Gresford News July 2023

Left to right: Peter Lawrence - Vive President, Cliff Dunford - Director, Leanne Atkins - Secretary, David Gillespie MP, George Allen - President

Help Shape the Future of Gresford

You are one of our amazing locals. We know you are passionate about Gresford and our tight knit community. That's why we want you to Help Shape the Future of Gresford.

As part of a broader Dungog Shire program to shape our region's future, we are having a night to focus on the future of Gresford – our community. What will Gresford look like in the future: niche farming community, visitor's paradise, family friendly hometown, safe community, strong sporting clubs, strong schooling environment, leader in sustainability, quiet farm town, the Gold Coast of the Upper Hunter? What is your desire for Gresford? How can we achieve these goals?

Gresford District Community Group is working with a renowned community consultant, Peter Kenyon, who has assisted over 2,000 communities in regional Australia and overseas. Of course, what we really need is local knowledge and initiative. As Gresford locals, when we work together, we achieve amazing things.

So please register your interest and join us on July 12th at 6pm at East Gresford Bowling Club, 38 Park St, East Gresford.

Contact Jim Doyle on 0407 307 800

You can register for this FREE event at www.123tix.com.au/events/39306/peterkenyon-enhancing-our-communities-througharts-cultural-tourism

LOCAL CHARITY Expression of interest

We are looking for a local organization who is willing to help in the kiosk for our 2023 rodeo. The successful organisation will need to provide people to help in our kiosk on Saturday 26 August 2023.

The successful candidate will receive a donation of 5% of total event takings.

Please apply in writing to the secretary

Brittany Crouch

Email: enquiries@gdbca.com

PO Box 67 East Gresford NSW 2311

Applications close 1/8/23

Gresford News Notices

Dungog Tea Party

Tues 5th to Sunday 10 September 10 to 4 daily

James Theatre Dungog FREE entry

Incorporating the Tea Cosy Challenge and Trivet Challenge. Tea cosies and trivets available for sale along with themed market stalls.

........

Listening to Indigenous Voices Series #3

Sat 22 July, 11am

James Theatre Dungog FREE

Come and listen to Sean Gordon AM taking us through understanding the Constitutional Referendum. Sean is a Wangkumarra/Barkindji man and member of the First Nations Referendum Working group. He has long been involved in the development of “The Voice” and is driven through strong leadership to create real opportunities, independence and benefits for individuals, organisations and communities. Sean is committed to Indigenous economic development in the Hunter region and is involved in a vast range of projects through his organisation gidgeegroup.com.au

Sean will help us understand the referendum process to establish a Voice and as an advocate for the self-determination of Indigenous communities, through social, cultural and economic empowerment. This event is hosted collaboratively by PAW Science & Ideas Hub and Reconciliation Dungog.

........

Community Action Plan

July 12th at 6pm

East Gresford Bowling Club

Think about what you would like Gresford to be like in the future – think big. Think about our strengths and weaknesses and specific projects you are interested in. There are some very proactive successful people

very excited about this process. The outcome will be to work on developing a Community Action Plan similar to the one for Coolah. Please give me a call if you have any ideas or would like more information.

Jim Doyle 0407 307 800

Kitchen Table Conversations

Morning sessions 10-12 (incl morning tea)

July 21, Aug 18, Sept 15, Oct 13

Evening Sessions 5-7pm (incl light refreshments)

July 20, Aug 17, Sept 14, Oct 12

Would you like to know more about what is meant by A Voice to Parliament? Do you have questions about the Uluru Statement from the Heart? If you do, please join us in a Kitchen Table conversation facilitated by members of Reconciliation Dungog who have each in their own way been friends, family and/or colleagues of First Australians, taking a personal and professional interest in their lives and cultures. We can also arrange a conversation session at your venue, home, club or group. Email caldonn63@gmail.com to nominate your preferred time.

The Gresford News is a great way to reach out to our community. Our content is created by members of the community – people just like you. If you have something to say please send in your contribution

Contact:

• gresfordnews@iinet.net.au

• Brian Doherty 0412 372 687

• Jane Richens 0425 339 856

• PO Box 73 East Gresford 2311 Deadline for stories & ads 20th of the month.

Gresford News online link Gresford News is available online at www.issuu.com/gresford-news.

Email us to recieve a monthly reminder: gresfordnews@iinet.net.au

Gresford District Bushman’s Carnival Association Inc

ATTENTION: FARMERS, GRAZIERS AND HOBBY FARMERS

ARE YOU GETTING THE MOST FROM YOUR ACREAGE?

Direct Drilling

Cultivating and Discing

Fertilizer Spreading

Slashing and Mulching

Tabletop Truck Hire Boomspraying

General Plumbing & Drainage

Gas Plumbing

Drain Cleaning

New houses, renovations & extensions

Transpiration

Round Baling: Hay and Silage

Small Square Bales

Mowing and Raking

Whatever the job, get it done right and on time by your local bloke!

Your Local Rural Services Specialist. Competitive Rates!

SERVICING

CWA Annual State Conference – Bathurst 2023

As its annual State Conference prepares to wrap up in Bathurst, members of the Country Women’s Association (CWA) of NSW are calling for a boost to the ranks of overseas nurses to help alleviate shortages in rural and regional areas, dedicated palliative care units in all regional NSW hospitals and mandatory life sentences for those found guilty of killing emergency services workers.

The issues are among more than 20 motions (including four motions of urgency) discussed and debated at this year’s CWA of NSW State Conference in the NSW Central West, with successful motions to inform the association’s advocacy efforts over the next year.

Motions carried include:

• Calling for mandatory life sentences for those who kill law enforcement officers and frontline emergency and health workers, and a review and strengthening of policies and procedures to increase their personal safety – Motion of Urgency (Coffs Harbour Branch)

• The need to increase federal government funding to support the expansion and offerings of the Regional University Centre network and the

ongoing operations of current RUCs –Motion of Urgency (Broken Hill Branch and Cooma Branch)

• Cessation of the advertising of online betting platforms and mobile phone apps by online wagering companies, particularly during TV coverage of sporting events – Motion of Urgency (Eurongilly Branch)

• That in the event of flooding or natural disasters, entry to and clearing out of a building or home must be carried out with permission of the owner or their authorised representative – Motion of Urgency, (Eugowra Branch);

• Advocating for the NSW Government to rescind its decision to establish waste-to-energy incinerators in NSW and immediately introduce technologies and programs that seek to reduce waste, using methods that minimise greenhouse gas emissions –Motion of Urgency (Tabulam Branch)

• The need for coordinated and urgent action by state and federal governments to address the national housing crisis facing women - (Nowra Branch)

• Advocating for the sponsorship of international nurses to work in regional and remote areas of NSW and to be supported while they undertake their

AHPRA registration - (Broken Hill Branch)

• Advocating for dedicated palliative care units in all regional NSW hospitals(Collie Branch)

• Compulsory basic first-aid training for learner drivers – (Goulburn Evening branch)

• Mandating a state-wide pet cat curfew across the state - (Agricultural and Environmental Committee)

• Strengthening legislation around the protection of koala habitat - (Lismore Branch)

• Urging the federal government to adopt the recommendations relating to dental and oral care arising from the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety – (Uranquinty Evening Branch)

• Inclusion of an education program in NSW and ACT schools highlighting the negative impacts of vaping and e-cigarettes - (Berry Branch)

About 600 members are attending this year’s conference and State President Joy Beames said it had been pleasing to see the informed, passionate and respectful debate around this year’s motions. (credit CWA of NSW website)

Local CWA History Part 2

CWA Gresford Branch Facebook page

Please like our page and follow us. We share information about our local branch and members, and stories from Country Women’s Association (CWA) of NSW page.

New Members – It is great to see that we have had a number of new members join. New members always welcome. We now meet on the first Sunday of the month at 3pm in the CWA rooms in Durham Road. Please come along and join in!

Book Club – meets on the second Saturday of the month except in unusual circumstances, at 3pm in the CWA hall. There is also a street library out the front and borrowers are welcome to come to the indoor library any time the hall is in use. For enquiries, please ring Glenda Smith on 0400108079. Feel free to join us.

French Group – meets on the first and third Mondays of the month from 10 to 11:30 am. New members are always welcome, but please ring Glenda on the above number if you wish to join as there may be occasional changes.

The next meeting will be 2nd July/6th Aug at 3pm

On 1st July 1954, a motion was moved to build the Gresford CWA Rest Rooms in Durham Road East Gresford. The first meeting was held in the new rooms on 5th July 1957. The brick front fence was erected early in 1957 and the official opening was held 13th July 1957. The rooms were opened by Matron

Constance Fall, who had received the Royal Red Cross medal for her Army service in the war. The RSL President Mr R.B Capp unveiled the commorative plaque inset in the front fence. The plaque reads “CWA of NSW War Memorial building erected to the memory of those who gave their lives in both World Wars”. By Mrs Valarie Smith

Allynbrook Harvest Festival

What's On the Shelves?

by Glenda Smith

Cosmo Cosmolino

Helen Garner

This is perhaps one of Garner’s less well-known books, but follows in the tradition of Monkey Grip with its themes of share-housing, some drug use and struggling characters. However, these characters have moved beyond the heady days of youth, and are dealing with the realities of middle age.

On Sunday 7th May a traditional Harvest Thanksgiving and auction was held at Allynbrook. After a service in the historic St Mary-on Allyn an auction of produce and cooking took place in the hall. Having not had a harvest sale for 3 years and with Tocal Field days as competition, we were unsure how many may attend but the number of supporters was nothing short of amazing. The crowd were entertained by the banter of auctioneers, Keith Litchfield and Trevor Clements who never fail to captivate their audience.

The generosity and support of

many people helped to make this a successful and fun event. Those that assisted with the organization of the day and for the wonderful donations of vegies, fruit, cakes and jams. A special mention to Judy Grant who turned up with 3 boxes of fantastic cooked goods. Also a big thank you to Woolworths at Rutherford who generously donated some fruit and vegetables for sale which was much appreciated. Many thanks to all who supported the Harvest Festival by coming along and joining in the celebration and auction. Your generosity ensured that it was a wonderful and successful day.

It is structured as two short stories, followed by a long short story, or novella, which is set in a former share-house. Having passed through several incarnations, the house is now a share house to misfits once again. The owner was once mocked as bourgeois by the co-tenants who took advantage of it – Mention the mortgage payments on pension day and you were a slum landlord, the last worm on earth.

The writing is poetic and dream-like at times, with acute observation making the reader more aware of their own surroundings. The characters may not appeal; the setting and events at times may be rather grim; but Garner’s quirky and powerful use of language stays with you. She rewards time spent reading her by offering some startling perspectives.

All books reviewed are from the CWA library on a separate shelf in the library so they are easy to find plus the reviews are in a folder. Also have a look in the street library.

“Evora” 890 Chichester Dam Rd, Dungog

"Meadowbank” 37 Johnsons Creek Rd, Stroud Road. 138 Dog Trap Creek Rd, East Gresford

“Yarra Glen” 202 Torryburn Rd, Vacy

Hello all,

Isn’t the sunshine beautiful if you can find a spot out of the wind?

I am just back from Morocco and still craving tajines. They sound fancy and when you see the Conical lidded dish they are usually cooked in it makes you think Ohh too special for every day.

But really they are a tasty pot roast idea. Meat and flavours and vegetables are layered into a pot, a little moisture and a low heat and let them cook, fill the house with a wonderful flavour and enjoy.

Friday is the special day for everyone to go to Mosque. It is often called Couscous Friday because that is the day Mum will make a special dinner – like a Sunday Roast when I was a kid!

Couscous in Morocco takes time and is soft and delicious, so different to our instant couscous – like your best home made pasta compared to cheap shop bought. I tend to pass on using couscous with a meal, rather serving quinoa which sort of looks the same but is not dry like instant couscous.

Simple Chicken Tajine – layer into pot chicken pieces, some preserved lemon (or

fresh, halved and sliced), handful of olives, ground cumin and ginger put the lid on and cook slowly. Email me for a more

concise recipe – give it a go, it is delicious. Enjoy

Photo by Fiona of a home cooked meal made by Fatima – stuffed egplant, salads, chicken tagine and fresh bread

Local Forests Forum

In June 80 people gathered at the James Theatre for a thought-provoking event looking at the past, present and possible future of our local forests. The event was organised by Paterson Allyn Williams Science and Ideas Hub and chaired by Martin Fallding a regional tourism business owner, biodiversity specialist, and NSW Government advisor.

Ian Donovan, President of the Hunter Branch of the National Parks Association of NSW, gave an outline of the fascinating history of Barrington Tops, emphasising the impact of the elevated basalt capped plateau as a barrier to communication between Aboriginal tribes and later to transport between the Upper Hunter to the west and the coast to the south-east. Development of Barrington Tops as a tourist venue began in the 1920s for well loved bush walking, trout fishing and skiing. Various organisations were concerned with protecting the area, culminating in 1969 with the park being listed as part of the World Heritage Area.

Jo Lynch, Co-ordinator of the Hunter Community Environment Centre, provided extensive modeling to show the effect of diminishing habitats on a wide range of animals. Jo described the

proposed Barrington-Hawkesbury wildlife corridors that would provide links from one suitable climatic area to another. The links to the Tops would include eight Local Government Areas, seven different ecosystems and some private land.

Cameron Archer, Chair of the Dungog Tourism Board, spoke about the importance of tourism in increasing the employment potential for the valleys and the problems associated with such development. The Barrington Tops include complex land tenures and the area is surrounded by several local government areas, all competing for access. Cameron explained that the need for an overall strategy for the regulation

of tourism presents complex problems for Governments, including Aboriginal use, control of feral plants and animals and the ways in which people can behave badly. Such a strategy needs to include management, promotion and access for tourists and emergency response vehicles, and major problems include controlling and recording tourist usage and the risk of bush fires.

After a brief panel discussion of the impact of logging and questions from the audienc, everyone adjourned for continued conversation and delicious soups provided by PAWSIH.

Ruth Dircks, Paterson Allyn Williams Science & Ideas

Saturday 22 July – Naughty Numbers “Bingo with a Twist”

Doors open 7.00 Show starts 7.30 great prizes to be won! $10.00 enter!

Saturday 12 August – Paint & Sip Start at 1.00pm-4.00pm $60.50

Sunday 3 September -Father’s day Free raffle

Friday 15 September – Trivia With Nathan Wall starting at 7.30

Sunday 5th November – Kids Disco from 4pm

Sunday 5th November -$1500 Toy Raffle Tickets on sale 6.30

Sunday 5th November – Melbourne Cup Calcutta draw

Friday 24th November – Xmas Raffles $1500 Ham & Porks

Friday 8thDecember - $1500 Pork & Ham Raffle

Friday 22nd December- $1500 Prawn & Oyster Raffle

Every Week at the Bowlo!!

Wednesday Night HAPPY HOUR WEDNESDAY 4.30 - 6.00

Last Wednesday of the month $200.00, Schooner Card Draw 1st Wednesday of the month

Drawn after the raffles must be here to win!

Friday Night Gift Voucher Raffles

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

Sunday Night Raffles

Hub

L–R. Ian Donovan, Jo Lynch, Cameron Archer, Martin Fallding

Local History Stories

The photograph below probably shows Allyn River cricketers who toured Port Macquarie in January 1914.

I can identify team manager Mr Thomas Jarrett, “Allyn Vale”, Eccleston (back row, second from left) and several Eccleston

By Ivan Skaines, Trevallyn, Gresford District Historical Society

players - Knox Jarrett, Joe Jarrett and Sam Sivyer (front row, left to right). The photographer was George Kelly who had a studio in Dungog, and the image is from the collection of the late Valda Jarrett Wormald, Newcastle. Can anyone name any of the other players?

The Port Macquarie News and Hastings River Advocate, Saturday, 10 Jan 1914, Page 4

Allyn River Cricketers WELCOMED AT PORT MACQUARIE

The Allyn River cricketers, in charge of Mr. Jarrett, arrived in Port Macquarie about 9 am on Thursday morning, and were tendered a welcome at the Royal Hotel at 10.30 a.m. The Mayor, Mr. D. Stewart, presided, and briefly expressed the hope that the visitors would enjoy and appreciate their visit to the Hastings and the old historic town of Port Macquarie. Cricket was manly and scientific, and one of the best of all games. He regretted that more of the local players were not present. That the games contested would be good ones, and the best team win, was his sincere wish. He had much pleasure in extending a hearty welcome to them.

Mr. A.E. Pountney, as one of the oldest players on the Hastings, had much pleasure in welcoming the Allyn River cricketers to the town. For 40 years he had been a player and spectator of the grand old game. He was the more pleased to be present at the welcome by

reason of the visitors hailing from the Hunter, which recalled happy recollections of former days. In a vein of fond re-collection he referred to the many battles of the giants he had witnessed in days gone past. He had always made a point of seeing the matches against England. He heartily welcomed them all to the district, and trusted that their sojourn would be a pleasant one, and that many happy recollections would be carried away.

Mr. N. A. Hunter was pleased to be with them, and regretted arriving late. It was said that an Englishman could not do without his cricket, and he was sure the same was applicable to the Australian. It was a pleasure to echo the sentiments of the former speakers. He was one of those who had had practical experience of the hospitality of their visitors, and entertained most pleasant re-collections of his trip to the Hunter. It was his sincere wish that their visit here would prove as enjoyable as his had been to their district.

Mr. Jarrett said he felt at a loss for words in which to thank them for their hearty welcome. Coming to Port Macquarie was like coming home to him - he loved

and respected the people here and throughout the district generally. On all his visits he had received unbounded hospitality on the Hastings. This visit would not be an exception he was sure. One thing he regretted was that Mr. C. Sivyer, one of their very best all-round players, was unable to make the trip owing to an attack of rheumatic fever. He was a great loss in every department of the game. He had long looked forward to the visit, and felt confident all would have a thoroughly enjoyable time.

Mr. Lindeman, captain of the team, also returned thanks. He hoped that the expectations of the people of the district would be realised, and that some high scores would be registered.

PETER EVANS & ASSOCIATES SOLICITORS

‘Looking after people is our business’

Peter Evans is descended from a farming family located in the Gresford area prior to 1840 We are keen to assist you with all your legal needs.

We can help you with: Conveyancing, Family Law, Business Law, Criminal Law, Wills, Powers of Attorney, Probate and more … Call

The next meeting of the Gresford District Historical Society will be held at the Therese Doyle Hall on Saturday, 8 July at 5 pm (the second Saturday of each month). The Gresford Heritage Museum, also in the Therese Doyle Hall, is open 10 am to 2 pm on the 1st, 2nd and 3rd Sundays of the month.

DAVE

RICHARD WELLS UPHOLSTERY

Funding to improve access at Bowlo

Federal Member for Lyne Dr David Gillespie has congratulated Gresford Bowling Club on securing $15,000 in Federal funding towards new improvements worth around $40,000 at the club.

Lounges

Automotive

Antique Restoration

French Polishing

Canvas Annexes

Horse Rug Repairs

For all your upholstery needs ring Richard on 4938 9324

GUARANTEED QUALITY &

SERVICE

Pick up and delivery

DUNGOG CHIROPRACTIC CLINIC

I treat most musculoskeletal complaints including back and neck pain, sciatica, headaches, migraines and limb pain and pins and needles.

HiCaps and eftpos facility is available so patients can claim direct from their healthfund and just pay the gap.

Located

Community Hospital

Road in Dungog phone no: 4992 3766

Shane Moss B.Sc. M.Chiro.

The project received the funding under the 8th round of the Australian Government’s Stronger Communities program which provides $150,000 in assistance towards local community infrastructure projects to each electorate across Australia.

Dr Gillespie said the project would improve access to the Club building and bowling green.

“At the moment there are steps to the back door and bowling green and the proposed works will assist to make it all on one level. Having disability access to the bowling green will benefit many bowlers and other patrons by making it much easier to access the bowling green,” Dr Gillespie said.

Dr Gillespie said this round of funding was designed to support volunteer and community groups which weren’t able to fundraise or have the means to

provide matching funding. “This program has always been very popular since its inception under the former Abbott Government. In this latest round more than 80 organisations across the Lyne electorate applied for more than $1.5-million towards over $2-million in local community projects. This program allows groups to apply for grants of between $2,500 and $20,000 without matching funding and up to 20 groups will be awarded funding per electorate.

L-R: Peter Lawrence, George Allen, Leanne Atkins, with Dr David Gillespie MP

Anglican Parish of Gresford Paterson

Weekly Sunday Services:

8.30am St Paul’s Paterson

10.30am St Anne’s Gresford

St Mary-on-Allyn

3 Services per year, time: TBA

Thursdays:

Morning Prayer 9.00am St Pauls Paterson

Enquiries

Incumbent: Revd. Mary Horn 0418 611 778 email: bandmhorn@outlook.com

Associate Priest: Fr Peter Rothnie 0438 413 007 email: 2cmdi@bigpond.com

Gresford News July Crossword

Gresford Congregational Church

30 Durham Rd Gresford

Services Each Sunday 10.30am

ALL WELCOME

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

Sat Vigil Mass at St. Helen's church

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

Weekday Mass Thur at 9.30am

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

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

June 2023 crossword answers

July 2023 crossword answers

Crossword kindly provided by Russel Jessop.

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