‘’Our father Dr Michael Coolican gave the land for this church to be built on and coming back here today is very special to us ‘’ the pair who are 92 and 80  returned for the Church’s 40th birthday celebrations.

Mrs McGowan says she still watches for stories about Yeoval and still works.

‘’I might be 80 but I have an accountancy business in Lane Cove and still enjoy working like my father did so many years ago’’ she said.

Knowing his numbers too is Macquarie Bank Chief Executive Nicholas Moore who was the guest speaker at a function after a service at the church.

Mr Moore is head of the the largest  investment bank and the top ranked mergers and acquisitions advisor in Australia. Mr Moore owns a farming property near Yeoval.

‘’Its a beautiful church and a wonderful community’’ Mr Moore said.

Though reluctant to comment on banking matters Mr Moore said the agricultural season had been good but said he was no expert and would leave that to people know better but said it was a privilege to be part of the community this day.

Father Tony Hennesy who celebrated mass among a crowd of more than 160 said communities in Wellington, Dubbo and Yeoval had bonded together to make the birthday of the Church of Our Lady.

‘’We are so honoured by the strength of the yeoval community and their dedication to this church and its community’’ Father Hennessy said.

There is a gallery of pictures from the birthday online,  together with the Yeoval v Rhinos match, Wellington Pony Club’s one day event and the Mens shed monster sale