A small but respectful crowd gathered at the cenotaph in Finley Memorial Park at 11am on Saturday, for the Remembrance Day commemoration service.
Because of the extreme heat, advantage was taken of the shady trees for the addresses given by Finley RSL Sub-branch president Jeff Ward and Fr Paul Lu.
Jeff, who is principal of Finley High School, expressed his pride in the number of students who had made the effort to attend the service, as well as scouting representatives and others, because it is important the younger members of our communities are aware of the enormous cost of war and the toll it takes, not only on those who fall but on all who serve.
“Today, the Australian War Memorial’s Roll of Honour lists the names of over 103,000 Australians who have lost their lives in war and conflict,” Jeff concluded.
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As the journey Berrigan Shire Dementia Alliance is organising in the local area to educate and make communities aware of the services and support for carers and those living with dementia, the numbers attending the ‘Unlocking Hope’ seminars continue to grow.
The third session in the series was held at the Finley RS Club recently with well known Alison Luelf, a dedicated nurse with an extensive background in healthcare and respected TAFE aged care educator as the presenter.
There were attendees from Jerilderie, Deniliquin, Cobram, Yarrawonga, and Wodonga as well as Berrigan Shire residents.
Alison spoke at length on understanding and offering practical solutions on memory loss issues. Several comments were made at the conclusion of the seminar by those attending how Alison’s presentation assisted greatly in their understanding of dementia and the need for community support and assistance in the shire.
At the instigation of Finley Regional Care CEO Ben Levesque, and with the support of Dementia Australia and the Berrigan Shire Council, a public meeting of interested community people was called in 2019 where a committee was formed. COVID put a hold on activities for some time; however the group’s action plan is now in full swing.
Activities to date have included a school program at St. Joseph’s Finley; small ‘coffee morning/afternoon’ gatherings in Finley, Tocumwal and Berrigan for carers and people living with dementia and the creation of a small ‘calling card’ providing contact details for those with memory loss concerns which has been widely circulated.
The next coffee afternoon will be held at the Finley RS Club on Friday November 17 at 2.30pm.
Plans are already underway for ‘Unlocking Hope No. 4’ to be held on Thursday February 8, 2024, at the Finley Returned Soldiers Club, 63-67 Tocumwal St, at 10am for 10.30am start. Morning tea will be provided as usual.
Guest speakers will be Fiona Elms and Ruth Hayne who will chat about making the decision to find an alternative to caring for a person with dementia at home. This can be one of the most difficult decisions families and carers will make. The process can be emotionally overwhelming and challenging if you are unfamiliar with navigating through the government funding system and don’t know what residential aged care services are available.
Don’t miss this unique opportunity to engage with Fiona and Ruth as well as the members of the alliance who are vitally interested in providing assistance and education to members of our communities as well as schools, service clubs and other interested organisation.
Together, we can make a difference.
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Melbourne Cup Day 2023 saw 80 beautifully dressed attendees at the Finley Golf Club for the re-energised Murray Hut Branch of CWA of NSW Melbourne Cup Luncheon.
The multi-skilled and talented members of Murray Hut branch provided a fun-filled day of activities including sweepstakes, fashion awards, lucky door prizes, a silent auction and also a major raffle.
A beautiful high tea, the feature of the luncheon, was prepared and presented with capable assistance from Finley High School hospitality students and their teacher.
The hugely popular event was attended by visitors from Cobram and Tocumwal as well as the support of local ‘Finleyites’.
The Lady of the Day winner was Kim Hunt from Barooga. The wonderful judges were Ruth McRae and Maree Thomas.
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Just a reminder the Finley Hospital Auxiliary Op Shop is once again holding a $5 a bag clothing sale. There are some items not included in the sale; however it is amazing what good quality and variety of clothing is available.
So, don’t miss this opportunity to grab a bargain and assist the auxiliary with much needed fundraising at the same time.
Anyone with the time and interest in assisting the auxiliary is most welcome to become involved. Just call in, have a chat to the volunteers and they will assist in any way they can.
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Finley RSL Sub-branch held a successful street stall last Friday and the members would like to thank the community for the continuing support.
Winner of Trooper Jones, the Great War Bear, was Glenda Rogers and Neville Grigsby was extremely excited to win the Miniature Reversed Arms Digger Figurine with display stand and frame.
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The Finley Uniting Church monthly Movie Morning will be held tomorrow, Thursday, in the church hall, Coree Street, at 10am. All are most welcome to attend.
A special invitation is extended to any new residents as this is a great way to meet and make new friends.
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Finley Golf Club is excited about the Family Fun Day which will be held on Saturday November 25. The day promises to have activities to suit all ages, ranging from golf events, $5 barbecue lunch by the Lions Club, entertainment by Ray Macartney and lots of novelty events.
Proceeds from the day will support the work carried out by Southern Riverina Wellbeing Collaborative, a local organisation whose aim is to assist those with mental health issues.
The golf competition is a four person ambrose for handicap and non-handicap golfers with a 10am shotgun start. Cost is $25 per person ($100 per team) which includes a free ticket in a super putter raffle. Rumour has it that there are several golfers who could really do with winning this raffle!
Entries can be made online at finleygolfclub@bigpond.com or by phoning the club on 5883 1360 or Rand Wilson on 0417 495 245, closing on November 24.
There are lots of great prizes with businesses continuing to give so generously and members of the community only too happy to assist in any way.
So, get your team organised asap to support this great cause and bring your family along after the game to enjoy good company and a fun filled afternoon/evening.
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Items for ‘From Finley’ may be submitted by phoning 0428 293 922, emailing anne.freestone@bigpond.com or left at the Southern Riverina News office. Please include a contact name and phone number.