Gresford News July 2018

resford News G

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News of the communities of the Paterson and Allyn River Valleys July 2018

Road Funding and Rates The state of our roads and bridges has long been a subject of some discontent. It featured large in discussions of possible council mergers and is now a major consideration in discussions about the special rate variation. There will be public meetings throughout the Shire in July to review recommendations for a proposed way forward. Find out more about road funding and rates in a special community feature inside...

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

Fully Licenced CafĂŠ / Restaurant 4938 8305

PEST CONTROL SERVICES locally owned and operated

General household pests: spiders, cockroaches, rodents.

Termite inspections and treatment using environmentally friendly low odour chemicals and baits.

Call Barry Wilson 0429 317 154 pest management certificate number

15-102220-001

The Gresford News Community Diary Sun

1 Jul

Live music – Richie Gudgeon, Hotel Beatty, 2.00pm

Mon

2 Jul

CWA Hunter River Group Ag & Environment Day, St Anne's Church Hall, Gresford

Wed

4 Jul

FREE Workshop for event organisers – Dungog Shire Council, James Theatre, Dungog, 6.00pm

Sat Thurs

7 Jul

Trivia Night, Gresford District Historical Society, Gresford Sport & Recreation Club, 6.00pm

12 Jul

Proposed Special Rate Variation meeting with Council, Gresford School of Arts, 6.00pm

Fri

13 Jul

Gresford Community Dinner, Gresford Sport & Recreation Club, 6.30pm

Sun

15 Jul

Community Markets, Hotel Beatty, 9.00am

Sun

15 Jul

Live music, Hotel Beatty, 1.00pm

Thurs

19 Jul

Proposed Special Rate Variation meeting with Council, Vacy School of Arts, 6.00pm

Sat

28 Jul

Scorps Club Social & Karaoke, Hotel Beatty, 6.30pm

Sun

29 Jul

Peek into the past, Tocal Homestead, 10.00am

Sun

29 Jul

Family Fun Night, St Anne's Church Hall, Gresford, 4.00pm

Mon Tues

6 Aug CWA International Day, St. Anne's Church Hall 13 Aug Gresford Amateur Performing Society AGM, Main Hall Gresford School of Arts, 7.30pm

Fri-Sat 17-18 Aug AGOG! A Feast of Foreign Films, James Theatre, Dungog Tues 21 Aug Gresford School of Arts AGM, Main Hall Gresford School of Arts, 7.30pm Fri-Sat 24-25 Aug Gresford Campdraft and Rodeo, Gresford Showground Sun 26 Aug Paterson Car Boot Sale & Spring Fair, 8.00am Sun 9 Sep Vacy Village Country Carnival, 9.00am Sat

22 Sep Gresford Public School 150th birthday

Mon/Tues

Social ladies tennis starts, Mon or Tues mornings, Gresford Tennis Courts, 9.30–11.00am

Tuesdays

Spring/summer mixed Tuesday nights tennis, 7.30–9.30pm

Mon & Wed

Vacy and Gresford Dance Centre at Vacy School of Arts Hall

Tuesdays

Vacy and Gresford Dance Centre at Gresford School of Arts Hall

Friday afternoons

Junior tennis coaching, Gresford Tennis Courts

1st Sun each month

Fresh Home Grown Produce Day at Vacy General Store. Money goes back to grower.

1st Mon each month

Gresford District Community Group Meeting, 6.30pm, Hotel Beatty, all welcome! (not Jan)

1st Wed each month

Gresford Rural Fire Brigade meeting, station, 7.30pm

1st Thurs each month

CWA Gresford Branch Meeting, CWA rooms, East Gresford, 9.30am (not Jan)

1st & 2nd Sun each month Gresford Historical Centre (Therese Doyle Hall) 10am-2pm & by appt. Ph George Sales 4938 9639 2nd Mon each month

Gresford Historical Society Meeting, Therese Doyle Hall, 10.30am (not Dec, Jan or June)

2nd Tues each month

Gresford District Landcare Group Meeting, Hotel Beatty, 7.30pm (not Jan)

2nd Sat each month

Book Club, CWA rooms, East Gresford, 3.00pm (not Dec or Jan)

3rd Tues each month

Paterson Allyn Garden Group meet, 10.00am (not Jan)

3rd Fri each month

Gresford Public School P&C Meeting, school library, 10.00am

Last Thurs each month

Gresford District Agricultural Society Meeting, Showground Luncheon Pavilion, 7.30pm

Every Wed, Fri & Sun

Gresford Bowls Sport & Recreation Club Raffles, from 6.30pm

Every Mon & Thur (school terms) Hunter Mobile Preschool, Vacy School of Arts Hall, 9.00am 49346725 Every Tue & Fri (school terms) Hunter Mobile Preschool, Gresford School of Arts, 9.00am 49346725 Every Thur

Happy hour and free pool and jukebox at the Hotel Beatty

Every Fri

Cricket Club Raffles at the Hotel Beatty

Every Wed & Fri (school terms) Yoga with Donna Cavanough, Wed–gentle, Fri–general, Vacy School of Arts Hall, 9.15am Every Wed

Gresford PlayTime, children 0-5 & carers, Gresford School of Arts, 10.00am

Every Sunday

The Gresford Congregational Church welcomes you, 10.30am

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

G resford News finances

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Please support your local newsletter and contribute anonymously or use the slip below and place your donations in the boxes provided in Gresford.

Name

Amount

Address

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Gresford News Notices Gresford Community Dinner

Friday 13 July, 6.30pm, Gresford Sport & Recreation Club Bookings Lucy 0418 289 028

Workshop for events Wed 4 July, 6-7pm Calling all event organisers!!

If you are involved in running events Dungog Shire Council would like to invite you to a free workshop that will assist you in better understanding public liability insurance and managing risk at your events.

Presented by Council’s insurers Statewide Mutual James Theatre, Brown St, Dungog Who: Council 355 Committees, members of Dungog Shire Events Inc., local not for profits, community organisations, and sporting groups running events in the Dungog Shire.

For more information and to RSVP: Ivan Skaines, Council’s Co-ordinator, Economic Development, Tourism & Events on 4995 7777 or ivans@dungog.nsw.gov.au

Gresford District Bushman’s Carnival Association Inc Our 2018 event is fast approaching and we are looking for

Expression of interest

Local charity and/or BBQ operator Gresford Campdraft and Rodeo August 24th and 25th 2018.

Please apply in writing to the secretary Brittany Crouch PO Box 67 East Gresford NSW 2311 Applications close 19/7/18

Dungog Ultra Trail

Trivia Night Saturday 7 July, 6.30pm Gresford Bowling Club Fundraiser for Gresford District Historical Society. Please book on 4938 9639

Arts Grants available for a wide variety of community groups Applications for the 2018 round of the Country Arts Support Program (CASP) are now open and close on Fri 3 Aug, 5pm.

CASP provides grants to arts & cultural groups, not for profit organisations & local councils in regional NSW for short term, locally initiated projects. Schools can’t apply but school Parents & Citizens’ Associations can. The grants of up to $3,000 must primarily be used to employ professional artists or cultural workers.

Projects can be in any art form.

Funding is for projects occurring in 2019.

August 4 & 5 A weekend of Trail Running Events for all ages & abilities in picturesque Dungog.

The Dungog Dash & Dawdle is now called the Dungog Ultra Trail – a weekend of trail running events for all ages and abilities. Just like the Dash & Dawdle, the Ultra Trail is to raise much-needed funds Arts Upper Hunter can assist with developing for the Dungog Shire Community Centre project ideas, sourcing artists, pay rates, and is still very much a community and budgets & explaining the online family-friendly event with Daisy the Cow application form. Not all applicants will and lots of Dungog spirit. need help but all applicants must discuss Visit www.dungogultratrail.com for info & their application with Arts Upper Hunter events incl stunning 23km Fosterton Loop before lodgement on 6541 4776 visit event on Sat 4 August. www.regionalartsnsw.com.au/grants/casp

“SECURING OUR FUTURE” PROPOSED SPECIAL RATE VARIATION In February 2018 Council invited all members of the Dungog Shire community to attend a series of meetings developed to inform ratepayers of Council’s current financial position and the need for Council to consider applying for a Special Rate Variation.

You are invited to attend any of the venues listed below where you will be given the opportunity to ask questions and have discussions regarding the proposed Special Rate Variation with Councillors, SRV Reference Panel members and Council staff.

At these public meetings, members of the community were given the opportunity to participate on a Special Rate Variation Reference Panel. The applicants were provided with further, more in depth information and were given the opportunity to ask questions and provide input into the process of Council’s consideration of the application to IPART for a Special Rate Variation.

Tues 3 Jul 6pm Doug Walters Pavilion, Dungog Thurs 5 Jul 6pm Paterson School of Arts Tues 10 Jul 6pm Clarence Town

School of Arts Thurs 12 Jul 6pm Gresford School of Arts Sat 14 Jul 2pm Doug Walters Pavilion, Dungog Thurs 19 Jul 6pm Vacy School of Arts

As a result of these Reference Panel meetings and the input received from the Panel members, the Councillors and staff, Council will now present to the community the proposed way forward.

If you are intending to come along please RSVP to Lyn Brighton, Council’s

Strategic Projects Officer on lynb@dungog.nsw.gov.au and she can send you out an information package prior to the meeting. Lyn can also be Council needs to explore ways to expand contacted on 4995 7777 our revenue sources to ensure we are We look forward to your participation in able to provide essential services and these important discussions. Further facilities to the community in the long information can be found in the Mayoral term. While we understand that a rate Matters column or on Council’s website rise is never welcome, we believe it is an at www.dungog.nsw.gov.au. Light important conversation we need to have. refreshments will be provided.

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Concerned about Roads and Bridges? ...you will need a map On Thursday May 31, the NSW Government announced a joint $100 million (50/50 State/Local Council) funding to fix 70 kilometres of roads and bridges in the MidCoast Council region.

(Yes, over 1.4 million dollars per kilometre is not an unreasonable cost for repairing roads and bridges.)

The Land newspaper reported the MidCoast Council Mayor, David West, said for far too long our communities suffered as individual councils were unable to maintain our local roads. And… “This injection of funds will take us a long way to address a generational backlog of roadworks which could not have been achieved without the generosity of the State Government and the foresight of MidCoast Council to successfully raise funds through a special rate variation which was supported by the local community.”

There are obvious connections to the same concerns in the Dungog Council region with the same road and bridge infrastructure backlog and consideration of special rate variations.

A June 6 article in the Dungog Chronicle announced 'The $50 million challenge for Dungog Roads' where Dungog Mayor, Tracy Norman, is reported to have said the council would “obviously be negotiating harder” with the NSW Government to secure increased roads funding after the MidCoast Council announcement. Ms Norman said she had invited NSW Roads Minister Melinda Pavey to visit and inspect some of the most visible examples of the roads and timber bridges backlog.

What follows in italics is a selection of the notes Steve Hitchens, Council’s Executive Manager of Infrastructure and Assets compiled to present to Minister Pavey.

REGIONAL ROADS BLOCK GRANT The Block Grant Agreement is an annual agreement between Roads and Maritime and Council which outlines a Council’s authority and capacity to manage the relevant Regional Roads.

Councils outside of Roads and Maritime’s Sydney Region are referred to as rural councils. The formula to determine the roads component for rural councils is very detailed: • The relevant length of each Regional Road is multiplied by a traffic factor.

• The traffic factor is the average daily traffic raised to an exponential power of 0.35.

• The metre length of any timber bridges is multiplied by a factor of 0.37.

A rural council’s approximate funding allocation can be determined using the

following formula: Amount = 1000 x (sum of (length of each road x traffic ^ 0.35 x K) + (0.37 x length of timber bridges)) Note: – ‘K’ in the formula varies each year depending on the size of the funding pool.

• ‘1000’ is used to show the result of the calculation in thousands of dollars.

• The 0.37 figure is periodically adjusted to reflect the current cost of timber bridge maintenance.

Commentary Dungog Shire Council is the only Local Government Area in NSW that does not have a State Road. Therefore Council relies heavily on the Regional Road Network and the Block Grant Arrangements with the RMS to assist with the funding of such.

Network to access the shire and funding from the NSW Government through the Block Grant Arrangements for the funding of such.

The majority of Council’s Regional Road Network has a heavy vehicle percentage greater than 10%. Whilst overall traffic volumes are relatively low, this heavy vehicle functional consideration is not given due attention for rural areas where the heavy vehicle traffic is predominantly rural industry based transport and goods being provided to these remote areas.

Tracy Norman has provided the following to clarify the concern around heavy vehicle movements not being accounted for in the formula. "A heavy vehicle does between 8,000 and 16,000 cars worth of From Dungog Shire’s perspective the Block damage to a road. If you take an average Grant Agreements are heavily biased to of 10,000 times damage, this means we those Councils with higher traffic Regional have the average equivalent of 1,858,780 Roads. Some issues to consider are: cars movements a day i.e. 1,309 (average • Shire’s such as Dungog have no State Roads and rely solely on the Regional Road traffic movements) x 14.2% (heavy vehicle component) x 10,000."

Network for our inter-district transport; • In general, the funding provided under the Block Grant is a more significant percentage Doing an online search I found the NSW of a smaller rural Council’s overall roads Auditor-General’s Performance Audit of budget than for larger Council’s; Regional Road funding – Block Grant • Smaller Rural Council’s generally have and REPAIR programs from May 2014. less opportunity for other revenue raising Two of it's conclusions were: for their road network responsibilities; • the allocation formula for the rural • The formula is relatively simple (albeit council roads component ignores the with an always unknown ‘K’ factor) but is disproportionate damage caused by heavily skewed against smaller Council heavy vehicles with less heavily trafficked Regional Roads. • traffic data on which allocations are • The traffic factor of 0.35 dictates that a based is unreliable. road with 1,000 AADT will get less than But be patient, the discussion above is 45% of the funding of a road with 7,500 less than the full picture. Actually quite AADT. In this case, the formula provides a bit less. So we should step back and for more than double the funding for the review the big picture. higher trafficked road which, in my opinion, inflates the value of the higher In the big picture all roads are not created traffic road as far as construction and equal. There are 3 classes of roads: maintenance costs.

• State Roads – Freeways and primary • There is no factor applied in relation to arterials heavy vehicle percentages. Heavy vehicles • Regional Roads – Secondary or subare a major and disproportionate arterials contributor to road damage. Therefore the • Local Roads – Collector and local allocation formula for the roads component access roads for rural councils needs to take into account The classification of State Roads and the impact of heavy vehicles on the need for Regional Roads was established under an and cost of road maintenance; agreement made in 1989 between the • Comparisons – From a local perspective State Government and the then Local for Dungog Shire, our two neighbouring Government and Shires Associations. This Council’s to the south receive almost transferred control of Regional Roads to double (Port Stephens Council) and triple councils, including responsibility for (Maitland City Council) the funding per funding while State Roads remained the kilometre of Regional Road that Dungog responsibility of the State Government. receives.

Local roads are also the responsibility of local councils and their main As previously stated, Dungog Shire Council is the only Local Government Area in NSW supplementary funding comes from Federal Government funding programs – that does not have a State Road. Therefore Council relies heavily on our Regional Road Roads To Recovery, Black Spot Program,

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Community Feature

Bridges Renewal Program and Financial Assistance Grants.

As noted earlier Dungog Shire has no State Roads, so it is in the position of being responsible for ALL the roads in the local Government area.

If you go to www.dungog.nsw.gov.au/ council/special-rate-variation you can find out that Dungog Council is responsible for: • 124km of regional roads • 329km of local sealed roads • 271km of local unsealed roads • 42km of kerb and gutter • 8.4km footpath & cycleways • 21km of guardrail.

These have a current replacement cost

by Brian Doherty

greater than $202M. Add another $55M for bridges. Council's other assets including buildings, swimming pools, parks and recreation have a replacement cost of $34M.

cuts on one side countered by increased local government taxes on the other.

The rate variation calculations could be greatly reduced if State and Federal Governments could be convinced to bring road and bridge funding up to a realistic level. But is that a realistic expectation?

local councils.'

There may be one glimpse of light though.

The June 6 article in the Dungog Chronicle reported 'Shadow Roads Minister Jodi You can see that roads and bridges are by McKay raised Dungog roads funding as an far the largest component of Council's example of inequities within existing infrastructure and in 2015/16 accounted government road funding arrangements.' for 55% of Council's total expenditure.

“The current formula works against Even with this expenditure there is a councils with smaller populations and projected annual budget shortfall of: larger road networks. Labor wants to see • $3.874M on the local road network • $1.794M on the regional road network smaller country councils get a fair go • $0.698M on the bridge network when it comes to the allocation of Federal roads money.”

Without additional funding from both State and Federal Governments this 'Ms McKay told the NSW Local Roads annual burden will fall on Dungog Shire's Congress that a NSW Labor Government 4,900 rateable properties. And hence the would review how Federal road funds are consideration of special rate variations. allocated by the NSW Government to The next State election is nine months away and after the last election our state seat of Upper Hunter was in the marginal category requiring only a 2.2% swing. I At the moment the Federal Government think this would be a good time to bring our concerns about road funding to the seems determined to give away its revenue through tax cuts. Isn't this just a attention of our political representatives revolving door – Federal Government tax and see what thay can do.

Vacy General Store Looking for something different why not check out Vacy General Store – Beautiful little Country Store now Serving Breakfast on weekends.

Where James Theatre, Brown Street, Dungog When 6–7pm, Wednesday, 4 July 2018 Who Council 355 Committees, members of Dungog Shire Events Inc., local not for profits, community organisations, and sporting groups running events in the Dungog Shire For more information and to RSVP Ivan Skaines, Council's Co-ordinator, Economic Development, Tourism & Events on 4995 7777 or ivans@dungog.nsw.gov.au

A little bit of what you can get at our country Store: NUNDLE Smoked Trout • Frozen Salmon portions Hunter Belle Cheese • Beautiful gift lines Rawleigh Products • Great Coffee & Cakes Cards & Wrapping • Convenience Grocery Lines Great range of Magazines & Newspapers Wallarobba Free Range eggs • Local Honey Hot BBQ Chooks on Saturday or Sunday Clarencetown Bread • Fresh sliced meat Olives • Oils • Chutneys and sauces Premium fuel Why not drop in for morning tea or lunch.

Sandwiches fresh or toasted focaccia's quiche or lasagna, home made pies & family Pie.

Fresh Home Grown Produce Day is on 1st Sunday of Each Month at Vacy General Store.

Money goes back to grower. Should you have produce, home made pickles or plants please contact us.

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Recovering From Colds and Flu

by Belinda Doe of Wise Deer Natural Health

deficiencies are created, which can then potentially cause other problems for you down the track. Try to:

A cold or flu occurs when your body becomes infected with a virus.

Unfortunately, there aren’t any medications that can cure this, and it’s usually a matter of letting the illness run its course. Here are some natural things you can do to help your body fight the infection and reduce your symptoms.

• Eat light, easily digested meals (e.g. broths, soups), as digestive capacity is often reduced • Avoid mucus-forming foods such as dairy, wheat, and processed foods • Avoid immune-suppressing foods such as processed foods, sugar, alcohol, and caffeine • Take Vitamin C and regularly suck on Zinc lozenges at the first sign of a cold, as this has been shown to reduce its severity and duration • Increase fluids (water, diluted vegetable juice, broths, herbal teas)

Herbal tips You should have some pretty effective herbs just lying around your kitchen. Try a tea of thinly sliced ginger root with honey (raw or manuka), cinnamon, and lemon juice. If you are feeling brave, add some fresh chilli, onion Dietary tips When your body is fighting juice, and garlic for added benefits. A off illness it requires more nutrients than common herbal tea blend of yarrow, elder usual. Adequate nutrition is needed to and peppermint is often used for its prevent it from stealing nutrients warming and immune stimulating effects, required elsewhere for other bodily and echinacea is also a popular go-to for processes. This is one way nutritional its immune boosting properties.

BR

Lifestyle tips The key to recovering from illness is to NOT ‘soldier on’; rather, rest, rest, rest! This includes sleep and stress reduction. Other important factors are: • Fresh air • Sunlight • Sweating (to encourage elimination of toxins) – wearing warm clothes, warm baths, and warming herbal teas can help • Essential oils may aid breathing and prevent further infection. Try eucalyptus, clove, lavender, oregano, peppermint, rosemary, or tea tree.

• Good hygiene – viruses can survive for several hours on hands, tissues, hard surfaces, etc. You might be surprised to know that antibacterial soaps do not kill viruses; it is the mechanical action involved in hand washing that physically removes the virus particles.

Employing the immune boosting tips from last month’s article can help you in your final stages of recovery and in preventing further illness in the future.

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• July 2018, p 9

Caring for the families of the Hunter since 1889

Board games and other fun for the whole family to enjoy together

48 Banks Street, East Maitland 97 New England Highway, Maitland 61 Port Stephens Street, Raymond Terrace

Finger food from 6pm

www.frybros.com.au

A free family event arranged by the Gresford Paterson Anglican Church

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Gresford Public School 150th Celebrations described by two recent directors of public education.”

The thriving rural school that has helped mould the lives of thousands of young Gresford children is preparing to celebrate 150 years of education.

Gresford Public School is in its sesquicentenary year and it will commemorate the major milestone with The Big Birthday and Spring Fair on Saturday, September 22.

The community event is expected to bring together a range of people – students, teachers, volunteers, parents, grandparents – who have forged a connection with the school since it was established in 1868.

“The learning would have commenced even prior to this, with the original inhabitants, the Gringhai people, teaching their children the ways of their tribe for thousands of years in the Gresford district.

“We will pay our respects to the original inhabitants of the land on which our school stands, with the unveiling of a mural contributed to by all students.”

Preparations for the day are in full swing and the organising committee is seeking the community’s help to bolster the memorabilia displays. Old photos, workbooks, school reports, uniforms and other memories of life at Gresford Public School are being sought. All can be dropped into the school office.

Any inquiries can be directed to the school on 4938 9304.

Fun facts

• The first school at Gresford was established in 1868 as a parish school The full day of activities will include in the grounds of St Anne’s Church. guided history tours, stalls and displays, • The first teacher at Gresford School, memorabilia, roving minstrels, maypole Talented artist and Gresford Public Mr John Bush, was also the local School mum Alice Ropata has guided the dancing, games and special puppet postmaster. children in the creation of the mural performances by Frank's Fantastic Fairy • The original enrolment was 18 boys and Aboriginal parent Tammy Parish has Tale Theatre. and 16 girls. provided the cultural perspective.

• While the 1881 school buildings were Visitors will also have the opportunity to being erected, classes were conducted “Our school is dear to our hearts as it compare a 19th century classroom with in a tent. The buildings are still in use has been to many past students, families, the high-tech, open learning today. The tents are not! friends and staff,” Mrs Mitchell said. opportunities in today’s classrooms.

• Today’s school office building was the “Don’t miss this great day of celebrating “A place of continuous learning for 150 original teacher’s residence. the long and proud history of our years must be a very special one,” said • A piano presented to the school by the school, the ‘jewel in the Hunter Gresford Public School Pauline Mitchell. education crown’, as it has been P&C in 1921 is still in use today.

Graeme Ferguson

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

* Identification Survey Reports * House Setouts

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

“Yatta” Torryburn Via Paterson 2421

Tel 4938 9448 Email yatta2@bigpond.com

Would you love to earn some Brownie Points with your mum this Mother's Day? Why not book her in for a Pamper or buy her a gift voucher so she can have a complete pamper when it suits her.

We have an Indulgent Mother's Day Package available just for her.

Looking forward to being able to pamper you for your Hair & Beauty in the salon soon.

The Quaint Team Andrea, Josie, Annette, Demee, Kelly & Prue 803A Gresford Rd Vacy.

Ph: 49 388 386

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Images from a booklet produced for the school's 100th anniversary in 1968.

• July 2018, p 11

JULY NEWSLETTER

SELLING FARMS AND ACREAGES

‘ALLYNDALE', 3108 Allyn River Rd, Upper Allyn. 267 acres $1.55 Million. for video and listing. www.realestate.com.au/7914922

Seriously back on the market. The Owners health has resulted in this property being on and off the market several times. We are now definitely committed to SELLING. Price reduction… now $1.55Milion. Now Below replacement costs for such a highly improved property. This is an exceptional property with a stunning location, beautiful Farmhouse, 1klm frontage to the pristine Allyn River, adventurous Country, very accessible with Farm tracks throughout the Property. Frontage to Allyn River Road and Salisbury Road. Permanent spring fed Rainforest Creek waters the rear valley of the Farm. All infrastructure replaced or repaired over the past 10 years. Runs Angus Breeders, excellent Yards, Fencing, Water. Very scenic. Brilliant lifestyle location.

‘Kirala', 138 Cessnock Road, Maitland. 32 acres $1.55 Million.

A Hobby Farm in the City, 5 mins to Maitland CBD. Realistic Offers will be considered.

For detailed information and video see www.realestate.com.au/128178390 Unique buying opportunity so close to all the facilities of Maitland. Located high on a ridge, the outlook from the Residence, over the Farm to surrounding countryside is panoramic and inspiring. Huge Farm sheds provide interesting potential uses. Zoned RU1 and RU2. Town water. A beautifully presented property.

Currently running Angus stud Cattle and Horses. Very motivated Vendors have purchased a larger Farm.

Call the Local Country Specialist with 25 years genuine experience in selling your Country for record prices.

PAMELA MUNSON COUNTRY ESTATES pamela@pmcountryestates.com.au 0427207542

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• July 2018, p 13

JULY NEWSLETTER

SELLING SPECIAL RESIDENTIAL

124 The Esplanade, Speers Point. 5 beds, 3 baths, 5 cars $1.95 Million SPECTACULAR VIEWS, LOCATION, & LIFESTYLE.

Luxurious living on 2 levels.

Quality all Miele Electric Kitchen designed to cater for entertaining large parties of friends and family. Extraordinary lighting features. Ducted reverse cycle air, ducted vacuuming.

Entertainment is the focus- Huge front Deck with panoramic Lake Macquarie views.

The vendors want to buy a farm!

Upstairs: Formal Lounge and Dining, Sunroom / Breakfast Room, 4 bedrooms and 2 Bathrooms Including the stunning Master Bedroom with En Suite with floor to Ceiling curved and tinted glass walls that open onto the Party Deck.

Downstairs: Informal areas including the Huge Games Room and Bathroom and Bedroom.

Low maintenance grounds. 3 car garaging with internal entry to the ground floor and separate, free standing garaging to the rear of the property with airconditioned work shop.

3 mins to local shops, Pub, 3 mins Speers Point Park with Sailing Club, Jetty on the Lake, Fish, swim, sail, motor boat, jet ski, relax in the Park, walk the Dog, Football Fives complex, Public Swimming pool. Watagan Walking and Cycle track along the Lakes edge provides healthy exercise‌ walk to Warners Bay cafes and refuel for the return trip (or keep walking for hours, amazing lake side walk).

5mins drive Warners Bay shops, cafes, 10 mins to Belmont 16 Footers Sailing and Social Club, 12 mins to Belmont Yacht Club & Restaurant, within 30mins Newcastle CBD & Beaches, easy 2 hours Sydney.

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Culture Vulture

by Robyn Werkhoven

Greetings Culture Vulture readers: A ‘must see’ art exhibition, date to mark in your diaries CONCERNING PEACE at Maitland Regional Art Gallery.

Exhibition dates 25 August to 25 November. Official opening 8 September.

The exhibition Concerning Peace was conceived by artists/curators Eric and Robyn Werkhoven in response to the present hostile world events.

Twenty five professional visual artists have been invited to express, interpret and explore their belief for world peace.

Nationally recognised stellar artists such as George Gittoes, Kathrin Longhurst, Carlos Barrios and Mertim Gokalp will be exhibiting, alongside of some of Newcastle’s leading artists – Peter Gardiner, Peter Tilley and Michael Garth and more.

From the Dungog Shire works by Christine Pike, Helene Leanne, Natalie Duncan and Eric & Robyn Werkhoven The exhibition will include all genres of the visual arts – painting, drawing, sculpture, printmaking, photography, ceramics, and video installation. East Gresford artists and arts writers Eric and Robyn Werkhoven are well known in the Hunter for presenting dramatic, thematic

Rescue Dove – Helene Leane, photographically transferred monotypes

ART NEWS Concerning War – Michael Garth, recycled timber, recycled steel, resin

art exhibitions with social political, ‘cutting edge’ and controversial content.

We all want a peaceful world, is it possible?

Is humanity spiralling into insanity?

Dungog Contemorary Gallery: New exhibitions: Ken O’Regan and Odine Seabrook. Till 19 August.

Ken O'Regan is a mid-career Australian artist from Newcastle who has developed a sculptural practice combining found object assemblage with an environmentally conscious theme.

“The war mongers thrive Led by great greed and lethal Gods Ondine Seabrook is an emerging artist Since dawn man has fought from Sydney. A painter who graduated Ignorant and foolish hearts from The National Art School in 2017, Rare is peace and love.”

Ondine Seabrook is represented by – Robyn Werkhoven © 2018. China Heights Gallery in Surry Hills.

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G resford News

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• July 2018, p 15

Joliffe Family Reunion Fellow descendants of Oliver and Harriet Joliffe of "Rudwood", Carrabolla – you are invited to a Joliffe family reunion and picnic lunch at the Gresford Showgrounds on Saturday 1 September 2018 to celebrate the 96th and 90th anniversary of our ancestors' passing.

Harriet died on 12th December 1922 and Oliver on 21st July 1928.

journey from West Maitland to Mount Royal. It contains numerous records, documents, newspaper articles etc and includes a photo gallery of Oliver and Harriet, their 11 children and their families.

Copies will be on sale for $40 each.

There will be an unveiling of a commemorative artwork in memory of Gerald Capararo at the time of the Joliffe reunion. More details of this to follow.

2018 is also the 150 year mark since Oliver's first selection of 40 acres at Mount Royal – the land grant bearing the date of 26th of March 1868. All up the Joliffe family had possession of "Rudwood" for 96 years 1868-1964.

Some of you may be aware that Betty Richardson, the late George Joliffe's daughter, approached the Gresford Historical Society last year on behalf of her father to apply for a government grant to erect a stock proof fence around the cemetery at "Rudwood" to help preserve the old graves.

An application was forwarded to Dungog Council but unfortunately the grant was not approved due to the fact that the cemetery is on private property.

As the graves have sustained considerable damage over the last few years due to cattle

constantly stomping over them, a fence needs to be erected as soon as possible to prevent further damage. To ensure this happens sooner rather than later it is hoped the cost of the fencing can be covered by generous contributions from Oliver and Harriet’s many descendants.

Limited copies of a book titled 'Oliver's Travels' will be available for purchase at the reunion. Written by Diane Galligan, this 196 page, mostly coloured book is a combination of years of extensive research into Oliver and Harriet‘s family. It covers their immigration from Somerset, England, their arrival in Australia, and follows their

If you’re interested in attending the reunion, making a contribution towards the stock fence or purchasing a book, please contact Diane, Kingsley or David on the phone numbers provided below.

Could you also please forward this information to all your Joliffe relatives and perhaps print off a copy for those members who are not online.

For those attending the reunion, a gold coin donation would be very much appreciated to go towards the cost of hiring the Showground facilities.

Diane Galligan (07) 3351 2964 email: dfg@westnet.com.au Kingsley Joliffe 0407 334 470 (text messages preferred) David Wells 4938 9428.

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G resford News • July 2018

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, p 16

Sculptors Rally to Support Dungog’s Sculpture on the Farm

Will Maguire in his workshop Olly Boyett. photo: Perry Duffin

She moved away from print based work and started creating sculptures, which she refers to as “botanical fictions”.

Jane Richens with “Bouquet of Wild Flowers” Support is building for Dungog’s Made out of used fencing wire, old fence inaugural sculpture exhibition, Sculpture posts and hand-crafted felt, Jane’s on the Farm with applications for entry structures represent local flowers and being submitted from near and far. fungi. Her love of the local rainforest and its varied species inspires her artistic work.

Local sculptor, Jane Richens, was one of the first local sculptors to support this Another entrant with 3 entries is initiative with her entry. Jane abandoned Branxton blacksmith and sculptor, Will city life ten years ago to live on, and Maguire. His intriguing and versatile conserve, her rainforested property in the creations in stainless steel, brass bronze, foothills of the Barrringtons. Not only was copper and timber, feature some very this a complete sea change in terms of large sculptures, as well as smaller ones. lifestyle, but also in her artistic direction.

Will has been involved in community

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events, such as the community forging day in 2016, when he invited locals to participate in forging steel poppies to be part of a special First World War memorial in Belgium. In April this year Will won the Australian National University residency award for his huge sculpture “Contrary Man”.

The committee is thrilled at the standard and variety of sculptures being entered for this event and would like to remind everyone to keep the October long weekend free, and to invite their friends to support this wonderful new initiative.

Lisa Connors

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• July 2018, p 17

Landcare weed of the month – Crofton Weed (Ageratina adenophera) • Has a short, pale yellow rootstock, which has a carroty odour when broken.

• Leaves are opposite, triangular, bright green, and rather hairy, edges lobed.

• Flowers are small, white and in clusters, at the ends of branches, flowering in spring.

• There are numerous stems and branches, up to 2 metres high, growing from a large well-rooted perennial crown.

Treatment: • The tall stems become woody with • Antihistamines, antibiotics and age, then collapse, and take root where corticosteroids may help. they touch the ground.

• Many horses are left permanently useless. • Cattle tend not to eat this plant, but • In NSW – Numinbah Horse Sickness. sheep will eat small amounts.

• Horses have a preference for crofton Integrated control strategy: weed, and are very vulnerable to • Goats can tolerate many months of poisoning. The slashed plant is still grazing crofton weed, and can attractive to horses. eventually eradicate it, but other • Grows in disturbed, moist sites on alternate fodder must be available. fertile soils.

• Crowns must be removed.

• A native of Central America.

• Slash to prevent flowering and seed set.

Further reading • Use glyphosates.

• A declared 'Noxious' weed in many areas. • AGFACTS NSW • Auld & Medd, Weeds, 1992 • Dowling & McKenzie, Poisonous • Try Grazon®, Starane® or Tordon®.

Plants, 1993 • Kohnke, Feeding and Description & comments: Nutrition of Horses, 1998 • McKenzie, • An erect, branched, perennial plant, Veterinary Clinical Toxicology, 2000 • related to mistflower and creeping Parsons & Cuthbertson, Noxious Weeds of crofton weed.

Australia, 2001.

Health and Production Problems: • Causes acute oedema of the lungs, followed by haemorrhage.

• Chronic ingestion may lead to liver damage, & reduced long term productivity.

• Chronically damaged livers in some ruminants may accumulate excessive copper, which may be released, and kill the animal.

Palatability to Livestock: Moderate, but not at flowering. Toxicity to Goats: Low risk. Toxicity to Other Species: Cattle, sheep and horses.

Poisonous principle: Pyrrolizidine alkaloids • Compound tremol, Saponin, Tremetol.

Effects: Signs and symptoms: • Chronic weight loss, • Sometimes acute jaundice, with or without photosensitization, • Coughing, rapid heaving respiration, • Sometimes death, with no other symptoms.

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G resford News • July 2018

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, p 18

Mayoral Update 25 June 2018

June 2018 Ordinary Meeting of Council The June Ordinary meeting of Council was held last Wednesday. Among the resolutions passed were changes to several chapters of Council’s Development Control Plan No 1 (DCP), a decision to endorse two sub-divisions, and the provision of financial support from Council to help with the Special Children’s Christmas Party and activities at the Bandon Grove School of Arts Hall.

Council also provided in-principle support for two new races as part of Pedelafest 2018, an exciting event for the Shire in September.

Councillors and Council staff have identified a need to review a number of Council policies, as well as the DCP, to reflect changes to the Local Government Act 1993, NSW planning legislation and advances in technology. The community can expect to see these policies and DCP chapters being reviewed at Council meetings between now and December and I encourage you to also have your say on these changes if they are of interest to you. The first of these updated chapters of the DCP have just been on public exhibition and, as there were no submissions, have been adopted as they stand. These reviews will result in improved processes that will simplify matters for residents and consultants when dealing with Council.

Following the April 2015 superstorm, in which Torryburn Bridge was washed away, Council established an access route through several properties. A key recommendation made in the review after the storm was to keep this access open in case of future emergencies.

Councillors and Council staff have been investigating the best solution that will be acceptable both to residents who may need access during an emergency, and to the affected landholders. Council resolved the following:

Tracy Norman, Mayor Dungog Shire Council There is still time to have your say on Dungog Shire’s Community Strategic Plan, the Delivery Plan and the Operations Plan. Submissions close at 4pm, this Wednesday 27 June. An extraordinary meeting has been called, to consider the submissions and adopt these documents, on Thursday 28 June.

You are welcome to attend this meeting.

Dungog District Chamber of Commerce (DDCC) Dinner The DDCC hold a monthly networking dinner, usually on the third Thursday of the month. This is a great way for business people to interact and share thoughts and ideas. If you want to promote anything your business is doing, then there is always the opportunity to present to the crowd.

There are usually a few councillors present, so it could be an opportunity to catch one of us to discuss anything shire related, or just to say hello. I would like to congratulate the young people who presented at the June meeting regarding their business ventures to be based in Dungog. It shows what a bright future we have, that our young citizens are willing to stay and invest in the Shire.

Hunter Councils Joint Organisation (JO) The inaugural meeting of the JO will take place this week and the Strategic Plan will be ratified. This Plan puts regional advocacy front and centre.

Community Conversations on the Special Rates Variation (SRV)

Council has completed the second phase of its community engagement process around the SRV and we are now ready to go back out to the community with a second round of conversations. These sessions will take place as follows: 6 pm, Tuesday 3 July at Doug Walters Pavilion, Dungog 6 pm, Thursday 5th July at Paterson School of Arts, Paterson 6pm, Tuesday 10 July at Clarence Town School of Arts, Clarence Town 6 pm, Thursday 12 July at Gresford Write to the four (4) affected landowners School of Arts, Gresford advising of the intention to create an 2 pm, Saturday 14 July at Doug Walters easement in gross for emergency use Pavilion, Dungog only and seeking their support in 6pm, Thursday 19 July at Vacy School of principle for this process; Arts, Vacy If support in principle is provided, Please note that you are welcome at any Council engage further legal advice for of the sessions. We ask you to Please the wording of an easement in gross and RSVP to Lyn Brighton on lynb@dungog. have this ratified by our insurers; nsw.gov.au, or phone her on 49957777, If support in principle is not provided, a so we can send you an information pack further report be provided to Council. prior to the event. This pack will explain why Council is seeking a rate variation Integrated Planning and Reporting and what this will mean for you.

(IP&R) Documents Following the community reference

panel discussions, Council is proposing the following tapered rates rise: Years one and two: 15% (12.5% + 2.5% rate peg amount) Years three, four and five: 10% (7.5% + 2.5% rate peg amount) Years six and seven: 6% (3.5% + 2.5% rate peg amount) Council is reviewing its hardship policy and is looking at running some workshops around household budgeting.

Please come along to these sessions and share your thoughts with us.

Workshops and Webcasts for Tourism Operators The NSW Government’s tourism and major events body, Destination NSW is offering those in the tourism industry access to free workshops and webcasts to help them develop, promote and sell their products. Please see www. destinationnsw.com.au/workshops.

Swap for Change The Chances Program has been running through the Dungog District Community Centre since 2015 and has helped more than 40 children access sport, dance and music opportunities.

This assists in building self-esteem and skills extension and promotes inclusion.

Chances is running a clothes, shoes and accessories swap night at 23 Alison School Road, Dungog on Thursday 9 August from 6pm to 9pm. Cost is $25 and a light supper will be provided.

Please RSVP to Tina Overton on: 0448749989

Dungog Festival’s Long Lazy Lunch Tickets are now available and selling fast.

Details can be found at: www. dungogfestival.com.au 18 June 2018

Proposed Park and Road Improvements in Paterson Residents attended a community meeting at Paterson last week to provide feedback to Council staff regarding a proposed upgrade to part of Maitland Road, as well as facilities at Tucker Park.

The road upgrade is part of the Main Road 101 upgrade, made possible by a $10 million grant from the State Government. Other parts of MR 101 have already been upgraded using this funding and it will, in part, fund the upgrade to Dowling St, which will start later this year.

The Tucker Park upgrades are made possible by the successful grant application for $690K, announced by State Local Member, Michael Johnsen,

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earlier this year. Works include the siting of a new toilet block out of the flood zone, an undercover BBQ area and upgrades to pathways. Exciting times for the Paterson Community and others in the Shire who use this well-loved park.

Grants Attendees at last week’s “Get That Grant” Workshop received advice about successful grant writing. Thanks to Council’s Tracey Lowrey, Steve Hitchens, Michelle Viola and Coralie Nichols for your input and to those attendees who shared their experiences of going for grants. One of the major lessons I took from the evening was to make sure to give yourself plenty of time to write and submit the grant. If you leave it to the last minute you are bound to run out of time to get that crucial piece of information and, according to Murphy’s Law, there is very likely to be a system breakdown around the deadline time.

Save yourself the stress and prepare early and often.

Hospital Tour Members of the Dungog Hospital Local Health Committee were given a tour of the hospital facilities last week. Site Nursing Manager, Nicky Churms, explained works that are planned for the hospital, as well as some aspirations for future works. Nicky, who has been in the role for a few months, has certainly made her mark on the place. She found some great efficiencies and has introduced some great practices. The Dungog Hospital is going from strength to strength under her guidance. Thanks Nicky and Annette O’Neill for taking the time to show us the great work you and your staff are doing at the hospital. If anyone has any questions, ideas or feedback regarding Dungog Hospital, please contact myself or one of the other committee members.

Hunter Councils The Board of Hunter Councils Inc met last week to organise the proceedings for the Inaugural Hunter Councils Joint Organisation Meeting, to take place at the end of this month. The other notable item on the Agenda was a presentation from a consultant regarding the best way forward for recycling in the Hunter. Lake Macquarie Council conducted a trial on the use of glass sand as road base last week, as a way of creating a circular economy for recycled glass. Lake Macquarie Mayor, Kay Fraser, put forward a motion to further investigate the viability of a circular economy solution to the recycling issue.

• July 2018, p 19

This could represent a great opportunity for the region.

built in 1858, and extended in 1863. It ceased operations as a court house in 1967 when most of the building was left The Hunter Councils Major Events unused, apart from the front room Reference Group was briefed by which became a police office. A group of consultants on progress relating to the locals saw the need to preserve the Signature Events Strategy for the Hunter historical site and formed the Paterson Region, and the potential formation of a Preservation Society, which later became new entity to drive this Strategy. Part of the Paterson Historical Society. With the this strategy is to make sure all of the help of Dungog Shire Council and the Local Government areas are working Member for Maitland, The Hon. Milton together to coordinate the various events Morris, the Court House was across the Hunter and to see how each transformed into a museum. of us can benefit from the various events throughout the Hunter.

Since that time and with the help of Council, grants from the State and Dungog Rural Fire Brigade Annual Federal Governments, and loads of General Meeting (AGM) blood, sweat and tears from the Paterson I was delighted to attend the AGM, Historical Society Volunteers, many along with Cr John Connors. I want to renovation and maintenance programs congratulate and thank the members for have been undertaken. This latest one, the outstanding work they have done in renovating the Library Room and the past year, as always, not only for recreating the original back fence, was fires they attended, but for all of the funded 50/50 by the Federal other community activities that they Government Stronger Communities involve themselves with during the year. Grant and the Paterson Historical I would also like to congratulate the Society. Thank you to the Paterson elected office-bearers and wish them well Historical Society, and particularly for the coming year.

Cameron Archer, for the opportunity to officially open this Library Room.

Risk and Insurance Workshop For all of those involved in events, members of 355 Committees and other organisations that auspice events or host them at their sites, please mark this in your diaries. 6pm, Wednesday 4 July, Council is holding a workshop at the James Theatre to discuss risk and insurance cover for events. Council’s insurer, State Mutual will be conducting this free workshop.

28 May 2018

Tea Cosy Festival Meeting

Small in numbers, but big on ideas, a group of interested community members gathered last week to hear more details about the 2019 Dungog Tea Cosy Festival. The enthusiasm was palpable as business owners and community groups explored ways to be involved in this new project. When I say “new”, I mean new for Dungog. The Festival ran in Morpeth Ordinary Meeting of Council I urge community members to come and for 30 years, attracting hordes of visitors to the town. When the Festival observe how Council operates and how Organisers pulled the pin on the event, the decisions that affect your life in the we approached them to gauge their Shire come about. We have a sandwich thoughts on Dungog staging the event, and a cup of tea after the meeting and albeit with a Dungog spin on it. you are welcome to join us and chat to Councillors and Council Senior Staff.

They were delighted to help us and We’re a friendly bunch once you get to promised to help inform their rather know us, and we are keen to hear from large data base of the change of venue. I the community that we serve. have heard now that other groups are 11 June 2018

Opening of Paterson Court House Museum Library Room Volunteering is the keystone to our success and survival as a shire. The great work of a dedicated team of volunteers from Paterson Historical Society was on display last week with the opening of the library room of Paterson Court House Museum. The Museum has been in operation since 1974, when Dungog Shire became the trustee on behalf of the NSW Government. The Court House was

starting to formulate ideas as to how they can be involved. So please let the folk at Dungog Shire Events know what your thoughts are. The next meeting of the group is 5.30 pm, Tuesday 29 May at Council Chambers. All are welcome.

* If you want to be kept updated via email on council & community matters, email me at: tracy.norman@dungog.nsw.gov.au

G resford News • July 2018

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, p 20

Scorps Halfway Through the Season The mighty Scorpions season is halfway through now with the mini roos kick off program focusing on the 3 & 4 year olds that’s going very successfully for our new younger aspiring champions of tomorrow.

All junior teams are performing well. 4 out of 7 of our interdistrict teams are currently in finals spot contention with the youngest u12s and the oldest over 35s sitting top of the table.

Ladies Sunday Game and following BBQ – 22nd July 10am Kick off The Lady Scorpettes team would like all their supporters to attend this game to come and watch their progression of the new squad. Our Ladies team has really stepped up and have come a long way from the start of the season and would love for the local community and club members to support them on the day and share a BBQ meal post game.

2018 Club Social Function – Karaoke Night – Saturday 28th July – Beatty Hotel Gresford Yes it’s that time again to warm up the vocal cords, rehearse the dance routines

and plan your attire as you wish. Kris and Damo from Dads Army O35s will host the Biennial Scorpion Karaoke night at the Beatty. Dinner is optional, $5 a song, Junior parents and seniors all welcome from 6.30pm. No dress code but song related outfits strongly encouraged. A bus may well be available for those wanting a Plan B option.

Acknowledging our great Sponsors The Scorpions have wonderful local community sponsors. Please support these businesses that supports your club: Doyle Rural Services • The Hotel Beatty • GWH Build • Battery World Maitland • Jack Minibuses • Lovey’s Supa IGA plus Liquor Dungog • Better Pool & Irrigation Supplies • Hunter Group of Companies • Paterson Butchery • Friendly Grocer Paterson • Williams Family Roses • Foodworks Gresford • On the Level Builders • CDI Electrical • Arma Insurance Brokers • One Agency – Sharon Hill Real Estate Any questions or information please contact Fritz Woller on M: 0419 275 760 Email: gresfordvacyfc@outlook.com Web: gresfordvacyfc.teamapp.com OR scorps.com.au Go the 2018 Scorps !

School of Arts Update I am often reminded how fortunate we are to have such a great facility as the Gresford School of Arts. So many other Schools of Arts in NSW have been lost, deteriorated or been sold. In fact, there is a major history project currently underway in NSW to document the history of the School of Arts buildings to which we have contributed our bit of local information.

For those who may not know, the Gresford School of Arts facility (consisting of the main hall; kitchen; supper room and RSL room) is managed by a Section 355 committee on behalf of Dungog Shire Council (DSC).

A Sect 355 committee is made up of elected volunteer community members, interested users and representatives of DSC. The next AGM is scheduled for 7.30pm Tuesday 21st August 2018 and will be held in the main hall.

Apart from electing the office bearers of President, Secretary and Treasurer, we will also be determining the hire fee structure.

G resford News

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• July 2018, p 21

News from the CWA Rooms The committee has endeavoured to keep the hire fees as low as possible as a service to our local community. Tables and chairs are often hired for local events and private functions. The supper room (pre-school two days per week) along with the associated fenced outdoor play area is frequently hired for children’s parties. And we all know the supper room at the School of Arts is the local voting place for Federal, State and Local elections.

On Monday, August 6 our Branch will hold an International Morning Tea in St. Anne’s Parish Hall, 9.30am for a 10am start. Our country of study this year is the Republic of Poland. There will be a poster display and presentation by the Gresford school children. All are welcome to attend and entry is $5. RSVP by Monday, July 30 to Jill Hancock 4938 9718 or email gresfordcwa@gmail.com.

Visitors & users of the School of Arts will soon see that the yellow lidded recycling bins will be replaced with two more general waste bins. Unfortunately, this has become necessary due to people constantly putting general waste in the recycling bins resulting in the need to transfer the mess to the general waste bins prior to collection or the bins not being emptied at all.

provides an opportunity for all women, irrespective of age, to get together and share stories, skills and find companionship and support. We are a great organisation representing a wide variety of ages, interests and skills and we support and work for progressive causes. So join us, get involved in the community and help to make a difference.

And just a reminder that you are invited to the AGM to be held 21/8/18 at 7.30pm.

For those wishing to hire the Gresford School of Arts, simply contact Rosalie Lawrence (President) 4931 5257; or Kel Merriman (Secretary) 4938 9564.

Like to join us? Gresford CWA

We meet the 1st Thursday of the month at 9.30am in the CWA rooms, 12 Durham Road, East Gresford. For more information contact the Secretary on 49389718, email gresfordcwa@gmail. com or check-out our website gresfordcwa@wordpress.com

We welcome new members Tina Fleming and Jennifer Waterman .

Book Club meets the 2nd Saturday of each month and the next meeting is Saturday, July 14 at 3pm. The book for discussion is “Voss” by Patrick White.

Come and join us for afternoon tea, friendship and lively discussion.

French classes are held on the 1st and 3rd Wednesday of each month.

Classes commence at 11am. If you would like to join the group give Glenda Smith a call on 4938 9456 for more details. Everyone welcome. A gold coin donation for printing costs is appreciated.

Gresford District Historical Society is hosting a Trivia night on Saturday July 7 at Gresford Bowling Club. There will be 10 tables of 8 persons per table. Get your brains trust team together and ring George Sales on 4938 9639 to book a table.

Limited individual tickets will be available on the night and will be allocated to a group table.

Our next meeting is Thursday, July 5, hope to see you there.

Jill Hancock, Secretary

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G resford News • July 2018

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, p 22

On the Shelves

EVENT MANAGEMENT SCHOLARSHIP AWARDED TO AN UPPER HUNTER ELECTORATE LOCAL Michael Johnsen MP, Member for Upper Hunter today announced that Ivan Skaines from Torryburn in Dungog Shire is a successful recipient of a scholarship in a Diploma of Event Management, funded by the NSW Government’s tourism and major events agency, Destination NSW. Mr. Johnsen said the scholarship program is part of the NSW Government’s partnership with Australia’s peak industry body for business events, Meetings & Events Australia (MEA), which aims to upskill and create more job opportunities for rural and regional NSW communities.

“I am delighted to announce that Ivan Skaines, who works as Economic Development, Tourism and Events Co-Ordinator at Dungog Shire Council, is one of 18 recipients who will benefit from a Diploma of Event Management. Ivan works closely with local event organisers, businesses and community organisations including Dungog Shire Events, Dungog Regional Tourism and Dungog District Chamber of Commerce to stage and promote events in the area.

“Ivan will be connected to an online community of students, providing a great opportunity for networking and learning more about the development and delivery of events from fellow peers.

“Our region already plays host to a fantastic array of events and opportunities like this help us to expand our current tourism offering while upskilling local champions,” Mr. Johnsen said.

The 18 recipients were selected by a panel which included representatives from Destination NSW, MEA and the six Destination Networks.

by Glenda Smith Tree Change

Margaret McMahon When the McMahons left their Sydney law practice and home for a life in the country, they thought they knew what they were doing, but this book details the many ways in which such a ‘tree-change’ can provide surprises. The journey to Dungog, in a car loaded with a mother-in-law; two small children; two cats; two pigeons; eight fish and a supply of dung beetles is symptomatic of the optimism of their venture.

Tree changes are all about dislocation, but they did not expect the avalanche of disasters that awaited them – some of them beyond their control, and some self-inflicted through naiveté or over-confidence.

McMahon emerges from this odyssey as a determined, energetic, resilient and cheerful woman whose perseverance and originality culminated in a Hunter Farmer of the Year award in 1998. At the time of their move, many country towns were not receptive to ‘blow-ins’ from the city, but in spite of this, the McMahon family made significant contributions to their new community, and continued to successfully run both a farm and a law practice. This book gives an interesting perspective on our neighbouring area, as seen through the eyes of a newcomer who made it her home for thirty-five years.

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.

Dungog

Gresford Transport ABN - 76872263533

Livestock, Hay and General Transport

Gresford, Dungog Maitland, Singleton 8 ton capacity fully insured

Stephen Hill for friendly and personal service Home - 02 49 389 349 Mobile - 0429389349

KELZ carpet cleaning Domestic and Commercial carpets, lounges and rugs Friendly Service Call: Kelly Richardson Mobile 0437 395 585

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.

G resford News

• July 2018, p 23 Gresford News July Crossword The

Anglican Parish of Gresford Paterson ph 0458 146 152

regular church times

Paterson 8.30am every Sunday Gresford 10.30am every Sunday Allynbrook 12 noon 4th Sunday of month

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

St Helen’s Gresford Saturday Vigil 5.30pm 5th Sunday of the Month, no Mass at Gresford but Sacred Heart Church Summer Hill, time to be advised.

Enquiries Parish Priest, Fr. Derek Garner 4992 1477

June 2018 crossword answers

Crossword kindly provided by Russel Jessop.

Your Readymixed Concrete Supplier Locally Owned Independently Operated Supporting the Gresford Community

54 Glenwood Drive, Thornton Phone (02) 4966 3711 www.hunterreadymixedconcrete.com.au