Christine Weston, the pioneer of a low-rent scheme to attract visitors and new residents to Cumnock, was named 2010 NSW Woman of the Year. Mrs Weston was the creator of the Rentafarmhouse concept that has provided a range of tourism opportunities to Cumnock and to another 19 regional communities who Mrs Weston is now working with to emulate the scheme. Mrs Weston’s other work included saving a local school bus run, facilitating water deliveries to farmers during the drought and helping disadvantaged families source funding so their children could attend preschool. Pastor Julie Virtue from Forbes was also a state finalist.

Tumut

Tumut Art Society will be holding their 53rd Annual Tumut Art Exhibition, with the official opening on Friday March 26 at 7pm at the Fiveways Studio on Tumut Plains Road. There is $5100 in prizemoney on offer for artists, with the artworks to be judged by David Lake. The exhibition will be open daily from 10am-6pm from March 27 and closes on April 5 at 2pm. The annual event has once again attracted excellent entries and enquiries can be directed to Lyn Randall (02) 69462153.

Pulletop

Volunte er firefighters from Kyeamba and Pulletop now have purpose built bases following the official opening of the Book Book and Pulletop Rural Fire Brigade stations. The two new stations have both been purpose built to provide the brigade’s members with suitable facilities to work from, whether it’s bush or grass fires, responding to motor vehicle accidents or assisting other emergency services in the region. RFS Assistant Commissioner Dominic Lane also presented a National Medal to Book Book RFS volunteer Noel Angel as a reflection of his 50 years commitment to the RFS.

Finley

Murray Irrigation Limited (MIL) has opened its new multi-function office in Finley. The office, works depot and pre-cast concrete business MILcast now operate from the one location, allowing MIL to streamline its operations in Finley and improve service to its customers. The former MIL office has been purchased by the Berrigan Shire Council.

Wagga

A purpose built stage will be constructed at the Wagga Civic precinct on the shores of Wollundry Lagoon to cater for the annual Wagga Food and Wine Festival on March 27. This means the total area has doubled in size to cater for the crowd expected to attend. The new site layout will allow for 50 per cent more food and wine outlets.