$2.50
August 2024
$2.50
August 2024
Noel Jupp at 90
On Friday 26 July a lunch was held for Noel Jupp to thank him for his kind donation of a 10 year old grass tree (Xanthorrhoea johnsonii) to the arboretum to mark his 90th birthday. The arboretum volunteers also thanked him for a lifetime of learning and observation of our unique local flora which he so generously shares with all who ask. The list of newly discovered species and richly diverse cultivars attributed to Noel is extensive. We wish him many more years doing what he loves, but perhaps not on the tractor.
GRESFORD SPORTING COMPLEX UPGRADES
NEW SAXBYS BRIDGE
ALLYN RIVER ROAD IMPROVEMENTS
NEW BRIDGE TO BE BUILT OVER PATERSON RIVER NEW BRUXNER BRIDGE
SUMMERHILL ROAD IMPROVEMENTS
BINGLEBURRA ROAD IMPROVEMENTS
Authorised by John Connors 797 Sugarloaf Road, Dungog 2420
DURHAM ROAD IMPROVEMENTS
COMMITTED TO SECURING FUTURE FUNDING FOR GRESFORD
Gresford Community Dinner
The Gresford Community Group's next Community Dinner will be held at the Beatty on Friday 23 August from 6pm. We look forward to welcoming new faces and friends!
Gresford Crop Swap
1st Sunday of the month, 10am
Gresford Community Park Vacy Crop Swap
3rd Sunday of the month, 10am Alongside Vacy Cafe
Follow us on Facebook – Vacy and Surrounds Crop Swap.
defashion Dungog
Saturday 17 August, 6pm wearable art ecofashion parade, live music, after party
Gresford Rodeo & Campdraft
Saturday 31 August Gresford Showground
aGoG – Feast of Foreign Film Festival
Friday 30 & Saturday 31 August James Theatre Dungog
Vacy Country Carnival
Sunday 8 September
Don't miss the Jack Russell & Dachshund races & so much more...
Gresford Community Gallery
Grand opening
Saturday 28 September 2–4pm
Therese Doyle Hall 12 Park St East Gresford
Gresford Community Market
Saturday 12 October
Gresford Community Park 12 Park St, East Gresford
VaCY SPoRTSGRoUND 355 CoMMITTEE aGM
On Thurs 27 June, Vacy Sportsground 355 Committee held their AGM. The following were appointed
to the Executive:
President: Josh Evans
Treasurer: Angus Uren
Secretary: Duncan Smith
Bookings Officer: Ian Muncaster Ordinary members are Leigh Collison, Stephen Cody and Kris Doyle. The next meeting will be held on Thursday 21st November. Any correspondence can be addressed to the Secretary dunc74smith@gmail.com
Calling women over 40 in Dungog region!
The BreastScreen NSW mobile screening van will be in Dungog from 5 August. The van will be at Dungog Memorial RSL car park, Lord Street. Make the most of this important service while it is Dungog. No matter how busy life gets, don't delay your free breast screen. It could save your life. Bookings: 132050 or https://book.breastscreen.nsw.gov.au
Gresford News online link
Gresford News is available online at www.issuu.com/gresford-news. Email us to recieve a monthly reminder: gresfordnews@iinet.net.au
General Plumbing & Drainage
Gas Plumbing
Drain Cleaning
New houses, renovations & extensions
Transpiration areas – upgrades & new
3 t & 5.5 t excavator with augers & rock breaker
Bobcat
6 t & 13.9 t GVM tippers
NO JOB TOO BIG OR SMALL
SERVICING AREAS BETWEEN MAITLAND - SINGLETON - GRESFORD - VACY - PATERSON
BRIAN & JULIE REIBEL
PH: 02 4930 9047 FAX: 4930 9046 15 Lerra Road, WINDELLA NSW 2320 ACN: 109 886
COMMERCIAL INDUSTRIAL RESIDENTIAL RURAL 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
Yes, the championships are in full swing with the singles events taking precedence at this time. The Consistency comp is well under way and the Major Singles is just starting. The Minor Singles has been finalised. Now the Minor Singles is an interesting concept because the winner of the Minor Singles (or the Major Singles) can never play in the Minor Singles again. So it gives the ‘wannabes’ a chance at a trophy. For the record D. Ross defeated P. Dreyer 25-17 in the final in a rather one-sided affair. Danny took control early and kept his hands firmly on the wheel throughout. Well played Danny. Another excellent player gone gives the rest of us another crack and perhaps a better chance next year!
The Shire Bowls competitions, being hosted by Gresford this year, commenced on Sunday 14th July. We welcome players from Clarence Town and Dungog and wish everyone great camaraderie and enjoyable bowls on our green which is starting to play really fast as it dries out following the recent rains.
Peter Dreyer
During August the James Community Theatre Dungog will host 2 unique events 'defashion Dungog' and our own local film festival 'AGOG Feast of Foreign Films'
deFASHION DUNGOG is an event created by Jane Richens and Dungog High School student Freya Rubeli working with Paterson Allyn Williams Science and Ideas Hub as part of National Science Week. Think FUN! –upcycled couture, organic textiles, trashion (made from disposable materials). And YES there is a KOOKY category to embrace your eccentricity, playfulness and experimentation. It is a celebration of eco + sustainable wearable artworks/outfits.
deFASHION DUNGOG is on Saturday 17 August from 6pm : fashion parade • live music – local youth band ‘Metanoia’ • after party
Join in the sustainable spirit & come along wearing something mended,
opshop, back-of-the-cupboard, handme-down.
It is a FREE event but please Book so we have an idea of numbers: https://events. humanitix.com/defashion-dungog
In its 15th year, AGOG will start on Friday evening 30 August with a French inspired red carpet “Soirée d'Ouverture” (opening night party). An opportunity to put on your finest and have some fun while enjoying some fancy food and beverages. The opening night film, La ChiMera, is an enchanting romantic adventure set in Italy.
The Festival continues on Saturday with films from Finland, Iran, Bhutan, and France:
• 10am – FaLLeN LeaVeS Finland (M) (2023) Romance/Comedy
• 1pm – SUBTraCTiON Iran (M) Thriller/Mystery
• 3.30pm – The MONK aND The GUN Bhutan (PG) Drama
• 7.30pm – The PreSiDeNT’S WiFe France (M) Comedy/Drama
For further details on the films or to purchase tickets visit the James Theatre website –www.jamestheatre.com.au/agog
DAVE LAYZELL MP
Gloucester
Dungog
Singleton
Muswellbrook
Merriwa
Murrurundi
Gresford
East
Vacy
Paterson
Lorn
Bolwarra
upperhunter@parliament.nsw.gov.au
Authorised
Janne and Lindy Ryan hosted twenty-two local farmers at their property “Cooreel” just outside Dungog recently for a workshop on do-it-yourself bio-fertilisers.
Col Freeman, Senior Land Services Officer with Hunter Local Land Services said, “People are beginning to look at various ‘biological’ ways of farming and the role of microbes and soil biology.”
“The two methods used at the workshop are low-tech, low-cost and easy enough to make. The real test will be to see if they work in the paddock and if people can actually grow more grass using them.”
The workshop covered two types of biological amendments. One was a Johnson-Su compost, which combines aspects of a compost pile and a worm farm. It is easy to make and maintain as there is no need for regular turning and can be made with any combination of mulch materials like leaves, wood chips or hay.
Johnson-Su compost is produced by aerobic microbes and takes about a year for around 1.5 cubic metres of mulch material to reduce to around 100 litres of the finished compost. The mature compost is a bit like the biodynamic
preparation with manure in a cow horn and can be applied at the same low rate when diluted with water (e.g. 1 kg to the hectare), making the physical quality reduction go a long way in liquid extraction form.
The other method was a bio-fertiliser made in a sealed 30 litre drum from mostly cow manure, molasses, rock dust, and water. This is a fermentation process (just like homebrews) using anaerobic microbes to produce a bio-fertiliser, which acts as a microbial inoculant containing small amounts of minerals in very plant-available forms. Some farmers were looking for a seed treatment for sowing, some wanted a compost tea to spray biology onto their paddocks, while others were interested in reducing the cost of their fertiliser applications.
Penny Kater from Allynbrook said it was a great opportunity to unravel the mysteries of the Johnson-Su method, “To see it actually constructed and loaded took all the mystery out of it and made me keen to get going on one for myself, or several!”
The workshop was part of the 4 Valleys Program, which is all about agriculture
protecting drinking water. The program is supported by Hunter Water and delivered by Hunter Local Land Services. There is a waiting list for the next workshop in October but it is not too late to join if you would like to have a go at some DIY bio-fertiliser. For more information contact David Deane, Hunter Local Land Services on 0411 108 961.
Greetings to our readers. Update on your Gresford Community Gallery –the gallery is in final stages of renovation with lighting and display fittings all being installed throughout August.
Our application for artists to exhibit in the opening has now closed. The gallery will open with an outstanding exhibition of local and Hunter Valley art and craft, featuring painting, drawing, sculptures, ceramics, photography, jewellery and textiles.
Everyone is welcome. Mark on your calendar – Grand opening date: SATURDAY 28th SEPTEMBER 2–4pm. Venue: Therese Doyle Hall, next to Arboretum, 12 Park St East Gresford. There will be musical entertainment featuring two dynamic duos – The De Factos with performers John O'Brien and Donna Cavanough, and Watts Wise with Phil Watts and Lisa Wiseman and tasty refreshments.
Our two feature artists for August are Dawn Thompson and Misha Moon (Bevan) they are both on the gallery committee and their work will be in the gallery.
Dawn is a visual artist working with various media including paper, leather, fabrics and metal to create books. Tutoring adults and children Dawn has guided students to create their own
Robyn Werkhoven
unique books. Workshops in eco dyeing and upcycling clothing have also been some of Dawn's popular classes. An autodidact Dawn has exhibited in many group shows and sold her work in local galleries.
Misha Moon is a multidisciplinarian artist, who enjoys working with fibre, textiles, painting and drawing. Misha has organised and coordinated art workshops through the Department of Education in Gresford. Her stunning clothing designs have featured in Wearable Art Exhibitions in Newcastle.
The Gresford Community Gallery now has a Facebook page which will give regular news updates of the Gallery's progress and sneak previews of what's to come! Please Like and follow our page.
Link: https://www.facebook.com/profile. php?id=61555506220944
Contact with art news or enquiries about Gresford Gallery: Robyn Werkhoven Email: werkhovenr@hotmail.com
July Events Two of the events promoted in the last Newsletter have come to fruition very successfully.
Hall yard plans The talk by Will and Anthea from Maplewood Permaculture to members and friends was stimulating and entertaining. The audience and speakers enjoyed a typical CWA afternoon tea while ideas for improving and transforming the hall’s yard into a more productive and communityfriendly space were shared. Gresford Garden Club visitors made some very welcome observations, and the hope is that the space will become a community asset, though a great deal of work and consultation will be required.
Country of the year On Sunday, the 14th July, Bastille Day was celebrated with a sumptuous lunch of Paté, Soupe à l’Oignon, Coq au Vin and Tarte au Citron, provided by Amorelle Dempster and Dawn Thompson. Dawn was also responsible for the charming French decorations, and Glenda Smith kept the guests diverted with French trivia and singing a French song, Leon the Chameleon.
Craft Day The first proposed Craft Day will take place on 26th July, from 9-12 at
a cost of $3 for members and $5 for nonmembers. Everyone is welcome to bring their craft activities to work on in a friendly and welcoming atmosphere. Morning tea will be provided.
Book Club meetings are on the second Saturday of the month at the CWA Hall,
starting at 3pm. 'The
by Graeme
and Annie
is
book for discussion in August. It explores treatment of patients in a Mental Health hospital unit. New members are always welcome, but should let Glenda Smith know in advance in case there are changes. (4938 9456 or 0400 108 079)
French Conversation takes place on the first and third Mondays of the month from 10 – 11.30am. This month the group also celebrated Bastille Day, so the hall was well-used this month. Please ring Glenda Smith (numbers above) if you are interested.
by Glenda Smith
This rather nondescript title was transformed into The Best exotic Marigold hotel when the book was made into a film. It is likely that more people have seen the film, which was very popular, than have read the book, and it seems that many readers find the book disappointing if they have seen the film first.
Quite a few of the characters, such as Norman the lecherous old man, are more extreme in the book than they were in the film. He is unredeemed in his appalling behaviour – the reason his Indian sonin-law farmed him out in the first place. Evelyn, one of the more sympathetic characters, shows more of the effects of her privilege and background than she does in the film. Overall, for lovers of the film, the book could be an interesting experience because of the way it adds dimensions to both the English and Indian characters.
The basic premise is that ageing and financially strapped Britishers are transported to Bangalore to live in what is supposed to be the first of a chain of such refuges for relatively poor and lonely migrants. While the hotel is derelict and less than comfortable, the residents form new friendships, get a taste of a culture they don’t always understand, and generally enjoy the climate and way of life. Several of them also learn new ways of responding to their children. They are all initially fish out of water, but they press on and mostly survive. There is enough in the novel for the reader to similarly press on.
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.
Sun 18 August, 1–5pm "Dean Dee" on the Deck
Fri 30 August, 7–11pm Rodeo Night – Adam Wilton Band
Guinness on Tap
Twin Rivers Cafe reopening soon
Bistro is
August is definitely the month to prepare
*Trim and mulch gardens *Seed and fertilise the lawn *Repair fences *Re-hang gates *Clean out the shed
Sort out, give away, sell, or throw out unwanted belongings before you list your property. Remember interior and exterior of house, sheds, yards and paddocks all show up in photos, drone and video.
Paint is transformative. Easily the best way to provide an appealing image to buyers is to paint in complimentary colors. Repair or remove any obvious issues that may show up in a buyers pest and building report. It's to your advantage to do so rather than let a buyer find issues that may impact your sales price.
Consult your Solicitor and Accountant for advice prior to listing. Be prepared in advance. If dry enough have internal roads graded. Provide an impressive front gate entry...its the first impression that buyers get. Most buyers do 'drive buys' prior to inspecting a listing, so the presentation from the front fence and roadside is very important.
Consider launching your property in early September to sell before the Christmas holiday season. August is the month to actively prepare to give your country property the best opportunity to maximise your sales price.
After a cold and very wet winter, buyers will be out in the country in Spring.
Gresford Landcare met at the property of Penny & Matt O’Meara at Lostock for their AGM on Saturday 13th July, 2024. The weather was kind with the forecast showers not arriving. As a result we enjoyed a meeting in the winter sunshine. After the formalities of the AGM, Penny spoke about her efforts on the property in the 10 years that they have owned it.
Because of the recent rains she had to move her cattle to the house side of the river which proved to be a challenge with heavy grazing. She explained how they oversow multi species and fertilise the land.
During their ownership they have found an improvement in carbon in the soil and noticed the benefit of native grasses in the back paddocks.
We then walked down to the river to see her young bulls and the river flats, some of which have been seeded and others left unseeded. Martin Kavanagh then spoke about remnant areas of old growth trees in pockets on the property. The members then returned to the firepit for sausage sandwiches provided by the Committee. A very informative meeting was enjoyed by all.
Sunday 1st September – Father’s Day FREE RAFFLE
Friday 4 October – Reggie Sinclair
Sunday 3 November - Calcutta Auction
Tuesday 6th November – Melbourne Cup
Sunday 10 November – 4 pm Kids disco 6.30 Toy Raffle
Friday 6 December – Reggie Sinclair From 8pm
Friday 20th December –
$1500 Prawn & Oyster Raffle
Glen Harrison From 8pm
Every Week at the Bowlo!!
Wednesday Night
HAPPY HOUR WEDNESDAY 4.30 - 6.00
Gift Voucher Raffle
Yellow Barrel Draw
Friday Night Gift Voucher Raffles
Members Draw
Sunday Night- Gift Vouchers Raffles
Members Draw
Members Draw - if not won goes up $25.00 a night, must be here to WIN!
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“Support your Club, It’s your club” Best In our town,
Newcastle Sheds and More is an accredited Ranbuild dealership.
The Newcastle Sheds and More team will assist with the entire building process including site inspection, council approval, concrete slab and building your desired product.
Supplying premium quality steel
• sheds
• garages
• carports
• farm sheds
• horse shelters and stables
• industrial and commercial buildings.
The Gresford Community Market is all systems go for Saturday October 12th at the Gresford Community Park, 12 Park St, East Gresford.
Stallholders are gearing up, including some local makers like our multi talented leather worker, our permaculture friends from Paterson and our blacksmith who may surprise us with some metal art.
We need volunteers now to pin up some flyers and get the message out. On the day we need help with tasks such as directing traffic and assisting the stallholders. Many hands make light work and a successful event for the whole community.
Find us, share us, on Facebook: Gresford Community Market. Invite your family and friends to a wonderful day celebrating all things grown, made and fashioned in your region.
E: gresfordcommunitymarket@outlook.com if you can volunteer in any role at all.
Gresford Community Group
Gresford Crop Swap
1st Sunday 10am
Gresford Community Park
Vacy Crop Swap
3rd Sunday 10am
Alongside Cafe
Follow us on Facebook –Vacy and Surrounds Crop Swap.
The Crop and Swap is organized by Pip and Rick woods on the First Sunday of every month at East Gresford and the third Sunday of the month at Vacy.
Bring along your produce and swap with what others bring along. Be surprised at what others are producing...
What To Swap
Garden produce, seeds, flowers, cuttings and plants, preserves, honey, baked goods, eggs, starter cultures and ferments, manures, mulch and worm tea, cooking and gardening books/ magazines, empty jars, egg cartons, gardening tools.
Gresford Suspension Bridge
In early July, the Suspension Bridge at Gresford underwent a temporary closure following a routine inspection that revealed component failure. To prioritise resident safety, Council immediately closed the bridge temporarily and engaged a structural engineer to assess and repair the damage. Fortunately, repairs could be carried out swiftly and the bridge was reopened within 24 hours.
This incident however highlighted ongoing concerns about the aging bridge, originally damaged during the declared natural disaster in 2022. In response, Council applied for "Betterment" funding in December 2022 to replace the compromised river crossing with a new bridge. While the funding was announced in March 2023 by former Minister Sam Farraway, the necessary funding deed has yet to be received.
Since 2022, Dungog Mayor John Connors and key Council staff have actively advocated for the project with various Ministers and state agencies. Their efforts continue, with ongoing advocacy whilst the Mayor and General Manager were in Canberra, meeting with the Coordinator of National Emergency Management
Agency (NEMA). Their focus remains on securing the funding deed to ensure residents crossing the Paterson River have reliable and safe access.
In what can only be described as one of the largest infrastructure projects on record, Dungog Shire Council has recognised the completion of constructing 23 new concrete bridge structures throughout the shire as part of the NSW Government’s Fixing Country Bridges Program.
This major milestone marks a significant turning point in the region's infrastructure history. These bridges, once aged timber truss structures, have been replaced with more sturdy and reliable concrete structures, which means improved connectivity for shire residents
now and into the future, plus fewer bridge closures and less downtime during flooding events.
"This is an important milestone in the shire’s history, with the community now able to enjoy safer roads and infrastructure thanks to the replacement of these 23 aged timber bridges," Mayor Connors said. "The program of works has been made possible thanks to the NSW Government’s Fixing Country Bridges Program, which has seen the replacement of hundreds of timber truss bridges across NSW."
During the construction phase, a staggering 1500 cubic metres of concrete was used to build the new bridges, and 490 metres of bridge was rebuilt across the shire, with a total of approximately 2400 square metres of bridge decking replaced.
Dungog Shire has been recognised by the Federal Government as a region ready for growth by accepting the Dungog Shire Council’s request for a $1.895 million funding grant to develop a strategic planning framework
that will enable accelerated new and affordable housing across the shire.
The Housing Support Program funding will specifically support the Dungog Shire Housing and Infrastructure Delivery program, which will deliver a shire-wide Growth Management Strategy.
Council approves 2024/25 Budget & operational Plan
Council recently adopted the Operational Plan, Budget and Fees & Charges for 2024-25 at the Extraordinary Council meeting held at the end of June.
With over $65 million allocated towards further development and continuous improvements for the shire in the upcoming financial year, and a substantial capital works program totaling $37.1 million, this plan reaffirms the Council’s strong commitment to bolstering the region’s infrastructure backbone.
Key project highlights of the 2024/25 budget include:
• $6 million on Clarence Town Bridge during 2024/25
• Over $19.5 million on new and improved roads
• Over $1.2 million on road resealing and resheeting
• $40,000 for library improvements
• $100,000 for improvements to Clarence Town and Dungog Swimming Pools
• $2.2 million on 26 Causeway approach upgrades (pending approval of Betterment funding)
PETER EVANS & ASSOCIATES SOLICITORS
‘Looking after people is our business’
Peter Evans is descended from a farming family located in the Gresford area prior to 1840 We are keen to assist you with all your legal needs. 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
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.
Come along for a hot breakfast and good company on Saturday 10th August to Fr. Peter’s Men’s Breakfast in St. Paul’s Hall, Paterson, commencing at 8am. Everyone most welcome. Each Thursday at 9.30am Rev. Mary leads a coffee/chat/bible study in the Vacy Cafe. You are most welcome to come along and enjoy this informal group with good company, fellowship and discussions.
A date to remember in September is the Vacy Carnival on 8th. The ladies of the Parish are holding a cake stall in the grounds of St. John’s, Vacy, commencing at 8.30/9am. Come along and buy some homemade goodies.
A big thank you from the Outreach programme at Telarah/Ruthford Parish who distributes the goods that you all continue to give in support of those in need. If anyone requires help, please contact Rev. Mary on 0418 611 778 or Beverley on 4938 5223. Service dates for July services are: 4th, 11th, 18th, and 25th –8.30am St. Paul’s Paterson and 10.30am at St. Anne’s Gresford.
Stay safe and warm. Please look after each other. Blessings Beverley
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
August 2024 crossword answers
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