MC David Croke spoke on the community influence Sister Bernadette Mary had spread and described her as a woman of strong opinions – one we would keep in our minds and prayers.

Father McDermott said it was a sad and happy day but Sister had made a big difference to the community. Reverend SallyAnn Hart said she had heard about her before she had met her and they became firm friends. Carla Calleja thanked her for being such a good friend to the school while Tom Hand spoke on the support Sister gave the local football team. Brian Moloney wished Sister well and Prue Burfitt spoke on how she will be missed. Jackie Corby, on behalf of the Garden Club, said Sister was a very active member.

Sister Bernadette said that the seven years since she came to Taralga had found her more involved than ever before: there was the rodeo, the Art Show, kids club, judging the Christmas Lights competition, guest speaker at Anzac Day, the little school kids and the football, where a place was reserved for her. She thanked Father McDermott and the Parish of Christ the King, and said it was a great honour to see all those present.

For the second year Taralga’s Hannaford Olive Oil was awarded a Gold medal at the 2016 Australian National 20th Extra Virgin Olive Oil Competition. This year, Hannaford Olive Oil was also awarded ‘Best of the State’. This award is given to the NSW-produced olive oil which receives the judge’s highest score. Over 20 national and international producers participate.

The Australian Extra Virgin Olive Oil Competition is the largest olive oil competition in Australia, with over 100 competitors. Hannaford Olive Oil was also awarded Reserve Champion in the Mild Olive Oil Class.

“It is a real credit to the industry in the Goulburn region that olive oil from Taralga was recognised as the best olive oil produced in NSW in 2016,” co-owner David Hannaford said, when showing off his trophies.

“To be regarded as the second-best mild olive oil produced across Australia is quite an achievement. It would be a credit to the region if we could eventually have a state and national reputation as an olive oil growing region,” said John Hannaford who is a former NSW State Government Minister.       

Melinda and Ray have been well supported since they took over the Fresh Seafood Van about a month ago, but still some residents have not heard of their new venture. Melinda is in Goulburn from 9.30am-12.45pm on Thursdays and 9.30am-1pm on Friday. Melinda visits Crookwell on Thursday 2.30pm-6.30pm and Taralga from 5pm on Friday in the Club carpark. Call 0428 471 918 for special orders.

Residents were sad to learn of the death of well-known local identity 95-year-old Heather Bradbury last Thursday. Heather was a long-time member of the CWA and the Red Cross Branch, as well as being a patron of both. She was a foundation member of the Historical Society and the Medical Committee, a Cub Mistress and a successful cookery exhibitor in the show. For many years she was the local correspondent for the Goulburn Post. A woman deeply involved with her community.