Ariah Park The Ariah Park Men’s Shed held their Annual Meeting this week with a good attendance of members. Ray Dyason was elected the President, Tom O’Shea, Secretary, and Brian Bell, treasurer. Men’s Shed members are very happy with the new concrete floor that has been laid. The work was done in cooperation with the building’s owners. The Ariah Park Men's Shed meets every Wednesday and Saturday mornings, with morning tea at 10am. New members are welcome to drop in for a cup of tea. *** A few Ariah Park locals travelled to Echuca Moama last weekend to attend a Jazz festival. *** Debbie John and Zac Worland travelled to Curawarna to help their grandson Angus celebrate his 2nd birthday last weekend. *** Condolences to family and friends of Hans Heystraten who past away at the age of 72 after a short battle with cancer. *** Hans was a playing coach for Ariah Park Mirrool Bombers narrowly missing out on a premiership by one point. *** Condolences to the family and friends of Dick Marshall. His funeral was held last Saturday in West Wyalong. *** Zac and John Worland are home from Melbourne with a quick trip last week. The Northern Jets were at home in Ardlethan on Saturday 25 July against North Wagga. The Jets had mixed results with football with First Grade and Under 18.5 having wins. Reserve grade had a tough games against the Saints who came away with the win. First Grade: Jets 14.9.93 Vs North Wagga 11.8.74 Award Winners: Jack Harper Jack Fisher Paddy Bray Goals: Jack Harper 7, Chris Bell 2, Jack Fisher 2, Charlie McCormack 1, Mitch Doyle 1, Seth Marinkovic Reserve Grade: Jets 2.3.15 Vs North Wagga 11.18.84 Award Winners: James Bray Ben Dennis Tom O'Dwyer Hamish Gaynor Goals: Tom O'Dwyer 1, Liam Gaynor 1 U'18s: Jets 6.7.43 Vs North Wagga 5.10.40 Award Winners: Liam McClintock Ashton Harris Brock Strickland Dan Quade Goals: Charlie Heath 2, Cooper Herden 2, Henry Prentice 2 In netball the Jets Under 17s started the day well with a close win. The Saints showed they strength and determination to win all the other grades A, A Reserve B and C Grades. A Grade: Lost 27 - 57 Players Player: Gabby Fairman Coaches Award: Grace O'Brien A Reserve Grade: Lost 28 - 58 Players Player: Suse Furphy Coaches Award: Robyn Buerckner B Grade: Lost 35 - 54 Players Player: Ash White Coaches Award: Holly Walker, Tilly Matthews C Grade: Lost 8 - 29 Players Player: Kasey Hanna Coaches Award: Georgia Smethurst U'17s: Won 36 - 39 Players Player: Grace O'Brien Coaches Award: Ruby Prentice Tough day on the paddock for the Jets with East Wagga too strong in both grades last. First Grade: Jets 7.4.46 Vs East Wagga 25.9.159 Award Winners: Seth Marinkovic Max Tidd Charlie McCormack Goals: Charlie McCormack 2, Jack Harper 1, Max Harper 1, Josh Bell 1, Tom Frost 1, Zahn Norris 1 Reserve Grade: Jets 3.4.22 Vs East Wagga 21.18.144 Award Winners: Blair McLean Ben Dennis Zach Gaynor Goals: Zach Gaynor 3 It was a mixed day for the Jets netball teams. A Res to win to have a chance at finals. Unfortunately it was not to be. The Under 17s had a great win while A grade B Grade were not successful against East Wagga. It was a very exciting game for C Grade who had their first win of the season. The atmosphere was like a grand final. A Grade: Lost 52 - 33 Players Player: Abbey Doyle Coaches Award: Rach Grant & Adelaide Gaynor A Reserve Grade: Lost 45 - 40 Players Player: Maddy Cox Coaches Award: Nicole Fraser B Grade: Lost 45 - 47 Players Player: Holly Walker Coaches Award: Inneka Hutchins C Grade: Won 18 - 15 Players Player: Laura Mannes Coaches Award: Kasey Hanna U'17s: Won Players Player: Savannah Ross Coaches Award: Montana Crouch Barmedman Enjoy a pleasant afternoon and get out your dancing shoes at the Barmedman Bowling Club on Sunday 9th August when Terry Leonard will be performing hits by Elvis, Roy Orbison and Englebert Humperdink from 2pm until 5pm. Tickets are on sale now at the bar for $25.00. *** The Mobile Regional Library will be in Barmedman on Monday 10th August, 9.15 to 10.15, in front of the school. This is a free service for everyone in the community so come along a take advantage of all the services it has to offer. *** Tuesday the 11th August is Census Night when every household must fill in the form provided. *** After 110 years of serving the Barmedman Community, St Josephs Catholic Church will hold it’s last two official Masses on the second and fourth Sunday of August. There will be further information re the closing at a later date. *** Well done to the young Community Centre committee for holding another very successful Gold and Grain Gala Ball last week. *** Barmedman was the place to be last week, commencing with the very successful Gold and Grain Gala Ball, followed by the very well attended Barmedman Grains Research and Development Corporation Grains Research update on Wednesday ending with the Sore Butts Charity Ride for Can Assist West Wyalong on Saturday which included a BBQ dinner at the Barmedman Bowling Club with entertainment by Lock Stock and Bingle. A big thankyou to everyone who supported these functions whether by attending, helping with catering or in kind. It is wonderful to see the community working together for the good of the community. Well done Barmedman. Coolamon Coolamon Shire Council has warned Riverina landowners about impostors posing as council workers and offering unsolicited road or driveway resurfacing. The scam mirrors the long‑running Irish road‑sealing ruse, with attractive prices used to lure residents. Mayor David McCann urged caution, stressing that Council never seeks private work and unexpected offers should be viewed sceptically. Residents are advised not to provide payment or personal details, to check credentials, and to contact Council on (02) 6930 1800 if approached. *** Mrs Rhonda Lynch of Brisbane has contacted the Coolamon and District History Group and an attempt to seek out relatives of Jamison Ashwood who may still be residing in the Coolamon district. Mr Ashwood was the brother of Mrs Lynch’s grandmother, Coral. Mrs Lynch has arranged with Coolamon Shire Council to affix a plaque honouring Mr Ashwood’s wife, Margaret who passed away in Coolamon on 11th October 1930. She is very keen to connect with relatives who are related to the Ashwood/Lucas line and still residing in the district. If you would like to be provided with the contact details for Mrs Lynch, please contact the Coolamon and District History Group on 0427273044. *** Coolamon Shire will celebrate Local Government Week 2026 from August 3–9, recognising the people, places and services that support the community. Storytime on the Road will visit Ganmain and Ardlethan Preschools on Thursday, August 6. On Friday, August 7, the Mayor will present a Diggers and Dozers‑themed Storytime at the Coolamon Shire Library. A community morning tea on Tuesday, August 11 at 9:00 AM invites residents to meet councillors, senior staff and the Mayor. For further information, please contact the Coolamon Shire Library. *** Coolamon Shire Council has cautiously welcomed the Federal Government’s announcement of a new five‑year Federation Compact, unveiled at the Australian Labor Party National Conference, but says the real test will be in its delivery. The Compact outlines five practical measures: expanding apprenticeships, improving transparency in Commonwealth funding, strengthening council capability, addressing cost‑shifting by States and allowing Roads to Recovery funds to support plant and equipment. Council notes these are constructive steps, yet fall short of long‑sought structural reform, including restoring Financial Assistance Grants to 1% of Commonwealth taxation revenue. While the Government has committed to a net funding increase, Coolamon Shire Council says detailed timelines and funding trajectories will determine whether meaningful change follows. *** Coolamon Shire is set for a vibrant August with a mix of creativity, community spirit and country tradition. The Yield Festival, features the Up2Date Art Exhibition and the Capture Coolamon Photographic Competition, both celebrating local talent and the Shire’s unique character. On 22 August, crowds will gather for the much‑loved Ganmain Show, showcasing rural displays, family entertainment and classic country fun. Adding to the month’s community focus, Red Nose Day on 14 August will encourage residents to support vital children’s health initiatives. August promises to be a lively and uplifting month across the Shire. Check out the ‘Visit Coolamon Shire’ website for more details on the events being held across the Shire this month. *** 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 Local Government Week. The Library is celebrating Local Government Week again this year. Local Government Week is designed to showcase the work councils do in their communities. The Library will be offering “Storytime on the Road” – visiting Ardlethan and Ganmain Preschools. Also “Storytime with the Mayor” will be held on Friday , 7th August at 10.30am – everyone is most welcomed. 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. In July 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. Local fundraising efforts were in full swing, with the Oddfellows’ ball and the agents’ hospital stock drive contributing generously to the Wagga District Hospital. The month also brought stories of misfortune on the land, record rainfall, sporting successes, and the growing popularity of wireless sets across the township. Even entertainment was on the horizon, with hopes rising for a return boxing match to satisfy Coolamon’s sporting enthusiasts. *** ‘…The Coolamon School of Arts annual meeting was held on Thursday, and there was a good attendance. There were 24 nominations for the committee and 15 only were required- The result of the postal -ballot was as follows- the total number of ballot papers being 107: Messrs. D. Smith, R. K. Pyke, M.J. Fahy, A. W. Stinson, C. W. Cole, W.L. Palmer, D.A.N. Freeland, F. Tomlinson, J. W. Gleeson, M.L. Kingdon, M. Fairlie, L. Pyke. L. Ainsworth. H.G. Hain and H. J. Campbell (elected). Mr. Dave Smith was re-elected president, Mr. L. G, Cameron, secretary, and Mr. B. Finley, treasurer. The School of Arts is patronised extensively by all classes of the community. The public library and reading room are up-to-date and the two billiard tables are as good as can be found anywhere in Riverina. The institution is in a sound footing but there is a good number of people in the Coolamon district who are not members. *** On Monday night of last week the Coolamon Oddfellows' ball was held, the proceeds being in aid of the Wagga District Hospital. It was certainly the most successful and enjoyable ball held in Coolamon this year. The music, supplied by Wagga Dixieland Orchestra, was wonderful; one could not help but dance to it. On Tuesday night a juvenile ball was held, also in aid of the Hospital, and a most enjoyable time was spent by the kiddies. *** The agents' hospital stock drive was successful in Coolamon, and has resulted up to date; Cash collected by Mr. A. W. Stinson, £32/7/6; and the following stock; 2 fat sheep, 2 cows and one calf. Mr. Stinson hopes to make the cash donations up to £40. Coolamon has again proved that it is never far behind in its support of the worthy Wagga Hospital. *** Mr. Robert Tonacio, of Methul, has had the misfortune to lose his well-known draught mare, Dame Belmont, valued at well over £100. She was struck in the neck by lightning during the recent thunderstorm while standing in a cleared paddock, which was free from timber. Mr. Tonacio has always taken a prominent place in the effort to improve farm horses in this district. *** During the month of July 218 points of rain fell in Coolamon. This is the highest total since July, 1923, when 380 points fell, following on 657 points recorded in June. To date over 14 inches have been recorded for the present year. The weather during the past week has been of a showery and somewhat boisterous nature, with very little sunshine. Hail has been experienced at Ganmain and other parts of the district. *** The Coolamon Golf Club's mixed foursome last Wednesday was won by W. Spiers and Miss V. Baird, with a 40 nett, and Clarence Iverach and Miss Doreen Dennett, with a 41 nett, were second. A. most enjoyable afternoon was spent, the ladies supplying afternoon tea. *** Mr. Peter Iverach, who been very ill, is improving splendidly. Mrs. Geo. Iverach, who underwent a serious operation in Sydney, is making satisfactory improvement. *** Wireless is becoming very popular in Coolamon. New sets are being installed every week, and quite a number of wireless parties are being held. *** Coolamon boxing fans in all probability will be catered for shortly. An effort is being made by the Coolamon Coursing Club to stage a return match between Vernie Walker and Reuben Brown. It is very likely that the match will be arranged. Coolamon boxing enthusiasts have not had a bout staged for them in Coolamon for some considerable time and the effort should be a successful one…’
