“Damien has just returned from the year’s hay run to Quilpie,” said Adrian Keith.

“This was his third run. While Damien was on family holidays, the Burrumbuttock Hay Runners decided to organise a run on short notice to flood affected areas near Cloncurry.

“Damien was keen to go on this run. Having been a contact in the past, Damien contacted myself to see if we would donate again.

“I put the call out to a few contacts and we had a load organised that afternoon.

“We were also well into organising a second load, but the truck was unable to collect from Goulburn instead of picking up in Victoria.

“Local families generously donating towards this load were Bannaby Angus, Stuart and Anita Keith, Max and Sandra Keith, Luke Carroll, Glenn and Alana Jurd, James Robertson and Renae and John Keith.

“Damien thought the trip would be close to 2400km one way and was one of the trucks on this run.

“Departing on Thursday, they arrived in Quilpie on Sunday.

“Usually there is a lot of media and fanfare surrounding these events, with concerts and fundraising for those communities.

“But in this case, due to the timing, there would be very little in the way of hype.

“Truck drivers will be compensated for the fuel use and provided some meals, but otherwise were donating their time and machinery for the cause.

“Special thanks go to those who donated and those who offered for the second load. Primarily, thanks should go to Damien White who got the ball rolling.”

Jess and Adam Antony were pleased to welcome Leo Harold Antony, who was born on January 6. Leo is the first grandchild of Bruce and Annette Hand and Platon and Wendy Antony. 

Hannah and Tom Hand welcomed Macie Carole on February 5. Macie weighed 2.5kg and is the first grandchild for Ashley and Venetta Smith (Crookwell) and first granddaughter for Bruce and Annette Hand.

Thirty-four Garden Club members and friends began the year with a visit to three Crookwell gardens.

Morning tea was held in the lovely garden of Sylvia Bowring.

Beautiful silver birches shaded guests as they wandered the spacious lawns or rested under the arched area, with a fantastically manicured arch leading into the garden of Leonne Sharpe, where beautifully maintained lawns and garden greeted members.

The group then proceeded to the eye-opening garden of Bert and Jo Agostini.

Roses were blooming while Bert wandered with his guests, telling stories of the trees he had sown.

Time went quickly and the group departed to the Criterion Hotel for lunch before a quick visit to Pat’s Plants.

It was confirmed at the meeting on last Monday night that garbage is collected from the Stonequarry Cemetery is collected fortnightly.

Television reception problems were addressed by Adam at Pacific Hydro

“Thanks very much for getting in touch,” he said.

“In the first instance, it would be most helpful if the residents affected could make contact with us either by phone or email so that we can investigate further.

“It may be a problem at their residences, as the transmitter appears to be functioning correctly at our end.”

Due to commitments, the association members are unable to participate in Clean Up Australia Day on March 3 as they have done in past years.