Seniors lunch
Each year, the Shire of Collie holds a function during Seniors Week to recognise the contribution local seniors have made to the town over their lifetimes.
Next Wednesday, the function is on again at the PCYC section of the Margaretta Wilson Centre.
Doors open at 11.30am for a 12 noon start.
Come along, bring your friends, enjoy the company, good food and music.
All are welcome.
Showtime
The annual Collie Show offers a look at what the community has to offer, with the show pavilion full of local entries ranging from school work, art, craft, garden produce and cooking, while outside, there's lots to see and do.
Many local organisations use the show as a chance to raise some funds with food and drink outlets, so keep an eye out for them.
It is also a chance to provide useful information about local groups and clubs.
In addition to the local input, there are visiting experts such as Sabrina Hahn, and lots of entertainment - of course, sideshow alley is a big attraction to the younger crowd.
It looks like being a very warm day for the Collie Show on Saturday, so make sure you slip, slop, slap before you go.
The Junior Committee have been working hard throughout the year to provide lots of free things for kids to do, which shows a great community spirit.
Remembrance Day Service
Collie celebrated the centenary of the end of the Great War in style, with a moving service and a good turn-out at Soldiers' Park for the Collie-Cardiff RSL commemoration.
A feature of the service was the presence and participation of many young people, showing the legacy of sacrifice lives on.
Two moments stood out for me - a young Allanson lad, Lewis Campbell, discussing the service with his grandfather; and a hand-made wreath made by the St Brigids Year One class.
Lewis told RSL president Gary Benton that it was important to talk to one another, rather than fight.
Chelsea Roney's class coloured in poppies for their wreath, with a hand written message from the child under each poppy.
It was finished too late for the school's service, but Chelsea promised her class that she would lay their wreath at the cenotaph on Remembrance Day.
Also impressive was the way the young bugler recovered from a hitch in the Last Post, and carried on to the finish, showing the same grit and determination displayed by Australian diggers.
Fun golf day
Ladies who would like to have a go at golf will have the opportunity to sample a taste of the game at a Fun Day at the Collie Golf Club on Sunday, November 18.
From 2pm there will be chipping, putting, and then more activity in the Clubhourse.
Golf sticks and snacks will be provided, and the cost is $10.
For more information, ring Bev on 0410 062 228.
Electronic waste
Great news for locals who wish to recycle electronic goods, as they can now be disposed of at the Collie Waste Facility (what used to be known as the tip).
Computers, printers, mobile phones and television sets can be left at the facility to be recycled.
Please note that white goods such as microwave ovens are not included in this list.
It is surprising how quickly you can accumulate unserviceable electronic devices, and it is good to know that they will no longer be going to landfill.
We are very lucky in Collie that we can recycle so many things, I notice the difference every time I go to Perth, as my daughter's council has not yet caught up with developments such as a third bin.
With our local schools playing such an important role educating our children, it is great that they are able to put the lessons they are learning into practice.
Citizen of the Year
Do you know someone or some organisation which is doing a good job for our community?
If so, please pick up a nomination form for the Citizen of the Year awards, which are now available at the Council office, the library, or online (but the latter are in PDF form so you will need to print them out).
There are four categories in the awards, Citizen of the Year, Young Citizen of the Year, Community Group of the Year and the Environmental Award, which can be an individual or a group.
Nominations close on December 3, so get your thinking caps on now, pick up a form, and start writing.
Share the dignity
Collie can be proud that the Share the Dignity project is the first in the South West.
If you can spare a handbag or two, they will be filled with goods such as toiletries, a brush, a comb, tissues, sanitary items, incontinence items, scarves, shampoo, conditioner, socks, and deodorant.
Any of these items can be donated to help make the day a bit brighter, and restore the dignity of those doing it tough.
Giving even a little can make a big difference.
Mick Murray's office and Woolworths will each have a big pink bin to receive items.
Handbags and items left at the drop-off points will be distributed locally.
Contact Raewyn on 0497 172 808 for more details.
Big Fat Quiz
Have you been paying attention to events this year?
The last quiz organized by the Library this year will be held on Saturday, November 24 from 6.30pm.
It will feature questions based on events this year locally, Nationally and World wide, in politics, entertainment and pop culture.
The cost is $5 per person, and tables of 4 to 6 can be booked by calling 9734 9042 or on Facebook.
Christmas dates
Carols in the Park will be held in Central Park on Sunday, December 9.
The Cheerio Club's Christmas party will be held in the Miners' Institute on Thursday, December 13.
The Christmas Pageant is scheduled for Saturday, December 15.
Has your business, club or organisation plans to enter a float in this year's Christmas Pageant?
If so, you will probably need to start planning now.
There are good prizes for the most impressive floats - but even without it, it is great fun to be part of the big parade.
While on the subject of Christmas, if you are getting in early with your Christmas shopping, do have a look around at local businesses to see what is on offer locally.
If we don't support them, we will end up with shops closing and no local shopping outlets, not to mention money going out of town, and no jobs for our kids.
Buy local, and buy local jobs.
If you feel you can get a better deal out of town, tell local businesses and give them the chance to match prices, always bearing in mind that larger city shops have the advantage of bulk buying - but they don't spend their dividends here.
Our business community does.
There has been some good feedback recently about the wonderful service offered locally, helpful accommodating and cheerful.
Send it in
Items for not-for-profit organisations are welcome for this column.
You can email information to me at nrg@highway1.com.au by 5pm on Mondays.
Please include a contact name and phone number in case I need to check information.