New books at White Rose With a surplus supply of reading books at its Temora Bookstore, the Rotary Club of Temora has refreshed all the reading books at the White Rose Cafe at Ariah Park. Rotarian Kelvin Maxwell with mate Gus Eisenhauser brought the books out, and with the help of Ariah Park’s coffee ladies, the old books were packed up, and the shelves refreshed with good reading material. Many thanks to Temora Rotary. **** Ministers Visit At his recent visit to Ariah Park, NSW Minister for Local Government, Ron Hoenig, was very impressed with the restored petrol bowsers on the kerbside at Ariah Park. Mr Hoenig said that he was very impressed with Ariah Park and felt he met everyone in town during the visit. “I found the museum fascinating, it was a but frustrating that it was just a whistle-stop tour,” he said. “I really would have liked more time to explore.” He is pictured with his host, Cr. Nigel Judd. *** The PhysioPark celebrates its first birthday The PhysioPark is celebrating its first birthday after an incredible year of helping the Ariah Park community move well, live well and prioritise their health. To mark the milestone, The PhysioPark hosted a community open day on Friday, 10 July, welcoming locals to celebrate the occasion, enjoy a cuppa and take a look through the studio that has become home to physiotherapy, reformer Pilates, matwork and healthy ageing classes. Founded by physiotherapist Emily Haddrill, The PhysioPark was created with a vision of making quality healthcare and movement more accessible to rural communities. Reflecting on the milestone, Emily said the past 12 months had exceeded anything she imagined. “When I first opened The PhysioPark, my goal was simply to create a space where people felt comfortable to move, recover and invest in their health. I wanted to create a place where everyone felt welcome, regardless of their age or ability. Watching our community embrace that has been incredibly rewarding,” she said. Over the past year, The PhysioPark has continued to grow, offering physiotherapy, reformer Pilates, matwork classes and healthy ageing programs. The studio now welcomes well over 100 people each week through its term-based classes, with the majority of sessions now waitlisted. Ms Haddrill said the growth of The PhysioPark had also been supported by instructor Ash Dore, who teaches the Tuesday classes, including Healthy Ageing Reformer, Foundation Reformer (Beginners) and the Tuesday morning Reformer class. “I’m incredibly grateful to have Ash as part of The PhysioPark team,” Ms Haddrill said. “She has become such a valued member of our community, and together we’ve created a welcoming space where people feel supported, encouraged and genuinely enjoy coming each week.” For Ms Haddrill, however, the biggest achievement has been seeing the positive impact on the people walking through the doors. “Seeing people become stronger, regain confidence after injury, build friendships and prioritise their health has been the most rewarding part. It gives me so much joy to see people choosing movement and making their wellbeing a priority. That sense of community is exactly what I hoped to create when I opened The PhysioPark.” She said the support from the local community had been overwhelming. “I genuinely couldn’t have reached this milestone without the support of our community. Every person who has attended a class, booked an appointment, recommended us to a friend or simply encouraged us along the way has helped make The PhysioPark what it is today, and I’m incredibly grateful.” As The PhysioPark enters its second year, Ms Haddrill said she is excited to continue supporting people of all ages to move well, live well and stay strong. “It’s been such a rewarding first year, and I feel incredibly fortunate to do what I love every day. This is only the beginning, and I’m looking forward to continuing to grow alongside our community for many years to come.” *** Rachel Grant celebrated a birthday on Saturday. Thanks goes to our resident birthday cake provider Sam Dart. *** Celebrating his 21st birthday this week is Taylor Heath. Happy birthday also to Gill McLean. Barmedman News Word has been received on the passing of former Barmedman resident Claude Alchin on Monday the 29th June 2026 A Graveside Service will be held at Temora Lawn Cemetery commencing at 2pm on Friday 17th July, 2026. Sincere sympathy is extended to Diana and all the Alchin families. *** Mornings Memories and Melodies is on again at the Craft and Coffee shop on Monday 20th July commencing from 10.30am to 12 noon. All seniors are welcome to come along and enjoy free coffee and cake and great company. *** There is still time to book your ticket for the Gold and Grain Gala Ball, Saturday 25th July at the Barmedman Community Hall. The event is catered for with The Wobbly Boot providing the music. Dress is formal, black tie and long dress. Buses will be available from West Wyalong and Temora at $20.00 per head. Visit barmedmancc.com to secure your ticket. *** Barmedman is hosting the Grains Research Update 2026 on Wednesday 29th July at the Barmedman Community Hall. Registration at 8.30am, 9am start until 3pm. Free registration essential for catering. RSVP to 0294824930 or email andrea@canrural.com.au This is a great opportunity to hear from leading researches, agronomists and fellow growers. Coolamon News The Coolamon community will be saddened to learn of the passing of Mrs Margaret Furner, a long‑standing and much‑loved member of our community. Mrs Furner passed away at Allawah Lodge on 6 July 2026. A familiar face at countless local events and organisations, Mrs Furner was known for her warm nature, her willingness to lend a hand, and her deep commitment to community life. Together with her late husband, Mr Hedley Furner, she contributed to many local initiatives and was held in high regard by all who knew her. A funeral service to honour the life of Mrs Margaret Furner will be held in Coolamon on Friday, 24 July 2026 at 2pm. Trevor David Irvine passed away on 6 July 2026. Trevor was the brother of the late Graham Irvine of Coolamon and of Valda Rudd (née Irvine). His family and friends remember him with affection A funeral service for Trevor will be held in Wagga Wagga today, 17th July 2026 at 10.30am. *** News from the July meeting of the Coolamon Shire Council: Coolamon Shire Council has begun work on a new Flood Risk Management Study and Plan after securing $132,000 in state funding. The project will review existing flood data, assess future risks and engage the community on mitigation options. To guide the process, Council plans to reestablish the Flood Risk Management Committee, previously disbanded in 2025. Proposed members include councillors, council staff, agency representatives and community members Garth Perkin, Ian Jennings and John Piltz. *** Council’s annual hard‑waste collection starts 24 August, with residents required to book for bulky item pickup. Approved items only; unbooked households will not receive a collection. *** Coolamon’s Community Drug Action Team, supported by Council and funded by NSW Health, has delivered youth programs, mental‑health initiatives and drug‑and‑alcohol education since 2015. With only three active members and delays in statewide funding, the group can no longer form a quorum. CDAT will now pause operations until community interest returns. Council will finalise remaining finances and continue exploring similar programs. *** A vibrant celebration of NAIDOC Week drew strong community support at the Up‑to‑Date Store last week, with a school holiday art workshop proving both popular and enriching. Hosted by the Coolamon Shire Library, the event featured respected Wiradjuri artist Mr Robert Clark, who guided participants through the cultural practice of dot painting — one of the most recognisable and meaningful forms of Aboriginal art. Mr Clark shared insights into the technique’s deep connections to story, Country, and community, offering attendees a rare opportunity to learn directly from a local cultural leader. The workshop attracted an enthusiastic crowd, with children and adults alike gaining a valuable appreciation of this unique art form. Organisers described the event as a great success, reflecting both strong community interest and the importance of celebrating First Nations culture during NAIDOC Week. *** News from the Coolamon Shire Library this week includes: Storytime 2026. The next Storytime will be held this Friday 31st July at 10.30am theme – “Lions”- Everyone is most welcome. Please note Storytime will not be held over the school holidays 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, once again opening a window into the events that shaped life in our district one hundred years ago. In July 1926, debate over a proposed new hospital for Coolamon highlighted just how differently health services were managed in those days. At the same time, fundraising efforts for the town band and a claim lodged by Council’s impounding officer were all making news during this week a century ago. *** ‘…A public meeting was held on Friday night to consider the committee’s report regarding the erection and control of the proposed Coolamon Public Hospital. Mr. M. L. Kingdon presided, and there were present Messrs. E. Davies, J. Pizarro, W. A. Thompson, F. A. Seckold, L. Stanger, E. Pope, F. Barker, L. Carey, W. Forrest, W. A. Iverach, H. Vandewater, J. Wilkey, and J. F. Cooper (secretary). The following recommendations of the committee were received and adopted on the motion of the chairman:- That a public building of brick be used as a private hospital be erected in Coolamon at a cost of approximately £3000. That the building be leased by tender. That the building be under the supervision of a committee. That a fund be established for the payment of fees of approved plans. That the erection of the building be commenced as soon as financial arrangements can be made. On the motion of Mr. Thompson, seconded by Mr. Vandewater, it was resolved that a committee of seven be appointed to control the scheme and put it into effect. It was further resolved on the motion of Messrs. Wilkey and Thompson that the president and secretary be ex officio to the committee. The following were then elected members of the committee: Messrs. W. A. Iverach, O’Brien, M. L. Kingdon, C. M. Stack, H. Vanderwater, J. T. Cooper, L. Carey, F. V. Davies and J. Wilkey. There then entered considerable discussion on the proposed scheme. Mr. Iverach said that at a Friendly Society meeting it had been stated that the Caledonians had refused to hand over their funds which had been raised for the hospital scheme. Such was not the case. The money (over £150) was in the bank in the name of the hospital fund, and now that a proper committee had been appointed that committee could have the money tomorrow. The speaker went on to say that the scheme, when brought to fruition would be a great benefit to the working man than to other members of the community. The idea was not to build a hospital so that patients’ fees would be increased, but to make such arrangements that fees to re-"cession patients or patients in poor circumstances, could be reduced. When the scheme was properly understood all sections of the community would unite to support it. The hospital when erected would satisfy a great need in the town. Mr. Seckold said he considered the Friendly Societies’ meetings had done a lot of harm. When the full details of the scheme were properly appreciated the movement would be generally supported. Messrs. Pope, Barker and Stranger also spoke. After the meeting had closed, Mr. Carey said he had received fourteen shillings which he had never expected and he had much pleasure in donating it to the hospital. *** The canvassing for subscriptions to the Coolamon Citizens’ Band, which took place on Monday afternoon, was very successful. Several business people and residents have yet to be visited by the canvassers, and with the shire council’s subsidy, over £50 is expected to be raised. The committee will discuss a scheme for regular subscriptions on Monday night. Subscribers are asked to pay their donations to Mr W. A. Iverach, the treasurer. The funds will be used to purchase new instruments, and the band will play in Coolamon tomorrow night. Subscriptions will be published in next week’s issue. *** Mr. Jack Stinson, of Wagga, was operating a car jack on Tuesday when the jack slipped and struck him on the chest. It then slipped upwards and caught Mr. Stinson violently under the left jaw, rendering him unconscious and inflicting a lacerated wound. The Wagga District Ambulance was called, and after the injured man had been given first aid he was taken to a doctor and had several stitches inserted in the wound. Mr. Stinson was relieving his brother, Mr. L. P. Stinson, who was in Sydney. The injury to his chest was more serious than to his face, but he is now improving. *** At the shire council meeting last week, the claim by the impounding officer for an allowance of 15/- per week for his horse was discussed, it had been decided in view of the fact that Mr. Forrest had never been instructed to use a horse, that the council was not bound by the terms of the award. However, he (the speaker) and the clerk realised that a new arrangement was necessary, and it had been agreed with Mr. Forrest that he be paid £1 11s per week as a maintenance man, with an allowance of 15/- per week for his horse, and a bonus of 2/ per head on all stock impounded after working hours, impounding during working hours only to be done on instructions from the office. A pound keeper who could satisfactorily discharge his duties was necessary in Coolamon, and if the town was kept clear of stock the extra expenditure would be justified…’
