Many residents and organisations will be disappointed to hear that school teacher Brett Murphy will be leaving the area soon.
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Brett has accepted a new position at Lavington East Public School teaching Years 1 and 2.
Since coming to Finley, Brett has become involved in many community organisations and has been particularly helpful using his IT skills to benefit these groups.
His time in the area can best be expressed in his own words.
“This move has come about a little earlier than I expected (two years in fact!).
“I love Finley and all that it has given me. I came here originally to see if I could find the ‘country feel’ that I was used to, growing up in Ballina and Pambula.
“My mum was also a primary school teacher, and my dad was with the NSW Public Works Department, and he built dams in Eden as well as sewerage in Ballina.
“Finley has given me what I was looking for (and more). The ability to walk down the street and be greeted by locals with a ‘good morning’ shows the community that we have.
“I have been lucky to be involved in this community life starting with volunteering at the Finley Football and Netball Club on Thursday nights in the kitchen, as well as building the squash club to over 80 members and supporting the Finley Golf Club as a director with new technology to run their many competitions and bar (all with volunteers).
“For three years I have tried to take the top spot in the men’s chocolate cake division at the Finley Show, to no avail - I will take my newfound skills to Albury and be happy in the knowledge that I was beaten by a better man in Craig Matheson!
“When I took the job at Finley Public School three years ago, after selecting Finley from three other schools around the state, I knew it was the right place.
“I have now worked at both the primary and high schools and seen the dedication of our teaching, admin, support and cleaning staff.
“On this, I was very proud of our Youth Digitisation Project that archived photos from 1910 to 1980 of the Finley Football Club, using skills from the Year 10 Art class led by Charlie Perry, with support from Jeff Ward (principal, Finley High School) and the Berrigan Shire Council. You can see this work at https://framevr.io/finley-football-club.
“I will miss Finley, but as my principal in Sydney recently said, ‘friends are not a location’, and I will be coming back to Finley to see you all. And if you are in Albury, let’s have a chat!
“Stu Lewis served me my first schnitzel when I came to Finley for a look-see before I took a job here. I walked into the Country Club and Stu said, ‘you’re new here, what can I get you?’ and that conversation started me meeting locals as he steered me to the local real estate agent to find my first rental.”
School teachers play such an important role in the lives of the younger generation and can influence the direction taken by students.
As Brett is not the only teacher moving on, thanks must be expressed to all teachers for their dedication and example set for our young ones.
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As from January 17, 2025, the Catholic Parish of Jerilderie will come under the administration of Fr Paul Lu of Finley.
With this in mind, Bishop Mark Edwards has appointed Fr Roshin Michael to assist Fr Paul to attend to the Parishes of Finley, Tocumwal and Jerilderie.
Fr Roshin, who was ordained in India in 2017 and is originally from the Indian south-west state of Kerala, arrived in Australia on March 11, 2024.
He has previously spent time in Griffith, Albury and Wagga before arriving in Finley.
He will be ministering under the guidance of Fr Paul as administration of Catholic Parishes in Australia differ vastly from many other countries.
Fr Roshin is particularly interested in cricket and has had training in pace bowling.
At the time of interview, he was disappointed with the result of the test at the MCG.
One can only imagine how he is feeling with the final result in Sydney!
He is looking forward to becoming involved in community activities and has been impressed with the friendliness he has encountered since arriving in the area.
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The Finley Art Network is in recess until January 17.
The group had a productive year throughout 2024, and paintings are improving all the time.
It is a great amount of fun and self-time the members allow themselves for those couple of visits a week, and they would like to thank the Berrigan Shire Council for allowing them to lease the premises.
They are still encouraging new members to join at the reasonable cost of $20 per year membership, and $2 per visit for tea and coffee.
This is the reason for the yearly raffles which have been wonderfully patronised by the townsfolk.
The latest raffle was at Christmas with first and second prizes donated by the art members.
Margaret Lacy won the first prize and Tania Pearce won second. The raffle was drawn on Dec 17.
On December 14, the members celebrated with a Christmas break-up luncheon.
Each member brought a plate, and a great time was had by 25 happy souls.
Anyone interested in becoming a member is most welcome to join the sessions on Tuesdays and Saturdays.
Further information can be obtained by calling Glenda on 0417 410 731 or Rose on 0488 333 240.
The members would like to extend best wishes to everyone for a happy and successful New Year.
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With the Southern Riverina News’ support, I re-run in this column a photo from the pre-Christmas edition on the Finley Xtravaganza.
In that article, we reported on the winners of the Light Up Finley Christmas Light Awards.
Among the winners were James and Helen Braybon, who were awarded the Chrissy Wastle Memorial Encouragement Award.
Chrissie Wastle was a local woman who, every year without fail, decorated her house and yard and was always full of Christmas cheer.
Her mother Helen continues to donate the prize each year, including a perpetual trophy.
It was a special presentation this year for Helen as her grandchildren Elsie, Tom and Will are visiting from Hamilton and took on the presentation.
There was an unfortunate mix up in the printing of the caption, which indicated the Brown children were accepting the award to James, and not presenting it to him.
We apologise for any confusion caused.
For those who would like a reminder, the Business Lighting Award went to Australian Unity in Murray St, Finley.
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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.
Please include a contact name and phone number.
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