News of the communities of the Paterson and Allyn River Valleys
For most of the week rain tumbled down over our valley. This made the grounds unfit for horse events so all horse rings and the campdraft were cancelled. But the show still had plenty to celebrate and lots on offer to entertain. The committee amended gate fees to ensure visitors would still be attracted to come – and despite heavy conditions under foot, they certainly still came! ...Story and pics pp 10/11
Congratulations Junior Young Woman entrants – runner up Poppy Uren & winner Ebony Young. Photo: Penny Evans
THE RURAL SPECIALISTS
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*****SUBSIDISED LICENCE UPGRADES AND TRAINING ALSO AVAILABLE*****
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.
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
For further information or to apply please contact us on 0249 389 394 or email
Gresford School of Arts Committee meeting (main hall), 7pm
Gresford Billy Cart Derby – Easter Saturday
Sat 19 Apr Live music – Dean Dee in the backyard 10-1pm, Red Dirt Country Band 1-5pm, The Merkins 6-10pm, Hotel Beatty
Fri - Apr
CWA Craft Morning - not in April due to Easter, CWA Hall, 9–12
Thurs 24 Apr Circle Dancing, 4.30pm – to book in and check location phone Pip on 0493 388 889
Fri 25 Apr
ANZAC Day events around Gresford
Wed 30 Apr Sketch Club, Gresford Community Gallery, 1–4pm
Sat 10 May CWA book club, CWA Hall, 2pm
Every Mon Fitness A GoGo with Donna! class, Gresford Community Gallery, 3.30pm
Every Wed Happy hour + Gift Voucher Raffles, Gresford Bowls Sport & Recreation Club, 4.30–6pm
Every Thurs Mass, St Helen's Catholic Church, East Gresford, 9.30am
Every Thur Happy hour, free pool & jukebox, Hotel Beatty, 5.30–7pm
Every Fri (school terms) Yoga with Donna Cavanough, Vacy School of Arts Hall, 9.30–11am & live zoom online Tues, Wed, Fri, 7.30am
Every Fri Twilight Bowls, Gresford Bowls Sport & Recreation Club, 5.30pm
Most Fri afternoons Friends of the Arboretum activities, times vary seasonally, contact Penny Kater for details 0488 371 589
Every Fri Cricket Club Raffles, Hotel Beatty
Sat-Sun Gresford Community Gallery open, 12 Park St, East Gresford, 10-4 or by appt phone Robyn 0417 686 816
Sat Mass, St Helen's Catholic Church, East Gresford, 5.30pm (except 2nd Sat of month)
Every Sun Anglican Church services, dates & locations vary–see ad, St Paul’s Paterson, 8.30am • St Anne’s Gresford, 10.30am
Every Sun The Gresford Congregational Church welcomes you, 10.30am
Every Sun Social Bowls +, Gresford Bowls Sport & Recreation Club, from 4pm
1st Mon each month Gresford District Community Group Meeting, 6.30pm, all welcome! (not Jan)
1st & 3rd Mon each month French conversation, CWA Hall, 10–11.30
1st Wed each month The Laughable Leigh Trivia Night, Gresford Bowls Sport & Recreation Club, 6.30pm
2nd Mon each month Gresford District Landcare Group Meeting, 5pm (not Jan), contact Penny Kater for details 0488 371 589
2nd Thurs each month Pool Comp with prizes at the Hotel Beatty 6.30pm
2nd Sat each month Gresford Community Market, Gresford Community Park, 9–1
2nd Sat each month CWA Book Club, CWA Hall, 3pm
2nd Sun each month Mass, Sacred Heart, Summer Hill, 11.30am
3rd Tues each month Paterson Allyn Garden Group meet, 10am (not Jan), contact Chris Walker for details 0401 566 180
3rd Thurs each month Trivia Night at the Hotel Beatty 6.30pm
3rd Fri each month CWA Craft Morning, CWA Hall, 9–12
3rd Sun each month Vacy & Surrounds Crop Swap, alongside Vacy General Store, 9.30am
3rd Sun each month Entertainment at the Hotel Beatty
4th Thurs each month Circle Dancing, 4.30pm – to book in and check location phone Pip on 0493 388 889
PUT YOUR EVENT IN THE COMMUNITY DIARY:
Contact Gresford News: email gresfordnews@iinet.net.au • Brian Doherty 0412 372 687 • Jane Richens 0425 339 856
The Gresford News has always been created by the community for the community. The content is provided by individuals and community organisations to keep the community informed about activities in the area. Your contributions are always welcome! Deadline for stories & ads 20th of the month. For text – Word format preferred. For pictures – .jpg format preferred (not in word).
An extensive range of machines and earthmoving equipment to suit every aspect of the Building & Construction Industry
Supply all forms of quarry product
Contact: Paul Mastin 0418 499 471 Head Office 02 4938 8135
DIVISION OF DREEGAN BUILDING & CONSTRUCTION BASED IN THE HUNTER VALLEY ABN: 56137525494
Gresford News Notices
Special event – Talk by Tony Cavanaugh
Sat 12 April 2pm, CWA Hall
Scriptwriter, novelist, editor, mentor and man of many talents in the TV, film and writing world, Tony Cavanaugh will be speaking about his writing experiences. He has won many accolades for his work and has helped numerous other writers in both kickstarting and editing their work.
Gresford Community Market Sat 12 April 9am–1pm
Gresford Community Park
Gresford Billy Cart Derby
Easter Saturday – 19 April
Join in this exceptional event!
THE GRESFORD NEWS
Gresford News: News of the communities of the Paterson & Allyn River Valleys, has been published by the Gresford & District Community Group since 2002. As a not-for-profit community association any profits go towards supporting community projects.
IT'S YOUR NEWS
The Gresford News has always been created by the community for the community. The content is provided by individuals and community organisations – Your contributions are always welcome!
Sketch Club Wed 30 April 1–4pm
Gresford Community Gallery
Still Life – inspiration from Australian artist Margaret Woodward. Hosted by artist Christine Pike.
Gresford School of Arts Committee meeting Tues 15 April 7pm, main hall All are welcome to attend.
Sculpture on the Farm Dungog submissions open
Submission now open & close 1st June, so start preparing your artwork for this landmark event now. We can’t wait to see what you create. The terms and conditions of entry are now live on our website, so make sure you review them carefully before submitting your work.
We’re accepting entries and we encourage you to submit your work for a chance to win part of our $57,000 total prize pool. While we can’t accept every submission, we encourage you to apply and share your creative vision for this year’s exhibition.
COMMUNITY DIARY • • • TELL EVERYONE
ABOUT YOUR ACTIVITIES
We are relaunching the COMMUNITY DIARY that was stopped during COVID.
To be included send TITLE, LOCATION, TIME & DATE of your upcoming meeting / event by the 20th of January 2025 to: GresfordNews@iinet.net.au
AVAILABLE FREE ONLINE
All editions of the Gresford News since Dec 2011 are available to read FREE at issuu.com/gresford-news
NEW 'BUSINESS CARD' AD
The Gresford News is introducing a new 'Business Card' ad to provide an opportunity for smaller businesses to advertise in the News. The new ad size is approximately the size of a business card, 42mm high by 89mm wide. It will be a full colour ad and cost $28 for a repeat ad or $34 for a single issue. To book your ad email gresfordnews@iinet.net.au
New dance for fitness Fitness A GoGo with Donna! classes have just commenced in the Gresford Community Gallery, Mondays 3.30pm. It's retro fitness to 60s rock-n-roll music & the classes are aimed at women over 50 (however all women are welcome!). It's a safe, comfortable, fun & non-judgemental space where women can come together for a fun fitness class. It also becomes a wonderful social event to meet other women in the community that you may not have ever met before. You can join the ladies having fun & getting a workout at the same time. Donna on 0432 364 172, Facebook, fitnessagogowithdonna@gmail.com
IS YOUR NEWS BEING DELIVERED?
Gresford News is delivered to letterboxes on the main road north of Paterson and roadside in the Vacy and Gresford postal districts to the top of the Paterson and Allyn Rivers. PLEASE let us now if you do not recieve your NEWS – we will see if there is a problem we can fix.
OTHER OUTLETS
Pick up a copy of the NEWS at:
• East Gresford Foodworks
• Gresford Garage and Rural
• Gresford Store / Crossroads Cafe
• Vacy General Store Cafe & Gifts
DAVE LAYZELL MP
Member
HOW I CAN HELP YOU
Gloucester
Dungog
Singleton
Muswellbrook
Merriwa
Murrurundi
Gresford
East
Vacy
Paterson
Lorn
Bolwarra
upperhunter@parliament.nsw.gov.au
Authorised
Gresford Gears Up for Biggest Billy Cart Derby Yet!
The much-loved Gresford Billy Cart Derby (A Project of the Rotary Club of Dungog) is back this Easter Saturday, April 19, and all signs point to this year being the biggest and best yet! The event promises a fun-filled day for the whole family, packed with racing, entertainment, and community spirit.
Competitors of all ages will take to the track in their homemade billy carts, racing down the streets of East Gresford in a thrilling display of creativity and speed. Entry forms and event details are available on the official website https://gresfordbillycartderby.wordpress.com and via Facebook.
Beyond the races, the event offers plenty to keep visitors entertained. Live music, markets, billy cart merchandise, Easter egg hunts, games, and competitions will fill the day. The ever-popular raffle and mega auction will once again give attendees the chance to take home some incredible prizes— including top-quality local beef, so be sure to clear some space in the freezer!
A Big Thank You to Our Sponsors
The success of the Gresford Billy Cart Derby wouldn’t be possible without the generous support of local businesses. A special thanks to our Gold Sponsor, The Beatty Hotel, as well as One Agency, Gasworld, and the many other businesses that contribute donations, prizes, and their time to make this event a reality with all profits being invested back into the community and local causes. With a fantastic lineup of activities and a record-breaking turnout expected, this year’s Gresford Billy Cart Derby is shaping up to be a must-attend event. Whether you’re racing, cheering from the sidelines, or simply soaking up the festive atmosphere, it’s a day not to be missed!
Traffic Delays Notice
Residents and visitors should be aware of expected traffic delays in East Gresford during the event. Traffic will be permitted to pass through at 25-minute intervals between 7:00am and 12:45pm, after which the road will fully reopen.
PO Box 36 Branxton NSW 2335 Office: 0427 383 388 Email: Admin@HunterSL com au HUNTERSL COM AU
Kickstart the New Year with Hunter Stock & Land!
We’re excited to welcome everyone back for our weekly HRLX Prime Sale at Singleton, held every Wednesday starting at 8:30 am, beginning with our first sale on Wednesday, January 8th At Hunter Stock & Land, we’re dedicated to supporting our clients with comprehensive services that cover all your property and livestock needs Our team is here to assist with:
Property Sales – Specializing in rural properties to help you buy or sell with confidence
Weekly Prime Sales at HRLX Singleton – Join us every Wednesday for a reliable market platform
Direct Sales – Simplifying transactions for efficient and direct buyer-seller connections
Clearing Sales – Helping you manage, organize, and conduct successful clearings
Livestock Management – Expert support tailored to optimize your livestock operations
We’re committed to providing hands-on support, industry insights, and a trusted team ready to meet your needs Here’s to a successful 2025 season!
President Jillian welcomed the group for our first get together for 2025 & it was extremely pleasing to see such a good attendance, including three new members & a number of visitors. We were blessed with a perfect day to view the beautifully presented property of our hosts, Christine & Ron at Torryburn. Prior to moving to Torryburn, the couple spent 20 years in Orange & had to rethink their ‘English garden’ style to a ‘native plant’ themed garden, more suited to the local conditions.
Paterson Allyn Garden Group
The property is in a prime location, situated on the brow of a hill with stunning views over the surrounding countryside. As an added bonus for the horse lovers, an adjoining paddock is home to the brood mares from Torryburn Stud.
Apart from some of the larger trees, Ron & Christine have crafted a range of individual garden areas around the site with Ron planting a copse of Tallowwoods as a reminder of his time on the north coast.
As we all know, there is always a degree of ‘trial & error’ involved in the process of
achieving the end result & these gardens are a testament to the hard work & planning put in to create the beautiful grounds now on show. Ron initially became interested in gardening when working in landscaping when he was young & spending some time in Japan helped to encourage his interest. Christine developed an urge to try her hand at bonsai but decided that the timeframes involved were probably not conducive to being able to see the results of her efforts.
Ron’s main interest now is in propagating & growing Hoya plants & he has lost count of how many he has but, I am pretty sure that if you have any questions about Hoyas, Ron is the go-to guru.
Liz conducted a Q&A with Ron & the most interesting things to come out was that he spends a lot of time at Bunnings & if he could come back as a garden tool, he would like to be a whipper snipper – who wouldn’t.
PAGG Helpline - As a new initiative & to utilise the vast knowledge within the PAGG membership, we would like to offer a ‘help line’ to provide answers to your gardening problems & issues. Please address your issues to – gardenhelpline@ hotmail.com & the appropriate expert will provide an answer.
Our next meeting will be on the third Tuesday of the month, 15th April, in Largs & visitors are always welcome, so check out the Paterson & Allyn Garden Group website for more information.
Gresford Show 2025 – "the show mud go on!!"
It’s a credit to our community and surrounding district that in 2025 Gresford Show’s pavilions were literally bursting with the biggest entries in years – and for some sections ever! From magnificent quilts to beautiful baking, handstitched heirlooms and every type of pot plant you could imagine, the show this year kicked off with indelible style! The cooking section had more than 150 entries alone, keeping the stewards and judge incredibly busy determining everything from champion scone to the winner of the Men’s Beer Bread which had 14 local contenders trying for the first placed prize card. Spoiler alert, President Mick Kealy took the coveted prize for the third time in recent years!!
Once the entries had poured into the pavilions, the community came together for the Art Show and opening night on Thursday, with more than 100 people voting in the People’s Choice Awards and enjoying a social evening with dinner at the Bruce Capp bar. It was a wonderful evening with the People’s Choice Painting award going to Treasurer Angus Uren for his animated painting of Ring Master Josh Evans. Some say he was robbed in the ever popular GDAS Committee art class, which
was won by Josh Evans with a painting of his boys heading out to play cricket.
Huge congratulations to Pavillion Committee steward Janelle McKenzie for winning the coveted Mary Kealy Trophy for most successful exhibitor – after wins and places across the baking, pot plants, jams and preserves, flower arranging sections and more!!
Mother Nature chose to help to the ‘pouring’ situation and for most of the week, including the Thursday the rain tumbled down over our valley. This made the grounds unfit for horse events so all horse rings and the campdraft were cancelled. The show still had plenty to celebrate and
lots on offer to entertain, and the committee amended gate fees to ensure visitors would still be attracted to come –and despite heavy conditions under foot, they certainly still came!
It was wonderful to see plenty of entries still attend the cattle classes on the Friday and Saturday of the show, and full credit to the paraders and owners who persevered with some challenging conditions. In our commercial section there was a call for more temporary yards to be erected, with more than 30 local entries showcasing the best of the beef production enterprises in our region. Congratulations to Vice President Paul Dooley on winning Supreme Exhibit of the show.
COMING UP IN APRIL
the Billy
Saturday also saw some juggling of entertainment options, due to the ongoing wet conditions but a great crowd still came along to support the event. The show was formally opened by former AgSHows NSW and Gresford Show President Tim Capp. From the pet parade to the petting zoo, there was plenty for young families to see and do. This year for the first time the new Gresford Show Youth Committee put on a fun scavenger hunt for kids to learn more about our show, which proved hugely popular. Congratulations to our Junior Young Woman entrants for representing your families and the community brilliantly, in the end, the winner was Ebony Young and runner up Poppy Uren. The entertainment was pivoting according to weather conditions but a huge shout out for the post cutters who started at 12 noon and were still entertaining us right up until the fireworks after 8pm!! It was a solid day of racing!!
It seemed fate that after 30 years the original GDAS tug of war rope was returned after hanging in a local shed so the post cutters agreed to take on the finest from the Bowling Club and a best of three tussle really brought the crowds to their feet! In challenging conditions, the hardworking post cutters came out on top. We can only imagine the Bowlo team are still soaking their lovely white dress shirts after some time down in the mud!!
The junior mini bull riders and steer riders also put on a great show and also saw plenty of mud, as did the competitors in the last minute, but highly entertaining working dog trial!
Up on the hill the hugely anticipated sausage competition saw wins and place be awarded to all of our local butchers across the shire!! Well done all round, the competition was popular as always with some great traditional and creative entries! Amongst the huge downpours of rain the committee, volunteers, stall holders and visitors were smiling and making the most of a social occasion! The rides and sideshows were also hugely popular and we are thankful they continue to support our community, even in trying weather! As the afternoon wore on, it was decided to hold a Produce Auction- selling off excess entries in the mud – from cakes to preserves and pumpkins, plants and more – it was great to see the community spirit come to the fore!! The evening capped off with our hugely popular and spectacular fireworks, which were a truly beautiful display! If nothing else it can always be said Gresford ensures the show will go on – a credit to everyone involved!!
Thanks Penny Evans for this story and photos.
Paul Dooley with pumpkin wrangler Josh Evans!
CWA NEWS
Gresford Show – Nothing says Community Spirit like the efforts put in to make the Gresford Show a success, and this year the conditions were very trying. The CWA would like to thank the Committee and officials who helped enable our Dining Room to go ahead. We would also like to thank the volunteers who made it possible. Although numbers were down on previous years, we still managed to provide breakfasts, lunches and morning and afternoon teas to a reasonable number, and we thank them sincerely for their patronage. We would also like to thank Foodworks and Rob and Sharon at Gresford Meat Co. for their assistance.
Scholarship – Congratulations are extended to a Gresford School student who received the 2024 CWA Phillip Group Grant. The grant is from the Georges River Branch in Sydney.
Craft Mornings – these resumed on the 28th February, and will continue on the third Friday of each month, so the March meeting will be on 21st March. The April meeting will not take place because of Good Friday. Everyone is welcome to join us to work on their favoured craft, and have a chat and some morning tea. 9-12 at the CWA Hall. $5
for non-members and $3 for members.
Billy Cart Derby – we will be present with a combination of bric-a-brac, books, craft, and cakes and biscuits. This is always a big event for Gresford. We hope to see you there!
Book Club Talk - the March meeting did not take place because of the Show, but on the 12th April the book club will host a talk by Tony Cavanaugh, a highly experienced writer in a range of genres. He has been a scriptwriter, novelist, editor, mentor and man of many talents in the TV, film and writing world. All are welcome to arrive at 1:45 for a 2pm start at the CWA Hall. Book club will resume as normal on 10th May with Stone Yard Devotional by Charlotte Wood. All are welcome to attend on the second Saturday of the month at 3pm, but please ring Glenda Smith (numbers below) in case there are unexpected variations.
French Conversation – will continue in 2025 on the first and third Mondays of the month, from 10am to 11:30. Please ring Glenda Smith (4938 9456 or 0400 108 079) if you are interested in joining us this year.
D4H Dozer
What's On the Shelves?
by Glenda Smith
All That I Am
Anna Funder
This is a very powerful book, especially in terms of the current political climate. It examines the resistance to the rise of Hitler, and the ways he manipulated the judiciary system to crush opposition, with the backing of major industrialists. As we all know, his tactics were barefaced and brutal.
Funder examines the life of an active resistance worker – Dora Fabian –through the perspectives of her lover Ernst Toller, a well-known playwright, and her cousin, Ruth Blatt, known as Becker in this novel. Funder met Blatt when she was living out her days in Australia, after being jailed under Hitler’s regime and exiled as a refugee on her release.
Toller wrote his memoir in a New York hotel, before the war, describing the courage and initiative of Dora in exile in London, where she channelled information from Germany in the hope of exposing Hitler before war broke out. Because of her refugee status, she had to be very careful to not appear political, or risked being sent back to Germany.
Ruth wrote from her Sydney beachside suburb, creating a stark contrast to the bleakness of Europe at the time of the events which took place. She describes the courage of her circle of friends who worked against Hitler as well as the cowardice and betrayals of some she trusted. This is a meticulously researched book, though Funder creates the minutiae of everyday existence of the activists in her prose. It is not a quick read, but the slowness of the narrative rewards with a wealth of detail and significance.
All books reviewed are from the CWA library on a separate shelf so they are easy to find plus the reviews are in a folder. Also visit our street library.
Easter Gresford Market
Gresford Community Market stallholders are gearing up for a bumper Easter market on Saturday, April 12, after the soggy weather associated with Cyclone Alfred forced the cancellation of the last market day.
The April 12 market will be the last chance for the community to stock up on hand-made Easter goodies ahead of the Easter Bunny’s arrival the following weekend.
The market continues to grow and has earned a reputation for superior quality fresh produce, handmade goods and artisan creations – all packaged up in a friendly, country atmosphere. “You have created a great market with the best atmosphere and country hospitality,” said Ju Juu Brusk stallholder Sue. “I just love it.” It is a sentiment echoed by the team behind the Gresford Community Market initiative.
“The markets are providing such a fabulous opportunity for local artisans and growers to display their creations,” market team member Pip Woods said. “I just love the camaraderie of the community - some helping stallholders set up and so many visiting the market to support us and catch up with each other for a chat as well.
“One customer was in awe of all that is on offer in such a small town, with the markets, the art gallery, murals, arboretum, the river and the skate park.”
The April 12 market is at Gresford Community Park between 9am and 1pm. The adjacent Gresford Art Gallery will also be open on the day.
CULTURE VULTURE
Greetings to Culture Vulture readers.
The Gresford Community Gallery held its first Exhibition opening celebration on Saturday the 15th March. Thankyou everyone who attended the enjoyable and friendly afternoon event. Thankyou to John O’Brien, Executive Director of Arts Upper Hunter for opening the exhibition with a lively speech. Please drop by to view the new exciting exhibition of works by Hunter Valley artists.
April Featured Gallery Artist: SANDRA LEE BROWN
Sandra has lived in the Hunter Region her entire life. Born at Lake Macquarie on Coal Point she developed a love of imagery by having the constant beauty of her surrounds impact her soul. Sandra discovered a love of clay whilst a child…. “it flicked well off a stripped piece of lantana and went a long, long way!” Clay was to be a passion for life. After attending Hunter Tafe and later the University of Newcastle, receiving a BFA Honours class 1-Arts and Design. Sandra refined her arts practice to include sculpture, ceramics, painting, drawing as well as multimedia works. Before the resurgence of ceramics as a medium of expression for many Sandra ran the Hunter Community College Ceramics course at
Broadmeadow for a number of years as well as tutoring at the University of Newcastle and Teaching at Hunter Tafe. She has been working with clay to make an income for the past ten years through teaching and selling her work. Sandra has work in both National and international collections.
SKETCH CLUB 2025
Next Sketch Club – Wed 30 April, 1–4pm. Still Life – inspiration from Australian artist Margaret Woodward. The gallery holds a Sketch Club once a month, everyone enjoys the creative, friendly atmosphere. Please join us at the next event, all welcome – beginners and professionals. Hosted by artist Christine
Robyn Werkhoven
Pike. Please bring your own art supplies. Cost $10. Gresford Community Gallery Enquiries: gallerygresfordcommunity@gmail.com
Phone: 0428 271 819 Christine Pike
Studio La Primitive Arts Zine Don’t miss reading the locally published, independent art and literary online magazine March issue. The issue includes Hunter Valley contemporary landscape artist Linda Greedy an exhibitor at Gresford Community Gallery. • Renowned artist and award-winning film maker George Gittoes features an article - Humanity in Danger and the Kyiv, Ukraine Art Scene.• Aksara Harriram is a multi-disciplinary artist based in Newcastle, presently exhibiting at our community gallery. • Therese Gabriel Wilkins featuring her love of photography, words and her latest printmaking. Direct link: https://issuu.com/robynwerkhoven/ docs/arts_zine_march_2025
Contact with art news: Robyn Werkhoven Email: werkhovenr@bigpond.com
Gresford Community Gallery • Sat-Sun 10-4 • 12 Park St, East Gresford (next to Arboretum/park) • Entrance at ramp/red door • Follow the Gallery Facebook page for regular updates on forthcoming exhibitions, workshops & artist features
Gresford Vacy Football Club
There are only a few more weeks to wait until the mighty Scorpions hit the pitch for the new soccer season.
Gresford Vacy Football Club registrations have closed, team organisation is happening behind the scenes and players are starting to hone their skills for the opening round at the end of the month.
Round 1 kicks off with Thursday night games on April 24 and Saturday teams in action on April 26.
The club is excited about the enthusiasm already on display from players, particularly those who turn out at 6pm on Tuesday evenings for the Social Summer Sixes sessions at Vacy Oval.
Social Summer Sixes is a fun community initiative designed to build pre-season fitness while at the same time fostering community camaraderie. It is supported by Vacy Hotel and includes a free barbecue after every session.
It is open to the entire community – not just registered Scorpions players – from the ages of under-5s to seniors. Mixed teams are formed on the night.
Season 2025 is expected to build on the success of the past few seasons where the skills of
players have continued to improve, resulting in record success for the club’s competition teams.
As always, the club thanks its dedicated sponsors for their continued support of the Scorpions which builds community links and sportsmanship across the three villages of Gresford, Vacy and Paterson and surrounding areas.
Bowlo News Triples Champions Crowned
In a star-studded final Jamie Atkins, Leigh Collison and Brett Pratten showed their class defeating Craig Lawrence, Ingrid Griffiths and Ben Griffiths 26-12. Some excellent bowls was played and commiserations to Craig and the Griffiths for being on the receiving end.
The 2025 Pennant season is well underway with four matches played so far. The Grade 7 side has started poorly with three losses but fought hard for a home win against Dungog. So things are on the up for them. The Grade 5 team is performing really well, lying a close second in their group. They followed a first round loss with three 10 to 0 wins. May the good form continue.
Peter Dreyer
New
General
Gas
Drain
Transpiration
Gresford School of Arts Update
You may have noticed the construction work that has been taking place at the Gresford School of Arts facility over the past few months.
• There is now a hard roof (car port style) over the children’s mud pit in the playground area. The old sail cover had badly deteriorated and the replacement design was chosen by the parents and the preschool and jointly funded by the preschool and the Gresford School of Arts Management Committee.
• The other, long awaited, construction is that of the Disability Accessible Toilet. Big Bear Builds (located in Paterson) has done a great job. The pathway to the new toilet will also be improved.
• Big Bear Builds will next be making repairs to the sliding door and some windows in the Supper Room. (The Supper Room is the hall used by the Preschool on Thursdays and Fridays).
One issue that has raised concern is that some non-authorised visitors (not on preschool days) have accessed the toy shed in the playground area, leaving outdoor toys scattered as well as damaging some toys. Parents are requested to not allow their children to play (especially if unsupervised) in the School of Arts fenced playground.
The Gresford School of Arts facility continues to be available for private functions as well as a venue for various community meetings and activities. (Contact Kel Merriman, Secretary, on 0417 280 851 for more information).
The next Gresford School of Arts Committee meeting will be held 7pm Tuesday April 15th in the main hall. All are welcome to attend. Kel Merriman, Secretary, Gresford School of Arts Management Committee
Dungog Shire Council News
Highlights from Dungog Shire Council’s ordinary Council meeting on Wednesday 19 March 2025:
SUBMISSION ON TRANSPORT FOR NEW SOUTH WALES APPROACH TO ROAD RECATEGORISATION
Council has approved a submission to Transport for NSW (TfNSW) concerning the Approach to Road Recategorisation, with the objective of providing context to the government on what it is like for councils like Dungog who manage extensive road networks but lack any stateclassified roads owned and maintained by the State Government, and the pressure this places on council to maintain their infrastructure.
The submission outlines key recommendations and proposed amendments to ensure that roads within the Dungog Shire Council local government area (LGA) are appropriately classified based on their function, strategic importance, and contribution to the regional transport network. The submission also highlights concerns with the current assessment criteria and proposes
amendments to better reflect emergency access, freight movements, tourism, public transport, and regional connectivity.
Importantly, the document identifies network equity issues, particularly noting that Dungog Shire Council is the only LGA in NSW without a State Road, creating a disproportionate financial burden on local road maintenance.
Council noted the current road classification framework does not adequately reflect the strategic importance of roads in the Dungog Shire, increasing the risk of underfunding and deteriorating road conditions. It was also noted that if road classifications remain unchanged, Council will continue to bear the full cost of maintaining regionally significant roads with limited state assistance.
GRANTS MANAGEMENT REVIEW
Council has endorsed to implement 11 key recommendations from an independent grants management review which will help Council assess and apply for government grants in the future.
Dungog Shire Council relies heavily on receiving government grants to deliver the infrastructure and services the community
needs, given its own source funding from council rates is low.
The report priority recommendations include:
• Develop and implement a formal Grants Management Strategy
• Establish a Project Qualification System
• Enhance Technology and Systems
• Review current corporate systems functionality
• Improve digital literacy and training
• Upskill and capacity build
• Better use of corporate records management system
• Improve Human Resource Management
• Review organisational structure
• Strengthen financial oversight
• Improve accountability measures
During the draft budget preparation for 2025/26, Council will consider the funding needed to deliver the priority actions, with $30,000 proposed towards a formalised Grants Management Strategy, $50,000 for system upgrades to address project and risk management, and integration into the Council’s existing PULSE system, and approximately $18,000 proposed for ongoing annual licensing fees to maintain the PULSE system.
Bible study continues on Thursdays at Vacy Cafe commencing at 9.30am starting with a cuppa and chat. • Rev.Mary holds a Church service at Lara Nursing Home in Dungog on the second & fourth Thursday of each month. This service is open to staff, patrons & their families. • Fr. Peter’s next Men’s Breakfast is at St. Paul’s Church Hall on Sat 12 April at 8am. Come along and enjoy a hot breakfast with good companionship. Bring along a friend.
Easter Service times are as follows: Sun 13
Palm Sunday 8.30am St. Paul’s Paterson, 10.30am St. Mary’s Allynbrook • Thurs 17
Maundy Thursday service with meal at St. Paul’s Paterson at 6.30pm • Fri 18 Good Friday Service at St. Anne’s Gresford at 10.30 am • Sat 19 Cake/jam/book stall at the Billycart Derby at Gresford from 9am.
Church times for April are as follows: 6, 13, 20, 27 – 8.30am St. Paul’s Paterson & 10.30am at St. Anne’s Gresford. If anyone or someone that you know needs help in these difficult times,please contact Rev. Mary on 0418 611 778 or Beverley on 4938 5223. The Palm Service at Paterson on 13 April will be taken by Paul O’Keefe our Lay Preacher & the service will be a Family Friendly Service. Come along & See.. Stay safe, look after each other.
Gresford
Congregational Church
30 Durham Rd Gresford
Services Each Sunday 10.30am ALL WELCOME
Catholic Parish of Gresford
Mass at St. Helen's, East Gresford Saturday – 5:30 pm (except 2nd Sat. of month) Thursday – 9.30am Mass at Sacred Heart, Summer Hill Sunday – 11:30 am (2nd Sunday of month)
All enquiries to Fr. Andrew Doohan, Parish Priest, on 4992 1477 or dungog.parish@mn.catholic.org.au
provided
Crossword kindly
by Russel Jessop.
Gresford Meat Co., a newly established butcher shop in East Gresford, is proud to bring premium, locally sourced meats to the community. Under new local ownership, the store is committed to delivering the finest locally grown beef and a variety of quality meats and produce. The owners of Gresford Meat Co. have deep roots in the Gresford area, and strong ties within the
Mon-Fri: 8am-5:30pm Saturday: 8am-1pm
community. Their Angus beef is sourced from local producer Glenroy Cattle Co., ensuring that customers receive the freshest and most flavorful meats available. Visit Gresford Meat Co. today to experience the best in local butchery and support a business that truly values its community connections.
