Ariah Park Ariah Park Foodworks welcomes new Team Members The Manager of the Foodworks Supermarket at Ariah Park, Pramodh Dhanpal ("DP"), has announced two new team members for the Ariah Park Supermarket. Nandini Kalakota ("Nandini") is an IT professional with industry experience and looks forward to the store's success while growing her professional roots in the Ariah Park community. Rai Krishna Raj (Raj) has experience in customer service and team leadership and looks forward to his new role as Retail Store Manager at Foodworks, Ariah Park. Both Nandini and Raj, a young couple, will be living in Ariah Park and look forward to being part of the Ariah Park community. Both present Managers, DP and Krishna Mota, will still have an input into the running of the store while Nandini and Raj find their feet. Manager DP has announced there will be a Welcome Sausage Sizzle for Nandini and Raj this coming Friday, 3 July, from 12.30p.m. There will be a Gold Coin Donation to go to the Ariah Park Swimming Pool Committee. Come and meet Nandini and Raj and take the opportunity to inspect the latest specials at Foodworks, Ariah Park. NSW Local Government Minister to visit Ariah Park The NSW Minister for Local Government, Ron Hoenig, will make a visit to the village of Ariah Park this coming Friday afternoon, 3 July, from 2 - 3.30p.m. It is part of a Ministerial Visit to REROC, Coolamon and Temora Shires. Ariah Park Shire councillor, Nigel Judd, will be hosting the Minister and will be showing Minister Hoenig around the highlights of Ariah Park, before meeting community representatives at an afternoon tea at the Ariah Park Men’s Shed at 2.30p.m. If the weather is still cold and wet, the afternoon tea may shift to the CWA Rooms. Coolamon The Minns Labor Government has delivered its final Budget before next year’s State Election, but once again no funding has been allocated for a new Coolamon–Ganmain Multi‑Purpose Service. The long‑awaited hospital redevelopment has sat at the top of the Murrumbidgee Local Health District’s infrastructure priority list for more than four years, yet the project received no commitment in this year’s Budget. Council described the omission as a significant setback for the Coolamon Shire community, which has been calling for a modern, fit‑for‑purpose health facility to replace the ageing MPS. Mayor David McCann said Council would now intensify its advocacy efforts to ensure the project remains firmly on the State Government’s agenda. An urgent meeting will be sought with the NSW Health Minister to press the case for investment in the region’s health infrastructure. Council maintains that residents of the Coolamon–Ganmain district deserve equitable access to contemporary health services and will continue to push for the project’s inclusion in future funding decisions. *** Five local projects have been completed through Round One of the Ardlethan Tin Mine Fund, which invested $20,000 in community initiatives. The fund, established under a Voluntary Planning Agreement between Australian Tin Resources and Coolamon Shire Council, supports projects that benefit Ardlethan and Beckom. Works delivered include upgrades at the Memorial Hall and Museum, a water tank for the Cricket Club, support for the ANZAC Memorial Statue and improvements at the Recreation Ground. Ardlethan Tin Mine Director Bill Lannen said the fund is helping community groups turn ideas into reality. Round Two announcements are expected soon, with Round Three to open in early 2027. *** Roaming cats are increasingly causing concern in the community due to their impact on local wildlife, prompting some residents to set traps on their properties. Understanding the difference between a domestic pet and a true feral cat is essential to avoid harming owned animals. Council urges residents to take trapped cats to a vet or the pound and reminds owners to microchip and collar their pets. *** Coolamon Shire residents are being encouraged to start thinking about outstanding locals who may be worthy nominees for the 2027 Australia Day Awards. Each October, Coolamon Shire Council calls for nominations across five categories: Citizen of the Year, Young Citizen of the Year, Shane Till Sportsman of the Year, Young Sportsman of the Year, and Community Event of the Year. Council says the awards recognise individuals and groups who make exceptional contributions to community life, with past nominees coming from all corners of the Shire and representing a wide range of achievements. Community members are urged to consider who among their neighbours, colleagues or volunteers deserves acknowledgement for their efforts. While official nomination details will be released by Council in the coming months, residents are encouraged to begin gathering their thoughts and noting down key information now to support a strong submission once the nomination period opens. *** The Coolamon Raiders Junior Rugby League Club drew a strong crowd to its inaugural social event held last week at the Coolamon Sport and Recreation Club, highlighted by a special appearance from former Canterbury‑Bankstown Bulldogs hooker Adam Perry. Junee‑born Perry, who spent his entire nine‑year NRL career with the Bulldogs, shared insights into his playing days during a panel interview. He reflected on his motivation, career highlights and his role in Canterbury’s 2004 premiership victory, where he started at hooker in the grand final. Formed in 2023, the Coolamon Raiders Junior Rugby League Club takes its name from the original senior Raiders side, a successful local team that competed in the Wagga‑based Kennedy Shield from 1981 until the mid‑1990s. The club hopes to see the senior team re‑established in coming years. The large turnout at the social evening demonstrated strong community support for the junior club and its future ambitions. *** News from the Coolamon Shire Library this week includes: Storytime 2026 The next Storytime will be held today, Friday 3rd of July at 10.30am theme “Mice”. New families are most welcome to attend. Naidoc Week The Library will celebrate NAIDOC Week with a variety of activities and workshops. A three-week exhibition featuring artwork by local artist Rob Clark will be on display in the UTDS from 3 July to 26 July. Activities will also include a Yarning Stick workshop for youth, a dot painting workshop for primary-aged children, and a two-hour candle-making workshop for adults. For more information, phone the Library on 6927 2492. Youth and Primary School Holiday Program Our Youth and Primary School Holiday Program offers plenty of fun activities for children to enjoy during the holidays. Activities include a Street Slamin’ dance workshop, Lego Fun day, scarf making, Food I Am, and a movie bus trip. Phone the Library today on 6927 2492 to book and secure your child’s place. Lego Club Lego Club will be held each Wednesday from 4.00pm – 5.00pm. Then on Saturdays, at 10.30am. All ages welcome. The aim of the Lego Club program is for children to have fun, learn to communicate with others and to develop problem-solving skills. The Coolamon Library is on Facebook. News, pictures, events and opportunities are regularly uploaded – join us now! Coolamon - From Our Past From our Past returns to the pages of The Coolamon–Ganmain Farmers Review to revisit the stories that shaped district life during this week in 1926. was making news, this week one hundred years ago. Cutting wood lead to an appearance in the local Court and a hefty fine for a local man. The newly introduced Workers Compensation Act was a cause for concern for local farmers, meanwhile a car theft and local events were all making news one hundred years ago this week. *** ‘… At the last Coolamon Police Court before Mr. J.B. Gibson, P.M., Anthony Joseph Kelly was charged with stealing a quantity of dead wood lying on the land occupied by Horace Lindsey Furner, such land being Crown land. Defendant was also charged with maliciously damaging one lock, the property of H.L. Furner, and with stealing one trace chain, also the property of H.L. Furner. Constable Ramus disposed that in company with Constable Campbell, he met defended on the road. Questioned, defendant said he came from Furner’s. Constable Campbell went to Furner's gate and found part of a broken lock (produced). The trace chain was found in defendant’s dray. Defendant said, “I did not think that a gate to Crown Land could be locked”. Defendant, who pleaded guilty, was fined £1,in default 14 days hard labour. for stealing the wood; he was fined £1 and 2/ damages for damage in the lock in default 7 days and he was fined £2 in default 14 days hard labour for stealing the chain. The same defendant was preceded against by Horace Lindsey Furner for entering into enclosed lands without consent. Mr Palmer (of Thompson and Bradfield), who appeared for the informant, stated defendant went onto Furner’s land without a permit under the Forestry Act. His client held the land as occupation permit under the Forestry Act. Kelly, when asked by his client to leave the property, refused to do so. His client had taken action as there was a lot of such trespassing going on in the neighbourhood. Defendant was fined £1 with 8/ court costs and £1/11/6 professional costs in default In default 14 days hard labour. The same defendant was also preceded against by Thomas Murray Woolnough, Forester of the Forestry Department for cutting timber upon a State Forest without a licence. The facts were the same as given in the above cases and defendant was fined £2 and costs of court 8/ shillings or 14 days hard labour. Defendant was allowed one month to pay in each case. His total fines amounted to £7 and the costs to £2/9/6, a total of £9/9/6. *** The annual Masonic ball was held in Furner's Hall on June 28 and was again a huge success. The decorations, capably carried out by the ladies, were beautiful. The supper was supplied by the Misses Kelly of Coolamon. The music was supplied by the Wagga Wonderland Orchestra. The ball was continued till about 3.30 a.m. Many visitors were present from all surrounding districts. *** The new Workmen's Compensation Act is causing much concern amongst farmers and business men, and a lot of men have been put off. Insurance agents are having a busy time answering inquiries and issuing covers. It is likely that numbers of share farmers will be dispensed with after the coming harvest. *** The district generally is looking an absolute picture and the crops never looked better at this time of the year; in fact they are a little too forward. There is also splendid grass. The fine rain recently has put the ground in ideal condition for fallowing and most farmers are busy. *** Mr. W. J. McDonald was most fortunate to have such a beautiful day as last Wednesday, after postponing his clearance sale from the previous Wednesday, and there was a record attendance. A complete and successful sale was effected. Horses, cattle and sheep sold exceptionally well, especially the horses, which were a splendid lot. Messrs. Flanagan and Hore, of Wagga, in conjunction with Cameron and Co., Coolamon, were the auctioneers. *** The belle of the ball competition, held in aid of the gymnasium for the boys at the Coolamon public school, was a wonderful success. Miss Winnie Johnstone topped the poll easily and Jean Furner and Musie Johnstone were second and third. As a result of the competition £150 has been raised for the gymnasium. This as indeed excellent and reflects great credit on Mr. H. G. Hain, the head master, in organising the venture. *** The death occurred on the 16th inst., of another old resident of the Coolamon district in the person of Mr. James Bartholomew, at the age of 69 years. Deceased, who had been ailing for over four years, had not been able to get about for the past six months. He had been a resident of Coolamon for 45 years. A widow and family of three sons (James, George and John) and two daughters (Ellen and Vera) are left to mourn their loss. The interment, took place in the local cemetery, Rev. H. Verner Rogers officiating at the graveside. *** Whilst motoring to Melbourne, Mr. W. Hawthorne, of Coolamon, had his double-seater Studebaker car stolen at Wangaratta. He stayed at one of the hotels for the night, leaving the car in the locked yard, but in the morning it was missing. *** William Lithgow, late secretary of the Coolamon Coursing Club, has been committed to stand his trial at Narrandera on a charge of stealing money, the property of the club. Also on another charge of uttering a cheque on the Commercial Bank with a forged endorsement…’ Barmedman There is a Barmedman Community Centre meeting being held tonight, Thursday 2 July at the Community Hall commencing at 6.30pm. Everyone is welcome to attend. *** The Craft and Coffee shop have been donated a quantity of new shoes and slippers in various sizes and very well priced. Call in and have a look, you might bag a bargain. *** The Bowling Club will be the place to be to view the State of Origin decider on Wednesday 8 July. Burgers available from 6pm. *** A new service is being offered to Barmedman and surrounds. Amy, a qualified hairdresser and Kate a qualified podiatrist will be visiting Barmedman on Tuesday 14 July and Wednesday 15 July offering haircuts and or foot care in your own home. Haircuts start from $45.00, pedicures from $70.00 or enjoy a haircut and pedicure package for $100.00. For further information or to secure a spot, contact Amy on 0408939343. Both Kate and Amy are Wyalong residents and fully qualified in their professions. If enough interest is shown the visits will become regular.
