February 2024 marks an important milestone in the history of Finley, reaching 50 years since tenders were called for the earthworks to start at the Finley Lake site after many years of controversy and objection.
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As far back as 1898 reference was made to the historic Murray Hut Hotel being situated on the fringe of what was known as an unsightly swamp and drainage area.
The matter of establishing the lake was raised with Berrigan Shire Council at the November 1963 meeting when it was reported there were certain demands and conditions from three government departments to be met before the implementation of the lake scheme could proceed.
The Health Department, the Department of Public Works and the Main Roads Department each had their own concerns about the idea of the project going ahead.
Council, at that meeting, decided that “a strong case to present to each department would be needed to meet the requirements or otherwise of the various departments”, according to the Berrigan Advocate dated Tuesday November 26, 1963.
Following a public meeting convened by Cr Reg Nixon in 1964, at which more than 200 people voted for the project and were prepared to pay for it, the matter was again raised at a Berrigan Shire Council meeting in April 1964.
At this meeting, Cr Alexander opened the debate by moving: “That this council, in its wisdom, does not proceed with the lake project at Finley,” according to the Berrigan Advocate edition of Tuesday April 21, 1964.
Cr Nixon spoke against the motion and was in favor of the lake scheme.
He went on to say: “If this proposal is accepted, we will achieve a real beautification at no expense to council. It will give another beauty spot in the shire. We already have the river and the Tocumwal Caravan Park. The Finley Lake will tie in well with these.”
It was then agreed “that the Finley Lake project be deferred until such time as a meeting between council and the lake committee be held to draw up more acceptable proposals for the scheme”.
It is understood that Reg was one of the original instigators of the scheme and took it upon himself to start clearing the site in the hope the project would go ahead.
One local resident remembers working with Reg as a young man at the time, together with another friend, when they were told to go home as work had finished for the day.
Shortly after, the town was engulfed in smoke causing many problems as Reg had set fire to the rubbish in the centre of the clearing.
It took another 10 years of discussions and plans before the efforts of a re-formed lake committee could get permission to start, with the contract for the landforming going to Berrigan contractor Frank Rennick in February, 1974.
Tom Lewis, firstly as Minister for Lands and later as NSW Premier, was responsible for financial and moral support for the project. Because of this encouragement and support, he was then invited to officially open the Finley Lake by unveiling a plaque on December 6, 1975.
At the opening ceremony, Mr Lewis said: “I have always been impressed by the ability of Finley people to undertake and complete a project by themselves.”
Mr. Lewis also paid tribute to the late Member for Murray Joe Lawson, who he said had been one of the people to see the potential of a Finley lake. He went on to say: “In the same way the Wayside Rest is a memorial to Mrs. Lawson, so this lake is perhaps a memorial to him.”
Further praise came from Berrigan Shire Council President Cr R Brooks when he told the council’s monthly meeting that the lake was a magnificent achievement. “It is a credit to the people of Finley to be able to do it with as little support as they got from this council – no other community could have done it.”
Information on the official opening was reported by the Southern Riverine News in the December 9 and 12, 1975 editions.
The lake precinct has continued to develop over the years, thanks to many organisations in the community taking an interest and is now classed as a top tourist attraction and a popular recreation spot for Finley and district people.
As a matter of interest, it is also 50 years since Evonne Goolagong-Cawley won her first Australian Tennis Open.
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Family and friends gathered at the Lions Club renovated function room at the Finley Showgrounds recently to help Cathie Rowlands celebrate her 50th birthday. Cathie particularly wanted to hold the celebration in Finley with her father, Bill Rowlands.
Her many friends from various parts of Victoria as well as those in Finley and the surrounding area were happy to come together for this special occasion.
Rumour has it that Bill is still recovering!
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Don’t forget the Finley Hospital Auxiliary Op Shop’s $5 a bag clothing special which began on Monday.
There are some exclusions of marked clothing; however the organisers are looking to dispose of the excess stock and are always ready for a welcoming chat.
Apart from this outstanding special, there is also a small number of Finley Primary School uniforms on hand at a reasonable cost so call in and check out the huge range of merchandise.
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There was a great response to the official opening of the Finley and District Model Railroaders last Saturday.
This is a new club which has been started in Finley recently through the imagination and hard work of Neville Grigsby.
Neville was particularly pleased to have a visit from the new Anglican Church ministers, Fr Frederik and Rev Gemma Le Mesurier, together with family members, on Sunday.
Neville moved to Finley two years ago to be closer to his fiancé Lyn McCartney and decided to replicate a similar club to the one he instigated in Chiltern.
When questioned as to when and why he became interested in model railroading, Neville said: “I was going through a difficult period mentally about four years ago and decided to take up railroading as a form of rehabilitation and to help others who were going through similar circumstances.”
There are currently six financial members of the club, however Neville is hoping this will increase as the activities of the group become known on a wider scale.
“Although it is a model railroaders club, other modellers and craft enthusiasts are welcome to come along and join in. We are always open to new suggestions,” Neville said.
Opening hours are Thursdays to Sundays between 10am and 4pm. Further information can be obtained by calling Neville on 0407 981 737.
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It was lovely to see the volunteers for Driver Reviver back in action over the long weekend.
This is a great way for travellers passing through Finley to stop, revive with a cup of coffee/tea with a biscuit or two and a chat while breaking their journey.
Sue Govan was home from Culcairn to visit her mother Maureen Mathie on Friday and stopped in to have a chat with Bill Rowlands while going for a stroll together.
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Finley RSL Sub-branch will be holding its annual general meeting, followed by the monthly meeting, at the Finley RS Club on Thursday, February 8 at 7pm.
An invitation is extended to members of the community to attend and become involved in this important organisation.
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Just a reminder of the Berrigan Shire Dementia Alliance ‘Unlocking Hope No. 4’ taking place on Thursday, February 8 at the Finley RS Club with a 10am for 10.30am start.
Everyone is becoming more aware of the importance of seeking help with mental health issues and this group is proving very helpful and supportive, especially to members of our shire communities.
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Finley Garden Club’s first meeting for 2024 will be held on Monday, February 5 at the Finley RS Club at 2pm.
The monthly competition will be ‘Summertime arrangement’, ‘Bunch of mixed culinary herbs’, and ‘Birdhouse or bird feeder you have decorated’.
Judging will be by two members. A swap and freebie table will also be available.
The guest speaker for this meeting will be Julie Stava, who will talk and enlighten members on the horticultural course she attended last year at the Finley TAFE.
The organisers look forward to seeing as many members as possible and would welcome anyone interested in joining the Club. Happy Gardening!
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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.
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