Back together after 50 years

By Anne Freestone

Mar 20, 2024

The Finley High School Class of 1974 reunion group.

About 50 ex-students of Finley High School Class of 1974 came together at the weekend to celebrate the 50th anniversary of leaving the school.

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They travelled from Gembrook, Gormandale, Robertson, Wodonga, Wollongong, Maryborough, Nowra, Tweed Coast, Echuca, Melbourne, Pitsworth (Qld), Ringwood, Sunshine Coast, Wagga, Bendigo, Lockhart, Yarrawonga, Albury as well as the surrounding local areas.

Thanks to a great deal of time and effort on the part of Sue Braybon (nee Escott), Bernadette Skinner (nee Strano) and Chris Smith, who originally came up with the idea, the weekend was packed with activity and reminiscing.

Saturday morning saw the Class of 1974 take a bus tour around Jerilderie, lunch in Berrigan, Tocumwal via the Blowhole which some of the ex-students didn’t know was there, and then arriving back at the Finley High School where principal Jeff Ward took them on a tour, pointing out changes made over the years.

Saturday evening saw the group gathered at the Finley RS Club for a catch-up and dinner.

Then Sunday morning, a recovery breakfast on the foreshore at Tocumwal was the place to be before heading home.

Julie Kala (nee Maxwell), now living in Bendigo, was delighted to catch up with former friends who were happy to hear of her husband Eric and children Mitchell, aged 30, and Stephanie, 27.

Julie is the daughter of Anne and George Maxwell and made a short visit to the cemetery while she was in town.

Another ex-student Russell Mansfield is a former teacher at Finley High School and was here with his wife Margie (nee Walsh).

It was also great to meet with Denise Flint (nee Hetrelezis) who is now living in Maryborough, Queensland and a former employee of the Southern Riverina News.

It is understood that Sue Braybon is now taking a well-earned rest, as most of the ex-students are probably doing.