The village of Gooloogong, on the Lachlan River between Cowra and Forbes, held a moving and poignant ceremony to salute the sons of Gooloogong who died in both World Wars and to recognise the important contribution of the Australian Women’s Land Army to the war effort. The Gooloogong Historical Society received funds from the Department of Veteran Affairs for two interpretation signs and to help finance the completion of a Remembrance Walkway in Memorial Park. A number of ladies travelled from all parts of Australia for the ceremony. Formalities began in Gooloogong’s unique Log Cabin with the special day reminding people of the role played by both men and women to ensure Australian’s freedom.

Wagga

The Baking Industry Association (BIA) of NSW in conjunction with TAFE NSW will hold the inaugural Wagga Baking Show on Wednesday September 23. The Baking Show is part of a regional circuit of baking shows conducted by the BIA each year. Bakeries from all over the state and regional Victoria will enter over 40 various competitions, with the highest award the Riverina Perpetual Trophy being highly sought after. Apprentice bakers will also compete in the show, allowing them to gain valuable experience.

Parkes

Northparke s Mines will immediately restart the E48 project that was suspended in January this year. The announcement that the $280 million project will be completed over the next 18 months is a boost for the local economy, particularly on the employment front. When the E48 project was suspended due to plummeting copper prices and the global economic crisis resulted in staff redundancies and contracts being wound up. However Northparkes Mines continued with its existing operations, generating vital economic activity for the town. After eight months of suspending operations Northparkes will now invest $78 million to complete the project and about 200 people, mainly contractors, will be employed at the mine.