Sign in Subscribe

People and History

A champion for his people

The Editor I am writing to you in response to the recent passing of former Hay mayor, Mick Beckwith. As mayor, he stood up for Government jobs and services in Hay, and to that, I would like to highlight his commitment in one of many cases. In the 1980s, the

Toganmain woolshed celebrates 150 years

Toganmain woolshed celebrates 150 years

Honouring the shearing legacy at Toganmain Poetry, bush music and a festive long table seating 180 guests on the board set the scene for the 150th anniversary celebrations of Toganmain woolshed on Saturday night. The weekend celebrated the sesquicentennial anniversary of the completion of the legendary woolshed which has weathered

1923 police strike and riots in Melbourne: The officer at the centre of it all moved to Hay

1923 police strike and riots in Melbourne: The officer at the centre of it all moved to Hay

The November 1923 riots in the centre of Melbourne were so violent and prolonged that it has found its way into the history books and Australian folklore. The police constable at the centre of the workplace dispute that resulted in the deaths of three people was never re-instated and instead

“Flat out of dough” The building of the first John Houston Memorial Swimming Pool.

“Flat out of dough” The building of the first John Houston Memorial Swimming Pool.

As works continue on a new modernised series of pools at the swimming pool site in Lachlan Street, we look back to 1967 and how one man’s vision and community spirit brought the dream into reality. The original Hay Centennial Olympic Pool was officially opened on November 3, 1967

The story behind the WW1 handkerchief

The story behind the WW1 handkerchief

BY TERTIA BUTCHER A handkerchief issued during the First World War has made its way to Hay, in pristine condition. It belongs to Brian Cunningham of Gunbar who initially offered it to the War Memorial in Canberra, but decided to keep it in the family. The handkerchief was issued to

45 years of Mrs Ellen Sendy

45 years of Mrs Ellen Sendy

By Kimberly Grabham Mrs Ellen Sendy has clocked up an impressive 45 years as a teacher, all at Balranald Central School. It never really hit home for her, the time she had been in the teaching field for until a friend pointed it out. Ellen can recall teaching the grandparent

Demolition reveals a hidden part of Hay’s history

Demolition reveals a hidden part of Hay’s history

A piece of largely unknown treasure was recently unveiled in Lachlan Street. Gwen Wall and Roger McGrath have painstakingly uncovered a vintage Goldenia tea sign on the Foodworks wall of their property in Lachlan Street. Having already known the sign was there, every part of the process of demolishing the