Gresford News November 2022

News of the communities of the Paterson and Allyn River Valleys

TheG resford News

Our local schools' Film Stars

Don't Worry Be Happy, a film by students at Gresford Public School won the Best Writing award at the Dungog District Community of Schools’ Films by the Rolling Hills festival. On Monday 24th October at 6pm Dungog’s James Theatre opened its doors for the opening night of the festival. It was with great excitement that the red carpet was rolled out and student filmmakers filed into the theatre with their families.

The festival is the brainchild of Mr Lachlan Prior, from Vacy Public School, who has worked tirelessly to get the show on the road.

Read the full story on page 10

'Don't Worry Be Happy' showing at the James Theatre, Dungog.

Gresford News Notices

Coming up this month Remembrance Day service

The Gresford RSL Sub Branch in conjunction with the Gresford Community Group will be conducting a Remembrance Day Service on the 11th November commencing at 10.45am sharp at the Gresford Memorial in front of the School of Arts. All are invited to attend.

CWA nEWs – Aged Care Advocate

Sat 19 Nov 2.20pm, Gresford CWA An afternoon with Aged Care Advocate for Seniors Rights Service, Jodeanne Anderson. Jodeane is local and would love to meet up with other locals to discuss and answer questions about this service

gresford Community Carols

Hosted by Gresford Public School 8 December, 6pm. Traditional carols and school class items. A Tombola Raffle. P&C BBQ & canteen on the grounds. All welcome.

gAps Carols 18 Dec at Paterson Rotary’s “Carols in the Park” Tucker Park, Paterson

Listening to indigenous Voices Land & Farming talk with Joshua gilbert Sat 20 Nov 2pm, James Theatre, Dungog FREE event – Book via Eventbrite. Hosted collaboratively by PAW Science & Ideas Hub & Reconciliation Dungog.

Australia Day Awards nominations close 25 November

Do you know someone who has made an outstanding contribution to our Shire? Nominate them now – www.dungog.nsw. gov.au/sites/dungog/files/public/ documents/2023 Australia Day Awards (3) fillable v2 (1).pdf

Gresford News CLASSIFIEDS

Can You Help?

We are looking for someone who can supply and install quality, fireproof gutter guard to our new shed in the Upper Allyn. We would also like to have existing gutters cleaned / replaced, as necessary.

If you can help please call Ralph on 0412 412 192.

LEttER to thE EDitoR

Hi, I was born and lived in the Allynbrook / Eccleston area til I moved to Sydney for work when I turned 15 in 1958 but still keep in contact with friends and family in the area and have read the Gresford News on many occasions over the years. It was whilst reading the August copy that I noted the move to digital and would very much like to receive a copy of The News to my inbox each month. Thank you for your informative and so very well-presented News which keeps people such as myself who live away from the area up to date with current events and happenings. Keep up the great work.

Yours sincerely, Merv Burley

Gresford News online link Gresford News is available online at www.issuu.com/gresford-news. To recieve a monthly email link via Mail Chimp join the circulation list by emailing gresfordnews@iinet.net.au

government Activities update

Lostock to glennies Creek pipeline

Justifying the business case continues with not a lot to report this month. The likelihood of an offtake pipeline is strengthening which will take water from the Paterson to the Lower Hunter areas. The Final Business Case is expected to be finalised and lodged with the NSW Government for its consideration in 2023.

Work is already underway on a comprehensive water demand analysis for four main areas of concern for the Upper and Lower Hunter including residential, mining, agricultural and AGL Macquarie.

Meanwhile hydrological modelling of the regulated river is expected to be completed before the end of the year. In addition, work on the concept design and environmental investigations and assessments will start shortly which will look at impacts from any changes in river or estuarine hydrology.

My concerns, and hopefully those of most of us, revolve around no adverse impacts on our beautiful Paterson and Allyn valleys and its residents. Water quality, quantity and price are a particular concern in addition to no new limitations being placed upon the

activities presently conducted in the area. The impact on the environment is also of significance and, hopefully, we will have some science applied in determining the effect on the environment. This requires a study of the flora and fauna of the rivers and surrounds. (In the past it appears studies have been limited to movements in salt wedge on the tidal stretches of the river which surprise, surprise have been found to go up the river in dry times and down the river in wet times: the salt wedge will have done this for millennia.)

Consideration is now being given to locating the offtake as far downstream as the Paterson Road Bridge as well as also considering Gostwyck bridge. The final choice will, amongst other matters, have regard to the location for a water treatment plant, reducing the distance of the pipeline and deep water.

There will be no adverse impact to irrigation on the Regulated and Unregulated stretches of the Paterson River regardless of the offtake location. Hunter Water will only access water that is supplied from the regulated river and will not access any water that is intended as an end-of-system flow release.

By Chris Wokes

Nevertheless probably 30,000 megalitres will be diverted from the Paterson and its tributaries to other valleys – maybe more. That’s a lot of water.

Another public meeting with the DPE will be held before the end of the year as part of ongoing community and stakeholder engagement.

martins Creek Quarry

A lot has happened this month in that the Department of Planning has made a recommendation to Independent Planning Commission (IPC) to increase threefold the extraction from the quarry. Many of the adverse social and economic impacts on the residents all along the transport route from the quarry to Maitland have been ignored which is massively disappointing. In my opinion, it beggars belief that the process can be so skewed towards Daracon concerns and ignores those very valid concerns of the residents: amongst other issues, the Department seems not to have followed the Act in determining all economic aspects of the project. More information can be found at www.mcqag.org

The next stage in the effort to stop the threefold expansion of the quarry is for

Bobcat Tipper Service

Quarry statement, Dave Layzell mp

residents to lobby the IPC to ensure that all factors are taken into account in assessing the project and to this effect a meeting at Tocal College is to be held at 10am on 7 November: allowance has been made for the meeting to continue, if necessary, on the 8th November. To register to speak at this meeting you need to register by 12pm on 2 November: copy the following link to your browser: https://www.ipcn.nsw.gov.au/ projects/2022/09/martins-creekquarry, Then click on the “meetings” tab, then click on the “Public Meeting” words and register at the bottom of the page.

Written submissions can be made on Martins Creek section of the IPC website at any time up until 5pm on 15th November. So please register now if you have a question for the meeting and turn up on 7th and 8th November at Tocal college so the IPC is fully aware of the communities’ view.

... That issue [haulage] needs deeper discussion. The damage that will be sustained to the local roads will be significant. Yet the local infrastructure contribution is insignificant to the damage that the project will cause. The financial obligation placed on our struggling councils is beyond comprehension. In addition, the recommended conditions state that the haulage is to commence before the infrastructure upgrades are even completed. That makes absolutely no sense. The infrastructure improvements need to be in place before any significant increase in traffic is incurred. That is a serious oversight of the department.

The department has included guidance on the haulage routes and the haulage rates to be used. That is where we have a totally unacceptable assessment, and there are serious concerns with the haulage route. In particular, I must object to the idea that trucks will be running through the small town of Paterson. This picture-perfect country town has a 90-degree road bend at the junction of King Street and Gresford Road. That comer cannot safely manage a large number of turning trucks. It is simply unsuitable. Any logical person would see that

the comer in question cannot be used for the proposed number of trucks. I do not care how many traffic studies have been undertaken. Let us not forget the upper limit of 40 trucks per hour. That is one truck every I.5 minutes. Imagine that. I am very concerned that the IPC would not take the opportunity to visit the site and get the ground truth on the traffic impact on the comer in question. I am sure it could be easily arranged, and it would then see that the proposed modifications by Daracon are totally inadequate.

Meanwhile, we have an acceptable alternative option. That is to run the gravel out by rail. The quarry was set up as a rail quarry, and it can be done again. It is not easy. It is hard to negotiate with the ARTC, but I make the commitment that I am willing to help Daracon in that negotiation. I am sure the member for Maitland would also be willing to help, and I am sure that the Federal member for Paterson, Meryl Swanson, would be a part of a working group to help resolve this issue. If the IPC does not make the adjustment required to satisfy the community, I can see a long court case in the Land and Environment Court. We need to appeal to Daracon to come up with common sense and get a solution that works with the community.

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Dave Layzell MP, Member for Upper Hunter. Private Members Statement 18/10/2022.

Good fences

We are metal livestock fencing specialists, it lasts for 40 years and we can build nearly double the length for the cost of building a traditional hardwood post and wire fence. Need to contain cattle, horses, dogs, goats, alpacas or sheep?

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Free fencing advise when you get a quote with us.

Future of Farming Forum no3

Dungog District Chamber of Commerce (DDCC) in association with the Future of Farming Steering Committee is inviting all businesses interested in the future of farming and related industries in our Shire to join its third forum being held between 4-6pm on Thursday 10 November 2022 at the Dungog Memorial RSL.

The aim of the forum is to: • Inform about off grid opportunities for farming • Strengthen the local network of people interested in the future of farming and related business in the Dungog area

Past forums have brought to together a wide range of people from across the Shire and beyond to discuss the future of farming.

These well attended events have created much interest, at times amazing those present as to the depth and diversity of current and proposed farming and related businesses in the area.

The forums to date have initiated many future focused discussions including the

idea of a local micro abattoir to process locally grown livestock.

One participant who has attended the past events suggested that there is a need to have more information about running substantial farm businesses off grid. We have therefore put together a program calling on experienced practitioners in this field.

John and Kay Smith and their family are long time dairy producers at Bulahdelah. They have built a whole new dairy off grid.

Attendees at Forum 3 will learn about the transition of this farm business to off grid electricity supply.

This NBN news story gives an introduction to this great innovation. www.nbnnews.com.au/2020/06/07/ cows-in-charge-at-bulahdelah-dairy/ They continue to run their other farm and herd through their existing dairy on another site.

Further speakers are being arranged to address the theme.

Marion Stuart, President, Dungog & District Chamber of Commerce

Private Kill

The rural market is still strong

our Local schools' Film stars

On Monday 24th October at 6pm Dungog’s James Theatre opened its doors for the opening night of the Dungog District Community of Schools’ Films by the Rolling Hills festival. This was the second time the festival has run but, due to COVID, it was the first at which students could view their films at the cinema rather than on a computer screen.

was with great excitement that the red carpet was rolled out and student filmmakers filed into the theatre with their families.

This festival is the brainchild of Mr Lachlan Prior, from Vacy Public School, who has worked tirelessly to get the show on the road. Back in 2019, a small committee of representatives from Dungog High School and Dungog, Clarence Town, Gresford, Paterson and Glen William Public Schools, was successful in obtaining a grant through the NSW Department of Education’s Rural and Remote initiative. The focus of the project was to upskill students and teachers in the art of filmmaking.

Over the three year period since, filmmaking has become integrated into learning programs across the schools and

Mr Prior and Mr Taylor (Gresford PS), both highly skilled in filmmaking, have worked with teachers and students to support the filmmaking process.

The theme and genre for the festival was open. Films had to be three minutes or

less and contain no copyright material. A wide range of submissions was received including films from students as young as kindergarten through to year 10.

Films ranged from stop motion animations to documentaries and

Red carpet parade at the James Theatre Dungog. Photo Jane Richens

demonstrated a high level of creativity as well as some impressive filmmaking skills.

After the films were screened, awards were presented by guest presenter Dame Edna Everidge (A big shout out to Ms Ashleigh Riley from Clarence Town PS for stepping into the role).

The next day, over three separate screenings, students from all participating schools were transported to the theatre by bus so they all had the opportunity to see their films on the big screen. It was with great excitement that they walked up the red carpet and queued at the kiosk to purchase a choc top or popcorn before entering the cinema. As the lights dimmed, they settled in to enjoy the show. Lots of laughter and clapping could be heard as students showed appreciation of each other’s films. This will be an experience our students remember for years to come.

A big thank you to the James Theatre volunteers who did a great job screening the films and running the kiosk.

Awards won by our local Schools:

Best Makeup - Keep It Simple! - Vacy PS

Best Visual Effects - Keep It Simple! - Vacy PS

Best Writing - Don't Worry Be Happy - Gresford PS

Best Voice Acting - Fishy Splash - Paterson PS

Best Supporting Actor - Nicholas O'Rourke - Commercial Break - Vacy PS

Best Ensemble - Law and Order: Special Chocolate Unit - Vacy PS

Best Documentary – Much Ado About Putting – Vacy PS

Spirit of the Festival Award – Whiteboard Movie #1 - Paterson PS

Best Film draw between Keep it Simple – Vacy PS

more at the James theatre... a comunity run venue

talks...

Listening to indigenous Voices – Land & Farming – talk with Joshua gilbert. Sat 20 Nov, 2pm

Listen to the perspectives of Joshua Gilbert, an impressive young Aboriginal Land Manager sharing his approach to combining two knowledge systems in contemporary farming practices. FREE event – Book via Eventbrite.

Hosted collaboratively by PAW Science & Ideas Hub & Reconciliation Dungog. This is the first of the Listening to Indigenous Voices Series.

movies...

BoWiE - moonage Daydream (m) Sat 5 Nov, 7pm

Brett Morgen’s film about David Bowie is less a biography than a cinematic fantasia. Morgen conjures the singer’s presence through an artful collage of concert footage and other archival material, including feature films and music videos.

Franklin (mA15+) Sat 19 Nov, 7pm

Personal entwines with political as a young Tasmanian activist follows in the literal footsteps of his late father, who in the 1980s fought to save the pristine Franklin River wilderness.

Live music...

great irish songbook Sun 27 Nov, 3pm

A celebration of Celtic music with songs ranging from Planxty to Van Morrison to the Dubliners. This stage show will make you feel like you are visiting a lively “session” in an Irish bar without having to travel to Dingle.

Find out more – www.jamestheatre.com.au

FRIDAY NIGHT MEMBER’S DRAW

going up $50.00 every week must be here to WIN!

HAPPY HOUR WEDNESDAY 4.30 6.00

Card Draw

1st Wednesday of the month

Drawn at 6.00 you must be here to win!

Put your raffle tickets in the barrel with your name on them and go in the draw to win

Every Wednesday night $50.00

Last Wednesday of the month

at 6.30 Must be here to win!!!

“DAY ON THE

November

12.00

Arvidson

CHRISTMAS

Friday 18 Nov -

Sunday 2oth Nov $1000

Sunday 11th Dec- $1000 Pork & Ham Raffle

Friday 23 Dec $1500 Prawn

- Sunday from 5pm

Like

Oyster

IN OR TAKEAWAY

THANK YOU TO OUR EMERGENCY SERVICES

On behalf of the Upper Hunter Electorate, I thank all emergency services for their efforts during the 2022 floods.

Preparations begin well before an emergency happens, if you can give a hand consider joining your local volunteer organisation:

NSW State Emergency Service www.ses.nsw.gov.au NSW Rural Fire Service www.rfs.nsw.gov.au VRA Rescue NSW www.rescue.org.au

Dave Layzell MP Member for Upper Hunter

Authorised by Dave Layzell MP, 20 Bridge Street, Muswellbrook NSW 2333 Funded using Parliamentary entitlements.

DO YOU WANT MORE WORK LIFE BALANCE? ARE YOU SEMI RETIREED OR WANT VARIOUS FLEXIBLE WORK ARRANGEMENTS INCLUDING OPPORTUNITIES TO ONLY WORK IN THE SCHOOL TERMS…

Linq Buslines is looking for bus drivers to join our Gresford

Linq Buslines is looking for bus drivers to join our Gresford Team.

As a Linq Buslines member you will be operating our vehicles to transport passengers including school children on specified routes including school and charter services with the highest of safety and service.

As a Linq Buslines member you will be operating our vehicles to transport passengers including school children on specified routes including school and charter services with the highest of safety and service.

Minimum MR licence, NSW Driver Authority and Working with Children Clearance (or the ability to obtain)

Minimum MR licence, NSW Driver Authority and Working with Children Clearance (or the ability to obtain).

We are looking for people who have:

• Good communication skills

• Good driving history

• Good customer services and dealing with people.

• Happy to work a flexible roster including broken shifts.

info@linqbuslines.com.au

For further information or to apply please contact us on 0249 389 394 or email info@linqbuslines.com.au

gresford goes all in

The club selectors had to think long and hard about entering two teams into the NSW Pennant competition which required 24 players to take the green each week. For a tiny club like Gresford with only 30 players, it was a risk. No-one dared to imagine that both teams would make the Zone finals, and every player in the club would be involved.

‘Its an extraordinary result” said club coach Michael Beaumont. “We have a group of new bowlers who have improved dramatically, which really underpinned the success. To have both teams make the Zone finals is even more impressive when we lost two of our best players at the end of last season”

Gresford made the State Finals in 2021 coming oh so close to winning a state flag, beaten at the final hurdle by the merest of margins. “No-one expected too much of this season, but here we go again, we are off to the big Dance in Dubbo, the state finals, two years in a row” said Michael. “This really is a special achievement, some clubs go decades without getting to a state final, and Gresford have done it two years in a row, with plenty of obstacles thrown in their way. Hundreds of clubs compete, and now we are down to the final 16, its pretty special”

The late November State finals in Dubbo will also be significant for the sport as it will be the last finals played under the single gender rule. From 2023 weekend pennant competition will be played as a mixed gender competition for the first time in the history of the game. “Its an exciting time in the sport, following the amalgamation of the two sporting organisations a year ago, the competition will be open to both

Sun 20 Nov – Rusty Bucket Duo 2-6pm, On the deck.

men and women, for a tiny club like Gresford this is a wonderful opportunity for the club to grow and compete” said Michael.

I

gresford Amateur performing society On the Shelves...

what

“was

Well the answer is a definite YES! GAPS members are currently in the throes of exploring various ideas for a new comedy script for our next production. What is the theme you may ask? Still too early to say.

GAPS normally present an original musical comedy every two years, our last production being in 2019. Then along came COVID-19 and the consequent gathering restrictions. Three years of a gap in GAPS productions has also resulted in changes in our membership, ie some have moved out of our locality and we have all got older and some even aged gracefully. But we are ready to start all over again. Our next event will be performing Carols at Paterson Rotary’s “Carols in the Park” (Tucker Park, Paterson) on the 18th December 2022

As we all know, GAPS members are very friendly and welcoming of new members. If you can sing…great, if not…no worries; want to have a go on stage… great, not sure…no worries; just want to help out behind the scenes…great; only got a little bit of time..no worries. We still want and need you!

So, if you would like to join this merry band, feel free to contact GAPS secretary (Kel on 0417 280 851) or any of the other members for more information.

Kel Merriman, GAPS Secretary

by Glenda Smith Salvation Creek

by Susan Duncan

Duncan is a former journalist who has transformed a personal journey of loss, grief and fear into an uplifting chronicle of survival. Devastated by the deaths of her husband and brother within a short time of each other she decided to leave her job and find a more meaningful way of life. This was no easy task and was attended by difficult transitions, especially when she herself was assailed by breast cancer. After zig-zagging from Sydney’s environs to Melbourne and back, she ended up renting a house on Scotland Island in Pittwater, and fell in love with the way of life. She eventually bought her own house in Lovett Bay and began her path to healing.

Duncan has a large personality, and this comes through in her writing, which is vigorous and sometimes florid. She acknowledges her ‘bull at a gate’ approach to life – ‘all or nothing’ as she describes it – and it certainly seems to carry her through many difficulties. However, there are times when her decisions seem almost unhinged, such as when she borrows a boat for her first attempt at driving one and drives it at full speed across the bay, even though she has only the vaguest idea of what she is doing. She seems to survive through luck rather than good management.

The daily life of Pittwater and its citizens is described in colourful detail – as are the dogs; the wildlife and the environment. She speaks with honesty and acts with generosity and energy. Her hedonism, her love of food and cooking, and her loyalty to her friends and neighbours all contribute to the impression of a life well-lived in love and hope.

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. Also have a look in the street library.

PLANT

&

"my Largs" by helen Russell

Paterson Historical Society is pleased to announce the upcoming release of a new book containing a detailed history of Largs and its people. "My Largs" was written by Helen Russell, who is a longterm Largs resident and Society member. The book will be launched in the Largs School of Arts on Sunday 13 November at 2.00pm, followed by afternoon tea.

The book contains details of the first land grantees, the early Scots, German and Irish settlers, plus the history of Largs' churches, schools, hotels, businesses and organisations. It is packed with details of the people that lived, worked and socialised in the village, including personal insights about the impact of floods and world wars.

"My Largs" has 174 pages, including many photos, maps and names of convicts, immigrants and soldiers.

Dr Cameron Archer AM, president of the Society, said: "We are fortunate that Helen, whose family connections reach back to the first tenant farmers in the area, has researched Largs over many years and now committed her personal knowledge and research to this book. She has brought to 'My Largs' many,

Dungog

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.

hitherto unrecorded stories which bring alive the history and book."

Largs was once a clearly identifiable village completely separate from Maitland. Families lived, worked and their children went to the two primary schools in Largs. It is now seen as suburb of Maitland but "My Largs" tells its story before becoming obscured by the burgeoning city of Maitland.

Helen has been able to tell the story of Largs from its geological origins, its Indigenous history to its various eras of European history. Because of Helen’s lifelong association with Largs, she is able to speak with authority, but this is strengthened by her meticulous research of records and attention to all important detail.

Few will know that there was once a beach at Largs, few who would recall that the village was once a hive of army activity and few would know why Largs is called Largs. All this and more are revealed in "My Largs".

The book will retail for $30.00 and be available on the day of the launch at selected outlets and online at www.patersonhistory.org.au/

RICHARD WELLS UPHOLSTERY

We want to know your version of the history of gresford

The Gresford Mural project is building a timeline of Gresford, celebrating our heritage and milestones to create a pictorial history of our community. It’s hoped this timeline will be illustrated and displayed near the bar at the Gresford Showground for everyone to enjoy.

We’re hoping you can contribute to this important historical reference by suggesting major events in the history of our communityformation of local organisations, celebrations, major events, annual traditions, or unique Gresford milestones – especially the fun ones!!

The Gresford Mural project will enhance our township by activating areas with murals and sculptures celebrating our heritage, community groups, landscapes and of course our people and stories!

PETER EVANS & ASSOCIATES SOLICITORS

‘Looking after people is our business’

Lounges Automotive Antique Restoration French Polishing Canvas Annexes Horse Rug Repairs

For all your upholstery needs ring Richard on 4938 9324

GUARANTEED QUALITY & SERVICE

Pick up and delivery

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.

We can help you with:

Conveyancing, Family Law, Business Law, Criminal Law, Wills, Powers of Attorney, Probate and more …

Call us on 02 4926 4788 www.evanslaw.com.au

Level 3/97 Scott Street, Newcastle NSW 2300 reception@evanslaw.com.au

Anglican Parish of Gresford Paterson

Weekly Services 10.30am Sundays at St Annes COVID safe practices in place

CONTACT Fr Peter Rothnie 0438 413 007, email priest@gpanglican.com.au

Gresford Congregational Church

30 Durham Rd Gresford

Services Each Sunday 10.30am ALL WELCOME Enquiries to Pastor Roy Waters Ph 02 4938 9348

St Helen’s Catholic Parish of Gresford and Sacred Heart Summer Hill

Saturday Vigil Mass at St. Helen's church Sat. evening at 5:30 pm ( except 2nd Sat. of month).

Weekday Mass Thursdays at 9.30am Sunday Morning Mass at Summer Hill on the 2nd Sun. of each month at 11:30 am.

All enquiries to Fr. Derek Garner, Parish Priest, on 4992 1477.

answers

October 2022

Crossword kindly provided by Russel Jessop.