Placement site information
Finley
Located near the Murray River, Finley is the centre of the Berrigan irrigation scheme. The area is reminiscent of the rural heritage. This is displayed at the Mary Lawson Log Cabin and museum. The town also boasts the beautiful Finley Lake, popular for picnics and various water sports.
Finley is a small rural town located on the junction point of Riverina and Newel Highways in New South Wales. The historical Museum, Log Cabin and the church offer an interesting experience and insight into the past. According to the 2001 census the town has 1912 populations with an area of 4.1 square kilometres. The town is about three and half hours drive from Melbourne and one and half hours drive from Shepparton via Wyndham Street, Goulburn Valley Highway, Katamatite Shepparton Road, Benalla Tocumwal Road, Murray Valley Highway and Newell Highway by car. The town is about 102 kilometres north of Shepparton.
The town of Finley is an important centre for rice industry. The development of this area as a thriving farming community has made farmers aware of the importance of water and the environment. It is a perfect place to take a break for travelers taking the Newell Highway heading south to Victoria or north to Queensland. The beautiful lake provides a wonderful spot for picnic or relaxes in the sun or a great spot for sailing, water-skiing and fishing.
Finley Live stock Exchange is one of the pioneers in Live Weight Selling (Both cattle and sheep). Cattle Sales are held every Friday morning from 9am and Sheep Sales are held every 2nd Tuesday morning. Breakfast, Lunch and snacks are available from the cafe.
Motels and Caravan parks (situated in Newell Hwy and Murray St) are available for visitors.
Finley Rodeo (January), Australian Line Dancing Championships (August) and
Craft Fair (in November) are the major events in the town.
Public transport: V/Line: Melbourne - Seymour- Murchison East - Shepparton - Cobram - Tocumwal – Griffith
Other links:
Aussie Gold
http://www.giveanaussieago.com.au/towns/Finley.html
Travel Mate
http://www.travelmate.com.au/Places/
Places.asp?TownName=Finley_%5C_NSW
Walkabout Australian Travel Guide
http://www.walkabout.com.au/locations/NSWFinley.shtml
Health links:
http://www1.health.nsw.gov.au/services/Default.cfm?S_UNITNAME=Finley
Students are encouraged to submit photos that they have taken during their town visits for posting at this site. The photos should be of buildings of interest and the natural environment. Photos may include the student, but not others without their permission. Please email photos to Scott Middleton smid@unimelb.edu.au with a brief note on the town name.
Past student Completed and Suggested Project ideas
Male suicide
Mental Health
Outpatient Dept.
The Hidden Jewel of the Newell
Mingle with the locals to elicit the issues related with health care system in Finley. They know a lot!
Use of the new outpatient department – we have done our project on its longstanding emptiness. Would be interesting to see how Finley’s health is improved once it is functioning
Past student comments/suggestions
We had great community/country lifestyle exposure and felt very welcomed
Community involvement with organisation of activities and tasks
Very hospitable staff
Hospital staff (mainly nurses and allied health) has been helpful and friendly
Activities were arranged (local highlights) to make us feel more welcomed
Allied health perspective was beneficial.
Day with ambos was great. Overall look at running of the hospital was interesting
Rural life experiences and farm visits.
The variety of community and farm experiences