Ariah Park News Village gearing up for great market day By NOEL FISHER The small village of Ariah Park will come alive with activity on Sunday 13 September as the Ariah Park Hall Markets and town garage sale get underway at 9am. There are 24 stall holders and 15 garage sales to satisfy the keen shopper for both a bargain and artisan products. Variety will not be in short supply as there will be a great variety of items from handmade soaps and candles, handmade microwave bowl holders, stunning hand thrown pottery pieces, amazing metal art, plants and relishes, beautiful greeting cards and Kev’s fabulous handcrafted recycled timber products. There will be no shortage of foods available with Smoky Creek Honey, scrumptious homemade cakes, slices as well as rustic artisan breads and muffins made using locally made flour. Hand made products such as crochet items and an amazing array of hand sewn AFL and RFL supporter items will join resin art, 3D prints, diffusers, room sprays, lip balms, healing crystals and jewellery. There will be no two stalls alike providing an amazing array of products. The Post Office Gift shop and Second Glance Op shop will be open in conjunction with the markets. What would a market day be without coffee, food and ice cream? A coffee van and an ice cream truck will join the barbeque run by the Ariah Park Men's Shed to provide sustenance to eager market goers. There will be live entertainment and yard dog trials running at the showground. Maps for the garage sales will be available for $2 at the Ariah Park Hall. All money raised will go directly to the Hall committee to help keep the hall in tip top condition. Barmedman News The Annual General Meeting of the Barmedman Development Association [the Craft and Coffee Shop] is being held on Tuesday 15 September commencing at 3pm at the shop, 74 Queen Street. The shop is a community shop run by volunteers and giving back to the community. The shop would love to see more volunteers so if you are interested in giving a few hours or a day working with a great band of like minded people then come along to the meeting and find out what it is all about, you would be most welcome. *** The Annual General Meeting of the Barmedman Tennis Club is being held on Wednesday 16 September commencing at 6.30pm at the Barmedman Bowing Club. Current and new members are most welcome. *** Work has commenced at the Barmedman Mineral Pool area by Essential Energy currently undertaking power pole upgrades. This unfortunately means there is no hot water for showers and the BBQ’s can’t be used until work is completed. Watch this space or check the Mineral Pool Website for updates. *** Chair based gentle exercises to increase your bone strength and balance have commenced at the Community Hall every Monday 11am to 12pm, $5.00 per session. All ages are welcome so come along and support this new initiative to the town. For further information contact Janine on 0400252136. *** Well known Temora lady, Faye Hodge along with her son Robert and his wife travelled via Ariah Park to the Craft and Coffee shop recently, enjoying lunch and catching up with some of the locals. They were pleased to pick up a few bargains in the store. Faye was sorry to find that unfortunately Pat’s scones are no longer available. *** It is great to see the disability ramp taking shape at the Community Hall. Well done to everyone involved, it will be a welcome addition to our community. *** Several local ladies travelled to Melbourne with Allen’s Coaches Coolamon recently to attend Neil Diamond The Musical at the Princess Theatre, a most enjoyable experience. It is a small world with a number of passengers from Coolamon and Wagga having connections with Temora. Coolamon News The Rannock community will gather on Sunday, 18 October 2026, for the closure and thanksgiving service of the Rannock Uniting Church, marking the end of more than a century of worship and fellowship in the small rural congregation. The service will commence at 9:30am, followed by a bring‑and‑share morning tea. Although detailed historical records are limited, the Rannock Uniting Church has long been part of the Riverina Presbytery within the Uniting Church in Australia and has served as a focal point for local families across generations. Its closure reflects broader trends affecting small rural congregations, where declining populations and changing community needs have led to the consolidation of worship centres. The Uniting Church Assembly notes that closure services are an important moment for congregations to honour their shared history, acknowledge the grief of letting go, and celebrate the ministry that has taken place over many decades. Community members are invited to attend the final service and join in giving thanks for the church’s longstanding contribution to the district. For further information, contact Neena Evans on 0427 562 179. *** Coolamon Shire Council has welcomed Member for Cootamundra and NSW Shadow Minister for Water, Steph Cooke’s proposal for a $5 billion Royalties for Regional Water Fund to tackle the growing backlog of water infrastructure projects across regional NSW. Mayor, Cr David McCann, said the commitment is an important step for communities facing ageing and overstretched systems. “We appreciate Ms Cooke’s consultation with Council and her recognition of the challenges we face. Reliable water infrastructure is essential — but any long‑term package must also support sewerage upgrades. As our community grows, significant investment in modern sewer systems will be critical.” *** Coolamon Shire Council reminds Canola Trail visitors not to trespass on working farms or enter canola paddocks for photos. These are private properties and unauthorised access poses safety risks and disrupts operations. Landowners can collect free “No Trespassing” signs from the Coolamon Shire Library to help deter unwanted entry. Council encourages all visitors to enjoy the stunning views from designated areas and respect the rights of local farmers. *** Coolamon Shire sends its warmest support to the Coolamon Hoppers as they charge into the Riverina Football League Grand Final. The team’s hard work, resilience and commitment have been a source of real pride across the district, bringing people together throughout an impressive season. As the community rallies behind the Hoppers, there is a strong sense of excitement and confidence in what lies ahead. Coolamon Shire wishes the team every success in the decider and celebrates the spirit they have shown both on and off the field. *** Join in on the fun in Coolamon on Sunday 4 October 10am till 4pm. Celebrating its 11th Anniversary, the 2026 Fire Engine Muster is a free day out for all the family in the main street of Coolamon, there is so much to see and do. This Amazing event is a Tribute to all our Emergency Services and has been Coordinated by the Coolamon Fire Museum. The day will include markets, food stalls, kids activities and displays. *** Do you know someone in our community who deserves to be nominated for the Coolamon Shire’s Australia Day Awards? Every year around October, Coolamon Shire Council puts the call out for nomination for the awards of 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. Now is the time to start thinking about people you know and who among them is worthy of a nomination. Over the years, nominees have come from a diverse cross section of our community, so your nomination is important. Details of how to nominate will be provided by Council in the near future, but that should not stop you from putting some notes on paper in readiness for the official nomination period. *** News from the Coolamon Shire Library this week includes: Storytime 2026. Our next Storytime will be held Friday 18th September at 10.30am theme – “Ducks”- Everyone is most welcome. 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. Baby Bounce. Our monthly Baby Bounce session will be held Wednesday, 30th September at 10.30am. Morning tea will be provided and older children are most welcome to attend. Book Deliveries. The Library book delivery service is still available. Books will be delivered every Friday, phone the Library for further details – 69272492. Community Recycling Station. The Library has a recycling station for your household wastes. Items that can be dropped into the Library are Fluoro Globes, Mobile Phones and accessories, Smoke detectors and Household batteries. The Coolamon Library is on Facebook News, pictures, events and opportunities are regularly uploaded – join us now Coolamon From our Past From Our Past this week traces the varied pulse of Coolamon life in 1926, revealing a district shaped by its schools, sporting ambitions and steady civic endeavour. The arrival of Dr Daisy Radcliffe to examine local children, the energetic annual meetings of the Marrar Cricket Club and the Coolamon Progress Association, and the sporting triumphs of record‑holder A. W. “Nick” Winter all speak to a community investing in its future. Alongside these pursuits sit the everyday challenges and sorrows of rural life—from painful accidents and the impending closure of the Springwood Hotel to the tragic death of Mrs Amy Harper and the passing of pioneer Peter Iverach. Together, these glimpses offer a vivid portrait of a district industrious, spirited and deeply connected a century ago. *** ‘…Dr. Daisy H. Radcliffe, of the Department of Education, arrived in Coolamon on Friday last for the purpose of examining the children of the local schools. On Friday Dr. Radcliffe was engaged at the convent school. *** At the annual meeting of the Marrar Cricket Club on Monday night there was a large attendance presided over by Mr. W. Hamilton (president) . Office bearers for the ensuing year were elected as follows: — Patron, Mr. A. James; president, Mr. W. Hamilton; vice presidents, Messrs. P. G. Charters, K. Berry and J. W. Armstrong; secretary and treasurer, Mr. L. M. Redgrave; selection committee, Messrs. James Redgrave and Armstrong. The matter of a district competition was discussed, and it was resolved to call a meeting at Coolamon of representatives of Marrar, Coolamon, Tooyal, Ganmain, Currawarna and other clubs interested, with a view to forming a district competition for Sunday games. In the event of a competition being arranged, Mr. Redgrave expressed his willingness to donate a silver cup for straight-out competition. It was decided to form both a junior and a senior team at Marrar. *** The ex-Marrar boy A. W. ('Nick') Winter, the world's hop, step and jump record holder, added further to his fame last week in Sydney by defeating G. B. Shailer, Australian champion, in the first round of the New South Wales amateur billiards championship by 600 to 392. There was a packed house to witness the game. Winter gave a fine exhibition with the cue, his biggest break being 101. *** The annual meeting of the Coolamon Progress Association took place in the School of Arts on Monday night, Mr. F. Tomlinson (president) presiding over a very good attendance. The annual report, which showed that a successful year's work had been accomplished, was read and adopted. The balance sheet disclosed a small credit balance in the bank. After Mr. Tomlinson had intimated his intention of not accepting the position of president for another term, Mr. Kingdon and Mr. Stack were nominated in turn, but both gentlemen stated that they could not see their way clear to accept. After further discussion it was decided to postpone the election of officers to the next meeting. General business was then proceeded with. A communication was read from the P.M.G. to the effect that a decision had not yet been reached in connection with the proposed new post office, at Coolamon. Road matters were discussed at some length, and it was resolved that the shire president endeavour to have the Coolamon-Ganmain road graded. It was also decided that the shire council be requested to have a street light erected at the corner of Bruce and Douglas-streets, which was at present very dark. *** Mr. George Hubbard met with a painful accident on Saturday night last. While operating a bacon cutter he nearly cut off two joints of the third finger of his right hand. The injury is very painful and is being treated by Dr. Buchanan, who is hopeful of saving the finger. *** Among the fifteen hotels to be delicensed by the Reduction Board in the Murrumbidgee electorate appears the name of the Springwood Hotel, near Coolamon. It will be closed on June 30th next. *** Mrs. Amy Harper, aged 29 years, wife of Mr George Harper, farmer, was instantly killed on Saturday on their farm south-east of Coolamon on Saturday afternoon. Mr. Harper was clearing stumps from the land by waggon and horses. His wife brought tea at 4 o'clock and remained with him. Mr. Harper resumed work, and a stubborn stump checked the horses, which swerved and overturned the waggon. The vehicle fell on Mrs. Harper. Her husband rushed for the assistance of two neighbours, but when the waggon was raised Mrs. Harper was found to be dead. Her neck was broken. *** The death occurred yesterday of Peter Iverach, an old resident and pioneer of the Coolamon district. He was patron of Coolamon Caledonian Society for many years. He was 83 years of age…’
