Finley community rallies for Can Assist at tractor pull

They would also like to thank Finley IGA for allowing them to use the premises to sell tickets in the lead up to the event.

It seems the good work carried out by Can Assist volunteers does not go unnoticed. Trish De Vito was so thankful for assistance given to a member of her family while going through treatment for cancer, she got together with the IGA businesses in Finley, Berrigan and Jerilderie and came up with the idea of purchasing a much-needed marquee.

Again, the supplier of the marque, Aaron Kunyik of Boronia, Victoria, when realising it was being sponsored by the businesses for Can Assist, supplied it at a substantially reduced cost.

It is expected the marquee will be used well into the future to protect the volunteers when out in the elements raising funds to assist local members of the community going through their journey with cancer.

Can Assist Finley branch president Pat Radford said $1200 was raised with the toy raffle and expressed appreciation to Hutcheon and Pearce for assistance with the magnificent toys purchased as prizes for the raffle.

Margaret Arnold was delighted with the Big Farm header she won as first prize; Andrew Sherman won second prize of a Big Farm tractor and ferry bin and Graeme Radford was third and won assorted toys.

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Another well organised event held in Finley over Friday, Saturday and Sunday, bringing many visitors to the town, was the 2026 NSW Country Championships proudly presented by the Southern Riverina Model Power Boat Club.

“We had 28 competitors from Hervey Bay, Renmark, Melbourne, Tamworth, Yarrawonga and Shepparton competing in the championships,” reported MC Craig Knight.

“There were 130 model boats that raced in four rounds over the two and a half days, starting Friday afternoon and finishing Sunday lunchtime.

“Most of the competitors enjoyed playing barefoot bowls on Friday night and going to the tractor pull on Saturday night.

“All in all, a good weekend in Finley. Everyone had a great time,“ he said.

It was a delight to see such a large variety of power boats racing on the lake again.

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The annual World Day of Prayer is taking place on Friday March 6 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Denilson St, Finley and an invitation is extended to all interested in attending. This year, the spotlight will be on the country of Nigeria.

The service will start at 10am, followed by morning tea and it would be appreciated if those attending could bring a plate to share.

Further information can be obtained by contacting either Mary Rourke on 0428 830 210 or Judy Rourke on 0418 622 147.

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Finley Probus Club is in the process of planning an exciting visit to the Neil Diamond Musical ‘A Beautiful Noise’ at the Princess Theatre, Melbourne on Wednesday September 30, and an invitation is extended to anyone wishing to attend this performance.

The coach will be departing from Finley Uniting Church, Wollamai St, at 7am.

Cost is $250 per person and includes coach fare, musical ticket and morning tea.

A deposit of $150 is necessary at the time of booking with the balance to be paid by March 31.

Bookings can be made by phoning Myra Cowell on 0428 826 338.

It may seem a little early to be putting forward this offer; however bookings with the venue must be confirmed and paid for by the end of March. It is expected this event should prove very popular so be sure to make your booking as soon as possible.

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Items for ‘From Finley’ may be submitted by phoning 0428 293 922, emailing anne.freestone@bigpond.com or left at the Southern Riverine News office.

Please include a contact name and phone number.