Gresford News April 2020

resford News G

The

April 2020

News of the communities of the Paterson and Allyn River Valleys

It was a hard job for the Junior Showgirls judging the Pet Parade.

2020 Gresford Show The 2020 Gresford Show was possibly the last of the large public events to go ahead in March. Although the skies were dull on the second day the entertainment was definitely not. The Hot Wheels Stunt team along with the Ag bike demonstration, post splitting and Bullock rides kept the crowds smiling through the intermittent showers. And the Pet Parade judged by our Junior Showgirls was too cute for words! ... read more inside

The Gresford News is a Gresford District Community Group project. Circulation 800 – Donations appreciated and most welcome. Thank you!

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Chiropractic Clinic I treat most musculoskeletal complaints including back and neck pain, sciatica, headaches, migraines and limb pain and pins and needles.

HiCaps and eftpos facility is available so patients can claim direct from their healthfund and just pay the gap.

Located at Dungog Community Hospital on Hospital Road in Dungog phone no: 4992 3766

Shane Moss B.Sc. M.Chiro.

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Gresford News Notices Gresford Billy Cart Derby

Unfortunately we are waving the checkered flag over the 2020 Gresford Billy Cart Derby. With the new regulations around COVID-19 we must act in the interests of public safety and to protect the community, so the billy cart derby is cancelled.

We are obviously devastated not to be holding our 21st anniversary event, and want to thank all our sponsors, volunteers for their commitment to date. We are also thinking of all our small community groups and charities that are supported through this event.

We hope this period of uncertainty passes quickly and encourage everyone when it does to continue visiting the country festivals and small communities of our region when you can, as every bit of support counts.

Please stay safe this Easter and we will be thrilled to welcome you all back in 2021!

Penny Evans

NSW State Forests

ALL OUR visitors areas, campgrounds & picnic areas are FORMALLY CLOSED under Government Public Health

• If you have lots of loyalty cards punch a hole in the corner and thread them onto your keyring.

• Turn your old clock into a photo frame Whilst you can still drive or walk through by removing clockface and replacing may forest areas, if you visit a closed area, with a photo. you may potentially face a $1000 ON-THE-SPOT FINE from Police. We've had reports today of people going to our visitor areas. Don't go.

Orders. Anywhere where people would gather or use shared facilities risks COVID-19 transmission.

NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service

has closed all camping and campgrounds, visitor centres, highvisitation areas, and historic sites from 26 March 2020, in response to the COVID-19 emergency.

Delma's Helpful hints

• Perspiration stains can be removed by soaking in white vinegar or lemon juice and water or rub with eucalyptus.

• To remove grass stains on white clothes, dampen the stain and cover generously with white vinegar, roll up, put it in plastic. Leave for an hour or so and then wash as usual.

• Old doilies looks stylish sewn into plain satin cushions you can buy at chainstores.

Gresford News CLASSIFIEDS

TENDER PADDOCK - FOR LEASE

KANGAROO CREEK 2375 GLENDONBROOK ROAD GRESFORD 2311 43 Acres clear – dam and creek Lease 2 to 3 years plus Land Rates $1250 to be included in Tender submission.

Enquiries: P Saxby 11 Korora Basin Road.

Korora 2450 Tel: 02 66536523 Tenders close: Friday 10 April 2020

Advertise in the GRESFORD NEWS CLASSIFIEDS Classified Ad Rates are: Standard line listing $2.75 a line or $11 for 5 lines

Changes and closures of Council facilities in the Paterson & Allyn valleys Council operations: Council Administration Building The administration building is open at this time but only one person at a time is being allowed to enter. The community are asked to, wherever possible, communicate with council by phone or email. Development applications and construction certificate applications can be lodged by email and payment made by credit card over the telephone. It is intended that there may be some limitations resulting from reduced staff numbers at times but that all functions of council will be undertaken at this time.

Planning Amendments were also made to the Environmental Planning and Assessment At to ensure that any development that protects the health, welfare and safety of the community during the pandemic can proceed without the normal development approvals.

remain open for passive recreational casual community use. Council implores users to abide by Social Distancing and number of users at the facilities at any one time. Group gatherings such as weddings, etc are not permitted.

Specific rules apply to: Paterson Sports Ground • Open space areas will remain open for non-structured and due to be held in September have been casual community use • Boxing facility put off until September 2021, or if necessary, as late as December, 2021. The will be closed to all users • Council will current councillors will continue to hold liaise with the Golf Club lessee for continued use but they will be office until that time. encouraged to not utilise the Club House Council facilities In our valleys: Facility • Council will liaise with the Tennis Club lessee for continued use but Community Facilities The following Service NSW Service NSW has advised they will be encouraged to not utilise the changes have been made to the use of that testing for drivers’ licenses will be Club House Facility council facilities: • Gresford School of suspended at Dungog indefinitely.

Arts Precinct – open for the Gresford Closed Public Amenities/Toilet Community Pre-school only • Gresford Facilities: • Gresford – School of Arts • Visitor Information Centre The VIC is closed to the public but Wendy Farrow is Returned Serviceman’s Hall – Closed to Paterson – Kings Wharf Reserve all users; • Martins Creek School of Arts working three days per week to answer – Closed to all users • Paterson Museum Public Barbecues: All public electric telephone and email enquiries.

– Closed to all users • Paterson School of barbecues will be turned off: • Gresford Council Meetings The NSW Parliament Orana Park • Paterson – Kings Wharf Arts Hall – Closed to all users • Vacy passed legislation which amended the Park • Paterson – John Tucker Park • School of Arts Hall – open for the Vacy Local Government Act to allow councils to Community Pre-school only Vacy Park hold official meetings electronically, rather Dungog Shire Council website Open Spaces Council’s Parks, Reserves than physical attending the meeting. www.dungog.nsw.gov.au/news/counciland other Open Spaces will generally services-and-covid-19 Council Elections The council elections

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Plumbing & Excavations Pty Ltd

General Plumbing & Drainage Gas Plumbing Drain Cleaning New houses, renovations & extensions

ATTENTION: FARMERS, GRAZIERS AND HOBBY FARMERS ARE YOU GETTING THE MOST FROM YOUR ACREAGE?

Direct Drilling

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BRIAN & JULIE REIBEL

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Whatever the job, get it done right and on time by your local bloke!

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Vacy General Store will continue to be open for all.

We will be doing takeaway food, Pizza, and coffee. Australia post will be open as normal.

We will have fresh bread and milk and your essential grocery needs and fuel are all available from 7am to 7pm. We ask if you would like take away food, pizza or coffee please ring your order through and we will have it ready. Also we ask if you drop in to shop we would appreciate you keeping in mind everyone's personal space.

Thank you for your support – Jo & Ian

NEW Phone Number: 4938 8425

Your Local Rural Services Specialist. Competitive Rates!

Ring Rodney Richardson 'Penshurst' Mt Rivers Ph 02 4931 7125

COVID-19 self isolation time Send us in some of your favourite things to do during this time of self isolation – gresfordnews@iinet.net. au. They might be around the house, outdoors or online activities or resources. Especially if they have a local connection.

Dungog Library online resources

Dungog Library is closed until further notice but librarians are on hand to offer help via the telephone to help residents access online resources.

A few things we have come across... Explore the range of resources available through the Newcastle Library website – home access to the e-library, including adult and children's e-books, newspapers, magazines, music and While some of HLLS events have been movie streaming services. affected by the COVID-19 health order they are still working to support you.

Librarians Amanda Field and Tracy

Access the site from your computer, tablet or smartphone. There’s no log in and no need to be an Audible member.

Donna’s yoga classes online

Hunter Local Land Services

One way you can catch up with some of their recent advice is by visiting their YouTube channel where they have lots of presentations and conversations on everything from dam management to drought support.

You can check them out here: www.youtube.com/channel/ UCkJXs5O0C5WmAIsxNNYny6Q

Something for the creatives – young and old –

Imaginary Portraits Activity Sheet

Maitland Regional Gallery has designed a creative activity, inspired by their Masters & Apprentices exhibition, for you to enjoy at home. Visit www.mrag. org.au then click on the activity sheet on the left hand side to go to the page to download the sheet.

They'd love to see your completed masterpiece, don’t forget to share it with them by tagging them on Facebook or Instagram.

Cummings are available via telephone only on 4992 1819 during library hours to answer any questions and help customers with information on how to access online resources.

Local yoga teacher Donna Cavanough has started to put videos online. If you Audible Stories Lets Anyone, Anywhere, want to join in, just look on YouTube for “YOGA with donna cavanough”. The first Listen for Free. Stories entertain. They teach. They keep young minds engaged. one went up on 24 March, a gentle class that would suit nearly everyone. She’s And they bring us together. hoping to put out two each week for the During these unsettling times Stories. duration, an active class and a gentle one, Audible.com is a place where anyone, and in April will include a series of in any country, can enjoy unlimited beginner’s classes. A yoga mat is useful streaming of hundreds of titles for kids but not essential – bare feet and a floor and families for free. that you won’t slip on should serve.

Stories help

The stories are hand-picked by the Audible editors and offer a mix of education, entertainment, and generalinterest titles, from the classic to the contemporary and includes stories suitable for children. The collection includes favorites like Winnie the Pooh, Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, Aladdin, Jane Eyre & The Call of the Wild.

Help is near P.S. At this difficult time, please know that help is near: Call Lifeline Australia on 13 11 14 or text the helpline on 0477 13 11 14.

Beyond Blue has a comprehensive list of national help lines and websites.

Contribute To The Gresford News - It's your News The Gresford News is a great way to reach out to our community. Our content is created by members of the community just like you. If you have an event coming up or something interesting to say let us know. If you are part of a group organise a Publicity Officer to send in an occasional update of your activities. It can be as simple as photo and a paragraph to go with it.

To contact Gresford News: email gresfordnews@iinet.net.au • Brian Doherty 0412 372 687 • Jane Richens 0425 339 856

Postal Address: PO Box 73 East Gresford 2311. Deadline for stories & ads 20th of the month. Pictures – .jpg (not in word).

Visit

www.gresfordnsw.com.au for local information and the ‘Gresford News’ online.

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Fenced for posterity Friday the 13th March saw Scott Gardner presented with the cheque for the construction and completion of the fence around the burial place of Oliver and Harriet Joliffe at Carrabolla. Present were Tracey Norman (former mayor who donated her salary to Council for community projects of which the Gresford Historical Society was a recipient), Paul Wright representing the Gresford Historical Society and Kingsley Joliffe representing the family and friends of the Joliffe family.

Our thanks must go to those who donated materials and money to construct this project. It has been built out of galvanised steel with the hope it will see out at least 100 years plus.

Now that the graves are protected work will be done to remount the headstones that have come adrift due to the ravages of time and cattle rubbing on them.

A special thanks must go to the to Mr Chris Harris and the Harris family (who own the property) for allowing us to complete this project. For without their approval it would not have occurred.

Dianne Galligan, Kingsley Joliffe, David Wells Top photo: Finished fence around the graves Bottom photo: Presentation of cheques: L-R Former mayor Tracey Norman, fencing contractor Scott Gardner, Joliffe representative Kingsley Joliffe and Historical Society president Paul Wright.

Changes to trading...

GRESFORD BOWLS SPORT & RECREATION CLUB will be open from 4pm for takeaway sales and eftpos only Phone 4938 9368 LITTLE PAN ASIAN RESTAURANT will open from 5pm for takeaway only Wednesday + Friday + Sunday Phone 4938 9166 KEEP UP TO DATE WITH CHANGES Follow us on Facebook or call us - 4938 9368

44 years experience

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CWA NEWS

Cancellation: The Cwa meeting to be held on April 2nd has been cancelled.

The Drover’s Wife…Leah Purcell. Saturday 11th April, 3pm in the CWA rooms unless advised otherwise.

Cancellation: The State Conference to

FRENCH CLASSES: Conversation and

be held in may hosted by the Hunter River group in Newcastle, cancelled.

GRESFORD SHOW: The Gresford Show once again a great place to be. Two different days Friday warm and sunny, Saturday cold windy and raining. Our super crew in the kitchen under Teena Inkster managed delicious meals on both days. Well done. Teena, Liz, Melanie, Dotti, Jill, Elaine, Christine, Jennifer, Linda, Joyce, Steve, Andrew. The boys on the barbeque broke all records. Thank you to Neill, Andrew, Steve, Rob, Harry and many onlookers who gave advice.

morning tea held 1st and 3rd Wednesdays in the CWA rooms from 11am to 12.30pm. Call Glenda on 4938 9456.

A gold coin donation is appreciated.

Robyn Thornton, Secretary

Gemma, Nola, MaryLou, Helen

HANDICRAFT: A large group of ladies have been knitting and crocheting poppies for the Gresford School pupils in kindergarten and those new to the school.

CONGRATULATIONS: To Gresford Public School student Tilly Parish recipient of the Phillip Group Education Grant, sponsored by St.George/Sutherland and Eastwood/Epping Branches of CWA.

BOOK CLUB: This month’s book is

Mens breakfast

Liz & Teena making Shepherd's Pies

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Are you in need of an Electrician?

Maybe you need some Excavation work done, Even just a load of soil or gravel.

Please call Gregg, local reliable and trustworthy

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On the Shelves

by Glenda Smith Beside Myself

Ann Morgan

This novel deals intriguingly with issues of identity, mental health and family stresses. It is told from the point of view of an identical twin who is dominant over her sister. She is seen as the smart, popular and reliable one of the two, and often plays tricks on her more gullible sister. They play a joint trick on a neighbour by swapping their hair styles and demeanour to make her think they are each other.

The trick backfires when their mother accepts the change and perpetuates it, seeing Helen’s insistence that she isn’t Ellie as a tiresome game. What may seem a flimsy narrative thread is effectively done, and shows how powerful expectations can be in guiding treatment of people – the old Pygmalion effect, or a self-fulfilling prophecy. The formerly clumsy and undependable Ellie becomes the leader, recognised by teachers, family and schoolmates as capable and consistent, while the formerly competent Helen is patronised and scolded by those around her.

Helen’s life (as Ellie) spirals downward when she is rejected by her family in her adolescence, but there are also issues of depression and mental illness that beset both sisters.

This is a very thought-provoking novel.

N EW

O W N ER S

Gresford school student Tilly Parish, recipient of an educational grant provided by the Phillip Group of the CWA, to a worthy student at a country school.

All books reviewed are from the CWA library on a separate shelf in the library so they are easy to find plus the reviews are in a folder.

Irrigation Supplies, Fencing Supplies, Water Tanks & Fittings, Spray Units, Livestock Feeders, Livestock Drenching & Ear Tags, Chemical Supplies, Domestic Animal Feed In Bulk, Household Gas 9Kg And 45Kg With Delivery Service, Hardware, 4X4 Parts, Accessories And Installation, Bulk Fuel Delivery, Golf Western Oils, Husqvarna Agency, Garden Supplies, Tyre Sales And Fitting, Century Batteries, Rego Checks Inc Floats, Trailers & Caravans, Bagged Ice, Origin Gas Quick Swap, Pies, Cakes, Bread and Milk All Mechanical Repairs, Parts & Servicing Including Chainsaws, Brushcutters, Mowers & Atv

26 Durham Rd, East Gresford 02 4938 9204

Mon-Fri 7.30am to 5.30pm Sat 8am to 12pm, Sun closed

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Gresford Show 2020

The weather was perfect and the grounds looked a picture with the green grass cover on the first day of the Gresford Show. The horse rings had an unprecedented number of entries in what looked to be a fantastic start to the show.

The next day, however, was a different picture as grey clouds and showering conditions rolled in along with some uncertainty if the show would proceed or not as we received the news that the Sydney Royal Show had been cancelled.

But the show did proceed and although the skies were dull the entertainment was definitely not. The Hot Wheels Stunt team along with the Ag bike demonstration, post splitting and Bullock rides kept the crowds smiling through the intermittent showers. There was the usual attractions of the animal nursery from Oakvale, Kids disco with DJ Nathan and sideshows to Tim Capp with Vanessa & Craig Kirkwood with Supreme Aust Stock Horse winner Ainsley Maben. keep the children happy. Even the drought the vegies pavilion had some Owned by Toni Ambrose. Led by fireworks went off with a bang, Literally! great items Don Chesworth was the Matthew Birch.

The pavilions were once again full of an recipient of the Darrell Lawrence Trophy Supreme Ridden Horse of the Show – amazing array of cakes, jams, flowers, for the vegies, produce and fruit sections.

Kerribee Park McCano owned by Pam sewing and art. Eileen Chaloner won the Bush. Sponsored by Kirkwoods Produce Mary Kealy Trophy in the Main pavilion Some horse results and also sponsored by Kirkwoods the Off the Track Thoroughbred both Ridden after trying for a number of years.

Supreme Australian Stock Horse, Ainsley Although the season has been very harsh and Led classes sponsored by Torryburn Maben’s Silver Thorne Chandle stud was won by Set in Diamond. with extreme weather conditions and

Dear Valued Customers, As we all know, non essential businesses have closed for at least the next month.

This includes The Hotel Beatty and Twin Rivers Cafe.

QUALITY SERVICES Driveways | Dams Arenas | House Sites Landscape Supplies D6 Dozer | Bobcat 8 & 14 Ton Excavators wisemansexcavation@gmail.com

However, Takeaways are permitted for food and alcohol.

Therefore, The Beatty Bistro will be open for Takeaway food only (limited menu).

Friday, Saturday and Sunday 6-9pm.

The limited menu is as follows: Schnitzel and chips Beef or Veg lasagna and chips Seafood basket and chips Fish and chips Kids meals Nuggets and chips Fish and chips Calamari and chips Pizzas are also available.

To order please ring 49389451.

Please observe Social Distancing at all times.

Takeaway Beers, wines and spirits will also be available from the back bar during these times.

Check facebook for updates.

Thank you and stay safe everyone.

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Gresford Junior Showgirls

Post splitting action

All round it was a great show which was well supported by the local community and visitors from further away. Thanks must go to all the volunteers who work so hard behind the scenes to make sure everything runs smoothly and Gresford presents one of the best country shows in the area.

Winner of the Led Off the Track Led class. Torryburn Manager Mel Copelin, Judge Tracy McGovern and winner Matthew Birch

Graeme Ferguson

Registered Surveyor Consultant in surveying, planning and engineering * Portion Boundaries Remarked

* Identification Survey Reports * House Setouts

* Urban and Rural Subdivisions * Engineering Survey and Design * Topographic Surveys * Urban and Rural Road Design * Control Surveys

“Yatta” Torryburn Via Paterson 2421

Tel 4938 9448 Email yatta2@bigpond.com

Business trading changes...

We will not be opening on Tuesdays until further notice and have set a limit of no more than 1kg per item.

Conditions are constantly changing but you can call us to keep up to date.

Ph 4938 9710

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Paint the Town Teal – Ovarian Cancer Morning Tea fundraiser

The Gresford tennis ladies did an amazing job hosting the Ovarian Cancer morning tea on Saturday 29th March at St Anne's hall.

February was Ovarian Cancer month and $787.40 was raised on the day. With a beautiful sunny morning 50 ladies and gents enjoyed home made cakes,slices and sandwiches whilst listening to our guest speaker. Kathy Bonham Smith is a registered nurse who spoke about her trips to Kenya.

We learnt about her work with an orphanage and life in Kenya. Colourful African bags made by the local Kenyan women were on sale on the day.

Many thanks to everyone who generously donated to the cause and to the Anglican ladies guild for the use of the hall.

All Ladies, Men’s & Kids Hairdressing All Ladies, Men’s & Kids Hairdressing All Ladies, Men’s & Kids Hairdressing All Ladies, Men’s & Kids Hairdressing All All Beauty Services Beauty Services All Beauty Services All Beauty Services Weddings & Casual Upstyles Weddings & Casual Upstyles Weddings & Casual Upstyles Weddings & Casual Upstyles Call: Josie, Kasey, Sam & Ann-Maree Call: Josie, Kasey, Sam & Ann-Maree Call: Josie, Kasey, Sam & Ann-Maree Call: Josie, Kasey, Sam & Ann-Maree PH: 49388386 PH: 49388386

PH: 49388386 Email: quainthair@gmail.com PH: 49388386 Email: quainthair@gmail.com Email: quainthair@gmail.com 803a Gresford Road Vacy Email: quainthair@gmail.com Quaint The Salon 803a Gresford Road Vacy 803a Gresford Road Vacy 803a Gresford Road Vacy quaint_hair Quaint The Salon Quaint The Salon Quaint The Salon

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Gresford's street trees It is now 10 years since the Gresford and District Community Group embarked on a street planting project to enhance the streetscape of Gresford and East Gresford. We encouraged all property owners with a grass verge outside their homes to allow the Community Group to plant Crepe Myrtles Sioux (Largerstroemia). I’m sure that you will all agree that even through adverse weather conditions they have been a great asset and are suitable trees for our nature strips.

We would now like to fill in the gaps and are inviting expressions of interest for those of you who would like a free order of crepe myrtles, stakes and mesh guards. Please note the distance apart that they have been planted. You can then gauge how many you will need.

Could you please email Janie Chandler…janie. ch@bigpond.com or leave a note for me at the East Gresford Post Office with your name, street address and contact information.

Please include the number of trees you would like.

This will be another initiative of the Gresford and District Community Group.

Janie Chandler

Caring for the families of the Hunter since 1889

48 Banks Street, East Maitland 97 New England Highway, Maitland 61 Port Stephens Street, Raymond Terrace www.frybros.com.au

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Arboretum Autumn Update brimming with ideas for new understorey plants and rock and log habitat for lizards.

We have plenty of new trees and shrubs to replace losses, and the aim is to get the ground covered with vegetation to reduce the need for weeding.

If you have a minute pop in for a look.

Penny Kater

Cedar Tip Moth damage

worthwhile the effort was. The grass is growing and so are the weeds but we have no complaints. The Cheese trees are fruiting and the Red Ash is flowering.

Cheese Tree fruit

On the down side, the native Cedar Tip Moth has found the Red Cedars and has destroyed the growing tips. This is the reason that Red Cedar can’t be grown in plantations as once the form of the tree is destroyed it is unlikely to produce a good timber log. However with a bit of judicious pruning we may get a half decent tree out of ours.

Well you can guess why there was no summer update. What a struggle it was.

It has made the change to green all the better. Thankyou to everyone who watered through the summer to keep the I spent some time in the Botanic Gardens trees alive. Now they are showing how in Sydney recently and have come back

Red Ash flowers with beetles

Hunter Medical Research Institute at the first Science Hub event The recent event of the Paterson Allyn Williams Science Hub for 2020 was off to an excellent start. Over 30 people were there to hear about the inspiring research that is being done at the internationally acclaimed Hunter Medical Research Institute (HMRI).

After an introductory talk about the Institute, Professor Lisa Wood described her research that showed the connection between diet and asthma. The countries that have significantly more asthmatics are those with a western-type diet.

asthmatic adults were divided in a high fruit and vegetable diet group and a low fruit and vegetable diet group. After 3 months the low group had twice as much chance of an asthmatic flare up. So she presented a very convincing argument for the recommended daily intake of 5 vegetables and 2 fruit.

Isobel Stoodley is a Ph.D. Student at the Institute and she described her work on the effect of physical activity and diet on muscle mass and bone density in the elderly. She is keen to have more people involved in her research so if you are over 65 and interested contact her on 4985 4563.

Group photo: Rebekah Wilson (HMRI), Lisa Stoodley (HMRI), Professor Lisa Wood (HMRI), Lesley Wright (Paterson Allyn Williams Science Hub), Dr John Fitter (HMRI)

between isolated villages and competitions were held to produce songs that would relay health related messages. The winners then took the message to other villages Dr. John Fitter has done extensive research and now 75 villages are involved. The on pregnancy complications including research led to significant contributions pre-term births and post-partum bleeding. from the Nepalese Government including He explained that pre-term births can lead free air ambulances and free hospitals, so to life long complications such as cerebral there has been a big drop in mortality palsy, deafness and the need for open from post-partum bleeding. heart surgery. He described a project to The team members were very generous encourage breast feeding in indigenous with their time in answering questions communities and the fascinating work Her research projects included investigating being done on isolated villages in Nepal. and they continued to talk to a crowd of the effect of fast foods on asthmatic adults, Communication and transport in these interested people long after the showing a drop in lung function 2 hours regions is so difficult that there was a high theoretical end of the event. It was a after a fast food meal compared with the mortality rate from post-partum bleeding. very interesting and stimulating evening.

Ruth Dircks Songs are a means of communication control group. In another project 136 She distinguished between those foods that contribute to our well-being and those she called “discretionary” such as confectionary and alcohol that contribute very little.

Professor Wood explained the difference between the saturated and trans fats that have inflammatory effects and the antiinflammatory omega3, polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fats. In addition she emphasised the importance of fruit, vegetables and fibre in our diet.

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Hunter New England Health Covid-19 Update 170

Gresford News has recieved daily COVID-19 media updates from Hunter New England Health District since March 16. At the time of printing we have data up to Friday March 27. In those 11 days the number of confirmed cases rose from 5 to 167 (see graph at left). Four of the confirmed cases were from the Dungog Local Government area.

167

160

Total number of Hunter New England confirmed cases

150 140 130

100

NSW Health is now providing information on its website showing COVID-19 statistics broken down

by Local Government Area. This information can be found at this link: https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/ Infectious/diseases/Pages/covid-19-lga.aspx

90

The breakdown of likely sources of infection were:

120 110

Overseas acquired 136 Locally acquired – contact of a confirmed case 20 Locally acquired – contact not identified 10 Under investigation 1

80 70 60

Between Thursday 26 and Friday 27 March there were 25 new confirmed cases and 8 were linked to the Ruby Princess and Ovation of the Seas cruise ships.

50 40 30 20 10

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March 2020

Vacy Village Motel business as usual until further notice Conveniently located next to Flying Duck Restaurant, Farmers Hotel and opposite the Vacy General Store Spacious, clean, affordable accommodation with modern ensuites, great views, air conditioning and comfortable beds.

See us at www.vacyvillagemotel.com.au For bookings and inspections phone 0428 111 680

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25

26

27

Hunter New England Health is contacting close contacts of the new cases, who are being asked to self-isolate for 14 days from last contact. They will be contacted every day to check that they are well and any contact who develops COVID-19 symptoms will be tested for the infection.

PETER EVANS & ASSOCIATES SOLICITORS

‘Looking after people is our business’

Peter Evans is descended from a farming family located in the Gresford area prior to 1840 We are keen to assist you with all your legal needs.

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The Hunter New England Health District has opened another COVID-19 clinic at Manning Hospital. As of Monday 30 March, a clinic will operate at Manning Hospital from 8am to 4pm, 7 days a week. Anyone wishing to access the clinic should call (02) 6592 9850 in operating hours for phone screening prior to attending.

Other COVID-19 clinics in the region: Maitland Hospital, 10am-4pm, Mon-Fri • John Hunter Hospital, 8am-10.30pm, 7 days • Calvary Mater Newcastle, 8am-4pm, Mon-Fri. The Coronavirus Health Information Line is 1800 020 080 The number of people coming through the Emergency Departments is being monitored and will be reviewed for the need for further screening clinics as the situation evolves.

Some hospitals across the District, including Manning and John Hunter hospitals have also closed some entrances in an effort to reduce footfall and allow for screening of those attending or visiting the facilities. Everyone is encouraged to pay attention to signage.

These changes have been made to protect staff and vulnerable patients, and to help prevent the spread of COVID-19.

More information on cases and testing is available on the NSW Health website.

G resford News

The

• April 2020, p 17

Information provided by Dungog Council Members of the community are urged to keep calm during this time and to continue to observe social etiquette. We are reiterating the Prime Ministers directive that there exists no need to bulk purchase items nor is there an expectation that an interruption in supply chain will occur that would lead to an inability to obtain goods and services normally available.

isolation when: • you are sick • you are not sick

Survey can be completed through the following link: https://www. surveymonkey.com/r/VLVWRYG

susceptible to the virus.

Staying home means you:

• do not go to public places such as work, school, shopping centres, childcare or university • ask someone to get food and other necessities for you and leave them at your front door • do not let visitors in — only people who usually live with you should be in your home • do not need to If you are a business, continuing to wear a mask in your home, but do wear operate during this time, we urge you to one if you have to go out (for example to complete the below survey, which upon seek medical attention) • should stay in completion, your trading status will be touch by phone and online with your listed on the Dungog Shire Council family and friends. • For students and Facebook page; at your discretion, to children, you should notify the relevant provide information to the community. school or childcare centre. Students may We will continue to provide updates on want to seek alternate arrangements for the Dungog Shire Council Facebook page remote learning. as more information becomes available.

If you do not follow Dungog Shire Social distancing Council on Facebook, you can do so by One way to slow the spread of viruses is visiting www.facebook.com/ social distancing. There are practical dungogcouncil/ and pushing “like”. things you can do, to protect those more

Context Currently, Australia does not have widespread community transmission of COVID-19 but the situation is changing rapidly. As a result of this ever changing situation, community members are encouraged to review and adjust their day to day living arrangements and practice the new normal social etiquette.

You can visit https://www.health.gov.au/ news/health-alerts/novel-coronavirus2019-ncov-health-alert/coronaviruscovid-19-current-situation-and-casenumbers for live updates.

Households

surfaces regularly • Conduct lessons outdoors where possible • Consider opening windows and adjusting conditioning for more fresh air • Promote strictest hygiene among food preparation (canteen) staff and their close contacts

Who is the most at risk In Australia, the people most at risk of getting the virus are those who have: • recently been in in a high risk country or region (mainland China, Iran, Italy or Korea) • been in close contact with someone who has a confirmed case of COVID-19 Based on what we know about coronaviruses, those most at risk of serious infection are: • people with compromised immune systems (such as people with cancer) • elderly people • Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples • people with chronic medical conditions • people in group residential settings • people in detention facilities.

To help protect people most at risk, we have recommended limits on public gatherings and visits to vulnerable groups.

• Practice good hand and cough/sneeze hygiene • Avoid handshaking and other physical greetings • Regularly clean shared Get more information and stay up to high-touch surfaces, such as tables, kitchen date Please visit www.health.gov.au for benches and doorknobs • Increase the the most update information. amount of fresh air by opening windows or adjusting air conditioning • Buy more goods and services online so you limit visits to the shop • Consider what travel and outings are necessary, both individual and family, and go to open places such as parks

Social distancing in the workplace

• Stay at home if you are sick • Stop handshaking and other physical greetings • Hold meetings via video conferencing or phone call • Reconsider non-essential business travel • Defer large face-to-face Day to day living & social etiquette meetings • Hold essential meetings How to seek medical attention If you outside in the open air if possible • are sick and think you have symptoms of Promote good hand and cough/sneeze COVID-19, seek medical attention. If you hygiene and provide hand sanitisers for want to talk to someone about your all staff and workers • Take lunch outside symptoms first, call the Coronavirus rather than in the lunch room • Clean Health Information Line for advice. The and disinfect shared high-touch surfaces number is 1800 020 080 regularly • Consider opening windows and adjusting air conditioning for more Social-isolation (self-quarantine) fresh air • Limit food handling and You must self-isolate if any of the shared food in the workplace • Promote following applies to you: strictest hygiene among food preparation • you have COVID-19 • you have been in close contact with a (canteen) staff and their close contacts Social distancing in schools confirmed case of COVID-19 • you arrived in Australia after midnight • If your child is sick, do not send them to school (or childcare) • Clean hands on 15 March 2020 when entering school and at regular If you do not need to self-isolate, you intervals • Defer activities that lead to should still protect yourself and others. mixing between classes and years • Avoid How to self-isolate queuing, handholding and assemblies • You must stay at home to prevent the Promote a regular handwashing schedule possible spread of the virus to other • Clean and disinfect shared high-touch people. See specific advice for self-

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G resford News • April 2020

The

, p 18

Gresford Vacy Football Club March Newsletter First Fund Raiser Done at the Gresford Show

A number of our Miniroos players pregame walked the field in their Scorps dress shirts, representing the GVFC with Recently on the 13th &14th March, many dedicated Scorps families manned other clubs from the area & associations as well. A big thanks to NNSWF, HVFA the BBQ and canteen facilitates at the and President Jim Doyle lining this up Gresford Show to help start the preseason off raising money for our great for the kids. club. Thanks to all the Mums, Dads & New change rooms and canteen Scorps Children serving our club, helping at the show and being all round Secured for SunScorp Stadium A big congratulations to our dedicated awesome.

Scorps / Gresford sporting complex A big thanks to Kris Doyle for grants team that has been working hard organising, plus Nat & Luke Kijko and for the last 2 years with Dungog council Linda & Andrew Linnertson for and the previous Mayor Tracy Norman coordinating the days. Great efforts all and other levels of government, securing round people. full funding of new change rooms and canteen facilities. This is a monumental Matildas Olympic Qualifier at milestone for the club and community Newcastle to say the least. The team and committee On the 6th March, a strong contingent of Gresford Vacy FC families were out in will be planning for the new facilities to be actioned hopefully at the end of this force for the Olympic qualifier at McDonald Jones Stadium Newcastle, the season, fresh and ready for the next.

Go the Scorps ! lesser cousin to the mighty SunScorp Stadium Gresford. In adverse climatic conditions, the Matildas put on a goal scoring clinic against Vietnam with 14,014 spectators literately weathering storms, yet warmed by a dominating 5-0 score line.

Preseason suspended due to Coronavirus (COVID-19) As a result of the decision by FFA on the 17th March to cease all levels of football below the A League, GVFC will be following and adhering to these

guidelines effective of that date until 14th April or further advice. All teams that have already begun training have been instructed to cease at this point.

Preseason games have been cancelled.

Australia, like the rest of the world, is experiencing an unprecedented situation from the pandemic which is rapidly developing and changing daily.

Although this current news is disappointing, we still hold out hope that the 2020 season may be able to start in some sort of capacity at some stage.

Our committee has worked extremely hard to get the season up and running and we are as disappointed as everyone.

We will continue to prepare for the season ahead subject to further FFA and government announcements.

GVFC take the health, safety and welfare of our players, volunteers, families and community very seriously and we trust that all of you do the same. Please feel free to contact us on gresfordvacyfc@ outlook.com if you have any questions or concerns and we will do our best to answer. We will endeavour to keep everyone updated as much as we can when new information comes through.

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G resford News

• April 2020, p 19 Gresford News April Crossword The

Anglican Parish of Gresford Paterson

The Diocese of Newcastle has advised that public worship has ceased until further notice, as a consequence of COVID19. All church services have ceased in the Parish.

If you wish to talk to someone on the Parish Ministry Team, please contact our Minister, Fr Peter Rothnie on 0438 413 007 who will put you in touch with someone.

We now have a new minister who is a Locum for the Parish. His name is Fr Peter Rothnie and he can be contacted on 0438 413 007, which is also the contact number for the Parish. Fr Peter is happy for people to be able to email him. His email address is: r2cmdi@bigpond.com

Crossword kindly provided by Russel Jessop.

St Helen’s Catholic Parish of Gresford and Sacred Heart Summer Hill Due to the pandemic all churches are closed until further notice The Parish Priest, Fr. Derek Garner can be contacted on 4992 1477

March 2020 crossword answers

APOLOGY - Missing clues Due to a layout error the March crossword was missing 2 clues.

Here they are...

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