IT has become a much-loved annual (often more frequent) trip for a great bunch of blokes from Cootamundra and beyond. 

Armed with a love of all things fishing, not to mention a good yarn, organiser of the trip, Coota’s Trevor Pether and his mates recently set off on a two week trip to Exmouth in Western Australia. 

The plan was to enjoy plenty of time with a line in the water as well as some sightseeing and they executed this to perfection having the time of their lives. 

The men had the use of three boats for the period and caught mud crabs, squid and a variety of deep-sea fish. 

There was a day spent snorkeling on the Ningaloo Reef, considered one of the most amazing aquatic environments in the world, and all agree one of 

the highlights was seeing whales up close in large numbers. 

So close was one whale it bumped the boat three members of the group were in! 

Off the water they explored the Cap Range National Park. 

Three hundred kilometres from the nearest town, Exmouth is certainly isolated, however Trevor reports it is a thriving town he loved visiting with the main employment being through the gas exploration and prawning industries, not to mention tourism is this spectacular part of the country. 

Trevor was pleased to have his son, brother and brother-in-law along for this trip. 

The men chose their guest list well with a chef along for this trip who kept stomachs full for the fortnight with delicious three-course meals every day. 

All are looking forward to next year’s trip. 

Nicely played Bulldogs

NOT many of you may know, but over the course of most of this football season, players and committee members from the Coota Bulldogs have been quietly attending the Cootamundra Southern Cross Care Retirement Village to run bingo for the residents.

The members of the footy club call out the numbers during the favourite pastime of many residents adding their own commentary when the occasion calls for it!

It’s a hoot for residents, particularly those who follow the league, and we’re sure it’s equally rewarding for the Bulldogs involved.

Keep up the great work CRLFC.

Game show test 

Former Cootamundra girl Sally Ferguson, daughter of Michael and Jeanette Howse, is set to appear on the television game show ‘Hot Seat’, hosted by Eddie McGuire, on September 10.

This show screens on Win at 5.30pm.  

Do tune in to see how this former local girl does! 

Street stall today 

BE at the street stall outside Westpac early today (Friday) for the best of the delicious goodies on offer by the Cootamundra Hospital Auxiliary. 

All funds will go towards providing items in need for patients and staff at the local hospital. 

Pleasant afternoon

A Pleasant Sunday Afternoon is organised for this Sunday in the Uniting Church.

The church choir has been practising, under the baton of choir mistress Marj Cave and audience participation will be encouraged for some of the items.

The music and singing will be interspersed with readings and brief homilies.

Following the entertainment, afternoon tea will be served in Dickson Hall.

There is no charge for the day and all are invited to attend.

Weekend happenings 

WHAT a weekend coming up! The Wattle Time Street Parade and Fair will take pride of place in this weekend’s calendar - covered extensively in today’s paper. Should be a great day and see you all there. 

Meanwhile, on Sunday, all of the action will be at Fisher Park with Les Boyd Oval to be overrun with all five grades of Bulldogs/Bullettes playing and upstairs in the Wal Galvin Clubrooms, the Old Boys will be enjoying a beverage and a yarn while watching the footy. 

All are invited to cheer on the Coota Rugby League Club in what for all grades except the under 18s will be their last game of the season. 

Cootamundra Wattle 

AS this is the Wattle Time paper, we thought it timely to look at the specifics of Cootamundra Wattle or ‘Acacia baileyana’ in its proper name. 

Cootamundra had this plant named after our town in 1935 as a result of a seven-month study conducted by the National Herbarium of New South Wales. 

The leaves of Cootamundra Wattle are typically grey and profuse, gold, ball-shaped flowers occur in late winter. 

Cootamundra wattle is considered handy in a sunny situation and is suited to most soils. It is also frost-hardy and will tolerate frosts of up to minus seven degrees.