“Stretch yourself”: New innovative program available at Hennessy Catholic College through the Austrlaian Catholic University for region’s top students.

Back to future for bridge opening: Siblings Col and Ron Fisher, and Joyce Siegert help Cowra mayor Bill West, Senator Fiona Nash and Young mayor Stuart Freudenstein cut the ribbon to officially open the Greenethorpe Road bridge at Back Creek last Wednesday morning.

Praise for festival sponsors: Young’s mayor Stuart Freudenstein (right) and tourism manager David Newberry (left) expressed their heartfelt thanks to the major sponsors of last year’s highly successful National Cherry Festival. Left to right, Rhonda Daly from YLAD, Royce Rumble from Woolworths, Gary Douglas from Young Stock Feeds, Robert Donges from Donges Supa IGA, Wendy Dunk from Wilders Bakery; (front) Michael Croker, Kim Johnson from Signsation, Gary Cooper from Auto Pro and Christine Wiggns from Big W.

Field day: Around 10 growers attended a field day at Allied Grain Systems in Rockdale Road between 10am and 12.30pm, which was about informing grain growers the best ways of storing grain. The day attracted farmers from Young, Harden, Parkes, Temora and Quandialla.

Carnival in full swing: The Young Croquet Club had a good roll up of out-of-town players for their annual autumn croquet carnival. Player Sandy Coults from Forster was in top form for the four-day competition.

Garden a life lesson: Five years after establishing a Stephanie Alexander Kitchen Garden, Murringo Public School students are not only propogating their own vegetables but they’re gobbling them as fast as they’re growing them. From back, left to right, Tyson McCarron, Anna Dowling, Lily Rice, Zac Long, Archie Dowling, Michael Downer, Tennyson Neville and Christopher Bartolo. Front - Luke Edwardes is the owner of this pumpkin patch.

Defective track leads to train derailment: A weak track formation contributed to the derailment of six train wagons and damage to 15 kilometres of track, according to a new Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) report.

Gemma’s visit inspires Young: Young High School students were inspired to pitch in and help after hearing Gemma Sisia speak at the school last Friday, March 14. Pictured from back, left to right, students Celia Blair, Mikael Asberg and Issaac Northcott with Gemma Sisia, Di Lincoln, Suzie Duff and another student James Cahill. Front: Deputy mayor Ben Cooper with St Marys Primary School student Charlie Duff.

Top job by sport volunteers: The 21st annual Young Sports Advisory Committee presentation dinner was held last Friday night, attracting 170 guests to the Young Services Club. The night recognised the efforts of our local sporting stars and volunteers over the last 12 months. One such volunteer included Steve Connelly who accepted his 2013 Service to Sport award from sponsor Keith Carmody and special guest Tim Davidson.

Young Carnival of Cup: The Young Harness Racing Club hosted another successful Carnival of Cups meeting at the Young Showground on Saturday night with a 10 race program, plenty of entertainment and a large spectator attendance.

Police swoop on house: Police executed another search warrant relating to drugs in Young on Wednesday, this time in Clifton Street. A 19 year-old woman was charged with possessing a prohibited drug after police search her premises.

Sue recognised for years of work: Mayor Stuart Freudenstein congratulates Sue Hardy who was named this year’s female winner of Senior of the Year on Sunday, March 16.

Next step, become a pro: 18-year-old local golfer – and as of last Friday, Young’s Senior Sportsperson of the Year – Joel Shields was recently invited to attend the Australian College of Elite Golf (ACEG) based in the heart of Sydney.