Donna Boaden from Tocumwal Little Explorers with Anne Jones from the Girls’ Shed.
Members of the Tocumwal Girls’ Shed recently presented four granny square crocheted rugs to Tocumwal’s Little Explorers.
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These rugs were crocheted from donated wool, which had been destined for the garbage until a Girls’ Shed member spoke up and claimed the boxes of woollen hanks.
The children at Tocumwal’s Little Explorers are now enjoying the little rugs at nap time.
Tocumwal Girls’ Shed has also made fairy tutus and little sparkly vests to match the recently planted fairy garden in the centre.
They have also filled an order for play aprons and baby bibs.
When they are not helping out our local children, the Girls’ Shed members have been busy helping Tocumwal Rotary by making Escape Bags for victims of domestic violence.
The Girls’ Shed caters for everyone interested in crafts. All ladies are welcome to join in for a small weekly fee.
On hand at the Girls’ Shed are a range of experienced knitters and crocheters to help in those fields so come along for some crafty time, or even just for a coffee and morning tea and to meet some new friends. Bring your lunch with you to enjoy with the group.
If you have any questions about the group or the work they do, please contact Anne Jones on 0407 686 620.
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Tocumwal Lions Community Hostel residents have recently been exercising their artistic flair with the creation of Australian native flower canvases.
This artwork is now on sale to the community for a small donation. All donations go towards supporting activities, crafts and programs for the residents.
Please call in to the hostel if you wish you make a purchase and support the residents and their creativity.
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The screening of Just a Farmer was held in Tocumwal last week, after months of fundraising and preparation.
Thanks to the generosity of local supporters the film’s producer, Leila McDougall attended the event to present the film and speak about its production and the important message behind it.
The film explores the suicide of a young farmer and the impact on his family, while highlighting mental health, suicide prevention and the importance of supporting those who may be struggling. It also addresses the stigma and challenges faced by bereaved families.
The organisers thank the many businesses and individuals who supported the event, along with Michelle Smith and the Southern Riverina Wellbeing Collaborative for their assistance in bringing the film to Tocumwal.
Major sponsors of the event included Murray Irrigation, Tocumwal Rotary Club and Batescrew Engineering, with generous support also provided by a number of local businesses, organisations and community members.
The event provided an important opportunity for the community to learn more about mental health and how to support someone who may be struggling.
Asking “Are you OK?” is an important first step, but following up with genuine questions and encouraging professional support can make an even greater difference.
Event organisers are also seeking photographs from the evening, particularly photos featuring Leila McDougall or Dr Georgie Tuck, to assist with publicity for the Tocumwal screening. Photos can be emailed to leila@vampaddockproductions.com.au.
• Anyone requiring crisis support can contact Accessline on 1800 800 944, Lifeline Australia on 13 11 14, BeyondBlue on 1300 224 636 or Kids Helpline on 1800 551 800.
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Five Tocumwal Public School students proudly represented Riverina PSSA at the NSW PSSA Boys Softball State Championship in Sydney last week.
Ben, Patrick, Jack, Ross and Max were selected for the Riverina team and took to the field against some highly experienced teams from across the state.
For the Tocumwal students, many of whom had limited experience playing softball, the opportunity was a huge achievement and a chance to compete at a high level of competition.
The Riverina team made a strong start to the carnival, recording two wins from their first five games.
Their victories included impressive performances against Hunter and the experienced MacKillop side. They also came close to defeating the undefeated CIS team and eventually went down by just two runs.
Despite challenging weather conditions, the boys continued to show determination throughout the championship with early morning starts and rain that the team continued to play in throughout the afternoon.
Across the second and third days, the Riverina team added further wins to their tally and were involved in several closely contested matches that could have gone either way.
A special highlight for TPS was the recognition received by Ross Grieves who was awarded the Players’ Player medal.
The award was voted for by his Riverina teammates and recognised his contribution and efforts throughout the championship.
The Tocumwal contingent also received a surprise visit from the TPS principal, Mr White, who was in Sydney attending a conference and made a special trip to watch the boys play.
The Riverina boys finished the NSW PSSA Boys Softball State Championship in 10th place. This is a fantastic achievement and TPS congratulated Ben, Patrick, Jack, Ross and Max on their outstanding representation of their school, their community and Riverina PSSA throughout the championship.
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The TPS netball team has been crowned Riverina grand final champions after a 23-18 victory over Deniliquin South Primary School on August 27.
The girls entered the grand final after a strong 21-17 victory over Estella Public School earlier in the same week, securing their place in the grand final.
Playing in front of a home crowd at the Tocumwal Recreational Reserve, the girls produced an outstanding performance against Deni South.
The grand final was a tough contest from start to finish, with the Tocumwal team leading throughout the entire match.
The school community provided strong support from the sidelines, with students, teachers, parents, grandparents, preschoolers and community members cheering the team on.
The enthusiastic crowd created a fantastic atmosphere and provided the girls with plenty of encouragement throughout the match.
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It’s not too late to join in with the Harlequin Riverina Round Dance Club workshop of beginners dance lessons.
The eight week course starts this Thursday, September 3 from 7.30pm to 9.30pm and will cover the Rumba, Waltz, Jive, Cha and Two Step in a fun and social environment.
The lessons are held in the Lions Function Rooms at 5-7 Adams St, Tocumwal and are $10 per dancer per night.
Please contact Carol Wegmann on 0407 814 647 for information or to book your spot.
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If you have something of interest for inclusion in the Tocumwal Tells column send an email to leonie.smith1725@gmail.com or call or text 0432 261 296.
Ross Grieves.
The Tocumwal Public School netball team, with Tanya Saraikin and Mel Jones.
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