The region lost two well-known identities in the Stud Merino industry last month following the deaths of Ken McCrabb (Avenel, Wanganella) and Craig Heath (formerly Willandra, Jerilderie).

Mr McCrabb passed away on Christmas Eve at Deniliquin Hospital, aged 88. He was a noted Merino breeder and classer and with his wife, Mary, founded Avenel Merino Stud and Avenpart Kelpie Stud.

They also established the Avenel Quarter Horse Stud.

Despite ill health, he attended the 47th annual on-property Avenel Ram Sale in September last year, and in May was honoured for dedicated service as firefighter at the NSW Rural fire Service’s Mid-Murray Zone presentation ceremony. Following a private cremation, a memorial service is to be held on Monday, January 19.

Mr McCrabb is survived by his wife Mary, sons Colin and Peter and their families.

Craig Heath entered the Riverina Stud Merino scene when he married Caroline Wells, daughter of Ross and Irene Wells of Willandra in 1988.

The child of wool growers, Mr Heath managed several prestigious grazing properties before becoming an integral part of the Wells’ Willandra Merino Stud.

Mr Heath was killed in a tragic farming accident in western Victoria on December 14, 2025.

He is survived by his wife Marion, sons Ashley and Angus and their families.

The Ivanhoe community is also mourning the passing of well-known figure Mr Barry Danson.

Mr Danson was a captain of the transport industry in far western NSW, founding and running Danson Earthmoving with wife Barbara and brother Graham, more than five decades ago.

The business launched by working for Central Darling Shire with an Acco Bogie 12- Yard Tipper.

A life-long lover of machinery, Mr Danson faithfully restored numerous historic vehicles, including a 1935-45 Caterpillar Crawler, a rare yet powerful Super 90 tractor and several Mack trucks.

He was also a past president of the Ivanhoe RSL Club. Mr Danson passed away suddenly at his home on New Year’s Day.

He is survived by his wife and brother, and daughter Rochelle and family.