A very busy weekend in Jerilderie included confirmation at St Joseph’s Catholic Church, a 60th birthday, and a full programme on Sunday for the unveiling of the sculpture ‘Monash Meets the Bushranger’.
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The weather gods smiled on the organisers of the unveiling ceremony of the Sir John Monash and Ned Kelly statue.
Despite earlier thunder and lightning, and some rain, by the 11am scheduled starting time of events the weather had cooled, and more or less cleared.
A large crowd wandered around the Powell St precinct, and during the morning enjoyed performances from the Albury/Wodonga Pipes and Drums band and a wonderful bucket drums performance from children from both primary schools.
The Outback Stockman, Lachie Cossor, drew a large crowd with his entertaining, skilful, and amusing interaction with his horses, a Brahman bull, a goat, and two ducks.
His two legged sidekicks gave eye-watering displays of whip cracking.
The formal part of proceedings took place around 2pm, starting with a re-enactment of the meeting between Ned and the young John Monash.
Michael Bennett, the great-grandson of Monash, gave an address before the official unveiling of the statue by Dr Tony Fischer, brother of the late Tim Fischer.
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On Saturday, a full church witnessed Bishop of the Diocese of Wagga Wagga, Mark Edwards, bestowing confirmation on six recipients.
He also gave a special blessing to five other young students, during the evening Mass.
After the ceremony, families and supporters of the 11 young people enjoyed a delicious celebratory dinner at the Jerilderie Football Club.
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Best wishes to Jamie Pitt, who celebrated his 60th birthday on the weekend at his Billabong Creek-side home.
It provided a delightful setting for family and friends to catch up with Jamie and share stories.
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The raffle of a beautiful painting by local artist Sos Hawkins, drawn at the statue unveiling, was won by Kerrie Ormond.
A colouring competition was also held, with three categories.
Winners were: Adult/High School - Sama Swaid; Year 3-6 - Lincoln Smith; Pre-school-Year 2 - Charlotte Heath.
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Sympathy is extended to Sylvia and Lou Rorato and family following the death of Sylvia’s mother, Luisa Valente, at the age of 101.
Luisa died in Cobram on Wednesday, November 13, at the Nursing Home where she had been residing in recent times.
Her funeral will be this held Friday at the Catholic Church in Cobram at 11.30am.
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Murrumbidgee Council is seeking input from the community concerning the proposal to reduce the speed limit on the Newell Highway (Jerilderie St) through the shopping/commercial centre of Jerilderie.
It is proposed that a 40km/h limit be put in place from Bolton St to Kennedy St.
Your response may be submitted online, or you can obtain forms from the library or Council Office. The survey closes December 13.
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The Jerilderie Hospital Auxiliary will hold its last meeting for the year on Thursday, November 28.
It will be at the Jerilderie home of president Joy Knight, Greens Lane, starting at 11.30am.
Christmas lunch will be shared after the meeting.
For further information, contact Joy or secretary Judy Ryan.
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Jerilderie Public School’s Year 6 farewell dinner will be held on Thursday, December 5, and the school’s presentation night will take place on Wednesday, December 11.
Both events will start at 6.30pm.
The P&C is organising a Christmas Hamper to be raffled, and would be glad to receive donations of nice Christmassy goodies to be included in the raffle.
Items can be left at the school’s front office.
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The Jerilderie Swimming pool opened in early November.
It is closed Mondays, and open other weekdays between 6am to 10am and 1pm to 7pm.
On Saturday and Sunday, the pool is open from 9am to 7pm.
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St Joseph’s School’s recent Extravaganza performances were a great success and enjoyed by school families, members of the community and the performers.
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Jerilderie Red Cross will be holding a street stall this Friday outside the Vinnies store.
Cakes, slices and other goodies will be on sale, and there will be a raffle.
Your support will be appreciated.
Columnist