Ariah Park News It was a sad night on Sunday when one of our local young men tragically lost his life in a single motor vehicle accident. Condolence go to his family and many friends. Tom Writer you will be greatly missed. RIP. *** The Northern Jets were home at Ariah Park for the last round of the season against The Rock. Congratulation to two legends Robyn Buerckner playing 300 club games of netball and Ben Prentice playing 400 club footy games. There were several reunions celebrated. 1996 AMO Reserve Grade Grand final 1996 Stars A and B Grade Grand final 2006 Northern Jets Reserve Grade Grand final 2016 Northern Jets A Reserve Grand final In the footy TRYC were hungry for a win and took out the points. TRYC also won reserve grade. First Grade: Jets 10.10.70 versus TRYC 16.10.106 Award Winners: Mitch Doyle Joe Grinter Max Harper Goals: Jack Harper 4, Charlie McCormack 3, Harry Collis 2, Josh Bell 1 Reserve Grade: Jets 3.5.23 versus TRYC 22.10.142 Award Winners: Matt Seymour Sam Fisher Lachie Sheather Henry Prentice Ben Prentice Goals: Sam Fisher 1, Riley Webb 1, Zach Gaynor 1 In netball TRYC won all grades except B Grade. A Grade: Won 56 - 38 Players Player: Abbey Doyle Coaches Award: Gabs Fairman A Reserve Grade: Lost 40 - 47 Players Player: Robyn Buerckner Coaches Award: Montana Crouch B Grade: Won 47 - 25 Players Player: Zoe Thomas Coaches Award: Sophie Ryan C Grade: Lost 15 - 14 Players Player: Bec Dean Coaches Award: Georgia Smethurst U'17s: Lost 29 - 38 Players Player: Grace O’Brien Coaches Award: Adelaide Gaynor Next weekend we have two teams in the finals. The Under 18 plus finished on top of the ladder and will play the following weekend. The Under 17s netball finished third and will play Temora at Coleambally on Saturday 15/8/26. They would love it if supporters could be there the cheer them on. *** Birthday wishes to Tanya Wilson Bryce, Tamara Webb and Ivy Leiper *** The Northern Jets put on a mock Wedding on Saturday night where a great time was had by all who attended. Barmedman News This Saturday 15th August is the 81st anniversary of Victory in the Pacific, the surrender of the Japanese to the Allied Forces, a day that is quite often overlooked but changed history for Australia. *** Come along to Mornings Memories and Melodies at the Barmedman Craft and Coffee Shop on Monday 17th . a great morning of friendship, laughter and delicious coffee and cake. *** The Annual General Meeting of the Barmedman Bowling Club is being held on Saturday 22nd August commencing at 11am Nominations for all positions are open and close on Saturday 15th August. Nomination forms are available at the club. *** A great afternoon of entertainment at the Barmedman Bowling Club courtesy of R J Luke Entertainment last Sunday afternoon. Terry Leonard and special guest Nigel Stanley kept visitors to tapping to songs from Elvis, Orbison and Humperdink. The club has been providing entertainment for patrons on a regular basis and to keep this happening they need to be supported so keep your eye open for coming events such as the Trivia Night on Saturday 15th August commencing at 6.30, $10.00 per head, tables of 6-8, bring your own nibbles, everyone welcome. *** St Barnabas Anglican Church West Wyalong is holding a Patchwork Quilt show and Market Day on Friday 14th August from 4pm -7pm and Saturday 15th 10am-3pm at the Parish Centre 14 Court Street. Entry is a Gold coin donation. There will be morning and afternoon tea and a sausage sizzle available, *** Weethalle Show kicks off the local show circuit this Sunday 16th August. Events include the ever popular Truck Show, Pavillion exhibits and all the usual attractions found at a country show. Coolamon News The Coolamon community has farewelled one of its well‑known and much‑respected residents, Raymond Bruce “Ray” Foley, who passed away at Allawah Lodge on 2 August 2026. A funeral service was held on Tuesday, 11 August, with family, friends and former colleagues gathering to honour his life and contribution to the district. Mr Foley was widely recognised for his long-standing involvement in local organisations, most notably the Rotary Club of Coolamon. He was also an inaugural member of the Coolamon Raiders Rugby League Club during its establishment in the early 1990s, remembered for his enthusiasm and commitment to the club’s early development. Ray worked for many years with Coolamon Shire Council, where he earned the respect of co‑workers and the broader organisation through his dedication, reliability and good humour. His service to the nation was also acknowledged; as a National Serviceman in the Australian Army, his name is inscribed on the National Service Memorial at the Coolamon Cenotaph. The community extends its heartfelt condolences to Ray’s family and friends at this sad time, remembering a man who gave generously to the town he called home. *** Deepest sympathy is extended to the family and friends of the late Mr Baldwin Peeters, who passed away last weekend after a long and courageous battle with cancer. A familiar face in our community through his well‑known second‑hand business, Baldwin was respected by many and will be sadly missed. His passing leaves a noticeable gap in the fabric of our town, and those who knew him will remember his good humour, resilience and generosity of spirit. Funeral details will be published separately. *** Local Government Week was marked across the Coolamon Shire last week with a series of events showcasing the role and impact of local government in the community. Festivities began with Storytime on the Road, as Library staff visited the Ganmain and Ardlethan preschools to share stories with young learners. School leaders from all schools in the Shire later attended a special session at the Council Chambers, where students gained insight into how local government operates and the responsibilities it carries within the community. A highlight of the week was the Volunteers Luncheon, held to formally acknowledge and thank the many volunteers who support Council programs and services. Among those attending were several of the Shire’s Honoured Citizens, including Colin Pattison, Jeanette Campbell OAM, Mel Mayer OAM, Barrie Logan and Tom Goss, along with the current Coolamon Shire Citizen of the Year, Mr Guy Purcell of Ganmain. The week concluded with Storytime with the Mayor at the Up‑to‑Date Store, drawing a crowd of around 60 enthusiastic children. The Mayor read books focused on demolition and construction, much to the delight of the young audience. Excitement peaked with a visit from some of Coolamon Shire’s heavy plant equipment, giving children a close‑up look at the machinery that helps keep the Shire running. The week’s activities highlighted the vital role local government plays in community life and celebrated the many people who contribute to its success. *** Preparations are well underway for this year’s Yield Festival, which will once again feature the Up‑to‑Date Art Exhibition and the Capture Coolamon Photographic Competition. Organisers of both events have reported an increase in entries, signalling strong community interest and promising a vibrant and engaging festival program. The Yield Festival will officially open on Friday, 28 August, with an evening event at the Up‑to‑Date Store in Coolamon. Attendees can expect a showcase of local creativity, with artworks and photographs reflecting the diverse talent found across the Shire. With entries now closed and final arrangements in progress, organisers say the growing participation bodes well for another successful festival celebrating Coolamon’s artistic community. *** News from the Coolamon Shire Library this week includes: Storytime 2026. Our next Storytime will be held Friday 14th August at 10.30am theme – “Pigs”- Everyone is most welcome. Join the Library. The Library is holding a membership drive throughout July and August. Invite a friend or family member to join or become a member yourself. Membership is free, and all new members and referring friends will go into the draw to win three major prizes. To join call into the Library or join online – follow the link www.rrl.nsw.gov.au Lego Club. Lego Club will commence again on Wednesdays from 4.00pm – 5.00pm and then on Saturday at 10.30am – 11.30am. Everyone is most welcome to attend. 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 more opening a window onto the everyday life of our district a century ago. This week in 1926, the Coolamon School of Arts held its well‑attended annual meeting, electing a new committee from an impressive field of twenty‑four nominees and reaffirming its place as one of the community’s most valued institutions. The report of the meeting show the impact the School of Arts had in the community 100 years ago. *** ‘…The committee of the School of Arts met last night, when the following were present:—Mr. D. Smith (president), Messrs. R. K. Pyke, W. Palmer, M. Fahy, C. W. Cole, J. Gleeson, L. Pyke, N. Freeland, L. Ainsworth, A. W. Stinson, M. L. Kingdon, L. G. Cameron (secretary) and R. Finley (hon. treasurer). Apologies were received on behalf of Messrs. Tomlinson, Campbell and Hain. The minutes of the previous meeting were read and confirmed on the motion of Mr. R. K. Pyke, seconded by Mr. A. W. Stinson. Accounts were passed for payment as follows:—G. Lynch, wages for two months, £34; Workmen’s Compensation Insurance, £6/1/8; Literary Institutes’ Association, £1/1/ affiliation fee, and 9/6 fidelity guarantee for the caretaker; Thompson & Taylor (repairs to billiard table), £26; Ashwood and Cole (papers), £3/13/; shire council (electricity for two months), £8; sanitary fees, £1/3/10; firewood, 15/; a total of £81/4/, expenses for two months. Mr. Finley, the treasurer, reported that with accounts presented at that meeting the debit would be £50. The income since August 1st had been £22. Mr. R. K. Pyke reported on behalf of the Games' Committee that the weekly billiard takings during the past four weeks had been as follows:— £8/8/; £6/1/6, £6/3/6 and £5/13/, figures which were considered very satisfactory. Mr. Freeland further reported that the Games' Committee had decided that in ladder games the winner (if the challenger) must take the place of the loser, the loser dropping place on the ladder. Also that Mr. Cole was trying out two opal lights on the billiard table. Other recommendations were that inter-institute games be arranged with Ganmain and Wagga; the fourth round of snooker tournament to be concluded by the 21st inst., defaulting players to be scratched, and that the salary of the caretaker be increased by 10/ per week. It was decided to adopt the recommendation regarding inter-institute games and to invite Ganmain to send teams of various players to Coolamon. The arrangements were left in the hands of Mr. Kingdon. Regarding the caretaker, Mr. Cole said he considered it only a fair thing to give the recommended increase in salary. Mr. Lynch was absolutely worth it. If they culled the whole country they would not find a man more trustworthy, reliable and obliging. He moved the increase be granted. Mr. Gleeson seconded, saying Mr. Lynch was in every way a splendid man for the position. He also referred to the long hours the caretaker worked. Mr. R. K. Pyke said that while he endorsed the motion he would point out that Mr. Lynch had a lot of time off during the day. He merely mentioned that to combat Mr. Gleeson’s statement. Mr. Finley said Mr. Lynch went away during the day and did other jobs. Mr. Cole said that Mr. Lynch would change library books at any time and never made the slightest complaint. He was most courteous and obliging. The motion was carried, to take effect immediately. Mr. Ainsworth, on behalf of the house committee, suggested the installation of another water tank at the rear of the institute, with piping to the wash-basin, and the front garden; also the removal of the tank from the front of the building, which he stated was unsightly. After discussion it was resolved on the motion of Messrs. Palmer and Stinson to refer the matter back to the games' committee, tenders to be called for the work which may be decided on. Mr. Kingdon was appointed convenor of the library committee. A long list of outstanding accounts was read and it was decided to take certain action against members whose indebtedness extended over a certain period. Mr. Finley said that as treasurer he would be prepared to sign the letter. On the motion of the President, seconded by Mr. Stinson, it was resolved to extend the bursary system to the Coolamon Convent School. After discussion it was resolved on the motion of Messrs. Freeland and Gleeson to hold a ball under the auspices of the institute, in aid of the library fund, on September 20th, tickets to be, Double 12/6, single 8/6, extra lady 5/-. Messrs. Freeland, Gleeson, Finley, Cole, J. K. Stinson, Palmer and Bright were appointed as the ball sub-committee. The problem of the music was discussed but it was left entirely in the hands of the ball sub-committee. It was also resolved to convene a meeting of ladies…’
