Anzac spirit: The 2019 Anzac Tour Group is holding one of its popular curry nights on August 31, at the RSL Club, to raise funds towards medical costs for Liam Shepherd. Liam was a member of the tour group, and is in hospital following an accident. You can dine in, or take away a curry meal from 5.30-8.30pm, but it would be wise to get in early, as these nights have sold out quickly in the past. A bar will be available. All proceeds go to Liam.
Music at the Shell: A further fund raiser is being organised to help Liam, with a day at the Music Shell in Central Park on October 19. As well as live music, there will be a number of attractions, including a bouncy castle and face painting. Food on offer will include sausages, curry, donuts, popcorn and slushies. All proceeds to help Liam.
Collie shines: After winning the State Tidy Towns 2018 title, Collie Tidy Towns Committee will once again be in the running at this year's State event in October, as a finalist in the Heritage and Culture category. Collie has often featured in the heritage section of the awards, with its restoration and history project. This year, the Coalfields Museum was entered as the major project. The Shire of Collie has also been named as a semi-finalist in the WA Regional Achievement and Community Awards with its Energise Collie project. Go Collie!
Try BMX: The BMX club is holding a "try it" day on Saturday, from 9am to 10.30am. This is a chance for girls and boys to find out what riding BMX is like. You will need long pants, long-sleeved shirt, any type of fingered gloves, a full-face helmet (the club will have a few available for loan), enclosed shoes, and a bike (the club can loan a few for the trial). No fees or membership will apply for this session. The BMX Club is located at the end of Wallsend and Rose Streets.
Historic motorbikes: If you are a motorsports fan, head out to the Motorplex this Saturday and Sunday, for the historic motor bikes and sidecars day. Bikes from the 1930's through to the 90's will be in action, with 170 entered. Spectators can enter free, and a canteen will be available.
Festivarty: Collie's festival celebration is only a few weeks away, and entries are now open for the visual and performing arts sections. You can find details at https://festivarty.com
The art exhibition is always a central feature of the festival, but there are other attractions as well, with the street fair a highlight. If you would like to book a stall, go to the online address above.
Night at the Museum: Planning is underway for a Night at the Museum during Festivarty. Tickets for this event will be $5 at the door on the night. As well as activities and exhibitions, there will be wine and cheese on offer.
New market boss: A new co-ordinator has been appointed for the Goods Shed Markets. Harry Wiggers has taken on the position. If you need information about the markets, or wish to book a stall, you can contact him on 0457 277 692.
Father's Day special: You can spoil dad with a Father's Day special at the restored railway station on Sunday, September 1. A Father's Day breakfast will run from 8.30am to 11.30am, with a 10 per cent discount for dads. Also on offer are coal figurines, ranging in price from $35 to $150. These are unique to the railway station. Light meals are available at the railway station, and the kids can enjoy the model railway and Thomas the Tank engine.
Art on the move: The latest exhibition at the Collie Art Gallery is drawn from the State Art Gallery collection, and provides a wonderful opportunity to see a range of creations right here on our doorstep. How Did I Get Here? is in its final weeks, finishing on September 1. The Art Gallery is open from Thursday to Monday, 10am to 4pm, so don't miss out on this one.
Coming up:
FestivArty: Sept 14-23
Valley View fete: Sept 21
Adventure race: Oct 12 and 13
Collie Races: Oct 27
Italian Club Fiera: Nov 13
Collie Show: Nov 17.
Send it in: Items for not-for-profit organisations are welcomed for this column. You can email information to me at nrg@highway1.com.au by 5pm on Mondays, or drop off notes in my mailbox at 87 Jones Street. Please include contact name and number in case I need to check details.
