In its 113th year, it can now look forward to a bright future with Melyssa Banks at the helm assisted by Richie Jachim as vice president and Brodie Unwin as junior vice president. Leisha Aked has taken the role of treasurer while Cindy Falzon and Janine O’Callaghan will share the secretarial duties.
Since the meeting the club’s future has been further enhanced with the appointment of a 2022 senior coach, Stan Gilday.
Gilday has an extensive background in AFL football as both a player and coach and took charge at a training session last night.
The session was followed by a barbecue for players, families and supporters.
It is to be hoped that he will be able to entice old players back to the club as well as attract new players wanting to be a part of its success.
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A large crowd turned out for Australia Day festivities in Mathoura on Wednesday and tucked into a hearty breakfast of sausages, bacon and eggs. The children were also thrilled to receive a number of Australia Day giveaways.
We were disappointed that family health problems prevented guest speaker Helen Dalton MP from joining us, but completely understood where she was needed. Perhaps next year?
In usual fashion, Plan B was brought into play and Campaspe Murray River Town Crier, Judy Campbell, stepped up to fill the bill, encouraging all to embrace their nationality and the great things our country has to offer us all.
Travelling the world for ‘Crier’ competitions had highlighted to her that there was no place like home.
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A young woman who had been recognised as an enthusiastic advocate for youth issues, making a great contribution to sporting and community activities both within the Murray River Council area and further afield was the recipient of the Murray River Council Australia Day Young Citizen Award.
She was Dottie Wilson and she received her certificate from our special guest.
The two ladies later joined forces to cut the Australia Day cake.
But this week’s celebrations were particularly special for locals Kevin and Jenny Wilson and their foster children, and would surely be record breaking in Australia Day Award history.
The Wilsons’ daughter, Dottie, received the Australia Day Young Citizen Award, and in doing so joined three of her siblings as Australia Day Award recipients.
All Young Sportsperson Award winners, they were Jemika Cooper in 2017 and 2020, Alvin Cooper 2019, and Shalea Cooper 2021.
It has certainly been an amazing achievement.
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Locals have been saddened to learn of the recent death of Cameron Antone of Albury.
Cameron, 27, passed away with COVID and underlying health issues.
He is survived by his parents, Jason Antone and Jacinta Childs Antone (formerly of Mathoura), and his sister, Paris.
Condolences are extended to the family on their loss.
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Mathoura Bowling Club’s Division 4 Blue’s 34 shot draw with Tongala Blue was the closest the club came to success in last week’s round of pennant.
They will all be hoping for a turn-around this week.
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The Barnett and Ellis families featured strongly in the Little Athletics zone carnival at Finley recently.
Georgia, James and Isabelle Barnett, along with Leah and Bonnie Ellis were each medallists, but while the other athletes qualified for the regional carnival Bonnie was too young to compete further afield.
The regional carnival will be held in Wollongong next month and we wish them good luck.
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The summer heat has certainly arrived – an indication that the return to school is not far off.
Staff development days will be held on February 4 and 7, with students in Years 1 to 6 back on February 8.
Kindergarten Best Start Assessments will also be conducted that day before the official start for ‘Kinders’ on February 9.
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Parents of young children will be pleased to learn that further swimming lessons are available at the local pool.
Licensed swimming teacher, Debbie Small, is offering group and private weekly lessons.
Anyone interested should contact Debbie on https:www.facebook.com/Swimming-Sessions-105321415393740/.
