After nine weeks of basic training, Samuel O’Hora ‘Marched Out’ on Anzac Day as part of Platoon 31, Delta Company, at Kapooka Army Barracks, Wagga Wagga.
Sam said he enjoyed the challenges of everyday life at the base. He is being posted to Bandiana where he will start his engineering trade.
Sam is believed to be the fifth generation to join the military. Those who have enlisted before him are Brian O’Hora, who, along with his two older brothers Terry and Chris, were all in the Navy together.
Uncle Michael O’Hora, Chris’s son and Sam’s cousin Adam O’Hora joined the Navy.
His great-grandmother Mary O’Hora (née Monckton), along with a brother and a sister were in the Army as was his great-great-grandfather, Richard Monckton.
Sam said: “I am very proud to be wearing the Australian Army uniform and am committed to living the values of the Australian Army which are – Service, Courage, Respect, Integrity and Excellence.”
Sam’s parents, Andrew and Christine, his brother Lucas, together with Fiona and Phil and extended family, attended his March Out parade and are so very proud of him
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Many stories were told when members of the community, family and friends, visitors and former residents came together over the course of the day on Anzac Day.
Melissa Vervest (née Boyd) now residing near Geelong, was visiting the area and keen to show her children the area of Finley and Jerilderie where she grew up and had many memories as a child.
She was particularly interested in them taking part in the Anzac Day services as her great-grandfather, JW Boyd (John William) has his name inscribed on the obelisk in Finley Memorial Park.
There is a long history of the Boyd family and their service which can be found in the book ‘Finley and the Great War’ written by Graeme Hosken.
Melissa took the opportunity to purchase a copy of the book when she and her family visited the RS Club for the ‘Gunfire Breakfast’.
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Local motorbike riders Paul (Bub) Brooks, Steve (Thommo) Thomas and support driver Jim Muirhead took time to attend the Anzac Dawn Service on Friday before taking off on their charity adventure.
The trio is taking part, under the name of ‘Team Tag Along’ in the Southern Cross Cannonball Classic 2025 and will be riding their vintage motorbikes from Darwin to Victor Harbour, SA, to raise funds for the Royal Flying Doctor Service.
They will be lodging reports to From Finley during their journey and would appreciate support with fundraising by going to their website https://cannonball-classic-2025.raiselysite.com/steve-thomas.
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Murray Hut CWA members will be hosting an interesting event at the Finley RS Club tomorrow evening between 5.30pm and 7.30pm.
Michael Jeh from the Small Steps for Hannah foundation will be the guest speaker.
This presentation highlights the tragic events of February 2020, when Hannah Clarke and her three children were victims of a devastating act of domestic violence in Camp Hill, Queensland.
The session aims to raise awareness about coercive control and its profound impact on individuals and families.
An invitation is extended to members of Finley and the surrounding communities for people over the age of 17 years.
Bookings are preferred to assist with arrangements and can be made by contacting Sue Escott/Braybon on 0409 314 174.
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Many home gardeners have been enjoying the mild autumn weather they have been experiencing recently; none more so than the Finley Garden Club members.
The group will be holding its fourth meeting for 2025 on May 5 at the Finley RS Club at 2pm.
Meetings are held on the first Monday of each month and new members are always welcome.
Guest presenter for the May meeting is Lorraine, the florist from Koonoomoo, who will be doing floral arranging.
She has reportedly done some stunning arrangements, especially with vegetables, so make sure you take advantage of her extensive knowledge.
The three May themes are: 1) Mother’s Day arrangement; 2) plant growing in container not made for purpose; and 3) chrysanthemum flower – five or more in water.
Finley Garden Club has six monthly regular judging categories with points awarded. Members are also encouraged to bring plants, cuttings, produce or books and magazines for the swap and freebie table.
The roster for May has Jenny McNamara and Glennice Martin as table judges. Please notify the secretary if you need to swap.
These meetings are an opportunity for members to talk about what they are doing in their garden and a chance to mention any garden related events that may be of interest in the region.
April champion exhibit points went to Val Head from Berrigan for her beautiful multiple head bloom, Canna Lily.
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Just a reminder of the CanAssist Finley Branch street stall, which will be held this Friday, May 2.
The members look forward to the continued support of the community. Donations of cooking and saleable items would be very much appreciated.
All funds raised locally, stay locally to assist those in the community during their journey with cancer.
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Members of the Finley Hospital Auxiliary would like to advise that the Op Shop will, unfortunately, be closed on each Wednesday during the month of May.
Please feel free to call in and check out the extensive range of new stock, especially clothing, that is available at very reasonable prices.
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Items for ‘From Finley’ may be submitted by phoning 0428 293 922, emailing anne.freestone@bigpond.com or left at the Southern Riverina News office.
Please include a contact name and phone number.
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