Times are changing. Old-fashioned characters seem to be disappearing. However, some great yarns can be found in a small town like Werris Creek. Occurring often (being intentional or unintentional) these past stories, with help from the locals, spread quickly like the characteristic town freight trains and faster than if they were posted on social media itself!

A prime example of a past story that brings a smile to faces is the ‘case of the mistaken identity motor-car’. Two well-known and well-loved local ladies Bev and Kay had similar cars — close in colour and model. On a particular occasion both ladies were down the street at the same time. Bev decided to go home so she jumped in ‘her car’ and headed off. She didn’t notice Kay’s groceries on the seat beside her! Bev even drove past her granddaughter who paused to ponder why her Mum was driving Kay’s car! Bev, still to this day, will tell you this story through tears of laughter…Bev has a wonderful ability to laugh at herself — a beautiful trait. These sort of stories are told with warmth by characters we love, the ones who roll up their sleeves- happy go lucky, involved townspeople who trust their town enough to leave the keys in the car. Everyone knows them and their stories — they bring laughter and love to the community.

Kate’s father, children and family

It’s by no means a ‘tranquil’ town, locals are very used to the sound of trains shunting and engines roaring (such a regular occurrence at any hour) but this is also why the town exists. It’s known as the first railway town in NSW, a town with old-fashioned traits that make it what it is.

In 2012 a new hospital was opened with modern facilities and beautiful accomodation for aged care. The large rooms were architecturally designed containing an ensuite with lots of northern light and some with an undulating valley view. My grandfather, who had Alzheimer’s, was moved to the facility after opening but unfortunately it was too late for him to enjoy the lovely fenced open space overlooking the agricultural land he was familiar with.

One of the best assets of the town is the pharmacy with cafe and gift store. It’s so revered that Angelina Jolie stopped by to enjoy a meal there during filming in 2013! The eight synthetic grass tennis courts and nine hole sand green golf course have been well utilised by my family. My 82 year old grandmother still lives in the town and plays a consistent 18 holes of golf. With children’s parks and an Olympic sized swimming pool, the town has a lot to offer for its size and proximity.

These days in the Creek, maintaining tennis courts, golf courses and running clubs is hard due to the lack of members and volunteers. Even Playgroup suffers lack of attendance but there seems to be just as much, if not more, of a population. Shops also seem to open then shut unexpectedly and the town currently has a new ‘feeling’ while changing and evolving.