Vietnam service
Create a free account to read this article
or signup to continue reading
This year's Vietnam service on August 17 will be a very special one for Collie. The town will host the South West Vietnam Veterans' Day service. Two young Collie men lost their lives in Vietnam, so the remembrance service is always very significant for locals. A march of ex-servicemen and Vietnam veterans will proceed from the RSL in Lefroy Street, along Forrest Street to Steere Street and Soldiers' Park, where the ceremony will begin at 11.30am. There will be a flyover by the RAAF, and speeches from Mick Murray and former Collie boy Darryl Lovell. Darryl served 26 years in the military, including a tour as a platoon commander in Vietnam, and retired with the rank of Lieutenant-Colonel. He was educated at Amaroo and Collie Senior High School. Following the ceremony, there will be fellowship at the RSL premises. The Coalfields Museum has quite a collection of war memorabilia and is offering a two-for-one entry for veterans.
Donnybrook race
The annual Collie to Donnybrook and return cycle race and its associated events will be starting from Throssell St on Saturday, with the criterion on the other side of town on Sunday, August 18. A one-day event for many years, racing now spreads over two days, so it is logical to provide an attraction on the Saturday night. And what an attraction - a popular pasta night at the Collie Italian Club, and interviews on the couch. There will be door prizes to be won. Bar opens at 5pm, with food served at 6.30pm. Tickets are $25 per person.
Brightening the street
Collie is in the process of getting another street mural to brighten our days, with Jax organising a Collie scene for their wall in Atkinson St. If you were driving in the area last weekend, you will have seen the genesis of the work. The owners are to be congratulated on their initiative, adding to the murals we already have around town.
Park run
The Collie Park Run had another good turn-out last Saturday, and it is not too late to join in. As the newest course, runners from out of town are ticking off the Collie course from their bucket list. Visitors are delighted with the scenic nature of the Collie course. If you want to be part of it, but not walk or run, you can volunteer to be a marshal, time-keeper, bar code scanner or hand out finish tokens. The route follows paths around the river, starting and finishing at Soldiers' Park.
Country music
The Collie Country Music club is having an "away" day for their August function, at the Donnybrook Memorial Hall on August 18, from 1-4.30pm. Rock Island Line will provide the music. Entry is $10 for members, $12 for non-members.
Plastic lids
Great news about plastic lids, with Collie Council now officially a collection point. You can save your lids (clean, with a 2 or 4 number in the triangle) to be recycled into prosthetics for children. Collection points include the library, council office and other centres, so start collecting.
Send it in: Items for not-for-profit organisations are welcomed for this column. Email info to nrg@highway1.com.au by 5pm Mondays, or drop off notes in my mailbox at 87 Jones Street.
