Gresford News April 2023

TheG resford News

News of the communities of the Paterson and Allyn River Valleys

2023 Gresford Show

Gresford Show 2023 was a very hot week, but we certainly know how to give people a good time and showcase what our area has to offer. A big thank you to all GDAS Committee members for all the hard-work and time you put into this wonderful event. read the story on page 12

GDAS President Mick Kealy with Granddaughter, Willa

Opening of the New Clubhouse at Gresford Sporting Complex

1 April from 9am

As part of the celebrations, Scorpions teams will be in action from 9am right through until late evening. The clubhouse will be officially opened at 11am.

Free Live Streaming Event: In conversation with Teela Reid

Tues 4 April, 6.45pm James Theatre

This Ethics Centre event presented by Reconciliation Dungog & Paterson Allyn Williams Science & Ideas Hub in will provide information about a First Nations Voice to Parliament.

Gresford Billy Cart Derby

Easter Saturday – 8 April

Follow us on facebook for information on

• Cart specs and entry details

• Booking a market stall

• Food, entertainment

Gresford News Notices

and other activities … Gresford cannot wait to welcome you all back trackside! A project of Dungog Rotary.

CALL FOR COMMENT

The Biodiversity Conservation Act 2016 is being reviewed. It aims to protect and conserve biodiversity in NSW while furthering ecologically sustainable development.

To have your say by 11 April visit: www.nsw.gov.au/have-your-say/reviewof-biodiversity-conservation-act

Hot Air Balloon Flight over Gresford

20 April starting from the Gresford Sporting Complex at approx 5.30am. Proceeds from the flight go to the Gresford beautification project.

This hot air balloon ride is followed by a Boydell sparkling wine breakfast.

ANZAC DAY 2023

Tues 25 April

Dawn Service at Paterson

March from Stockers & Partridge Garage, Paterson at 5.30 am proceeding to the Paterson Cenotaph for the Dawn Service. Following the service, Veterans and all attendees are invited to the Paterson Tavern for a traditional mince on toast breakfast (Gold Coin donation)

Commemoration Service at Gresford

The Gresford ANZAC Day March will commence at Gresford Garage & Rural at 10.30 am proceeding down Durham Road and Park Street to the Gresford Cenotaph for the Commemoration Service. Following the service, RSL Sub Branch members and those wishing to attend, will retire to the Gresford Bowling Club.

On the Shelves...

by Glenda Smith

Breaking Point by C.J.Box

This is the thirteenth in a series about Joe Pickett, an ageing game warden in Wyoming, who is part cowboy and detective in addition to being a government employee. Joe is well-liked in his community and is a man of sense and integrity, but he has often run foul of his administrative bosses and has been demoted in the past. In this book he is being offered a desk job by a new boss, who thinks his independent spirit can be both tamed and useful in handling other game wardens.

The plot of this novel concerns the murder of two Environmental Protection Agency workers as they attempt to deliver a notice on a local man. The basis of the plot is based on real events where landowners were persecuted and prosecuted unfairly by the EPA. Joe has doubts about his neighbour’s guilt, but understands his provocation, and joins a manhunt to try to stop things getting out of control.

Box takes his time with the narrative and description and creates plenty of tension and suspense. He obviously knows and loves Wyoming, and puts us in the landscape through Joe’s eyes. This is a most enjoyable reading experience.

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.

Gresford ready to race again!

The valley is all abuzz as we prepare to welcome back the much loved Gresford Billy Cart Derby on Easter Saturday, 8 April 2023!

Thanks to the amazing support of the Dungog Rotary Club, the billy carts will once again be able to race down Park Street to entertain locals and visitors alike. It’s not too late to start making your cart! The specifications and entry forms are all online on the website: https:// gresfordbillycartderby.wordpress.com

We are so excited to bring the races back and really hope the community comes out in force to support this great event after our Covid forced hiatus. There will be market stalls, vintage car display, live music and of course plenty of options for lunch!! The crowd favourite games will be back too - gumboot tossing, pony pat lotto and more!!

As always the proceeds of the day will be reinvested in the community - this year any funds raised will go towards the Gresford Mural Project helping to install art across our village and beautify local buildings and spaces!

The committee has been buoyed by the generosity of many businesses keen to

support the event and get the races back on in 2023. A full list of sponsors will be published in the next edition, so you can support the companies that support us !!

Just a reminder to locals there will be some disruptions to regular traffic flow on Easter Saturday. Some setting up will happen on Good Friday but we aim to be as careful as possible to not disrupt your long weekend more than necessary.

All information about the road closures and set up and pack up periods are also on the website.

Get your pit crew together, tell your friends to come visit Gresford and get ready to race!! See you track side on Easter Saturday, 8 April from 9am! Follow us on Facebook for all the excitement and information in the lead up to race day!!!

The Billy Carts are back this Easter

Listening to Indigenous Voices – Belinda Huntriss

To hear a person’s life story is always engaging. Belinda Huntriss told her story at the James Theatre last month, with frankness, humour and no shortage of self-questioning. A Worimi woman born and raised in Gloucester and now with a career in Aboriginal education, Belinda was speaking as part of the Listening to Indigenous Voices program hosted by Paterson Allyn Williams Science & Ideas Hub and Reconciliation Dungog.

Belinda’s mother was aware of her Worimi heritage, but Aboriginality wasn’t much talked about in the home or in the Gloucester community. It wasn’t until Year 5 in primary school that Belinda became aware of her heritage, and as she grew older she came to resent that sense of difference.

“It had a negative impact on who I was,” she explained. ‘’I didn’t want to stand out, I wanted to be white, not different.”

The racial taunts were painful but it led her to connect with who she was. There grew in her a need to engage with her Indigenous family and story. Through high school there was hardly a mention of Aboriginal culture, and what was presented was more likely about ‘desert

culture’ of painted bodies and tribal dances rather than the town life of Aboriginal people on the coast. For Belinda school had little relevance, and there was a time of disruptive behaviour and rebellion.

But she decided she wanted to be a teacher – a teacher of Aboriginal kids. She won a place at university, and with strong parental support made her way through to a teacher-training position in Broken Hill. There a supervising teacher urged her to strive to be a role model.

“It was a light-bulb moment for me,” said Belinda. “I had been teetering between a

life of irresponsibility and one that could be ‘on the straight and narrow’.”

Belinda became involved with Australian Indigenous Mentoring Experience (AIME), learnt public speaking, and so was able to find avenues of support to help students through their high school years and beyond.

Belinda is now working in Sydney with pre-school children, and studying further towards a masters degree in Aboriginal education. She sees schools, and students who identify as of Indigenous heritage, as the pathway whereby many parents will be led to explore their own family tree, and link with others doing the same. “It becomes a whole-school journey,” says Belinda. Now in her mid-thirties, married to a Bundjalung man from the North Coast, and with two children, Belinda is one of Australia’s leading figures in the Aboriginal education movement. More than sixty people attended Belinda’s talk, with questions following and many conversations continuing afterwards.

Story & image: Ken Rubeli

Belinda Huntriss at the James Theatre, Dungog.

New Clubhouse at Gresford Sporting Complex

On the eve of the new soccer season, Gresford Vacy Football Club is planning to celebrate! The new clubhouse at Gresford Sporting Complex, home of the mighty Scorpions as well as Gresford’s junior and senior cricket clubs, will be officially opened on April 1 and the entire community is invited to attend.

“We’d really love everyone who has ever been involved with the soccer and cricket clubs, or with the sporting complex in any capacity, to come and celebrate this achievement,” Gresford Vacy Football Club president Jim Doyle said. “This million-dollar clubhouse has taken a lot of hard work and we should

all be very proud of this wonderful building that is now ready for our community to use.”

As part of the celebrations, Scorpions teams will be in action all day as they take on visiting teams in a pre-season gala day from 9am right through until late evening. The clubhouse will be officially opened at 11am. While the new clubhouse is ready for use, there is still plenty of landscaping and outdoor improvements to be completed. Club volunteers were in action last week to ready the ground and surrounds for the upcoming season and

the first of a series of new spectator seating was installed. The seats were designed and manufactured by the club’s major sponsor Doyle Ag & Fabrication. “This is just the first of 15 seats we have planned for Stage 1,” Doyle said. “We are offering the community an opportunity to sponsor a seat for $1500 and this will include a brass plaque that could be used to show support or as a memorial to someone who was passionate about community sport in our area.”

Anyone keen to sponsor some new seating at Gresford Sporting Complex can contact club president Jim Doyle on 0407 307 800.

Ph 4938 9710

Some of the working bee volunteers test out the first of the new spectator seats at Gresford Sporting Complex.

Country News

EARLY NOTICE OF 2 PRODUCTIVE FARMS Listed for Sale & COMING ONTO THE MARKET SOON.

‘EVORA’ • 150 acres • $4.99 Million Bendolba via Dungog, 160 units Irrigation. An exceptional property.

WILLIAMS RIVERFRONT FARM: Ex dairy. Highly productive, 100% arable. From fertile irrigated river flats rising to broad pasture improved level to gently undulating paddocks. Currently running Hereford cattle and sheep, but very suited to establishing a Horse facility.

Tar Sealed Roads lead to the Property with easy access for floats or trucks.

FARMHOUSE: Drive through the treelined entry to the secluded, beautiful country farmhouse, set in gorgeous country gardens, with rose arbours, shade trees, vegetable gardens. The views are stunning looking out over the river flats below to the surrounding hills. Featuring stunning formal Lounge Room, Dining Room, Sitting Room, luxury Kitchen, 3 large Bedrooms plus study, 3 Bathrooms including 2 large luxurious Ensuites, plus the essential huge Mud Room with extra toilet. Inground swimming pool, wide wrap around verandas providing shade and shelter and multiple choices to sit relax and enjoy the garden and farm views. The farmhouse has been designed for country entertainment and relaxed lifestyle and provides an exceptionally comfortable luxury country home.

Living at Evora is invigorating and adventurous with the farm geared to productivity and the riverfront provides a stunning environment as well as irrigation water.

SHEDDING: Large farm shedding includes garaging, machinery sheds, Hay Barn, tractor shed, chook yard (was the dairy calves shed in the past).

STOCK YARDS: Large undercover stock yards, watered, with 3 phase power, and includes the meat processing facility and cheese making equipment ,in use until recently for Farm to Table enterprise. (You can purchase the 2 Jersey cows that provided milk for the cheese making)

WATER: Exceptionally well watered with Williams River front, lagoon aquifer, 6 Dams, 16 Troughs, 5x drinking Water tanks, plus water from Hunter Water pipeline all providing water security. 60 units irrigation on the Williams River and 100 units of irrigation on the lagoon aquifer providing exceptional security of water.

PADDOCKS: Fenced into 21 paddocks. Very well set up for ease of management.

POWER: 3 phase power plus solar power cells.

“Evora” is outstanding. Inspect by prior appointment only. Early inspection opportunity for genuine Buyers only.

‘YARRA GLEN’ • 423 acres • $4.25 Million Torryburn Yarra Glen is simply spectacular. Nature has provided a stunning environment. Privately located, hidden from main roads. Driving into Yarra Glen is reminiscent of arriving at a traditional very productive ex dairy farm with lush green paddocks and charming old weatherboard Farmhouse overlooking the rural panorama and located above the Allyn River.

SHEDDING: Huge 7 bay machinery shed, New hay Barn, other exceptional shedding, old dairy building is used for storage.

WATER: 50 units irrigation on the Allyn. Irrigation hydrants on the flats, 17 Dams including huge lake sized main Dam, 7 troughs, 6x water tanks of various sizes providing water to House and other infrastructure, Steel Stock Yards are watered, high rainfall area, stunning long Allyn Riverfront with easily accessed swimming holes.

THE FARM: Fertile, pasture improved level to very gently undulating paddocks, with native grasses on the higher country plateau to rear of the Farm. Exceptionally beautiful country. Established shade trees and cattle camps. Steel stock yards with race and cattle crush adjustable for calves, 2 holding yards. Easy truck access. Currently running Angus cattle with huge potential for horse facility, potential for polo practise field on elevated, wide pasture ridge. With a mix of productive farming country and the adventure of living on a larger property offering riverfront swimming holes, and adventure riding up through the hill at the rear of the farm.

FENCING: fenced into 23 paddocks with laneways. Much of the farm infrastructure has been replaced or upgraded by current owners, Yarra Glen presents a rare buying opportunity being a larger than average farm and carefully nurtured and improved to provide an exceptional buying opportunity.

Exclusive Agent

Phone exclusive agent Pamela Munson for early inspection opportunities.

Acquisitive Prize for Gresford Arboretum

Philippa Graham, Chair of Sculpture on the Farm, recently announced that the 2023 Sculpture on the Farm Exhibition to be held from 29 September to 2 October, will be awarding three Acquisitive Prizes at the 2023 Exhibition.

The three Acquisitive Prizewinning sculptures at the 2023 Sculpture on the Farm Exhibition will be presented for public display to Dungog district organisations. Previous sculptures have been and will again be presented to the Dungog Common Recreation Reserve and Dungog Council.

“This year I am absolutely delighted to award the third Acquisitive Prize to the Gresford and District Community Group for display at the Gresford Arboretum at the Gresford Community Park”, she announced.

An Acquisitive Prize, worth up to $15,000, is a sculpture purchased by Sculpture on the Farm and then donated for public display in the Dungog region. Previous Acquisitive prizes include ‘Nothin’ but Sky’ by Braddon Snape, displayed at the Lioness

Park Dungog and the ‘Kelpie’ by Jimmy Rix displayed outside the Dungog Visitor Information Centre.

Penny Kater, Secretary of the Gresford and District Community Group said she was

“honoured and delighted” that the Gresford Arboretum was to be a recipient of one of the winning sculptures. “I am so excited and looking forward to this wonderful addition to the Gresford Arboretum, situated in Community Park on Park Street Gresford”.

The Community Park is the home of the Gresford Historical Society located in the Therese Doyle Hall and the Gresford Arboretum that showcases local vegetation of trees, plants, and shrubs, especially those becoming rarer or at risk of being lost altogether. Further enhancing the park are the four amazing bird and native animal murals by local artist Chris Pike, the 20 Lacebark trees planted following receipt of the Queen’s Jubilee Tree Grant. Created from local trees the adventure playground for children provides even more opportunity for discovery and enjoyment by those who visit.

The 2023 Sculpture on the Farm Acquisitive Prize will be yet another addition to the Gresford Community Park.

Donated to Dungog Council. the 2021 Acquisitive Prize winner ‘Kelpie’ by Jimmy Rix is able to be viewed outside the Dungog Visitor Information Centre.

The 2023 Gresford Show was overall a great success. Pavilion entries were strong and feedback from Stewards was that the quality of entries was exceptional. Congratulations to the Winner of the Mary Kealy Perpetual Award for Most Successful Exhibitor in the Pavilion sections, Mrs Eileen Challinor. Congratulations also to the winner of the Committee Special Art Class, Josh Evans- you obviously have a knack with the paintbrush (or paying off the judges !!)

2023 Gresford Show

Congratulations to the Art Show Committee on organising another hugely successful Art Preview event on Thursday evening. The meal that was provided by Morpeth Deli, and organised by Penny Evans, was again delicious and very well received. What a great way to start the Show weekend!

In the main ring, the campdraft was again well-supported, culminating in a very high-quality final being run on Saturday afternoon. A huge thank you to all cattle donors and transport operators, for ensuring this event could go ahead so successfully. Horse ring numbers were down overall, due to several other events

Wednesday 5 April – $500 Easter Egg Raffle

$1500 Prawn & Oyster Raffle

Tuesday 25 April- Anzac Day celebrations open from 11.00, Can wok Restaurant open 11.30 Lunch specials, TWO UP after Lunch

Sunday 7 May – 70th Anniversary of Gresford Bowling Club, Afternoon tea celebrations 2.00-5.00 all Members & Guest welcomed!

Sunday 14 May – Free Mother’s Day Raffle, all mothers will be given a ticket drawn after the normal raffles.

Saturday 27 May “Wayne Donnelly” Hypno- Comedian

$30 a ticket, Doors open 7.30pm

Every Week at the Bowlo!!

Wednesday Night

HAPPY HOUR WEDNESDAY 4.30 - 6.00

Yellow Barrel Draw-$50.00 every week

Last Wednesday of the month $200.00

Schooner Card Draw 1st Wednesday of the month

Drawn after the raffles must be here to win!

Friday Night

Gift Voucher Raffles

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

Sunday Night Raffles

Like us on Facebook

“Support your Club, It’s your club” Best In our town,

in the area, but it was great to see the local ring very strong, even in the heat. Congratulations to James Hall Supreme Local Rider winner, Matia Hopwood, and the David Cain Memorial Award winner for Most Successful Local Competitor, Ellen George.

A huge congratulations and thanks to Josh Evans and Paul Dooley and all the other committee members involved in these sections, for organising a great ring entertainment program, including 6-bar show jumping, rough riding, motorbike races, post-splitting, and fireworks, ensuring the crowd always had plenty of events going on for their enjoyment.

Junior Young Women entrants with judges Nat & Col Barnett

Winner Junior Young Woman Isabelle Hughes with runner-up, Lily Clement

Junior cattle judging on Friday was another section that was exceptionally well supported, with large numbers from local schools coming along to compete. The Commercial Cattle section held on Saturday was very well supported by local beef producers, and congratulations to Tarin Grove Farms for their win in the Supreme Commercial Beef Exhibit.

Congratulations to the 2023 Gresford Junior Young woman winner Isabella Hughes, and runner-up Lily Clement. A huge thank you to Young Woman co-ordinator, Penny Evans for all your hard work organising this wonderful

event. Thank you also to the 2022/23 Gresford Young Woman, Taylor McKenzie for all your support of the girls throughout their preparation for the competition. Congratulations also to Taylor for orchestrating the hugely successful return of the local producers stand. It certainly made a huge impact on the lawns on Saturday morning, and provided a wonderful showcase of what exceptional produce and goods Gresford has to offer. Another popular return was that of the local sausage competition, and thanks goes to Prue McCormack for taking this under her wing this year. Let’s hope it can return in 2024.

For the official opening on Saturday, we welcomed former Wallabies Rugby

player, Mr Mick Mathers to do the honours of opening the show, supported by Member for Upper Hunter, Mr David Layzell. We also welcomed some winners of other local Young Woman competitions, and we certainly put on a great display of Gresford hospitality and entertainment for all our special guests. Congratulations to Maree Kealy for organising a wonderful luncheon event for all official guests on Saturday.

Thursday 6th April – Gresford Cricket Club

Monster Easter Raffle Drawn 8ish

Good Friday – Closed

Easter Saturday – Billy Cart Derby

Pub Open from 9am

Soloist Dean Dee 1-3

Gresford's own Georgie Winchester out the front of Turpentine Babycino 3-4

The Merkins 4-8

Sunday 16 April – Marriah Band 1-5

Tuesday 25 April – Karaoke 2-6

Our merchandise proved very popular once again, with both hats and stubby coolers selling out by Saturday afternoon. Thank you to Taylor for organising this, and to Phil Clements for selling some of the hats at the Garage in the week leading up to the show. They are certainly becoming collector’s items each year!!

Gresford Show has a committee that is leading the way into the future with enthusiasm and innovation, and we want to send a huge thank you to all GDAS Committee members for all the hard-work and time you put into putting on this wonderful event. Gresford Show 2023 was certainly a very hot week, but we certainly know how to give people a good time and showcase what our area has to offer. We hope to see you all at Gresford Show in 2024 for an exciting new Entertainment Program.

Elise Chesworth, Secretary report

Sausage Competition L-R (Mick Mathers - Judge, Paul Hermann - Chef, Prue McCormack - Organiser, Col Barnett - Judge)

Post Splitting

Local Producers Stall

$9.7M funding boost to future proof river crossings in Dungog Shire

Dungog Mayor, Cr John Connors, has welcomed news of a significant Government funding boost that will upgrade 26 river crossings, improve capacity of culverts and replace the Shire’s last remaining local road timber bridge.

The Mayor joined Minister for Regional Transport and Roads, Sam Farraway, Upper Hunter MP Dave Layzell, and Councillors and senior staff, plus some happy community members on site to announce more than $9.7million to strengthen causeways, crossings and easements across the shire, including the replacement of Gresford Suspension Bridge over the Paterson River.

The funding not only means the longawaited infrastructure project will finally be realised but also signals the final piece in a highly successful program of works to replace all the Shire's local road timber bridges with new, stronger and more resilient river crossings that will ensure safer passage for all Dungog residents and visitors.

“The replacement of Gresford Suspension Bridge has been high on Council’s agenda for several years following unsuccessful grant funding

applications under previous rounds of the NSW Government’s Fixing Country Bridges Program, so this is welcome news,” Cr Connors said.

The 72.3 metre bridge connecting Gresford to an isolated community to the west of Paterson River will be replaced with a raised concrete structure that provides better access to emergency vehicles and larger vehicles and primary producer markets. The project will cost $3.7M.

“There are many families on the western side of Paterson River who rely on access over the bridge. There is a river crossing nearby which is critical for larger vehicles that can’t safely use the suspension bridge; however this frequently washes away during rain events, making access to primary producers and vital local services very difficult for the residents.”

This latest funding which comes jointly from the State and Federal Governments

The announcement at Gresford Suspension Bridge with Minister for Regional Transport and Roads, Sam Farraway, Upper Hunter MP Dave Layzell and Dungog Mayor John Connors with happy community members.

allows us to provide upgrades to lowlevel causeways and smaller bridges that regularly over-top during rain events.

Council will use the funds to roll out its River and Floodway Crossing Improvement Program which includes upgrades to 26 river crossings from the Upper Allyn through to Vacy, Paterson, Gresford and Glen Martin to name a few as well as upgrades to the culverts under Hooke Street in the Dungog town centre.

“Our main priority has always been to advocate for critical roads and infrastructure funding, so we are able to deliver these essential components to a standard our community deserves,” Cr Connors said.

The $312.5M Regional Roads and Transport Recovery Package – also known as the Betterment Fund - is a jointly funded by the federal and state governments and is designed to assist rural councils to invest in prevention, preparedness and capability development initiatives to ensure they are ready for future natural disasters. Video footage of the Gresford Suspension Bridge

Don't miss the Gresford balloon flight

Enjoy this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to take flight in a hot air balloon over Gresford. Proceeds from the flight go to the Gresford beautification project.

This is a sunrise hot air balloon ride over the magnificent Gresford region followed by a Boydell sparkling wine breakfast. Flights will be operated by award-winning Balloon Aloft.

On the 20th of April meet at the Gresford Sporting Complex at approximately 5.30am. Please note that hot air ballooning is a weather dependent activity so, in the event of poor weather, the flight will be moved to a backup date.

The cost is $480 per person including breakfast. For more information please contact Jim Doyle on 0407 307 800 or David Oliver on 0414 299 555. To book your flight contact 4990 9242 or email bookings@ balloonaloft.com

In conversation with Teela Reid

Later this year Australians will be asked to vote in a referendum on a Voice to Parliament.

This Ethics Centre livestream event will be presented at the James Theatre Dungog by Paterson Allyn Williams Science & Ideas Hub in collaboration with Reconciliation Dungog on Tuesday 4 April, 7 pm - FREE admission.

What is the Voice to Parliament? Can the national conversation for constitutional recognition reconcile the truth of our nations’ past? Or have we embarked on a new era of reckoning with the risk that comes with a referendum? How do we embrace the discomfort of this moment and what does it mean – for us collectively and individually? What do we need to know to make an informed decision?

Proud Wiradjuri and Wailwan woman and lawyer, Teela Reid will join Dr Simon Longstaff AO in conversation to unpack the Voice to Parliament. Be part of this informal but urgent conversation through this live screening event from The Ethics Centre.

The Ethics Centre’s ‘In Conversation with…’ series is an intimate opportunity to delve into contemporary issues we are

Good fences make for good neighbours!

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?

Then visit our website wolfrural.com.au

Free fencing advise when you get a quote with us.

grappling with – and perhaps see things from a different perspective.

Teela Reid

Teela Reid is a proud Wiradjuri and Wailwan woman, lawyer, essayist, storyteller and co-founder of @ blackfulla_bookclub, a platform that honours First Nation’s Ancestors as the original Storytellers. Currently, Teela is a Sydney-based Senior Solicitor practicing in Aboriginal Land Rights litigation and

is the current Practitioner in residence at Sydney Law School. She was awarded the 2020 UNSW Young Achiever award for her contributions to the community and her advocacy as a working group leader on s51(xxvi), the Race Power, in the Constitutional dialogue process that culminated in the Uluru Statement from the Heart.

This year, Teela is the contributing editor for the Griffith Review ‘Acts of Reckoning’ Edition 2022. Teela has also

written opinions published in the Sydney Morning Herald, Washington Post, The Guardian, Marie Claire and The National Indigenous Times. She was awarded 2022 Indigenous Leader at the Australian Law Awards.

Dr Simon Longstaff AO

Dr Simon Longstaff began his working life on Groote Eylandt in the Northern Territory of Australia. He is proud of his kinship ties to the Anindilyakwa people. After a period studying law in Sydney and teaching in Tasmania, he pursued postgraduate studies as a Member of Magdalene College, Cambridge. In 1991, Simon commenced his work as the first Executive Director of The Ethics Centre. In 2013, he was made an officer of the Order of Australia (AO) for “distinguished service to the community through the promotion of ethical standards in governance and business, to improving corporate responsibility, and to philosophy.” Simon is an Adjunct Professor of the Australian Graduate School of Management at UNSW, a Fellow of CPA Australia, the Royal Society of NSW and the Australian Risk Policy Institute.

ANZAC DAY 2023

An invitation to the Community to Commemorate ANZAC Day

The Gresford RSL Sub Branch will this year conduct a Dawn Service at Paterson and a Commemoration Service at Gresford. We invite all residents to participate in the March and Service, providing an opportunity to remember their family members and friends who have served their country in all theatres of operation and paying homage to those who did not return. The Paterson Rotary Club will again assist in preparation of the Paterson Cenotaph for the Dawn Service and will provide assistance on the day as they have done for many years. The Gresford ANZAC Day March and Commemoration Service has always been very well supported by the Gresford Community Group, the Rural Fire Brigade, and the local Police. The Royal Australian Air Force Williamtown will provide a Catafalque Party for both the Dawn Service and Gresford Commemoration ceremonies.

The Dawn Service will commence with the Dawn Service March from Stockers & Partridge Garage, Paterson at 5.30 am proceeding to the Paterson Cenotaph for the Dawn Service. Following the service,

Veterans and all attendees are invited to the Paterson Tavern for a traditional mince on toast breakfast (Gold Coin donation). In 2022 the Dawn Service was very well attended by the general community and Paterson School with record numbers. Relatives of departed Veterans are encouraged to march wearing the Veterans medals on the right breast.

The Gresford ANZAC Day March will commence at Gresford Garage & Rural at 10.30 am proceeding down Durham Road and Park Street to the Gresford Cenotaph for the Commemoration Service. The 2023 ANZAC Day Service will again be supported by the local schools and the wider communities of Gresford, Paterson, Vacy and Martins Creek. Relatives of departed Veterans are encouraged to march wearing the Veterans medals on the right breast.

Following the Gresford ANZAC Day service, RSL Sub Branch members and those wishing to attend, will retire to the Gresford Bowling Club.

If anyone requires any further information or assistance please contact the Sub Branch Secretary, Glenn Wall on 0428 389 462.

Local History Stories

A story to commemorate a trip by a party of visitors and local people to the Barrington Tops in Easter 1923 –100 years ago this month.

The Maitland Weekly Mercury

Saturday 7 Apr 1923 Page 4

The Newcastle-Maitland contingent of the Easter party for the Barrington Tops left West Maitland on Friday morning, in weather that made a trip to mountains most desirable. The party, which left soon after 10 a.m., consisted of Superintendent Childs, Mr. J. H. Nancarrow (secretary of the Newcastle Chamber of Commerce), Mr. J. S. Hoskins (secretary of the Agricultural Association), and Messrs. F. L. Smith, P. Sim and G.H. Reid. The party intended staying at Eccleston last night, and with Mr. John Hopson, as Cicerone, and other Eccleston folk to start for the Tops this morning, horses being provided by the members of the Eccleston Agricultural Bureau. The party is expected in Maitland on return on Tuesday.

The next meeting of the Gresford District Historical Society will be held at the Therese Doyle Hall on Easter Saturday, 8 April at 5 pm (the second Saturday of

By Ivan Skaines, Trevallyn, Gresford District Historical Society

each month). The Gresford Heritage Museum, also in the Therese Doyle Hall, is open 10 am to 2 pm on the 1st, 2nd and 3rd Sundays of the month. It will also be open on Saturday, 1 April coinciding with the opening of the new building at the Gresford Sports Complex. The Gresford District Historical Society/ Museum will have books for sale, and also a number of books published by the

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.

Paterson Historical Society and Little Village in the Foothills written by “Old Bill Bates” and published by the Dungog Historical Society:

It is likely that the Gresford Historical Society will also have a stall in the School of Arts coinciding with the Gresford Billy Cart Derby on Easter Saturday morning, 8 April.

Evans is descended from a farming family located in the Gresford area prior to

A rest at the Saw Mill, Allyn River (Upper Allyn), Police Superintendent Childs and John Hopson (front centre, left and right). Photo courtesy Margaret Hipwell, Eccleston.

Gresford News April Crossword

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

Sat Vigil Mass at St. Helen's church

Sat. evening at 5:30 pm (except 2nd Sat. of month).

Weekday Mass Thur at 9.30am

Sun Morning Mass at Summer Hill on the 2nd Sun. each month at 11:30 am.

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

March 2023 crossword answers

Crossword kindly provided by Russel Jessop.

The DA-approved, 22-storey ONE precinct is superbly located in Newcastle’s CBD, o ering 193 one, two and three-bedroom luxury apartments and a selection of scenic vistas. This stunning urban oasis sets the region’s new benchmark in luxurious liveability with unparalleled premium residential facilities to promote wellness and social connection.