There is no doubt the towns in the Berrigan Shire can be proud of many of the younger members of our communities and their achievements and none more so than Lillianna MeyerVale.
Finley High School student Lillianna and her trusty pony Tinkerbell were selected to be one of just 20 riders who made it through a two stage selection process for the second leg of the newly run National Pony Racing series created in partnership with TIC Thoroughbred Industry Careers and Pony Club Australia. The Victorian leg (second leg) was held at Moonee Valley on Friday night October 27.
Lillianna very proudly wore the purple and white colours of Woppit Bloodstock created by Debbie Kepitis, part owner of Winx and daughter to the very famous owner/breeder in racing, Bob Ingham, of Ingham Racing.
Although Lillianna did not win her race, she was extremely happy for her two fellow northern zones of Victoria Pony Club representatives, Mia-Rose Cornish who won the small pony race and Robert Scobie who won the large pony race.
Lillianna was extremely grateful for the opportunity to not only be part of the new series but also to ride at Moonee Valley on Cox Plate eve where many champions have competed.
Lillianna was thankful to the entire team that worked tirelessly to make the series possible and thoroughly enjoyed talking with her idol Michelle Payne and champion jockey Glen Boss before her race.
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Jenny Tarrant would like to thank all those who assisted at the recent street stall held to raise funds for Motor Neurone Disease and members of the community for their continuing support. Special thanks to those who so generously donated cooking and goodies; it is much appreciated.
Norma McMurray will be able to sit back and relax as she was the winner of the raffle prize of a weekend bake.
There will be further stalls held for MND on November 19 and December 13.
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Due to an oversupply of clothing, the Finley Hospital Auxiliary Op Shop is once again holding a $5 a bag sale. There are some items not included in the sale; however it is amazing what good quality and variety of clothing is donated by this very generous community.
With summer coming on, and some families struggling financially with the economy as it is at the moment, customers are not only getting the opportunity to pick up a bargain but will also be helping with fundraising to supply extra facilities at our local hospital.
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Finley RSL Sub-branch members will be conducting a street stall this Friday, November 10 and would appreciate donations of cakes, slices, plants and other saleable items.
Remembrance Day memorabilia will also be on sale outside IGA today and tomorrow and the Sub-branch would like to thank IGA for allowing this to take place. You might even see some of our Veterans wandering the CBD selling, so please don’t hesitate to stop them and buy a badge or pen.
An invitation is extended to the public to attend the Remembrance Day Commemoration Service which will be held at Finley Memorial Park on Saturday at 11am.
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There were some very scary little people roaming the streets in Finley last Tuesday evening with Halloween taking place.
However, there were also some very charming trick or treating participants as well. Jamielyn Moritz very quickly won over those she called on and gathered quite a few treats.
Several homes and gardens were suitably decorated for the occasion as well which contributed to a fun evening for everyone taking part in the festivities.
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Members of Finley Community Church hosted Graham Hood and his wife Michelle last weekend. Graham, a former Qantas pilot, has been visiting community groups to help those in attendance rebuild their lives and give them a sense of hope.
On September 8, 2021 Graham, who was a senior Qantas pilot of 32 years, released a video on YouTube in which he resigned from his position as a pilot in protest over the COVID vaccine mandates and rules imposed by State Governments during the pandemic.
Graham questioned the validity of pilots being given an untested vaccine whilst in charge of an aeroplane with hundreds of passengers on board. He considered the direction highly questionable and decided the risk was too great to take without consideration. Michelle, a registered nurse, supported his decision.
With the video going viral overnight, Graham, or ‘Hoodie’ as he is now known, became a voice for many people globally who felt unheard in their concerns over the COVID regulations that he said broke many International Human Rights.
He now hosts a talk show program with former paramedic John Larter, called Club Grubbery.
Over the weekend, Graham and Michelle shared, with more than 200 people at the two Finley meetings, their assessment of our nation.
Having spent much time listening to the concerns of the people, such as nurses, doctors, athletes and academics from around the world, including some residents in Finley and surrounding communities who lost their employment because of resisting compliance with the mandates, they feel they are well qualified to say what the people think.
Michelle and Graham Hood have given the people a voice and the opportunity to be heard. This is an important step in dealing with any trauma.
They have talked about the importance of connecting with community groups and building strong networks which are important in building resilience. However, what was most impacting was how they shared the way Jesus has transformed their lives and can enable us all to have a sense of peace as we endure the many challenges we face living in what they feel is a fallen world.
Anyone can follow Graham and listen to his interviews on Club Grubbery at https://clubgrubbery.com.au/
Further information can be obtained by contacting Mick Wane from the Finley Community Church on 0421468010
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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.
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