Individuals and groups from the Southern Riverina who have made a difference in their communities have been rewarded by NSW member for Murray Helen Dalton.

Ms Dalton presented her latest round of Community Recognition Statements certificates this week, in a ceremony at Deniliquin.

Certificates are presented to anyone Ms Dalton has singles out in Parliament throughout the year.

Each statement is permanently recorded in Hansard, the official parliamentary record, ensuring the contributions of individuals and groups are recognised for generations to come.

“It’s one of the pleasures of being a state representative, we have the capacity to recognise the wonderful things happening in our community” Ms Dalton said.

“There are a lot of unsung heroes in our communities, and people are just astounded when they hear what goes on.”

Recipients from the Southern Riverina Region are as follows:

Bullanginya Dreaming:

Bullanginya Dreaming in Barooga won first place in the storytelling category at the 2024 Blooloop Innovation Awards held online in Los Vegas.

Bullanginya Dreaming is a Luna Light Journey, a cultural and entertainment experience produced by Laservision. This attraction combines history, art, and technology to provide an insight into the rich traditions of the Bangerang People and honour their deep-rooted connection to the land.

Bullanginya Dreaming was up against industry giants like Disneyland and Merlin Entertainment, so this achievement is remarkable, and everyone involved should be incredibly proud.

The installation is held on the banks of Bullanginya Lagoon, and consists of a stunning laser light show, blending cultural stories of the Bangerang people with the element focus of light, water, and fire.

Congratulations to the team who collaborated to bring this extraordinary experience to life.

John Hogan:

On reaching the milestone of 20 years at Finley Hardware in the fantastic town of Finley, John first took on the lease 20 years ago and before long he bought the building out-right, making sure the shop stayed a solid and reliable part of the Finley community.

Under his watch, Finley Hardware has become more than just a store.

It is a real family operation, with John’s children and now even the grandchildren helping out behind the counter.

Jerilderie Red Cross:

I recognise the Jerilderie branch of the Australian Red Cross on an extraordinary milestone - 110 years of continuous service to the community and beyond.

Formed in 1915 during WWI to provide home comforts for servicemen, the branch has remained active through major historical events, including adopting prisoners of war during WWII, supporting returned soldiers and responding to both local and international emergencies.

At a celebration held at the Jerilderie Sports Club, members from across the region gathered to mark the occasion.

I congratulate all past and present members of Jerilderie Red Cross for 110 years of generosity, compassion and quiet determination.

Krue’s Kruze:

I would like to recognise the incredible efforts of the organisers and participants of the fourth annual Can Assist Motley Krue Tocumwal Motorcycle Kruze.

This fantastic event saw 40 riders and 15 patrons travel through Finley, Berrigan, Barooga, and back to Tocumwal, raising an impressive $7,000 for Can Assist Tocumwal.

These funds will go directly towards supporting local individuals undergoing cancer treatment, ensuring they receive vital assistance during difficult times.

The success of the event is a testament to the generosity and community spirit of everyone involved.

Special acknowledgment goes to Garry 'Garbo' Haberfield for his outstanding fundraising efforts, as well as Mark Prentice, who took home the award for best bike.

The continued success of Krues Kruze demonstrates the power of local communities coming together for a worthy cause.

Congratulations to all the organisers, riders, and supporters who made this event such a success. Your efforts are truly making a difference in people's lives.

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Sunday, 4th January 2026

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