Around the Town with Nola - June 27, 2019

For individual meetings, consultation will take place at Council's small meeting room from 2-4.30pm.

A public meeting will be held at the Allanson Primary undercroft from 6p-8pm.

This is your chance to have a say in what development takes place at Black Diamond.

Tidy Towns visit: It seems like no time at all that Collie was being judged by the National judge for 2018 Tidy Towns. Early this week, the State judges visited for the 2019 entry.

There was a bit of a hitch when they were late arriving, with adjustments having to be made to the planned itinerary.

Thanks to all those who adjusted their schedules so they could meet the judges, and thanks to the judges for staying a bit longer on Tuesday morning, before heading off to the next town.

One of the judges had never been to Collie before, and was blown away by what she saw. A frequent visitor to Balingup, she had never thought of detouring to Collie.

Now that she has seen the town, she intends to return as a visitor. The other judge had been to Collie to participate in cycling races, but had not been here for several years.

He was very interested in the cycle trails which have been developed, particularly the Karak Trail.

Thanks to everyone who has contributed to this year's efforts to make Collie a great place to live, and who shared that enthusiasm with the judges.

Story time: There will be a special story time at the Collie library next Monday at 10am, when Mrs Potts will be joined by Collie Police for a special session.

A light morning tea will be provided at this free event.

Retired miners: Monthly meeting on July 1, at the union office at 2pm. All old and new members welcome.

Winter at the railway station: The winter timetable is now in place at the railway station, with home-made soup available on Thursdays and Fridays from 11.30am-1.30pm.

For $10.50 per person, you can get soup, bread and butter, a pie or pastie and tea or coffee.

The daily timetable operates from Wednesdays to Sundays, and the Sunday cooked breakfast is on offer from 8.30-11.30am.

Pat on the back: Well done, those who turned out last Saturday to celebrate National Tree Day with the Friends of the Collie River, by planting along the river banks at the East End bridge.

There was some confusion due to the weather forecast, with some people, including me, being misled by a Facebook post which said the event had been cancelled.

The next event will be held at the same spot on July 7, at 9am. All gear is supplied, and all ages welcome.

If you are able to help do some weeding and planting to help the health of our beautiful river, please contact Donna Davies so that sufficient equipment can be made available.

Local artists: It is great to see local artists showing their works at the Collie Art Gallery. Collie artists were lucky in the past to have art studies available at the Collie TAFE.

Two local artists, Fran Dorozenko and Merilyn Piavanini, are products of those courses.

Both have been creating for many years, and have joined together to present "Bits and Pieces".

The gallery is open Thursday to Monday, from 10am to 4pm.

Shop local: The Collie Mail has been an advocate for shopping locally for many years, coming up with the slogan "Shop local and buy your kids a job".

The Collie Chamber of Commerce and Industry runs campaigns supporting local businesses, and has organised a Christmas in July. The campaign is underway until July 26.

Spend more than $50 at a local store and go into the draw for a great prize.

Story time: There will be a special story time at the Collie library next Monday at 10am, when Mrs Potts will be joined by Collie Police for a special session.

A light morning tea will be provided at this free event.

Send it in: Items for not-for-profit organisations are welcomed for this column.

Email info to me at nrg@highway1.com.au by 5pm Mondays, or drop off notes in my mailbox at 87 Jones Street. Include a contact name and phone number in case I need to check info.