Gresford News July 2019

resford News G

The

News of the communities of the Paterson and Allyn River Valleys July 2019

Gresford 2GR8 – Turn Your Radio On! Story and pics inside...

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

9AM–3PM SUNDAY SEPT 8TH 2019

The Gresford News Community Diary Sun 21 Jul Live music – Neil Farmer, Hotel Beatty, 2.00pm Thurs 4 Jul Koala talk with Donna Hucker, CWA Rooms, 11.00am Fri-Sat 5-6 Jul Agog! A Feast of Foreign Films, James Theatre Dungog Fri 19 Jul Live music – Humming Birds, Gresford Bowls Sport & Recreation Club Sun 21 Jul Gresford Community Markets, Hotel Beatty, 9.00am Sun 21 Jul Live music – Neil Farmer, Hotel Beatty, 2.00pm Tues 23 Jul Gresford School of Arts management committee meeting, School of Arts Hall, 7.30pm Sun 28 Jul ‘Ug and Rug Sunday, 8.30am: St Paul’s Paterson, 10.30am: St Anne’s Gresford & Midday: St Mary-on-Allyn Sat-Sun 3-4 Aug Run Dungog, Dungog Common to Mt Richardson return, Dungog Common Tues 6 Aug CWA International Day, Country of study our near neighbour Papua & New Guinea

10-18 Aug National Science Week event around Dungog, Paterson Allyn Williams Science Hub Fri 23 Aug Live music – Outlaw Ave, Gresford Bowls Sport & Recreation Club Fri-Sat 23-24 Aug Gresford Campdraft and Rodeo, Gresford Showground Sat 8 Sep Vacy Village Country Carnival, 9.00am Sun 14 Sep Scorpians Presentation Night, Hotel Beatty Sat-Sun 14-15 Sep Wirragulla Polo Club's annual Hunter Polo Challenge Sat 9 Nov Boots and Bows Gresford P & C Fundraising Ball Tuesdays Social ladies tennis, every week of school term all year, Gresford Tennis Courts, 9.00–10.30am 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, every week of school term, Gresford Tennis Courts, 4.00pm 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 Mon 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 Postal Address: PO Box 73 East Gresford 2311. Deadline for stories & ads 20th of the month.

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www.gresfordnsw.com.au for local information and the ‘Gresford News’ online.

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Gresford News Notices ‘Ug and Rug Sunday

Congrats to Margot Capp

Sun 28 July

The Anglican Parish of Gresford Paterson invite you to ‘Ug and Rug Sunday, on Sunday 28th July at 8.30am at St Paul’s Paterson, 10.30am at St Anne’s Gresford and Midday at St Mary-on-Allyn. Bring a rug to snuggle up in at church and then leave it at the church to be donated to a charity in the area.

For more information, please contact Margie on 0419 417 989

Local walk

Sun 28 July

Barrington Tops NP + Chichester SF Full day walk to Mt Cabrebald in Barrington Tops NP, one of the Hunter Valley’s best views and least visited mountains. Medium – hard (Gr 4) 12km return walk mostly on tracks in Chichester SF about 45km north of Gresford. Climb about 600m elevation to a see a unique grass tree forest and spectacular wilderness views. Map: Barrington Tops, Carrabolla 1:25,000.

Contact: Martin Fallding 6571 1208, info@calli.com.au [National Parks Association of NSW (Hunter Branch)]

Got an Inventor in the Family?

Well known and well loved local, Margot Capp, was awarded a Medal of the Order of Paterson Allyn Williams Science Hub wants Australia (OAM) in the Queen's Birthday to see your gizmos, hacks, workarounds, 2019 Honours List. Margo has spent a inventions and doo-hickeys. The group is lifetime actively supporting the Gresford hoping for a lively show n tell as part of the community both personally and through Paterson Allyn Williams Festival of Science her work in many roles in organisations. in National Science Week in August.

Congratulations Margot.

It could be: You deserve it!

• Some simple idea where you’ve repurposed an item for a new use • Something your grandad made out of old • When crumbling pieces of fish, first place parts that you have in your shed them in the fridge for half an hour. This • A “foreign order” made on the side/sly makes them hold their shape better so they • A new solar-powered thingummy no one can be more evenly coated. else has thought of.

• To minimise the odour when cooking • A patented invention for the kitchen, cabbage or cauliflower place a large sprig of paddock or workshop (from the past parsley in the saucepan with it. present ... or future!).

• Add frozen vegetables to your two minute • Even a trick of the trade or new system or noodles. It makes it into a hearty meal and an idea on paper ... boosts your daily vegetable intake.

Old or new, clever or obvious, we’re • To firm up over ripe tomatoes interested in local resourcefulness in action. place them in icy cold water with a Simply take a photo, write a little about it teaspoon of salt for 10 minutes. and email to pawsciencehub@gmail.com.

• Keep pumpkin the pieces fresh Then bring it along to our Show N Tell by sprinkling with pepper.

Home-Made Invention event on 18 August.

It prevents mould and the pumpkin Check the website for more info tastes great when it’s cooked. www.pawsciencehub.com

Handy hints

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Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea in Mount Rivers Mount Rivers neighbours, Alyson Moore and Marisa Groves, hosted Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea in Marisa’s beautiful garden Saturday 25 May 2019.

Friends, family & colleagues gathered for a good catch up, Tea Trivia and raffles in support of breast cancer research & support.

Dungog Mayor, Cr Tracy Norman officiated at the cake cutting ceremony and joined in on the fun and games.

Thank you Tracy for your generous support and time.

Not only was it a delightful way to spend a stunningly beautiful autumn Saturday in the valley, but the event raised $1,700 in donations for the Cancer Council.

Thank you to all the generous online donors, to ABBEY Language Travel which pledged all donations dollar for dollar, and to those who attended on the day opening the hearts & their wallets.

Finally, a big thanks to Marisa and Leon Groves for opening their beautiful garden with its wonderful rose garden, outdoor dining areas, arbours, avenues, pool & ponds, hedges and shady verandahs. A masterpiece indeed and perfect venue for our Tea!

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On the Shelves

by Glenda Smith The Secret Scripture

Sebastian Barry

This novel won a prestigious British literary prize and was shortlisted for the Man Booker Prize in spite of some judges’ reservations about the ending. In an interview Barry shrugged off the doubts by saying that the ending was his point of departure and the driving force behind the narrative. Readers can judge for themselves – there is a major twist.

The surface story line involves a psychiatrist assessing the patients in his care prior to the demolition of their asylum to see if some of them can go back into the community when the hospital closes. He makes personal observations in what he calls his Commonplace Book while a very old woman he is intrigued by, Roseanne McNulty, secretly records her own impressions of her life. These intertwining and subjective narratives create the novel.

Roseanne has had a very unfortunate life, but she presents quite a serene face to the world. She had a loving father and husband, but a powerful enemy in the shape of a priest. In her final years she is looked after by Dr Grene, and a strange guardian angel. The background of her story is the Irish Civil War, but her understanding conflicts with more official reports. However much her memories are doubted it is clear that Irish society at the time was very tumultuous and a hard place for women. This is a subtle and beautifully written novel.

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.

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n o i t i t pneity members Cocom mmu for

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are u o y w o h idea on our page? – Facebook or uofsyour aw photo o h c SShare lasFreetiDungog Instagram – Singleg Use p Plastic n i c our page a n l o a p e e d rPrizes for: hoto of your i SINGLE USE Show us how you are replacing plastic?

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Gresford 2GR8 – Turn Your Radio On! The recent June long weekend saw the final showing of the latest production from GAPS – Gresford 2GR8. As always, it had collective feet tapping and many audience members singing along with old favourites such as The Pub with No Beer, The Teddy Bears’Picnic and Does Your Chewing Gum Lose Its Flavour…? MC for the evening was GAPS President, Sharon Lawrence, who reminded the audiences that GAPS has been in existence for 23 years. The production itself was suavely compered by Tony Schultz in his role as Radio Announcer Richard Head, known to his friends as Dickie.

The play chronicled the shift from radio to television, with the staff of Gresford 2GR8 under duress from competition with Dungog 2DUNG, and a Boss at his wits’ end. Allyn Litchfield delivered the part of the Boss under the pump, Mr ‘Swinger’ Gray, with his usual authority.

His way was sweetened by Kiwi Cleaner turned Personal Assistant, Philma Wellington, played with alacrity by enthusiastic newcomer Linda McLean.

The Producers of the beleaguered radio station, Sy K. Phant (Kel Merriman); Desiree Kipfler (Sharon Lawrence); Phil E. Stein (John Kember) and Shirley Knott (Donna Chisholm) were forced into competing with each other to secure their jobs on the station, with some hilarious results. Kel was an impressively sycophantic smooth-talker; Sharon provided a strong and convincing feminist viewpoint; John seemed to revel in the role of the slow-thinking Phil, and Donna portrayed the frazzled Shirley with ease.

Two other bright spots on stage were Lyndell Osmond as cheerful Roving Reporter Gabby Gaga, and Rosita Richardson as the not-sosunny Weather Girl, Rainbow Perfection. Doll Watson did some excellent cameos as Dolly Hotstuff, the station songstress; Mrs Saggybottom from the serial Saggybottom Farm; and Gladys, the dentally challenged caller complaining about ‘floraldehyde’ in the water.

G resford News

The Dotti Hilliard brought her usual flamboyance to the role of Ethel Avachat, the voyeuristic telephone operator, and joined Glenda Smith, director, in the Irish dancing duo the Gin Joints – the only Irish dancers in Australia with artificial joints.

In addition to their main roles, Linda McLean and John Kember played several additional parts, with John doing a dramatic quick-change between children’s story-teller Praline Sweetacre and Mr Saggybottom.

John and Linda showed great virtuosity in their musical skills as well, with Linda accompanying herself on the guitar to original songs, and John belting out some Australian classics with the accompaniment of his banjo. Allyn Litchfield took part in the duet between

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Dolly Hotstuff and Harry Highpants, the Paterson Pelvis, when Malcolm Watson was unable to be on stage.

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The culmination of the station turmoil, via a talent quest, was the switch to GR8TV, on channel 2311, which brought into full dazzling display Sharon Lawrence’s masterly musical choices and Donna Chisholm’s captivating choreography. Sharon’s medleys were sensational and Donna’s patient coaching of the dancers led to some sparkling sequences.

Rohan Staines’ sound management was impeccable and Peter Berghofer’s lighting was very atmospheric, while Ross Staines contributed his craftsmanship to the scenery and props. Denise Sellens and Coleen Litchfield did their usual sterling job in terms of catering, costumes and house management with the help of Daniel Maroulis, David and Naomi Horn and dedicated kitchen staff. The Beatty

• July 2019, p 11

Hotel came to the party with welcome and efficient lubrication of the audiences.

Director Glenda Smith was delighted by the cast’s energy and enthusiasm, and was pleased to see how much the audience members enjoyed themselves. Gresford 2GR8 brought back a special time in a memorable way. Thanks go to the Gresford community and beyond, for their generous support.

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Our Gardens | a series on locals & gardening

‘Allynbrook Park’ perimeter of the home paddock. The main house came four years later and the 'The Bunkhouse' was completed a year after the main house, utilising some of the materials from the 1952 house.

Noel and Louise Brown – 'Allynbrook Park' has been the home of the Brown Family for the last thirteen years and is run as a commercial Angus breeding operation.

When The Browns arrived there was an old house where the bunkhouse now stands, the property was previously a dairy named 'Kinross' and was owned by the Lawrie Family. The original house, built in the 1800s was located next to the three large English elms and the stone at the entrance of the old house has been

placed to the left of the maze. The old house was removed many years before and a new home constructed in 1952.

One of our first jobs was to plant the 52 Lipstick Maples down the driveway with our three children. Whilst commuting between Sydney and Allynbrook Louise attended a garden design course at Meadowbank TAFE and with a little bit of knowledge the gardens began.

Commencing with the stables followed by the stone wall which borders the

Each part of the garden has 'evolved' over the years, constantly being added to and 'rejigged'. The life of the property is the river which we love to look over and enjoy the fishing and swimming. Some of our successes are the espaliered Granny Smith apple tree on the back wall of the house, the Spanish Hoya vine on the front verandah, the seasonal vegie patch, a small orchard of fruit salad trees (three species grafted onto one tree), the avenue of Lipstick Maple 'October Glory' which are a vibrant red the second half of May, the succulent rockery, our lovely grove of Manchurian pears and the espaliered olives on the chimney of the house and bunkhouse.

In the stables & paddocks you will see two bay 'shire' horses “Tully & Beau”. Shires are an English breed and the largest of all horse breeds, originally bred to carry knights in armour. Unfortunately these beautiful animals are now listed on the 'Rare Breeds Survival Trust' Endangered Species List with approx. only 1800 left worldwide.

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CULTURE VULTURE

by Robyn Werkhoven

Surface and Layer Exhibition Dungog By Design – Artisan Collective Annual Art Exhibition, 27 July – 4 Sept.

Official Opening: 2pm, Sat 27 July. To be opened by Sue Smith, TV & Australian film scriptwriter presently living in Dungog shire, who wrote 'Brides of Christ' ABC series. All welcome to attend the opening and meet the artists.

Dungog by Design is a collective of energetic, vibrant and talented artists. This will be the group’s third yearly exhibition, featuring many well known Hunter artists and their inspiring work. An exhibition and gallery well worth a visit.

Curator artist Susan Hodgins writes about the exhibition. “Surface and Layer” celebrates the creative practice of members of “Dungog by Design – an artisan’s collective”. “Dungog by Design” comprises a group of local artisans who collectively present their handmade work in a beautiful historic exhibition shopfront in Dowling St Dungog in the Hunter Valley. “Dungog by Design” has a focus on the skilful making of contemporary artworks and objects which embrace design principles and traditions in innovative ways. The exhibition “Surface and Layer” will begin to reveal

how artisans make creative choices about the materials and techniques they work with and the purposes and meanings behind what they do.

The title of the exhibition was conceived with the intention of maximising the viewing experience and engagement of the audience. We often quickly glance at artworks or objects perhaps missing out on an uplifting moment, a point of view, an appreciation of labour or skill, an elucidating idea, a connection with memory, a new technique, a surprise, a challenging truth, pure aesthetic delight exhibition concept. “Surface” references or maybe even a deep feeling of empathy. both the physical surface or materials/ techniques used (watercolour, glaze, A closer look at the title “Surface and Layer” might give more insight into the fibre, texture….) and the obvious

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witnessing the daily drama of life and an indeterminate future.

Some appear to be in a hurry to be elsewhere, while others meditate on what’s it all about?

“The works explore the world of human folly observing the irrationalities of existence, with sheer delight and a touch of irony.”

observable subject matter apparent in the work (landscape, portrait, nature, abstract composition….). “Layer” also relates to both the physical and conceptual – the layering of materials in the making of the work and the multiple layers of meaning readable in the work.

The exhibition encourages viewers to take a closer look and to explore the surfaces and layers they encounter. The works will be displayed untitled, but each artisan will present a short caption to enhance the viewer’s experience. This may comprise a question to provoke thought, or a statement that leads to a connection.

A separate catalogue with the works’ titles OTHER ART NEWS: will be provided, which is probably best MYTHICAL BEASTS Exhibition, 12–28 looked at after an initial viewing.

July, Eric & Robyn Werkhoven, Monique When walking around the exhibition, the Werkhoven • Art Systems Wickham viewer will be presented with beautiful Gallery, 40 Annie St, Wickham, surfaces on 2D and 3D objects, whether it Newcastle. be oils, acrylic, yarn, fabric, clay, glass, Eric and Robyn Werkhoven celebrate a felt, paper, wood, metal or found object forty year artistic relationship with this artefacts. Some materials are chosen for year’s exhibition. The exhibition features a their expressive potential, others for the unique series of collaborative drawings passion the artisan has for working with and paintings of mythical beasts and them. All evidence the sensitivity, skill, bizarre characters that inhabit the artists’ awareness and knowledge of the maker. imagination. The stylised, graphic GALLERY HOURS: Wed–Fri 10am–3pm. contorted creatures are part of life’s parade, Sat & Sun 9am–4pm.

• July 2019, p 15

Launch of book POETRY & SCULPTURE by Eric Werkhoven, Monique Werkhoven presents paintings and drawings.

Official Opening: 3pm, Saturday 13 July.

To be opened by: John O’Brien, award winning film & TV script writer.

Performance by The De Factos (John O’Brien & Donna Cavanough) inspired by the Werkhovens’ work.

ALL WELCOME! Come along to the opening talk to the artists and meet a few mythical beasts.

GALLERY HOURS: Fri–Sun 11am–4pm.

Or by appointment 0431 853 600.

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Mayoral Update

Tracy Norman, Mayor Dungog Shire Council

24 June 2019

Mark Coulton, and Federal Shadow Minister for Regional Services, Territories Martins Creek Quarry and Local Government, Jason Clare.

In a tremendous win for the residents of NSW Delegates had a short meeting with Paterson, Martins Creek, Vacy and Minister Coulton after the close of the surrounds, the Court of Appeal, Supreme conference, where roads, water security Court of NSW last week found in favour and Federal Assistance Grants (FAGS) of Dungog Shire Council and dismissed were discussed. The Minister assured the appeal lodged by the operator of the attendees that he has prioritised the Martins Creek Quarry. Further, the examination of the distribution of FAGS original order to award costs to Council grants to make it fairer for Councils with remained, and Council was also awarded the most need of this assistance. He was costs of the appeal. This results in a asked to also examine the return of FAGS significant benefit to Council and to the previous level of one cent in the ratepayers. taxation dollar. It is currently 0.55 cents The Court of Appeal ruling restrains the in the dollar. operator from using the land otherwise Delegates debated and determined on than as a quarry primarily for the more than 122 motions regarding the purpose of extracting railway ballast, advocacy priorities of ALGA for the excavating rock on Lot 6 without coming year. The results of these consent granted for such activities under determinations will now go back to the the Planning Act and permitting the ALGA Board to develop these priorities, transport of greatly more than 30% of depending on the strength of the yes:no the quarry products derived from rock vote from delegates. For a full list of excavation of the land by public road on motions and for other information on an annual basis. the conference including the The operator will now seek to regularise presentations, visit: https://alga.asn.au/ events/national-general-assembly-2019/ extraction and processing activities by submitting a State Significant Development Application (SSDA) and seeking consent for the operations. The operator has been granted a three month stay to allow time for the SSDA to be determined or, alternatively, for the appellants to arrange their affairs to comply with the law.

Council has remained and still remains committed to ensuring that the Martins Creek Quarry operations are fully regularised, and the Court of Appeal ruling has offered this assurance.

Australian Local Government Association (ALGA) National General Assembly (NGA) Dungog Shire Council General Manager (GM), Coralie Nichols, and I attended the ALGA Annual General Assembly last week. A diverse range of speakers covered such topics as the place of technology in Local Government, affordable housing, disaster readiness, community engagement and innovations in waste management and the circular economy. The format allowed for ample opportunity to network.

We were addressed by the Deputy Prime Minister and Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development, Michael McCormack; Federal Minister for Regional Services, Decentralisation and Local Government,

17 June 2019

Riley recently met to discuss the content of this forum. I will be announcing the date for this forum shortly, so stay tuned.

10 June 2019 Meetings with Ministers With the announcement of the new Berejiklian State Government Cabinet, General Manager (GM), Coralie Nichols, and I met with three new Ministers who are critical to the future of the Dungog Shire 1 The Minister for Agriculture, Adam Marshall; 2 The Minister for Local Government, Shelley Hancock; and 3 The Minister for Regional Transport and Roads, Paul Toole.

These meetings were organised with the assistance of the local State Member for the Upper Hunter, Michael Johnsen, who also attended and advocated on behalf of our Shire.

We gave each new Minister an overview of Dungog Shire and the issues and challenges we face. We then discussed with each Minister issues that directly related to their portfolio.

Coralie and I discussed with Minister Marshall the continued importance of The GM and I met with Stephen Wills agriculture to our local economy. We and Mark McClean from the Department advised him of the establishment of our of Premier and Cabinet last week.

Councillor Agriculture Portfolio Group We updated them on our meetings with and how the members of this group are the Ministers and what we discussed. We challenging themselves to proactively asked them to follow up on the requests respond to the changing face of agriculture in the Shire. We let him that we made of the Ministers. This know that we are planning a strategic includes following up on pre-election workshop with our primary producers promises of $16 million for our timber and key industry stakeholders in 2019 bridge replacement program and and that we would like to see him Dungog’s prioritisation in the involved - he was keen to take part. reclassification of regional to State roads. Michael Johnsen MP, who is now also We also reiterated the need to find a fit the Parliamentary Secretary for for purpose solution for Brig O’ Johnson Agriculture across NSW has committed Bridge and the need for the agricultural to addressing this proposed forum. mapping exercise to get back on track so Please keep an eye out for details to that we can get on with our Rural Lands come on this engagement.

Strategy. We discussed our idea for a We also discussed with Minister Marshall forum on the future of agriculture in Dungog Shire. This has attracted quite a the development of our Rural Lands Strategy and the importance of this bit of attention, both from the Agriculture Minister, Adam Marshall and Strategy in determining appropriate future development in the Shire. We Stephen Wills. Stephen has offered to asked Minister Marshall to investigate recruit some help from relevant how we can get back on track with the government departments, such as the agricultural land mapping exercise that Local Land Services, Department of the NSW Department of Primary Primary Industry and the Department of Industries started last year and then Planning, all which are now nested with suspended due to a re-prioritisation of the DPC. Local Government Areas to be mapped.

Council’s Agriculture Portfolio Group, Minister Marshall understood Dungog comprising myself, Cr Rayward and Cr Shire Council’s need for this work to be

Department of Premier and Cabinet

G resford News

The

reignited and acknowledged its importance to us. He has promised to follow this up for us so we can continue with our Rural Lands Strategy.

purpose of the ESL, which is designed to assist firefighters suffering with cancers linked with the use of chemicals in their daily work, we feel this is a State Government cost and that it shouldn’t We asked both Minister Hancock and be shifted to Local Government to pay Minister Toole for their support with via rates. Minister Hancock was making sure the Government moves sympathetic to our argument and forward on delivering the promises made advised that she had inherited this issue by the Coalition prior to the election, and promised that she is working on a particularly the $16 million for bridge solution. We let the Minister know we funding, and the Government’s would not be paying the increase in the promised roads reclassification.

Levy this financial year.

We discussed at length with Minister Finally, we discussed with all three Toole the pre-election commitments by the former Minister for Roads, Maritime Ministers the Brig O’ Johnson Bridge and the need to find a result that didn’t cost and Freight, Melinda Pavey, regarding the prioritisation of Dungog’s 124 km of the tax-payer $25-28 million. We pressed each of the Ministers for a fit-for-purpose regional roads to be reclassified as State road. Support regarding following up on solution for such a strategically important piece of infrastructure, not these promises was forthcoming from just for our growth hot-spot of Clarence both Ministers.

Town, but also, for the rest of our Shire.

We also outlined to Minister Hancock Each Minister was supportive of our our Special Rates Variation (SRV) stance and agreed to progress this issue approval and at the same time expressed at the State Government level. our disappointment with the State All in all, the meetings were very Government imposed $70K Emergency positive and encouraging. The GM and I Services Levy, which this year is equivalent to 10% of the first year’s SRV came away with confidence that the income. While we are supportive of the government is on track to deliver on its

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• July 2019, p 17

pre-election promises in our Shire and that we will enjoy a positive and productive working relationship with these Ministers and of course our local member Michael Johnsen.

Meeting with the Worimi LALC Chair Leigh Ridgeway The GM and I met with the Chair of the Worimi Local Aboriginal Land Council, Mr Leigh Ridgeway, last week. The meeting was a first step in a longer conversation to help Dungog Shire Council to improve our awareness of Aboriginal culture, to appreciate its beauty, and acknowledge its long and important history. Leigh is wanting to work closely with us on this and we have committed to undertake a threeday Connecting to Country program in August. We will be completing this program with the leadership team from Dungog High School, a collaboration we are really looking forward to. The Mayor and GM at Port Stephens Council will also complete this program with the Worimi LALC. As the Mayor of Dungog Shire, I believe that this is important work and that this program will benefit our relationship with the local Aboriginal community.

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G resford News • July 2019

The

, p 18

Gresford's theatrical triumph

Vacy Village Country Carnival

How to describe the theatrical production staged by Gresford’s Amateur Players (G.A.P.S) which I attended with a rowdy group from Dungog last Saturday evening, 8th June? It was a Tour de Force. The acting, the singing, the choreography – all were wonderful. The obvious joy with which the entire ensemble presented their production, was palpable.

It would be wrong to mention any individual. Every one of a cast of fourteen, (some of whom took multiple roles) did a splendid job. This was no ‘amateur production’. This was a totally professional show. The costuming, the sound, the lighting in particular, the stage setting, everything about this lurid tale of the Radio Station 2GR8, Gresford, transitioning from Radio to the bright new World of Television, ‘way back in the 1950s was so good. The people up front, the production crew, the folks who don’t get to be up front – Take a bow. You all should be so proud!

Last Saturday’s production was the final performance of a season of, I think, Five. Their Producer, MS. Glenda Smith, said they had been working on the production for a year and a half! It takes rare commitment and enthusiasm to labour on such a work for as long as that. And to finish up with a show with such vitality and joy, with no sign of being weary or jaded, is a rare achievement. Even the meal that went with the show was splendid. Better than you will find in many an expensive eating house.

I have been attending these Theatre-Restaurant type events at Gresford, for many years. I have only missed a couple, and this latest musical saga was the best I’ve seen. All that experience, all that effort. It shows.

And finally, if you missed it, you missed an absolutely brilliant event. A real, local, stand-out happening. It won’t occur again for another two years. It’s a bit like Halley’s Comet. It comes around in a cycle. Don’t be a chump, and miss it, next time it happens!

Tom Boorer

Sun 8 Sept, 9am–3pm Gresford Road, Vacy Escape to the country, if just for the day, to immerse yourself in the magical charm of Vacy Village Country Carnival.

Only 30 minutes drive north of Maitland, lies the quaint country village of Vacy, in the picturesque Patterson Valley. The annual fair returns on September 8th, promising a fun day out for all. There is something for everyone, including the family dog, with the best small dog races in the state returning, bigger and better each year.

Enjoy a day full of family fun , with the working horse demonstration, whip cracking , wine, beer, cheese tasting. Traditional children’s novelty races such as egg and spoon, three legged and sack race will be an entertaining new feature at this year’s Carnival.

Explore the market stalls with many local artisans trading their wares and enjoy the endless live entertainment plus vintage cars and tractors. Plus the ye olde land rover slow race.

Showcasing food from local produces including, olives, home baked treats and Mackie’s famous camp oven lamb sandwich, your taste buds are sure to be spoilt for choice.

With free entry there is no excuse to not call in and see why too much Vacy is never enough.

Find us on Facebook: Vacy Country Carnival

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G resford News

• July 2019, p 19 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 (6.30pm from 13 October 2018) 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 2019 crossword answers

Crossword kindly provided by Russel Jessop.

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