Spotlight on an ‘unsung hero’

Working and community roles? I work at Dr Kofi, Kelly’s Supermarket and Joss. I’ve spent 25 years as a VRA volunteer, and 10 years with the RFS, as well as checking in on residents who might need a hand. I also help collect much needed goods for the women's refuge a couple of times a year from the Coleambally community.

What do you volunteer? If I can help someone in some way, and make them smile, that makes me happy. Whether it helps save someone’s life in terrible accidents, to helping the elderly tune their TV or even carry bags for them; I get the same pleasure helping.

Any advice to new people to town on getting involved in Coleambally? How can they go about it? The best thing is have a chat to any of our local businesses; we are an amazing town with big passion. They will always be pointed to someone who can help them join the many committees or services. We are one big happy family and more than happy to introduce them to someone with the same interests. The council office is also a great point to go.

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The NSW boat licence course has been scheduled for Sunday, January 4, 2026. Bookings can be made via the boat licence website.

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Thank you to the Coffee Nest who made our local CWA organisation very welcome and served up a great high tea for their recent Christmas party.

Coleambally-Argoon CWA wishes everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Members hope to see you at their next meeting on February 13.

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Applications close for the 2026 $12,000 JW Scholarship on January 16.

It will be awarded to a young person from the Coleambally/Darlington Point area who would benefit from the extra funds for tertiary study or vocational training.

The recipient may have just completed secondary education or finished school in recent years.

The successful candidate will be judged by Coly Lions on the following criteria: The potential to benefit from the scholarship; a capacity for hard work; a desire to get ahead; need.

Applicants should apply in writing to: The Secretary, Coleambally Lions, c/o tintagel1@bigpond.com.au.

They should briefly outline:

1. How does he/she fulfil the four criteria above?

2. What study or training would he/she like to undertake?

3. How the scholarship funds will be utilised?

The JW Scholarship was established in 2018 by John Wilkinson, a firm believer in continuing education.

He has lived in the district since 1963, first as manager of Benerembah Station, then as a rice farmer and as a Coleambally resident. He now lives in Leeton.

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Nominations are open for the 2026 Australia Day Awards in these categories: Citizen of the Year; Junior Citizen of the Year; Sportsperson of the Year; Junior Sportsperson of the Year; Sporting Team of the Year; Event/Club of the Year.

Nominations close at 5pm on Tuesday, January 6. More information is available on the Murrumbidgee Council website.

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The free Summer Break Pool Parties are back this summer.

There will be free entry, sausage sizzles, giveaways and giant inflatables at each Murrumbidgee Council pool.

Coleambally’s party is Tuesday, December 23 from 1pm to 4pm, and Darlington Point on Wednesday, January 7 from 2pm to 5pm.

Bring the family and friends and make a splash.

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The Coleambally Squash Club is calling on members of the community to complete their survey to support the grant application to renovate the squash court bathrooms and club room facilities.

Go to www.surveymonkey.com/r/JNQSSR3.

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A big thanks to Lauren Pound and The Coffee Nest for taking on the sales of the Southern Riverina News each week.

It’s also great to see that Hazel and Ernie at the Darlington Point Supermarket are taking on the SRN as well.

Please support our local newspaper so it continues covering our region.

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Coly Chatter will have a couple weeks rest before resuming on Wednesday, January 7 with a very special birthday story.

Please support your own news by emailing snippets for this column to cchirgwin81@gmail.com by 6pm Sunday evenings.