Sixteen pioneers and their wives were in attendance for the evening where “old times” were discussed and drinks and a meal shared. Impromptu speeches and the sharing of photos made it an enjoyable night for all who attended.

Kath Groves organised the get together, as this celebration is something the group feels strongly about.

“We never thought we had it tough after watching our parent’s farm,” Mrs Groves said.

All of the pioneers were in the same boat; they lived in tents, caravans or sheds with dirt floors and no electricity.

Some baths consisted of the channel that ran in front of a shed or a baby wading pool filled with water that was all shared by all.

With no roads formed at that time wet weather proved to be a testing time for all involved, tractors became a mode of transport to get through the wet conditions.

All of the pioneers found it a challenge to bring Coleambally into production; to be a part of the development of Coleambally Irrigation Area was a privilege for all of them.

On September 14, 1962 the fourth ballot for 24 farms was held at the Water Commission office in Leeton. The farms drawn bordered Prickley, Gaston and Commins Roads. Many of the original people came from Leeton and Griffith areas after their applications were successful on December 3, 1962.