All types of water craft from all over came to be involved in the Australian Yellabelly Championship Fishing Tournaments.

Originally set for Pindari Dam near Inverell, the venue was changed due to an inversion layer in the water (cold water on top, warm underneath), made fishing impossible.

All the fish caught are weighed by the organisers, weight recorded, then the fish are released and with prizes totalling $6500 the competition was keen.

The boats have a fresh running water container to keep the fish alive and not under any stress.

By Saturday lunch 190 Yellabelly had been caught and there were two more competition sessions to be completed.

It was a great spectacle to see the boats lining the foreshores of Windamere Dam.

A large crowd of over 200 watched the opening celebrations at Ilford Public School’s 150 years. 

Captains, Billy King and Genna Benjamin opened the ceremony with speeches from ex-student Lynelle Briggs O.A., Principal William Lyndsey, Esme Martins, Councellor Mid-Western Regional Council. 

Debbie-Lee Hughes Director of Education, Lithgow Region the presented William Lyndsey with a Certificate denoting 150 years.

The children then performed a play “1868-2018” written by Sara Ludwigs where the children compared and contrasted education styles over the years.

The whole school sang Cat Steven’s song, “The Old School Yard”.

A huge cake with the School emblem was cut by the youngest and oldest students, Ian More and Marlie Furner.

After the opening visitor toured the displays in the classrooms, sampled cakes from the cake stall, had their faces painted and enjoyed the jumping carnival.

Many people enjoyed the BBQ and catching up with old friends.

The highly successful day was completed with a dinner at the Ilford Hall with entertainment from ‘Bushrock’.

Friday, September 28

Glen Davis Reunion. For more information call 6352 2769.

Saturday, September 29

Celebrate the re-opening of the railway line at Kandos on Saturday, September 29 with a 45-minute ride behind Australia's most powerful operating steam engine from Kandos to Rylstone and return. The ‘Heritage Railway’ opening with band, market stalls, Lamb BBQ.