On the Grapevine: Family reunions and the super librarian

Christopher and Susannah produced seven children Robert (1822-1893), James (1824-1903), Charles (1826-1891), Harriet (1828-1918), William (1824-1888), George (1830-1886) and Jane (1834-1918).

It was after 1842 that the young family members moved to Australia, with some choosing to settle in Boort and Yarram, while others settled in the Strathmerton district. Robert married Ann Gee, James married Ann Sarah Eason, Charles married Mary Elizabeth Daunt, Harriet married George Peel, William married Mary Keegan, George married Harriet Emma Hutton and Jane married William Rudd.

The Sutton family became well known in the district and the reunion promises to be an exciting weekend, particularly for branches of the family who have not previously met or perhaps have not seen one another for a long time.

Attendees can choose to bring their own picnic lunch or savour the authentic country hospitality provided by the Strathmerton Lions Club. The club will cook up a delicious barbecue.

For those wishing to enjoy the barbecue please contact Cheryle Whyte 0408 369 896 for catering purposes.

Wilma - more than a local librarian

Since her appointment at Barooga Public Library in 2019, Wilma Silveira has become a cornerstone of the Barooga community. Under her direction the library has become a vital hub for the town.

This engaging smiling woman just loves her role and loves the people of Barooga both young and old and really shows she cares about their wellbeing and in return has earned their love and respect.

A migrant from Uruguay in 1978, Wilma was excited to move to Australia, but initially found the English language difficult to understand after coming from a Spanish-speaking country. However, Wilma recalls the “huge open spaces, freedom and wonderful fresh produce available everywhere was amazing and there were lots of opportunities to get ahead.”

Wilma soon learnt, “women who are strong can get ahead!”

With a background in administration, Wilma worked in aged care, schools and libraries where she learnt a lot and went on to achieve her required certificates. She has a unique ability to interact with people of all ages and backgrounds and is a perfect role model for young people to learn from.

Since taking on the role as Barooga Librarian, she has adapted her position to provide a range of activities to appeal to the broader community such as a wide variety of crafts including beading, decoupage and copper wire decorations, yoga and pilates, games such as Mahjong and Scrabble, movie afternoons, not only meeting the needs of avid readers, but those who just want to have a chat and need company.

“I see my job as providing for and empowering people to learn!”

“We have a very full calendar each week, which is just wonderful. I love it!” said Wilma, who opens the library on Wednesday 9.30am to 5.30pm, Thursday 9.30am to 12.30pm and Friday 9.30am to 5.30 pm. The Barooga Library is also open on the 2nd and 4th Saturday of each month between 9.30am and 12.30pm.

“People travel from as far as Deniliquin to visit us for activities,” Wilma said. “It is amazing!”

During COVID-19 lockdowns, movement throughout the community became difficult, and Wilma found more and more locals dropped in seeking information. Consequently, she became a veritable font of information on local news and COVID updates. Today she continues to listen to ABC radio from 7am each morning for the latest news as her friends and clients at the library still expect her to know what is happening in the district and region.

Assisting the elderly is always a focus for Wilma, who would laminate people’s border travel permits to ensure they were kept in a reasonable state during COVID. Children too are well catered for with storytelling, open to newborns up to the age of five years. Children love it and so do the mums and grandparents.

“We have several groups who attend regularly such as PALS in Cobram who love the activities and enjoy lunch in the park and have a great time!’ said Wilma who was a volunteer with PALS several years ago.

The Library is under the control of Berrigan Shire which has merged with the Riverina Library Service, enabling Barooga residents to share the collection of more than 20,000 books with other libraries in the region. If you are seeking a particular book, Wilma can almost promise to have it at the library for you within a matter of days. Another wonderful source of securing a difficult to obtain book is the Berrigan Book Shop, which alone has more than 80,000 books available.

“I love the girls at Berrigan, they are so helpful!” said Wilma.

Married to Nelson, a Portuguese, and living in Barooga after more than 30 years in Melbourne, the couple has raised four children in Australia. Two daughters are both teachers, while a son runs a house painting business in Melbourne and a second son is a landscape architect who lives in Switzerland.

Bumper community fair in Barooga

Community River Arts Inc. in conjunction with Barooga Public School will be holding a Bumper Community Fair on Sunday, November 3, from 9am to 1pm at the Barooga Community Hall in Banker St.

With more than 35 food and market stallholders, there will be something on offer for everyone including an enticing array of delicious treats like Devonshire teas, hotdogs, a barbecue, hot popcorn and heaps more! Cheeky Beaver coffee will also be available.

With so many stallholders from around the region, it’s a brilliant opportunity for some early Christmas shopping. Come along and check them all out! There will be artistic handcrafted pieces and handmade jewellery - each piece unique! In fact, there’s an incredible range from some of the regions’ most artistic creators, so ensure you come early.

In addition, there will be children's’ games and activities and a fabulous selection of plants too!

A fun day is promised so don’t miss out.