What a fantastic weekend it was in Tocumwal.

It kicked off with the foreshore market on Saturday morning, followed by the Mild2Wild Rod and Custom cruise night, and really was a weekend filled with things to do.

Many of our local shops stayed open beyond their normal hours to accommodate the crowds for the Saturday night cruise, along with a row of food and entertainment options along the foreshore. The atmosphere was buzzing with 250 hot rod entrants, great food and live music.

The threatening weather put a bit of uncertainty on the Sunday series of events, but the rain kept at bay and the sun shone for the beginning on the evening.

A wide variety of food vans and vendors were set up and ready to cater for the crowds who filled the recreation reserve for the Mild2Wild show and shine display of hot rods, customs and classic cars.

Music from the Pacific Belles filled the area before the rain unfortunately put a dampener on things and it was decided to cancel the rest of the evening’s events.

There were trophies awarded for the top 10 builds that stood out for their craftsmanship, style, and passion.

Winners were: Greg Jones - 1933 Ford Coupe; Fred James - 1936 Ford 3 Window Coupe; Ronald Debeen - 1956 Ford F100; Steve McDonald - 1931 Ford A Model Coupe; Shane Keene - 1964 EH Holden; Darlene Chidgey - 1941 Ford Pickup; Belinda Quigley - 1928 Ford Sport Coupe; Kellie Healey - 1928 Ford Tourer; Darren Radford - 1957 Chev Belair; Beryle McKenzie - 1956 Ford Ranch Wagon.

There was also an award for the President’s Pick – a special car chosen by the club president that truly captures the spirit of the event. It went to Jake Hardy - 32 5’ Window

And lastly a Club Car Award honouring a ride that represents the heart of Mild2Wild Rod and Custom: Ken Nolan - 36 Ford Coupe

The colouring competition winners were as follows: Senior Girls – Ella Malcolmson; Senior Boys – George Blakelock; Junior Girls – Willow Parr; Junior Boys – Arlo Pyle

Congratulations to Mild2Wild on such a great weekend with fun and entertainment for all ages.

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Congratulations to Andrew Starr who was the winner of the 2025 Mild2Wild Rod and Custom lucky entrant competition.

Andrew won an unforgettable experience, taking to the skies in the Winjeel with Matt Henderson, thanks to one of the event’s gold sponsors, the Tocumwal Aviation Museum.

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The Tocumwal Optimists have started 2025 with a busy agenda.

The Optimists’ first fundraiser for the year, a street stall held last Saturday, was a resounding success raising $1200. Numerous locals and tourists were keen to snap up a bargain and eager to sample the culinary delights of local country cooks.

Bev Richard from Tocumwal was the lucky winner of the hamper raffle.

The Optimists thank and appreciate community members and visitors who supported their stall.

Recently, several Optimists attended an information morning at Tocumwal Hospital where Local Health Advisory Committee members outlined the plans for a new garden for dementia and other hospital patients. The Optimists are pleased to have donated $1000 this year towards this project.

If you are interested in joining a volunteer group which raises funds to support local community organisations whilst fostering friendship and social activities the Tocumwal Optimists can be contacted via Glenda (0499 311 620) or Marg (0419 438 887).

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There has been a change in the executive of the Finley Garden Lovers Club with Tocumwal’s Cathy Haigh elected president; the first time a Tocumwal resident has held this position. Vice president is Dianne Krasowski, secretary is Helen McAllister and treasurer is Heather Gillespie.

Plans are well underway for the 2025/26 season with locals welcome to join.

The classic gardening club meets on the first Monday of the month at the Finley RSL at 2pm. There is an annual membership fee of $10 with a $2 in house raffle at every meeting. Eight traditional tables are on display at each meeting with an additional swap and freebie table too.

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Local tourism operators and enthusiasts are invited to a networking breakfast hosted by Berrigan Shire Council and Moira Shire Council.

It will be held on Wednesday, March 19 at 7.30am at The Bend Restaurant, Tocumwal.

Please RSVP your attendance to Louise lklint@moira.vic.gov.au or Merran merrans@berriganshire.nsw.gov.au

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Tocumwal’s Dementia Support Group meets on the third Wednesday of each month from 10.30am upstairs at Club Tocumwal.

The group welcomes all people living with cognitive decline or any of the over 120 types of dementias as well as carers, and people living in a residential aged care facilities in a supportive and caring environment.

You are also invited for stay for lunch after the meeting.

For more information, contact Cheryl on 0408 991 481, Dianne on 0439 384 315 or Patricia on 0427 722 687.

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If you have something of interest for inclusion in the Tocumwal Tells column or are celebrating a special event, please send an email to leonie.smith1725@gmail.com or call on 0432 261 296.

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Wednesday, 19th February 2025

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