Remembrance Day
Darkan RSL held a short Remembrance Day service in the town on November 11 at the War Memorial. The special service marked the 100th anniversary of the end of World War I. Led by Graeme Piece, the service included the “planting” of poppies made by students at Darkan Primary School as the names of all those who went to World War 1 from the Shire of West Arthur were read aloud by shire president Ray Harrington.
The occasion also saw the official recognition of the new metal silhouette installation in place near the memorial area, linking the shire office to the Darkan War Memorial. The shire received funding through the Armistice Centenary Grants to create an Armistice remembrance avenue, with each silhouette specifically chosen for their individual meaning and to create a collective story.
The silhouettes include a soldier, a saluting service woman, a father with outstretched arms at a family reunion and lastly a returned soldier playing the bugle for fallen comrades. The Shire of West Arthur would like to thank to Rick Wilson MP, Federal Department of Veterans Affairs and the Darkan RSL for their financial contributions towards the sculptures.
Kids Christmas Craft
Come along for some Christmas craft fun at the West Arthur CRC on Wednesday, December 5, from 3.15pm to 4.15pm. Free fun with afternoon tea supplied to say thanks to the kids in our community who use the CRC. Bookings required by Tuesday. December 4, to the CRC on 9736 2000.
‘Made in West Arthur’
If you are a craftsperson and are looking for somewhere to display and sell items you may be interested in displaying it at the West Arthur CRC in December. They will showcase your items and handle sales with no commission. Contact them to discuss how to take part in this great opportunity on 9736 2000.
Podiatrist
The new visiting podiatrist, Julian Boo, will be in Darkan on Wednesday, November 28. Please contact the CRC for appointments on 9736 2000.
Seniors Christmas Quiz
The last quiz for the year will be on Thursday, December 13, at 1pm. Bring along a Christmas theme either in what you wear or a few decorations for your table. Afternoon tea provided. Tables made up on the day – all welcome.
Landcare funding
Blackwood Basin Group is taking expressions of interest for the National Landcare Program Small Farm Small Grant round. If you are interested in undertaking any funded works on your property and would like to know if it will fit the Smart Farm Small Grants criteria, contact Karrie Williamson at karrie@blackwoodbasingroup.com.au for more information or to obtain an expression of interest form.
The grants are to support one-year to two-year projects to increase farming, forestry and fisheries communities’ awareness, knowledge, skills and capacity to adopt sustainable natural resource management best practice. Grants help individuals and organisations across a range of food and fibre businesses do better at managing natural resources. Applications for a minimum of $5000 or a maximum of $200,000 will be considered. Applications close January 11, 2019.
Darkan Christmas Tree
All are welcome to the annual Christmas Tree on Friday, December 14, from 5pm at the Darkan Sports Complex, $5 entry per family. Guest appearance from Santa. “Unmentionables” to the value of $25 can be left at the Shire office clearly labelled with first and last name of the child. Bar will be open – meals can be pre-ordered by Monday, December 10. Contact Darkan Primary School on 9736 299 for information.
Share the Dignity
West Arthur CRC is again collecting handbags containing hygiene and beauty products as Christmas gifts for women and girls in need. Handbags need to be in good condition and the items inside new and unopened. Items should include basic items such as shampoo, toothbrushes, sanitary items etc as well as a luxury perhaps such as a scarf or hand moisturiser etc. Bunnings Warehouse is the main collection point and the CRC will drop the bulk lot of bags there. Items need to be delivered to the CRC by Friday, November 30, as nothing can be accepted after this date. Last year the CRC delivered nearly 50 bags for the drive.