Shirley Fuller, a beloved community member, celebrates a milestone birthday this week as she turns 90.
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More than 65 friends and family gathered on Sunday at the Terminus Hotel to honour the occasion and shower her with love and well-wishes.
Shirley is the eldest in her family, born in Echuca on February 26, 1934, to George and Evelyn Membrey. She has three younger sisters.
She was raised in both Echuca and Barham and went to school in Echuca, Barham, and Finley.
Shirley’s father was away at war for part of her schooling life.
When he returned from overseas, the family received a soldier’s settlement block in Finley.
Shirley married George Fuller (dec) in 1956 and moved to a farm on Fullers Rd, between Finley and Tocumwal.
She was very hands-on in the farm work.
Shirley and George then moved into the township of Tocumwal in the 1970s, where they had three children – Jill, Noel and Roger.
“Mum worked in retail and as a hairdresser for a number of years,” said Shirley’s daughter, Jill.
“The hairdressing continued from home for a number of years after leaving the salon with all of the local ladies, doing perms from the kitchen bench.”
Shirley has been a fixture in our community for decades since.
Known for her incredible resume of voluntary efforts, she has touched the lives of many over the years.
“She was a massive volunteer for every organisation you can think of up until a few years ago,” said Jill.
“She dedicated her life to the community.”
Whether through this volunteer work at the Lady Lions, Red Cross, or Meals on Wheels - to name only a few of the organisations she has been involved with - or her involvement in various community events, Shirley has always been willing to lend a helping hand.
Shirley and George were passionate members of the Tocumwal Bloods Football Netball Club, with George being a long-serving player, goal umpire and committee member.
Both are life members of both the Finley and Tocumwal Football Netball Clubs.
“She was also an instigator of the Anglican Op Shop and worked there at least three days a week until only recently,” said Jill.
Those who know Shirley best describe her as a true gem, with her positive attitude and dedication to the community being an inspiration to all who have the pleasure of knowing her.
On her special day, Shirley was surrounded by loved ones and friends who came from near and far to celebrate with her.
The party was filled with laughter, good food, and fond memories shared by all.
It was a joyous occasion that truly captured the essence of Shirley’s spirit and her impact on those around her.
Shirley is a remarkable woman who has done so much for our community and is the perfect example of what it means to live a life filled with purpose and meaning.
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The latest upgrade to the WAAAF Creek Walk was completed last week, with more hard work from the Rotary Club of Tocumwal.
The car park at the Hennessy St end has been updated with new posts and chain fencing and resurfaced with new crushed rock.
In addition, two new picnic tables and a new rubbish bin have also been installed.
The Rotary Club of Tocumwal would like to thank Mango Mini Diggers and the Rotary WAAAAF Creek Walk committee for all their work and contribution towards this project.
The results are commendable, and the area looks inviting and user-friendly with these new upgrades.
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Registrations are now open for the Tocumwal Mother’s Day Classic on Sunday, May 12.
The 4km walk or 4km/8km walk or run will celebrate and remember those touched by breast and ovarian cancer and will raise life-saving funds for research.
Register online at www.mothers dayclassic.com.au and take advantage of the ‘Kids Go Free in Feb’ promotion.
With every adult ticket purchased, up to two children aged 12 and under ‘go free’.
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After meeting last week, the Lions Club of Tocumwal and District enjoyed a meal and social evening.
They were visited by V6 District Governor John Houhgton, his wife Jennefer, and Zone Chairman John Weinert from the Yarrawonga Lions Club.
Every year, the current district governor tours the clubs in their district to check in and see what the clubs and members are doing in their communities.
The governor also shares updates about what is happening in the wider Lions community.
During the evening, District Governor John congratulated the club on its continued service to the community and exchanged bannerettes with Tocumwal President Keith Kennedy.
He also presented Lion Glennis Pohlner with a membership key award in recognition of the five new members she has sponsored over the years and a 25-year milestone chevron.
Congratulations, Glennis, on such a well-deserved honour.
The Lions Club will hold a street stall and raffle on Friday, March 8, from 9am outside of March’s IGA.
As well as selling tasty treats, the club members will promote all that Lions do as part of Lions Awareness Day.
So pop down, say hello and find out more about Lions International.
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The Combined Probus Club of Tocumwal has resumed meetings for 2024 and welcomes new members to attend their monthly meetings.
The group get together at 10am at the Tocumwal Library on the second Thursday of the month, and all are welcome to attend.
For more information on the Combined Probus Club of Tocumwal, please contact the secretary on 0409 842 552.
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This Thursday, the Tocumwal War Memorial Hall Committee will be hosting a Moggs Accounting and Advisory presentation about the steps required to move into assisted living or aged care.
The session will also offer guidance on the best way to structure personal affairs beforehand to make an easier transition in the future.
The presentation will start at 5pm at the hall, with tea, coffee, and refreshments on arrival.
The committee and event organisers understand that arranging aged care for yourself or a loved one can be stressful.
There are a myriad of options for assisted living in the home as well as residential care.
“I attended the Finley session, and it was extremely informative, enlightening and helpful in getting some older relatives set for later,” said committee secretary Margaret Close.
The session is free and informative, aimed at engaging in conversation to help you understand and navigate aged care options.
If you are interested in attending, please contact Moggs’ Cobram office on 5872 1955 to register.
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This is a reminder that this year’s World Day of Prayer will be held at St Peter’s Catholic Church in Charlotte St, Tocumwal, at 10am this Friday. All are welcome to attend.
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The Cancer Council of NSW ‘Cancer Conversations Roadshow’ is coming to Tocumwal.
What is the roadshow?
It’s a chance for anyone going through a cancer journey, or anyone who knows someone who is, to come along and chat with Cancer Council and Murrumbidgee Primary Health Network representatives to learn more about the support available.
The roadshow will be hosted at the Tocumwal Memorial Hall from 2.30pm to 4.30pm on Monday.
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If you have something of interest for inclusion in the ‘Tocumwal Tells’ column or are celebrating a special event, please email leonie.smith1725@gmail.com or call 0432 261 296.
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