevelopmentofGoodness Grown,alarge-scaletomatofarm
YEAR IN REVIEW
ontheoutskirtsoftown,which promisestobringnewjobsand opportunities.Andofcourse,thedairy industry–longthebackboneofthe district–remainsavitalcontributorto localprosperity
Beyondindustry,Tongalashinesasa community Ourtwooutstanding schoolsprovidequalityeducationand nurturefutureleaders. Ouragedcarefacilitycontinuesto deliverexceptionalcareand connectionforolderresidentsthrough relationshipswithourschools Sportingclubspunchwellabovetheir weight,achievingsuccessoncourts andfieldswhilefosteringlifelong friendships.Manyhighachieverscall Tongalahome,provingthatbig dreamsthriveinsmalltowns Diversityandinclusionhavealso
becomedefiningfeaturesofour identity TheTongalaCommunity ActivityCentrehasworkedtirelesslyto supportmigrantworkersfromisland nations,ensuringtheyfeelwelcome andvalued Thiscommitment enrichesourculturalfabricand strengthensthebondsthatmake Tongalaunique
Now,weinviteyoutolookbackonthe last10monthsofTongala’s achievementsthroughthepagesof theTonnyTimesandcelebratethe peoplewhohavecontributedtothis growthandprosperity TheTonny Timesisproducedthankstothehard workoftheTCACandEditorDiane Aldous-whotookthenewsletterinto thedigitalage,allowingittobe accessedbypeoplefromaround AustraliaandtheworldsinceFebruary
ScantheQRcodetorevisit FebruaryTonnyTimes
Tongalafarewelledtwomuchlovedcommunityfigureswiththe passingofJohn“JB”Bentleyand MickJones,whosecontributions andcharactersleftalastingmark onthetown
CreativitywascelebratedasAlex theRiverBoatreturnedin storybookform,withlocalartist MurrayRoss,now82,launching twonewpicturebooksatthePort ofEchucaDiscoveryCentre ExcitementbuiltfortheTongala Car&BikeShow,whilethetown’s
growingreputationasamural destinationwasreinforcedasthe StreetArtTrailattractedattention aheadofnationalawards. Localschoolsandsportingclubs preparedfortheyearahead, businessescontinuedpromoting Tongalaasavisitordestination, and80internationalmeat workersfromfivecountriesbegan EnglishlessonsattheTongala CommunityActivityCentre,taking stepstowardlong-term settlementandcitizenship
March April
MarchhighlightedNational Ride2SchoolDay,while Tongala’screativespiritwas recognisedattheAustralian StreetArtAwards Communitygroupsplanned forEaster,sportingclubs begantheirseasons,and visitornumbersliftedas peopleexploredthetown’s murals
Localbusinessnews includedTongalaNutrition ownerSidJaniannouncing partnershipswithColesand Woolworths,alongwiththe returnofinternational cheesebrandMablestothe formerNestléfactorysite Sidalsobecameafamiliar
May
Tongalacontinuedits strongmomentumthrough May,withschoolactivities, sportinghighlightsand communityprograms keepingthetownbusy Localdairyand manufacturingsectors reportedsolidperformance, whileartinitiativesgained momentumthrough workshopsandexhibitions. Marketsandsocialevents
faceattheTongalaCricket Club.
Aheadofits100th anniversary,Tongala BowlingClubunveileda newmuralhonouringclub legendsAlbySmith,Geoff Cameron,andtheTinnings Ivan,GeoffandKeith.
providedplentyof opportunitiesforresidents toconnect Communitygenerositywas onfulldisplayasTongala andsurroundingdistricts raised$8,615.57forthe RoyalChildren’sHospital GoodFridayAppeal This outstandingresultwas madepossiblethroughthe effortsofvolunteersandthe generosityoflocals,from donationstoraffleticket purchases.
Inatownbuilton
Tongala’sANZACDay commemorationsdrewa largecrowdtotheRSL,with awell-attendedservice Communitylifewasstrong, withfamilyprogramsatthe TongalaCommunityActivity Centre,gatheringsinthe newTongalaTownSquare, andfootballandnetball seasonsinfullswing Local businessescontinued supportingeventsacross town.
TongalafarewelledmuchlovedlocalFayeWild,with tributeshighlightingher involvementinApex,the SES,FireBrigade,TonnyLittle Theatreandteaching.
volunteering,itwas fittingthatNational VolunteerWeekwas celebratedsostrongly Underthetheme
Connecting Communities,Tongala acknowledgedthe contributionsoftheOp Shop,SeniorCitizens, CommunityActivity Centre,sportingclubs, FireBrigade,churches, LionsClub,andthe volunteerswhosupport TongalaMemorial
ThelaunchofFitzBitz, writtenbyTongalaFNC captainKyleFitzgerald, entertainedreaders throughouttheseason, whilethecommunityalso ralliedbehindnetballerMilly Brock,raising$20,000in supportofherillness.
June July
Junefeaturedwintersport andculturalactivities,with VisitTongalapromoting localeventsandstreetart continuingtoattractvisitors Communitygroupsworked togetheronprojects supportinginclusionand wellbeing,whilelocal businesseshighlighted seasonalofferings
Thetownalsoexperienced amonthofloss,farewelling Ron“Spud”Florence,Phil “Trout”Harrison,Wayne AldousandRuthLennie Communityconnectionwas celebratedwhennearly50 peoplegatheredatthe townhallforDamian
August
Augustfocusedon educationandindustry,with TongalaPrimarySchool sharingachievementsand businessessuchas GoodnessGrownreaching keydevelopment milestones Withsportingfinals approaching,excitement builtacrosstown,while CommunityBankTongala continuedpromotinglocal
Callinan’sHallStories. EducationWeekalso reflectedTongala’sgrowing diversity,withthearrivalof FilipinofamilieslinkedtoHW GreenhamandSons’PALM program,andafocusonA CelebrationofCulturesat TongalaPrimarySchool.
Julybroughtearlyfestive cheerwithaChristmasin Julycelebrationsupported byCampaspeShire,while sportingclubsreached mid-seasonformand schoolscontinuedcreative projects. Communityorganisations alsomaintainedstrong supportformigrantworkers andvulnerableresidents Communitywellbeingwas highlightedwithafree Men’sHealthWeek breakfastattheTongala TownHall,hostedbythe TongalaCommunityActivity Centre,andtheopeningof anewRVOvernightStopon
theformerbowlinggreens. Adinnerandmusical performanceatthetown hallsupportedthe constructionofanew churchintheFijianvillageof Nukubolu,organisedby localresidentSamuela Lakonavakabauta.
initiativesandconfidence. StPatrick’sPrimarySchool heldasuccessfulmarket, coordinatedbyMrsHilland supportedbysenior students.Theschool’s footballteamalso competedatthe CampaspeBoysFootball Carnival,assistedby volunteersTroy,Mop,Blue andKizza Onthesportingfront, teenagefootballerJosh Morrisonreceivedthe
Sportsmanship, TeamworkandFairPlay AwardduringtheSpiritof FootyRound FiveTongala A-Graderepresentatives Sienna,Meg,Corey, Chelseyandcoach GraceHammond featuredintheMurray FootballNetballLeague interleagueside,which reachedtheGrandFinal afteranimpressive campaignledbyGrace andco-captainChelsey
September October
Septemberagainbelonged tofinals,withTongala’s netballprogramproducing outstandingresults Bgrade,C-gradeandCReserveteamswent throughtheseason unbeatenandclaimed threeMurrayLeague premierships,winningall54 matchesbetweenthem Juniornetballalso impressed,withstrongfinals performancesacrossage groups. Thecommunityalso celebratedthejourneyof much-lovedlocalMaxann Heald,afamiliarand friendlyfaceattheTongala
PostOffice.Afteryearsof servinglocalswithwarmth andcare,Maxanntooka newpath,completinga CertificateIVinSchoolBasedEducationSupport, reflectingthetown’sspiritof connection,growthand encouragement.
November
NovembersawtheTongala DevelopmentGroupholdits AGM,invitingresidentsto shareideasforfuture growth,whilecommunity supportnetworksremained activeandpreparations beganfortheChristmas HayBaleTrail Schoolsmovedintoend-ofyearcelebrations,andlocal artcontinuedtoinspire. Amajormilestonewas
celebratedatGreenham Australia,withthefully operationalTongala abattoirfollowinga significantexpansionthat doubledproduction, createdhundredsoflocal jobs,andsecurednational andinternationalcontracts Thestate-of-the-artfacility nowprocessesmorethan 1,300cattleperday, reinforcingTongala’s
Octoberwashighlightedby TongalaEats&Beats, drawingvisitorsfromacross theregionwithlivemusic, foodandastrong communityatmosphere. Schoolsshowcasedstudent projects,sporting presentationscelebrated achievements,andlocal businessesbenefitedfrom increasedfoottraffic Publicartremainedafocus withtheunveilingofanew SeniorCitizensmuralat14 CavellStreet,transformed byMurrayRossand volunteers,withsupport fromtheTongalaLionsClub Communitypridewasalso
ondisplayasTongalaHotel chefJorjaPontonearneda BronzeMedalaspartofa GOTAFEteamattheClub ChefTeamCookery Challenge,whilethe TongalaLionsClub celebratedits53rdbirthday
importancetothe region’seconomy Communityevents broughtpeopletogether, withStPatrick’sPrimary School’sTwilightCinema delightingfamilieswith aneveningof entertainment,and TongalaPrimarySchool’s biennialfetedrawing strongsupport,resulting intwonewtabletennis tablesbeinginstalledin theschoolyard
