Art friendships: Friendships are formed on mutual interests, and the Collie Art Group have put theirs on show at the The Collie Art Gallery. You have until February 23 to see the wonderful talent we have in Collie. The Gallery is open Thursdays to Mondays, 10am to 4pm. Next week, the Gallery people will be busy preparing for their biennial big day, the Collie Art Prize, which opens on February 29 during the Labour Day weekend.
Business clean-up day: I have been approached by a small group of people interested in participating in Business Clean-Up Australia Day on February 25. If you would like to be involved, contact me on 0431 643 176 or email nrg@highway1.com.au. The suggested site is the area from the East End bridge to the Waste Transfer Station. Let's make a difference - which we all can do by taking our litter home and disposing of it thoughtfully.
Labour Day weekend: In the past, the Labour Day weekend featured many significant sporting events in Collie. Fifty years ago, it was log chopping. Football matches between the VFL and WAFL premiers were a huge attraction until the formation of the AFL. The Lions Club of Collie ran aquatic days at Minninup Pool for many years, attracting large crowds. At the instigation of Mick Murray, the Collie Cycle Club were asked to revive the tradition this year, and have organised a variety of events for the Saturday and Sunday. At 1pm on February 29, there will be a street parade featuring motorbikes and vintage cars, including the restored Della bus, culminating near Soldiers' Park for a Show and Shine. On March 1, a competitive swimming race will start at Minninup Pool at 8am. Meanwhile at Soldiers' Park at the same starting time, 8am, there will be a guided participation mountain bike ride, followed at 10.30am by a mountain bike race. At noon, the focus will move to Central Park for log chops, market stalls, live entertainment and 3-on-3 basketball. We often complain there is nothing to do in Collie (this isn't true, but it doesn't stop people from voicing this as a fact) - here is your chance to engage in a variety of activities locally.
Our Community Garden: The community garden group's agm will be held on March 3 at the library undercroft at 2pm. This is a very vibrant group which has created a wonderful space out of a vacant block just over the hill in Wilson Park. If you are looking for something to do, or wish to meet new people, this group meets Friday mornings from 10am at the community garden.
Hazardous waste: Collie Shire Council has arranged a free drop-off day at the Waste Transfer Station for household hazardous waste, on March 7, from 9am to 1pm. You can dispose of things like batteries, flammable liquids, fluorescent tubes, gas bottles, household and garden chemicals, paint, pesticides and herbicides, poisons and pool chemicals, free. This offer does not include asbestos, commercial or industrial waste, electronic waste, medicines, mobile phones, printer cartridges, sharps or tyres. For advice on how to dispose of these items, call the Shire on 9734 9000. There is a limit of 20kg or litres per material type which can be disposed of on this day.
Out and about: Bingo is once again held on Thursday evenings at the Collie Eagles clubrooms, doors open at 6.30pm, eyes down at 7.30pm. Cash prizes, raffles, all welcome. The Family History Society has resumed activities, meeting at the Miners Institute on Tuesdays at 7pm and Wednesdays from 9am. If you have time on your hands, there are many local organisations which can use your help. Volunteers are always needed for Meals on Wheels, the Red Cross shop, the Museum, the Railway Station, St Vinnies, the Anglicare Op Shop, the Community Radio Station, the Art Gallery and others. Check the local community directory for contact numbers.
Send it in: You can send in items for your not-for-profit organisations and clubs to nrg@highway1.com.au or in my letter box at 87 Jones Street, by 5pm Mondays.
