But this is no ordinary celebration, marked as it is not only by the launch of the book Telling the Tale of Talarm, written by local resident, historian and author Carrolline Rhodes, but also the unveiling of two magnificent quilts, created by local families.

The book is a labour of love that had its roots in the research Carrolline did to write the recently released UNDAUNTED - The History of the Nambucca River Co-operative Society Limited.

“When doing my research of the settler families, I came across Talarm’s Eliza and David Welsh who bought the first cream separator in the Valley,” Carrolline told the Guardian.

“I was intrigued by Eliza’s story and in 2010 when I moved here I realised the history of the area had never been told.

“I approached the Talarm Hall committee and asked if they would like me to do this ... they were thrilled at the idea.”

More than thrilled, committee member Sue Nebauer said “we wanted to jump up and down for joy - I don’t think anyone had ever thought about doing such a thing!”

With the assistance of the Nambucca Shire Council’s grants officer, Colleen Henry, Carrolline secured two grants to support the process.

“The first grant assisted me to gather the oral histories, 40 in all, and also establish the website (with the help of local webmaster Ion Newcombe) and the second assisted with the printing costs of the book,” she said.

“I wanted to write a book that shows that little places like Talarm are a microcosm of our nation - they have undergone extraordinary change, they are multicultural and mobile.” 

Needless to say, there were a couple of surprises along the way, including a call from a relative of Victor Pride, who moved to Rhone’s Creek Rd after World War II, becoming a pillar of the local community and member of the organising committee that oversaw celebrations to open the Congarinni North Bridge on April 13, 1940.

“Fast forward to the 21st century and the community led a successful campaign to replace rather than close the white-ant eaten structure. This campaign was led by Howard Langford who was actually living on Victor’s farm,” Carrolline said.

These and other such connections became the source of conversations at the Talarm Crafty Ladies Group, held monthly in the hall, of which both Carrolline and Sue are members.

“We were talking about the community doing something for the centenary ... and the idea of the patchwork quilt came up,” Sue said.

“We letter-box dropped one patch to each family along with instructions for the sewing dimensions and they had one month to complete their contribution.

“We received 38 patches in response ... we had no idea what we would get and we were blown away!”

The patches have now been skilfully worked into two quilts, thanks to Sue and colleague Veronica Coleman.

The book and the quilts will be launched at a celebratory luncheon on Saturday, April 26 - for catering purposes RSVP to Sue Nebauer by April 18 on 6569-6203 or sue.nebauer@bigpiond.com.