When a gentleman had a stumble on the notoriously dangerous pedestrian crossing in Tocumwal’s main street last week, an unlikely hero was on scene to come to his rescue.
The man was chasing his dog that had got away from him and tripped on the edge of the crossing where the concrete lip has risen significantly above the ground.
Two people from the Berrigan Shire Council were first on the scene, alongside Tocumwal’s Donna Boaden who just happened to be dressed as Mrs Incredible for book week.
As our community may be aware, this crossing has the history of being notoriously dangerous with people crossing the road resulting in countless near misses for various reasons.
Those in attendance were incredibly concerned that this gentleman wouldn’t be seen by cars approaching the crossing, and sprang into action to move him off the road.
Donna is the Director of Tocumwal’s Little Explorers and was heading to the Post Office to collect a parcel for the centre, thinking that surely, she would be able to duck up the street and back in her Book Week costume without drawing too much attention.
As it turns out, her timely arrival as Mrs Incredible was a light-hearted twist to an unfortunate situation.
Police also pulled over to assist, and after moving the man from the road, Mrs Incredible was then tasked with catching the man’s dog and putting it in a woman’s car for safe keeping while they waited for an ambulance to arrive to transport the patient to hospital for medical attention.
Tocumwal Post Office’s Rick Watson took the man’s car and dog back home while he was transported to the hospital in what was a real community effort to help when needed.
Well done to everyone involved and sending wishes of a speedy recovery to the gentleman involved.
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“The last piece of the puzzle...”
The Tocumwal War Memorial Hall facade has undergone a remarkable revitalisation over the past 18 months, thanks to the efforts of 23 tradespeople, organisations and individuals. The hall committee is thrilled with the outcome and the positive feedback from the community.
However, one aspect of the restoration remains incomplete—the replacement of the two ‘statues’ missing from above the main doors.
As with the lions and owls above the facade, the missing statues were originally a matching pair. We know that it was a raptor, but we are unsure of its size or exact stance.
The Tocumwal War Memorial Hall kindly ask for the community’s assistance with this final step. If you are downsizing your home or sorting through old family photos, please check for any relevant images or information that might help them identify or recreate these missing statues.
Additionally, if you have conversations with older family members or community residents, they might recall details about what was previously there. Your help in solving this last piece of the puzzle is greatly appreciated.
If you have any information to assist, please contact the committee by email at tocumwalwmhall@gmail.com.
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The Tocumwal Optimists represented by Joan Escott, Lynne George and Jenny Peake participated recently in a ‘thank you’ evening conducted by the Tocumwal War Memorial Hall Committee.
The evening was organised to thank and recognise the contributions of local community members and organisations towards the refurbishment of the hall.
Tocumwal Optimists were extremely pleased to donate $4500 towards the hall’s refurbishment, specifically the new doors and facade.
Finley High School’s agriculture program recently extended an invitation to members of the Tocumwal Optimists to attend its Open Day on Tuesday, August 20. The Optimists have donated previously to the ag program.
Optimist members in attendance were amazed to witness Finley High School ag students preparing their sheep and cattle for the upcoming Finley and Royal Melbourne Shows. Agriculture Department teacher Robyn O’Leary explained comprehensively the program and activities involved.
The Optimists thank Robyn and Finley High School students for giving them an insight into their extremely well-organised and well conducted program.
Tocumwal Optimists may be contacted via secretary Marg Dixon (0419 438 887) or president Glenda Burns (0499 311 620).
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If you have something of interest for inclusion in the Tocumwal Tells column or are celebrating a special event, please email leonie.smith1725@gmail.com or call on 0432 261 296.