There is no doubt the future of Finley is in good hands when you hear reports of the huge fundraiser hosted by the Finley Football Netball Club.
Shania Bentley reports an ‘‘outstanding day’’ was had when the club hosted a practise match with returning Jindera Football Netball Club on Saturday.
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‘‘However, this year had a twist,’’ Shania said.
Last year’s Black Dog Institute fundraiser was impacted when COVID-19 forced an early finish to the season.
‘‘We were fortunate enough to have the Finley Community Gym jump on board to sponsor the dresses, which the netball girls wore for their game.
‘‘Instead of allowing the generous gesture go to waste, we put our heads together to run this event the same day as our practise match.’’
The day started with the C/C reserve squad, followed by the A/B squad game — all team members wearing their Black Dog charity dresses.
A raffle and auction, with prizes donated by the generous local community, was also held.
‘‘We had aimed to raise $5000, to make a real difference in the lives of people touched by mental illness and suicide,’’ Shania said.
‘‘Elders Finley agent Greg McNamara was kind enough to donate his time and services to the club for this great cause, and he did a tremendous job auctioning off the dresses.
‘‘The highest bid was $500, purchased by the Jindera Football Netball Club. We couldn’t thank them enough for their support throughout the whole day.
‘‘The dresses averaged $256, and overall we made over $6000 to support the Black Dog Institute.
‘‘We want to say a massive thank you to all our generous donors and everyone who helped organise the day. It truly is a blessing to know we can do our bit to help those in need.’’
Raffle prize winners were: Two nights of accommodation in Beechworth – J Osborne from Jindera; $250 MCG voucher – M Kable; Mil Movement six week program – S Thompson.
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Members of the Finley Pioneer Rail Committee were delighted to host a visit from the Deniliquin Veteran and Vintage Car Club at the local rail museum on Sunday.
The car enthusiasts were keen to learn of the history of the precinct, delivered by Sid Dudley, before entering the museum.
They were particularly enthralled with the video compiled and narrated by local historian Peter Hamilton, with the history and early day photos of times when the railway was a thriving industry in the town.
Visits to the venue can be made by appointment and it is hoped that, in the near future, such visits can be combined with the other museums in Finley.
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The removal of Jess and Marcus Jackson’s home created a great deal of interest recently.
It was loaded onto trucks and transported to Blighty by Peter Hayley of Tocumwal.
The history of the building is quite interesting. It was originally a shearing shed, owned by Frank Bowl. It was converted to living quarters, and eventually destroyed by fire.
This was replaced by the transportable home, which has now been sold to a family in Blighty who lost their home in a fire.
Jess and Marcus are excited about the new home they plan on building in its place.
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It was quite a busy weekend in Finley, including at the Open Tournament at Finley Golf Club.
There was great excitement when the news got to the clubhouse that Kerrie Carlon had achieved a hole-in-one on the 13th hole.
This lovely lady received a standing ovation when she returned to the clubhouse. Well done, Kerrie.
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Another celebration took place at the Finley Bowling Club on Sunday afternoon, when family and friends gathered to help Nola Wood celebrate her 80th birthday.
As well as a beautifully decorated cake, her family presented her with a ‘newspaper’ item wishing her a happy 80th birthday.
It listed several news items of interest that occurred in 1942, as well as some well-known celebrities born on March 8, 1942.
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The Langunyah and Finley Red Cross ladies will be holding a street stall today, and would appreciate the support of the community.
They will also be receiving donations to the Red Cross Flood Appeal and urge those who can, to contribute. No matter how small the amount, it all adds up.
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The Finley Garden Lovers Club has started the new year with a visit to Handford’s Open Garden near Numurkah, fundraising for the Haemophilia Foundation.
It has been a very difficult two years with the COVID-19 restrictions, but members are now out networking, discovering interesting gardens, shooting snaps and taking home ideas.
Meetings are held on the first Monday of each month. There will be a new judging roster, changes to traditional monthly categories and now three unique monthly themes.
The April meeting will be held at the home of Glennice Marten in Kelly Street, Tocumwal. Members are asked to please bring a mug and chair, and plate of food to share.
Members are reminded to try to bring two plants for the swap table as well as items for the freebie table.
March still offers more gardening opportunities with the Cobram CWA hosting its International Women’s Day luncheon this Saturday, with speakers on sustainable gardening.
On Sunday, the group is heading to Marong Station in Deniliquin for the Naponda Hospital Auxiliary’s Garden Expo, where they will enjoy two workshops presented by ABC’s popular presenter Sophie Thomson.
On Monday, March 28 there will be a meet and greet at the home of long-time member Gabrielle Talbots — from Riverina Plants and Gardening in Corowa.
To round off the month, from March 30 until April 3, there is the long overdue, and magnificent Melbourne Flower and Garden Show.
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Feel like getting those creative juices working? The Finley Art Network might be just the place.
The group is having a ‘Pinot Picasso and Painting’ afternoon at their rooms in Denison Street, next to the court house on Saturday, March 26 from 11am until 3pm.
BYO wine, soft drink, beer or whatever your tipple may be.
The art regulars will supply finger food and nibbles for lunch, and tea, coffee and sweet bikkies will be provided.
There is no need to bring any art materials, they will be provided in the cost. Just bring yourself and the desire to have a fun afternoon with a paint brush.
The cost will be $20 per person.
Ring Pam on 0418 279 973, or Cathy on 0424 301 050 to book a spot.
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