Steve (Thommo) Thomas, Paul (Bub) Brooks and support driver Jim Muirhead have returned from taking part in the Southern Cross Cannonball Classic 2025 with many a story to tell.
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After attending the Anzac Day dawn service in Finley, the trio headed straight up the Kidman Way to the Queensland border on their way to Darwin.
Allowing five days travel time, they enjoyed the awesome outback scenery of Queensland and Northern Territory.
They stopped at Dundee Beach and enjoyed some time fishing before going on to Darwin where they met up with Denise and Wendy who had flown into Darwin from Melbourne.
After a week of sightseeing, more fishing and some R & R, they were ready to take part in the Southern Cross Cannonball Classic which started on May 9 from the Mindil Beach Casino.
There were about 80 vintage motorcycles with the earliest model being a 1912 Indian motorcycle which had been shipped over from the USA, along with six other bikes owned by a group of American like-minded enthusiasts.
The 14 day challenge heading south for Victor Harbour on a bike was an amazing way to view some of Australia’s beautiful countryside and scenery. The event was broken up into 200-300km per day with the longest being about 500klm from Uluru to Maria.
At Erunda, located in the centre of Australia, they headed west to Kings Canyon and then on to Uluru for an overnight stay. This included a formal evening, and all enjoyed the sunset function out at The Rock before returning to the resort for dinner and presentation.
After a rest day at Uluru, which included bike maintenance and restocking of supplies, the riders set off for their longest day of 500 km to Maria, South Australia. The run continued south until reaching Port Augusta and then north for a visit to the Flinders Ranges, before heading back down south to Burra for the second last night of the journey.
On the final day’s ride to Victor Harbour, there was great excitement from all of the riders and the back-up crew as they crossed the finish line. They had completed their trip of more than 4000 km without any mishaps or bad weather experiences.
That night was the official final presentation dinner, and a series of awards were presented to those who had participated and excelled in their category.
During the evening, Thommo and Bub were highly recognised for their fundraising efforts as they had raised $5410 which had directly come from their friends, family and the local community of the SRN readers.
They would like to pass on their thanks to anyone who contributed in any way as the Royal Flying Doctor Service is such a worthy cause.
Many new friendships were made during this unforgettable run as people had travelled from all over Australia and the USA to compete in this extraordinary event which was planned and organised with 100 per cent efficiency from the north to the south of Australia.
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A special meeting of Finley Bowling Club members has been scheduled for Thursday June 19 at 6.30pm to discuss plans for the 2025/2026 season. This is a great opportunity for members to have their say and express their ideas.
Also, please remember to put down names for the 100 up singles starting on Saturday June 21. The winners of the 100 up pairs were Norma Hill and Heather Tabe with Gordon and Ashleigh Haines winning the men’s.
There is a barbecue snag in bread after Saturday bowls (with sauce of course), names to be in to start at 11am; Sunday morning bowls names in by 9.30 for a 10.00am start.
There is also an opportunity to take part in bingo each Tuesday morning at 11am with some great prizes for winning games. This is followed by a light luncheon at a cost of $5 with tea and coffee for a gold coin donation.
The club is also nice and warm during winter on a Friday evening with meals available and raffles taking place.
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This coming Friday and Saturday night is the last chance to witness the Finley Amateur Dramatic and Music Society 2025 production of ‘The Curse of the Mummy’. If you haven’t already made a booking you will need to call into Con Carr’s Electrical and see Sally as soon as possible.
Those who have made themselves available to take part in the production enjoyed a celebratory get-together last Thursday evening, having a casual meal before beginning rehearsal.
Well deserved, everyone.
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Finley Lions Club was once again braving the weather on Saturday morning selling tickets in the wood raffle. Unfortunately, the winner can only be stated as ‘Garry’. However, the address was on the ticket, so no doubt Garry has already received delivery of the trailer load of wood.
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Just a reminder that the very popular movie morning is on again at the Uniting Church Hall, Coree St, Finley, June 12, at 10am
Then, Crazy Whist will take place this Saturday, June 14 at 1.30pm.
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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 Riverina News office.
Please include a contact name and phone number.
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