Optimists Dawn Huxtable (left) and Jenny Peake (right) with TPS students Eden Saraikin and Brett Bird.
It has been another successful year for the Tocumwal Optimists’ Club.
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Funds raised, predominantly through street stalls and raffles, generated a significant amount, enabling the Optimists to make generous donations to 11 organisations or causes this year.
Local recipients of the Optimists’ funds included Tocumwal Swimming Pool, LHAC Tocumwal Hospital Garden, the Toc Flyer, Tocumwal Public and Sacred Heart Schools, Tocumwal Men’s Shed, Dutch Thunder Wildlife and Finley High School Agriculture Department.
The Optimists also donated a huge range of toys to the ‘Giving Tree’ (Christmas Toy Appeal) and Personal Care Packages for distribution by the Tocumwal Hospital.
Volunteers from the Optimists attended the Tocumwal Pharmacy last week to donate $500 worth of toys to the Giving Tree, which is now in its 10th year of operation to give to local families in need.
Representatives were also honoured to attend the end of year awards ceremonies at Tocumwal Public and Sacred Heart Schools last week, to present awards to some outstanding young members of our community who have excelled this year.
Brett Bird and Eden Saraikin were presented with sports awards by Dawn Huxtable and Jenny Peake at TPS, and member Suellen Sexton was pleased to present the conscientious achiever award to Lorna Stewart at Sacred Heart.
In addition to our local community, a significant contribution was made to the NSW Flood Disaster Relief Program, administered by NSW CWA.
Despite all the hard work fundraising, the Optimists still found time for several enjoyable social events and hosted some interesting guest speakers.
The Tocumwal Optimists now take a well-earned break and resume in February 2026.
New members are encouraged to join and participate in the Optimists’ activities and friendship. Further details can be obtained by contacting secretary Marg Dixon (0419 438 887) or president Glenda Burns (0499 311 620).
Optimist Suellen Sexton with Sacred Heart award winner Lorna Stewart.
Optimist Valda Armstrong presents $500 worth of toys for the Giving Tree to Michelle from Tocumwal Pharmacy.
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Congratulations to the newly elected 2026 school leaders of Tocumwal Public School.
The captains are Rose Blackbourn and Isaac Crighton, and vice captains are Mila Saraikin and Archie Bozzola.
They will all do a fantastic job at leading the school next year.
The leaders were announced at the school’s presentation evening last week, after they presented speeches to the school community earlier this month.
The presentation evening was an opportunity for the community to join in celebrating the school’s achievements during the past year and to recognise individual students who have achieved at high levels in academic, sporting and cultural pursuits.
Congratulations to all the award winners.
Tocumwal Public School's 2026 leadership team.
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The countdown to Christmas is now on, and the Lions Club invites the community to get into the festive spirit with the return of the Lions Christmas cakes and puddings.
A full range is available at local businesses, making it easy to stock up ahead of Christmas Day.
IGA Tocumwal is stocking 1kg Lions Christmas cakes for $16, the 900g Christmas puddings for $16, 400g puddings for $10, and mini Christmas cakes for $2.
Rao Medical Centre Tocumwal also has the 1kg cakes and 900g puddings, along with mini Christmas cakes.
The Tocumwal Railway Heritage Museum is stocking mini Christmas cakes as well.
The Lions say these treats are some of the most delicious Christmas cakes and puddings available, encouraging the community to pick one up during their next shop to be prepared for Christmas Day.
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If you have something of interest for inclusion in the ‘Tocumwal Tells’ column, or are celebrating a special event you want highlighted, please send an email to leonie.smith1725@gmail.com or call on 0432 261 296.
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