Gresford News June 2019

resford News G

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

ANZAC Day 2019 Story and pics inside...

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

Gresford District Bushman’s Carnival Association Inc Gresford Campdraft and Rodeo wish to thank everyone for the success of our 2018 event. We were able to donate to the Westpac Rescue Helicopter.

Our 2019 event is fast approaching and we are again looking for

Expression of interest Local charity and/or kiosk operator Gresford Campdraft and Rodeo August 23rd and 24th 2019.

Please apply in writing to the secretary Brittany Crouch PO Box 67 East Gresford NSW 2311 Applications close 30/6/19

Businesses for sale Motel and restaurant businesses with multiple revenue stream opportunities in the growing, thriving village of Vacy.

The Flying Duck restaurant and Vacy Village Motel businesses are for sale, either separately or combined.

CAFE, gifts & NOW STOCKING RINGERS WESTERN CLOTHING & Grace in LA jeans Supplying all your take away food or home cooked prepackaged meals.

Breakfast served from 8am 7 days

Long leases, low rent, loyal customer base with endless opportunities for growth.

Did you know you can dine in and BYO alcohol (bookings Preferred)

Enjoy great lifestyle businesses with solid revenue streams.

Why not drop in and check out new range of country Clothing for Men Women & the kids

Phone Linda on 0475 786 808

Home made cakes slices and Pies

Trading hours 7am till 6.30pm Mon • 7am to 7pm Tues to Sun 803 Gresford Road Vacy, Ph: 49388138

The Gresford News Community Diary Sat-Sun 1-2 Jun Dungog Antiques & Collectibles Fair, Dungog RSL Club & St Mary‘s Parish Hall, Dungog, 10.00am Sat 1, Fri 7, Sat 8 Jun evenings & Sun 2 matinee GAPS new show Sat-Sun 1-2 Jun Reconciliation films and events, Dungog Contemporary, James Theatre, Dungog Common Wed 5 Jun Gresford Rural Fire Brigade AGM, Gresford Rural Fire Station, 7.30pm Sat 8 Jun Book Club, CWA Rooms, 3.00pm Sat 8 Jun Karaoke, Hotel Beatty, 4.00pm Sun 16 Jun Gresford Community Markets, Hotel Beatty, 9.00am Sun 16 Jun Live music – Bolt Man, 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 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 Fri-Sat 23-24 Aug Gresford Campdraft and Rodeo, Gresford Showground Sat-Sun 14-15 Sep Wirragulla Polo Club's annual Hunter Polo Challenge 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.

For text – Word format preferred. For pictures – .jpg format preferred (not in word).

Please keep us informed about activities in the area – a paragraph or two and photo.

Visit

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

resford News finances G

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Gresford News Notices Weekend of events Reconciliation through art, film & discovery

Dungog Reconciliation Group in collaboration with Dungog Contemporary and the James Theatre are bringing you a program of events featuring Indigenous artists from Mowanjum, Maningrida, two films and an interpretive walk. We hope they provide an opportunity for our community to converse, learn and grow.

Saturday 1 June – presented by Dungog Contemporary 3pm EXHIBITION OPENING, Dungog Contemporary, works from Mowanjum Arts, Maningrida Arts & Culture and Nic Ferguson 7pm UNDERMINED, documentary on the Kimberley, James Theatre Sunday 2 June – presented by Dungog Reconciliation Group 1pm Interpretive walk on Dungog Common, booking essential at www.dungogcontemporary.com.au 3pm GURRUMUL, film of the musician, James Theatre

Day for Derek 2019

1 & 2 June Dungog Antiques & Collectables Fair

Sat 1 June 10-5, Sun 2 Jun 10-3 Dungog Memorial RSL & St Mary's Parish Hall Get your antiques appraised, antiques available – stall holders, horse & carriage rides, see Archie – Duke of Dungog

Household hints

• To prevent your cheesecakes from cracking place a shallow pan of water in the oven while cooking to provide extra moisture.

• Keep home-made cakes and biscuits fresh by storing them with a few sugar cubes.

• Place a spoon in fizzy bottled drinks after opening to keep them fresh and bubbly.

• For a tasty twist when making jelly use lemonade as a substitute for half of the water.

• Before icing your cake secure it to the serving plate with a dab of icing on the plate.

The Gresford Rural Fire Brigade, will be holding its Annual General meeting on Wednesday 5 June.

Gresford Rural Fire Station and all members and guests are encouraged to attend.

Gresford News CLASSIFIEDS For SALE “TOCAL HILTON” Registered Stock Horse Gelding Age 11.

Foaled 22/10/2007 Registered No. 186921 Brown/Black. Height 15.1 HH Sire: Alone – 137893, Dam: Tocal Unique – 133765 (By Real Bobby From Nepean Belle) Purchased at NSW DPI: Tocal College sale on Sunday 5th November 2017.

Would suit an Experienced Rider.

Price $5,000 ono. Phone 49388351 Advertise in the GRESFORD NEWS CLASSIFIEDS

Classified Ad Rates are: Standard line listing $2.75 a line or $11 for 5 lines

Bird Day for DBarry erek

proudly supporting the Charlie Teo Foundation

Derek was only 32 when he lost his battle with brain cancer. Unfortunately Derek’s family is not alone when it comes to this dreadful disease. Each year around 1,200 Australians are diagnosed with brain cancer, that’s one person every 7 hours. Brain cancer takes the lives of more children than any other disease and more people under 40 than any other cancer, yet the survival rate has barely increased in 30 years.

Gresford Rural Fire Brigade AGM

10.7.46 – 6.3.19

Colleen and Brian TYRIE and their family would like to thank all those who Take a guidehis d tour of the at herita attended burial Gresford on 15th ge listed Airlie Home steadnever .

March 2019.

Barry forgot his This federationand perioteenage childhood years d home built in growing up 1908in hasthe been subject to resto Allynbrook area rationand always and conservation work Featuring remembered his s.time there as special. pressed metal ceilin Please accept thisgs,asorigin ouralpersonal thanks

fretwas ork,many cedar joine addresses areicunknown. ry and histor links to the regions rural settlement

Save the Date

HOUSE TOURS NATIONAL TRU ST LISTED The Wirragulla Polo Club's annual Derek’s family do not want any other AIRLIE HOMESTEAD $10 per pers Hunter Polo Challenge will held this year on family to have to go through what they on the 14th and 15th of September. Be Rawdon Vale Road - 6th July 2019 went through. They want a cure to be found and that requires research.

In 2017, 4 years after Derek was taken, Derek’s family held the very first Day for Derek, to raise vital funds for brain cancer research. That year the Day for Derek, with the amazing commitment from the Gloucester community, raised over $26,000 for the Cure Brain Cancer Foundation.

This year the Day for Derek is proudly supporting the Charlie Teo Foundation, an incredible foundation that are pioneers in brain cancer research to hopefully uncover better treatments and eventually find a cure.

suzan nalanders@ gmai l.com Derek’s family are opening the doors of

the National Trust listed, Airlie Homestead on Saturday 6th July 2019 from 10am for the Day for Derek. Airlie Homestead is a special place as this is where Derek spent the last 3 months of his short life.

Come and be part of this incredible day.

Activities include Airlie Homestead and grounds tours, antiques appraisal, helicopter scenic flights, Devonshire teas, bespoke stalls, traditional spit roast, animal nursery, duck races, face painting, whip cracking, guessing competitions and much, much more.

Contact: Suzanne Landers, 6558 5501

sure to put the weekend aside for 2 days of packed polo action. The ever popular polo dinner will be held on the Saturday evening so be sure to follow the Wirragulla Polo Club on Facebook, or the website www.wirrgullapoloclub.com.au for more information.

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Neville Sellens GAPS Tribute to Neville Sellens Neville Sellens, who recently passed away, is remembered by GAPS members as being a staunch supporter since the group’s inception. Neville’s love of music and singing sprang from his family background, and played out in his and Stewart Everett’s leading of many singalongs that preceded the productions over the years. Neville had family links within the group. He was a brother of Colin Sellens, who acted in the inaugural play, and uncle of Sharon Lawrence, the president and an active member of GAPS. He was a brother of Coleen Litchfield and brother-in-law of Denise Sellens and Allyn Litchfield, all of whom have long-term involvement with GAPS. Neville’s appreciation and support of GAPS was also manifest in his regular attendance at productions. It was common for Neville and his wife Christine to attend each play at least twice, and they were always enthusiastic audience members. Other members of the local community will remember Neville in their own particular ways, but to GAPS members he was a stalwart and whole-hearted advocate of local drama and music.

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Agog! A Feast of Foreign Films success with French critics and audiences in 2018. Our famous Supper behind the Screen returns, prior to our Saturday night film, the gloriously Icelandic Woman at War, an offbeat, poignant and visually exquisite modern-day fable about a female Starting at 7pm on Friday 5 July with a David taking on the Goliath of her country's critical and audience favourite at last year’s government, and which has become a bona Cannes Film Festival, we open with the fide audience favourite internationally. splendid Cold War. Pawel Pawlikowski’s Tickets available online. Go via the link musical romance is a ravishing, musicfuelled romance charting two mismatched on www.jamestheatre.com.au and get in fast for the early bird special until 17 lovers caught between East and West in 1950s Europe. Agog! continues with four July 10% discount. films on Saturday 6 July, commencing at The full program is: 10.30 am with The Realm, a fast-paced Friday 5 July thriller which depicts Spain’s political 7pm Cold War (M), Poland world through the shamelessness of a Saturday 6 July politician who will stop at nothing to The Realm (M), Spain avoid taking responsibility for his actions. 10.30am 2pm The Guilty (M), Denmark This is followed by The Guilty, a sleek Family Photo (M), France and unrelenting Danish thriller, in which 4pm 6pm Supper behind the Screen a police officer assigned alarm dispatch 7.30pm Woman at War (M), Iceland duty enters a race against time when he Our very own annual film festival, Agog!

A Feast of Foreign Films, returns to the James Theatre, Dungog on the 5th and 6th of July, and we believe it’s one of the strongest programs we’ve had.

answers an emergency call from a kidnapped woman.

Then there’s a blast of Gallic charm in Family Photo, which gathers some of France’s most beloved stars for a superbly witty and entertaining new dramedy about the travails of family, that was a major

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G resford News

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CWA News

On the Shelves

by Glenda Smith

8th is “A Long Way Home”, Peter Cary. Afternoon tea, a lively discussion everyone welcome.

3pm in the CWA rooms.

STREET LIBRARY the street library has been very well received. Someone has put a comments book in the box and we have received some interesting ones.

FRENCH CONVERSATION with Glenda Smith. In the CWA rooms There will be a guest speaker for the on the first and Wednesday at 11am. Men welcome also older 4th July meeting – Donna Hucker teenagers. The rooms are air talking about Koalas. Donna is a conditioned. Glenda caters for all volunteer with Port Stephens standards, serves good coffee as Koalas at Anna Bay. She has been well. Gold coin donation looking after koalas in the greater Hunter region since 2010 and has a appreciated to cover printing costs. certificate for Senior Zoo Keeper.

GAPS is on this month we ask all The certificate enables her to our members to support this rescue, care, rehabilitate and release endeavour as. We have many koalas back into the wild. Presently members involved a CWA table there are 9 koalas in care. Anyone available for the performance on interested in hearing her speak June 1st. please come along at 11am. You are Next meeting June 6th 9am, 12 very welcome.

Durham Road, East Gresford BOOK CLUB the book for Robyn Thornton, President. discussion on the Saturday, June

Mrs Craddock

Somerset Maugham Published in 1902, and set in the late 19th century, Maugham’s novel has stood the test of time well. The central character, Bertha Ley, marries beneath her class with some surprising results. The object of her obsession is a farmer and she is the inheritor of the local manor.

Even in her own mind it is the story of decaying aristocracy allied with the vigour of the yeoman and his attendant qualities, but ultimately the differences between them become very telling.

Bertha is an interesting psychological study. She is passionate, intelligent, perceptive, highly emotional and cultured while her husband is practical, phlegmatic, energetic, unimaginative, well-intentioned and jingoistic.

Their opposing characteristics lead to very different perceptions by each of them of their marriage. Both are sympathetic characters in differing ways, but he is very regressive in his attitudes to women. The position of women is dealt with very well and there is some wellexecuted satire of country society and the political scene.

This is an unusual and worthwhile examination of the dynamics of a marriage and lifestyle in a particular time, but it also has universal insights.

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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• June 2019, p 7

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Local bull riders added to inaugral pbr origin roster

With state bragging rights on the line, the first lineup of riders to qualify for the NSW and QLD state sides to compete at the inaugural Professional Bull Riders (PBR) Origin event have been announced.

Taking place on June 1st 2019 at the new ICC Sydney Theatre in Darling Harbour,

the first ever PBR Origin is set to attract the best bull riding athletes from across NSW and QLD for an electrifying head-tohead team battle that will decide the title of Toughest State on Dirt.

Team NSW is led by Captain and 2017 PBR Australia Champion, Troy Wilkinson

(Upper Horton). The Tamworth-born Wilkinson will be joined by current PBR Standings No.1 Cody Heffernan and No.5 Cliff Richardson, who have both qualified for the NSW roster following stellar and consistent showings on the PBR Australia Tour this year.

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Both Heffernan (Singleton) and Richardson (Gresford) are based in the Hunter Valley, and are both renowned for getting the job done at PBR Majors. When the pressure is on, both men have proven they can rise above and beyond to produce the goods.

Team QLD Captain and 2018 PBR Australia Champion Aaron Kleier, current PBR Australia No.4 Brady Fielder and No.9 Mitch Paton, along with Heffernan, Richardson and Wilkinson, were part of the Australian team that finished second at the 2018 Global Cup in Sydney.

“We’re only weeks out from the event, and the excitement is building fast. With riders still competing weekly for qualifying points to make their respective state teams, the stakes are higher than ever and rivalry is at its peak,” said PBR Australia General Manager, Glen Young.

“Professional bull riding is a sport that is known for mateship. These guys put their lives on the line each week, and it instills a high degree of camaraderie amongst the riders. It’s been interesting to see this event pit the riders against each other from a In total, the PBR origin will comprise state rivalry perspective for the first two 11-rider teams representing NSW time – it adds a new competition and Queensland and will include dynamic to PBR that we’ve never four international wildcards – two had in Australia before. The four Mexican Champions and two riders announced today have all Brazilian Champions. competed together as a team for their country, and will now go up Every rider from the two teams will compete on two bulls each, and it will against one another for their state,” Young added. be a scoring competition. If the rider makes the 8 second whistle he will be “With tonnes of the best raging judged on his ride, and the score he is bulls from NSW and QLD thrown given will then count towards his into the mix, it’s going to be a battle team score. If the 8 seconds isn’t fiercer than anything seen on the made, there’s no score. footy field,” said Young.

• June 2019, p 9

About our local rider Gresford (NSW) bull rider Cliff Richardson has been announced on the NSW team. But Cliff was nearly sidelined by a near-death injury in 2014. While competing, he took a bull horn to the stomach – rupturing his spleen and pancreas. The injury took nearly two years to recover from. He has also undergone two knee constructions to repair injuries sustained while bull riding.

When he’s not competing, Cliff works for the family business as a cattle buyer and property manager. He began riding bulls at the age of 12 and went on to lead the Australian team (which also included brother Lachlan) at the opening leg of the PBR Global Cup in Canada as well as at the Australian event. Cliff is currently ranked #5 on the PBR Australia Standings and spends more than 48 weeks of the year on tour riding bulls.

He also has cousins on the PBR tour. Cliff’s wife Jess’ father was a bull rider – as was his uncle. Cliff’s brothers Lachlan and Eric are also a bull rider and their younger sister Olivia works in sponsorship for the PBR Australia Tour. Jess’ brother Bradie Gray is also on the PBR Global Cup team, however after sustaining an injury a few days after making the team will not compete at the June 1 event.

2019 G resford News • June BRAND NEW LISTINGS

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“ Glen Garvan” 321 Masseys Creek Road, Eccleston 1,270 Acres (513 Ha) $2.49 Million

Substantial Farmhouse 4 beds, 3 baths ( 2 Ensuite) Renovated and extended in keeping with the era of the Home. Many original Cedar features have been retained. Separately located and Idyllic guest Cottage. 25 dams, 15 paddocks. Long Masseys Creek frontage.

Steel yards. Eastern fall country, Currently running 100 Breeders .

See detailed property description at www.realestate.com.au/700034262 193 Duns Creek Rd, Duns Creek. 5 acres. (2.021 Ha) $975,000

Stunning Country Home .4 bed, 3 bath, plus study. Huge shedding. Beautiful rambling country gardens. Horse Yard. Brilliant Kitchen, Formal & Informal living areas.

Large entertainmemt areas. Excellent water, watering system. Dam. See detailed property description at www.realestate.com.au/131215546 Buyers are asking for all types of Farms and Acreages.

No obligation, confidential Market Appraisals.

Phone Pamela Munson 0427 207542

resford News • June 2019 G PAMELA MUNSON COUNTRY ESTATES The

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The local country marketing specialist Selling all types of country properties for over 20 years.

• Small Acreages with country Homes • Vacant Acres • Lifestyle environments • Retreat style Properties • Riverfront Farms • Productive properties • Luxury country Homes • Horse studs • Rural Subdivision

Free Help and advice on presentation and styling of your Home and property for professional photography to achieve the best outcome for your property.

Over 20 years of setting record sales prices and in all types of rural listings.

Email: pamela@pmcountryestates.com.au Phone Pamela Munson 0427 207542

Most recent sales include:

42 Cross Keys Rd, Eccleston. Sold April 2019, FULL PRICE $1.45 million. 150 acres.

“Highfields”, 572 Torryburn Rd, Torryburn via Paterson. Sold April 2019, $1.715 Million. 227 acres.

“Aberfeldie”, 1282 Gresford rd, Vacy. Sold $1.59 million full price sale. Sold in one week.

“Allyndale”, 3108 Allyn River Rd, Upper Allyn. Sold $1.53 Million.

400 Clements Rd, East Gresford. Sold full price $1.39 Million. Sold in two weeks.

“The Burra”, 1293 Bingleburra Rd, Bingelburra via Gresford.

Sold full price in one week $1.59 Million. 160 Acres.

Pamela still holds the local record sale @$2.9 million including irrigation licence for “Caeder Idris”, Vacy Plus many Hundreds of country properties SOLD, of all sizes of country, SOLD BY PAMELA MUNSON over the last 20 years.

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Our Gardens | a series on locals & gardening – Gresford Arboretum We begin the series on ‘Our Gardens’ with the Gresford Arboretum, a community botanical garden showcasing our local trees and plant species. The Arboretum is being developed as an environmental space, a place of learning, a place for everyone to come, to sit or to wander around, appreciating our local trees and plant species.

The first planting of the Arboretum was on Grandparents Day, October 2016, where many Gresford School students, grandparents and parents can along to

plant in our area and has turned into a successful environmental story for the Gresford district”.

plant a tree. The Arboretum was officially opening on 22 October, 2018

by Noel Jupp OAM whose support and knowledge has been invaluable.

As the Arboretum has developed it has being supported by the Community Group, Paterson Allyn Garden Group, and Landcare have made the Gresford Arboretum its 2019-20 project.

President of the Gresford and District Community Group Graham Murphy said, “this project started as a conversation about the best trees to

Jane Chandler, President of the Paterson Allyn Garden Group, commented “it is a huge success and a passion for local horticulturalist Penny Kater who has been instrumental in the development, maintenance and ongoing growth of the Gresford Arboretum”.

Penny Kater said the concept for the Arboretum was based on the need to

Grandparents Day, October, 2016 saw many students from Gresford School along with grandparents and parents start planting trees in the Arboretum

LITTLE PAN ASIAN RESTAURANT 4938 9166 Open Wednesday – Sunday from 5pm

Friday 19 July $1000 Gift Voucher Raffle

Friday 19 July Live Music Humming Birds

Friday 23 August Live Music Outlaw Ave

Saturday 7 Sept Mental Health Social Bowls Fundraiser Saturday 19 October Casino night Sunday 3 November Melbourne Cup Calcutta Tuesday 5 November Melbourne Cup Luncheon

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in the landscape, it has also reduced the habitat of once common native birds and animals. The range and beauty of this vegetation type is not widely known or understood.”

• June 2019, p 13

It is hoped that when the Gresford Arboretum is fully established, these species will become more widely used in local gardens. They are far better adapted to local conditions than most exotic plants, and once established require less care and maintenance.

Photos supplied by Janie Stevenson and Richard Jones Information signs educate visitors about Dry Rainforest, their plants, native birds and animals

Belinda and Taylah Joliffe planting a Brown Beech Tree in 2016

The Gresford Arboretum May 2019 – what a difference 2 1/2 years has made, especially after the drought of the last 2 years

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preserve and showcase local rainforest trees and shrubs that are rapidly disappearing from the landscape. “Dry rainforest pockets were once common in the area but they have been extensively cleared over the years. Not only has this resulted in a great reduction in diversity

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G resford News • June 2019

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Anzac Day 2019 Paterson and Gresford Commemoration Services acknowledge the support from many locals in preparing the Cenotaph for the event including Paterson Rotary and local electrician Garry Clements. The local police from Paterson and Gresford managed the march route.

Following the Dawn Service most attendees retired to the Paterson Tavern for a traditional mince on toast breakfast.

Anzac Day 2019 commenced with the Gresford RSL Sub Branch presenting a Dawn Service at the Paterson Cenotaph. Graham Chandler from Gresford RSL Sub Branch was awarded a Certificate of Appreciation from the RSL for his services as the March Marshall and Co-ordinator of the Dawn Service at Paterson for 50 years. The Commemoration Service was this year supported by service personnel from the RAAF Williamtown 26 Squadron, forming a Catafalque Party. The Paterson Rotary Club ladies again decorated the hedge behind the cenotaph with poppies.

Veterans marched from Stockers & Partridges Garage to the Paterson Cenotaph accompanied by pupils from Paterson Public School and Paterson/Bolwarra Scouts. Also many locals marched in honour of their deceased relatives. A highlight this year was the many parents of the Paterson School children marching with the children. The Dawn Service was very well attended this year with what seems to be an ever increasing number.

Gresford RSL Sub Branch wishes to

Anzac Day at Gresford began with the Veterans march commencing at Gresford Garage & Rural (previously Everett’s Garage) proceeding to the Gresford Cenotaph for the Commemoration Service. The march was very well supported by the local veterans and many locals marching in honour of their deceased relatives.

The Gresford RSL Sub Branch presented a Commemoration Service and was again supported by service personnel from the RAAF Williamtown 26 Squadron, forming a Catafalque Party. Pupils from Gresford Public School, Vacy Public School, Martin’s Creek Public School and Dungog High

Graeme Ferguson

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School marched with the veterans and assisted with the commemoration service with special readings from the Gresford School children. Paterson River Pony Club members also marched under their Pony Club Flag. The Commemoration Service was well attended by many locals with excellent shade awnings and seating provided by the Gresford Community Group. The local Rural Fire Brigade and local Police from Paterson and Gresford again assisted by managing the march route. A large number of veterans and visitors enjoyed tea, coffee, drinks and Margot’s Anzac biscuits in the breezeway immediately following the service.

Gresford RSL Sub Branch expressed their appreciation to the following persons: Reverend Peter Middleton for presenting the

• June 2019, p 15

Benediction at both the Dawn Service and Gresford Commemoration Service. Megan Edwards for singing Hymns and Anthems at both the Paterson and Gresford services supported at Gresford by Sally Hunt on the keyboard. Janelle Riggs, the Bugler, again presented a pitch perfect performance at both the Paterson and Gresford services as she has for more than 20 years. Janelle was again comfortably hosted by CBC B&B at Paterson. Tom Thorvaldson, the Piper, very ably led the march at both Paterson and Gresford this year. The Gresford Community Group provided Service Programs for the Paterson Dawn Service and Gresford Commemoration Service with printing by Brian Doherty of the Gresford News.

John Casey, Gresford RSL Sub Branch.

G resford News

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John Lill OBE concert at St Mary on Allyn One of the highlights of the evening was the presentation of gifts to John Lill by three Dungog High School students, Liza Keleher, Kaitlin Horn and Amber Smith.

These students had been recipients of the annual John Lill scholarship which has been given to a student at the Gresford primary school for more than 10 years.

This year, all profits from the concert will go to the St Mary on Allyn Restoration Fund and the Paterson, Vacy and Gresford primary schools to enhance music at these schools.

‘John Lill OBE isn’t sublime – he’s better than that’, wrote one of the UK’s most distinctive classical writers. Michael Tumelty also wrote ‘that across the board, I do not know of another international pianist who could hold a candle to this magisterial keyboard player. John Lill is a pianists pianist, a musicians musician and an artist of such stature he must be held in the highest esteem possible’.

Recently at St Mary on Allyn Church, East Gresford, 150 classical music lovers filled the church to listen to this powerful, dynamic master perform.

Two weeks earlier, John gave three concerts in Tokyo with the Japanese philharmonic orchestra. There were 3000 people at each of these concerts! John says humbly, it’s the quality of the audience, not the quantity!

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Vacy Village Action Group

Run Dungog – August 3rd & 4th Run Dungog is a community trail running weekend.

Saturday August 3 will see the 50km and 25km trail events. These events are taking place on private land not usually accessible to the public to create a truly spectacular and unique trail event. The two events will start in the Dungog Common and make their way along dirt roads and private farmland to the summit of Mt Richardson, before returning to the Dungog Common. These are challenging events, but we can assure you that the scenery will ease the pain of climbing those glorious Dungog hills! This event is capped to 100 runners only to provide a unique experience, so register soon to secure a place.

Sunday August 4 will see the 5km, 10km and 20km trail events, all within the Dungog Common so no public road running. This is a very family focused event – even dogs can take part. No entry fee for kids under 12. For those who have run the Dungog Common before, you will know it is simply beautiful and a wonderful day out.

Over the Run Dungog weekend, the Common will be the centre of the action. There will be locally brewed beer, local fresh produce and live music, so if you don't want to run or walk an event you can pack a picnic, set up for the day and enjoy the festivities.

There will be a kids outdoor bush day hosted by Wangat Lodge in the Dungog Common on the Saturday so that adults can take part in the run, while the kids get stuck into bush activities.

This will be a truly fantastic community weekend and we would love you to join us. Visit websitewww.rundungog.com, Facebook and Instagram or to get involved email hello@dungogultratrail.com.

This is a not-for-profit event run by volunteers. All proceeds will be donated to the Dungog Shire Community Centre to be allocated to supporting youth mental health service in the Shire as we have seen a growing gap in services available for youth mental health this year.

You may have picked up on a rumour that large acreages in our beautiful valley, particularly around Vacy are being targeted for Solar Panel Farms by a global company. Well, it’s no rumour - Regardless of your opinions about renewable energy, unless we as a community, act now, we may be squinting at a large solar panel farm on a hill very close to Vacy Village town centre.

Vacy Village action group is in favour of renewable energies and solar farms, but in this instance, we believe that the negative impact on the views of so many is good reason to object to the proposed industrialisation of land. There are more suitable options in the Shire that will not impact on the rural feel of town centres.

The first Development Application for a large solar panel farm overlooking Vacy Village is currently being prepared by a British organisation with its head office in Manchester. This Solar Farm would be in direct line of sight of over 50 rural properties in the valley around Vacy, as well as the school playground, sports oval, pub and motel.

In response, we are seeking contact from concerned residents with a view to forming and participating in the Vacy Village Action Group to ensure the industrialisation of the rural landscape is protected around Dungog town centres.

If you have an interested in more information or would like to join the Committee, please advise your interest by texting 0407 931 118 or 0475 786 808.

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Join us: say NO to single-use plastics and USE an alternative!

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Let’s work together as a community to become the first town in Australia to become single-use plastic free! Together we can lead the way and make a real difference. Dungog Shire is already a leader in the plastic free movement, with Boomerang Bags, Bee Rapt, Soft Plastic Recycling Depots, Plastic Free July, Responsible Cafés, Local Growers Market and many local businesses making a difference with environmentally friendly practices.

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Working towards Plastic Free July Members of the Team working for SINGLE USE PLASTIC FREE DUNGOG are busy developing a practical plan for the whole community to get behind and work together on. As always the key message is to “Reduce Waste and Choose to Use Reusables”. We have a wonderful opportunity to put a spotlight on Dungog in more ways than one by becoming a role model regionally and beyond. Council and many businesses are already on board with responsible and sustainable best practices.

water refill stations in Dungog Shire.

These will encourage people to use refillable reusable water bottles rather than disposable plastic water bottles.

We are working hard to make Choosing Reusables as easy as possible for the community to support and practically choose to do.

The big 4 single use plastic items: plastic bags, plastic straws, take away coffee cups and plastic water bottles are what we are focused on for alternatives and best practice solutions to REDUCE, CHOOSE REUSABLES & RECYCLE BEST PRACTICE first and foremost. Boomerang Many of the cafés in the Shire have Bags Dungog has had great success with helping the community to transition already signed up to Responsible away from single use plastic bags by Cafes: an initiative which encourages the community to bring providing and encouraging alternatives: their own reusable ceramic mug or reusable bags, produce bags, cutlery tote keep cup for their take away coffee bags and BeeRapt’s bees wax wraps. and in turn get 50 cents off the Our new spin-off initiative is Repair & cost. You can always choose to Rewear – at our sewing bees every 2nd have a Slow Coffee and take the and 4th Thursday of the month. A time to sit and enjoy your coffee in favourite shirt torn can be once again the café. Additionally we are worn. We can even attach a mix and looking at ways of closing the loop match patch. The life of your clothing on take away items. can be greatly extended because you brought them to us to be thoughtfully SUPFD are also in discussions with Council regarding the installation of mended. Our ‘Bought To Support’ range is available at the Local Growers Market in the Dungog CWA courtyard every Saturday morning from 8.30-12 or alternatively at our sewing bees @CWA.

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Governments, businesses, schools, community groups and households - it's about us ALL working together – caring and choosing to live sustainably, ethically and responsibly with and for the natural world. This is about our kids and the planet’s interconnected futures – why wouldn’t we all want to do All we can to ensure and protect that. The time is absolutely NOW. At a recent event 'Sustainability Spotlight On Dungog’ sustainability BEST practice in businesses and projects in our shire was showcased. Communities working together REALLY can make a difference.

We want to help lead the way by setting the BEST example regionally, nationally and beyond !!

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Mayoral Update 20 May 2019 Meeting with Michael Johnsen Dungog Shire Council’s General Manager (GM), Coralie Nichols, and I met with State Local Member and Parliamentary Secretary for Agriculture, Michael Johnsen, last week. We discussed the Coalition Government’s pre-election promises, the Brig O’ Johnson Bridge and how Michael can assist the Dungog Shire in his role as Parliamentary Secretary for Agriculture.

The $16 million pre-election promise for timber bridge replacement funding is on track to be delivered. We discussed this process, which includes the funds being tabled at the State Government Expenditure Committee, and the potential timing for the grant monies to be included in Council’s budget. We discussed the benefit of receiving it over several years to allow a number of projects to go ahead each year. Michael told us that the commitment to hand back regional roads to state control around the state is also progressing, with a State Government Committee having been appointed, and that the new Chair of this Committee is aware that Dungog Shire was promised by the former Minister to be a priority local government area in this process.

We also discussed the best way forward with Brig O’ Johnson Bridge. Michael was aware that the Federal Member for Lyne, David Gillespie, announced a pre-election promise of $8.8 million towards replacing the bridge. Now that David has retained the seat of Lyne, I will personally be following this commitment up. The State Coalition has also previously committed $5.5 million towards a new bridge which, Michael confirmed at this meeting, is still available to us. There are still some hurdles to jump regarding heritage issues, and there may still be a funding shortfall, depending on the resolution of these issues, however I am confident that we can leverage a good result regarding this bridge in the near future.

Reflections on the Achievements of Dungog Shire Council over the Last 12 Months Mid April saw the anniversary of Coralie Nichols coming on board as Dungog Shire’s General Manager. I thought it was timely to reflect on some of the organisation’s achievements with Coralie in this role.

We have achieved unprecedented levels

Tracy Norman, Mayor Dungog Shire Council of funding from both levels of government, including the following: • Funding to improve facilities in Paterson’s John Tucker Park • Funding for improved sports facilities and lighting at Clarence Town sports ground, lighting in Dungog Showground, resurfacing of Dungog netball courts and improved amenities in Bennet Park; • Funding for improvements on Dowling St Dungog, including lighting and street furniture; • Federal funding for Summer Hill Rd Bridge; • 50% funding for five of the most urgent bridge replacements in the Shire, that is Bullockys, Coulston, Wheelabout, Spooner and Tillegra from the State Government, with the Federal Government funding the other 50% of the Tillegra Bridge replacement; • A further $16 million from the State Government for our timber bridge replacement program; • A commitment of $8.8 million from the Federal Government for Brig O’Johnsen Bridge.

• A share of $20 million from the Federal Government for continued work on Clarence Town Rd. This funding was part of a coalition promise from the 2013 election, which we chased David Gillespie for. I’m still hopeful of achieving another $5 million for Gresford Rd that was part of this 2013 promise; • We were instrumental in the State Government decision to reclassify the roads and take back responsibility for regional roads. This policy, which has state wide impact, was achieved in a large part due to Dungog Shire’s representations to the former Roads Minister and the Deputy Premier, as recognised by Melinda Pavey in a recent visit to Dungog; • Council has adopted a new Developer Contributions Plan to replace the old Section 94 Plan. It is easier for developers to navigate and it has been simplified to make it easier to access funds for infrastructure projects. One such project is the Clarence Town sporting precinct.

Council is now in a position to be able to match the government grant funding to significantly increase the scope of this project; • Council has been reassessed to be Fit for the Future by the Office of Local Government, in recognition of the improvement program that we have instigated and continue to progress.

This reassessment has many positive ramifications, including access to T-Corp loans not previously afforded

to us. This will result in a saving of $500,000 in interest payments over the next 20 years for loans to fund our contribution to the timber bridge replacements aforementioned; • We have commenced and are continuing to review Council’s nonperforming assets with a commitment to divesting, where appropriate, Council assets for the purposes of reducing debt; • We have built very positive working relationships with critical state agencies and peak bodies, such the NSW Department of Premier and Cabinet, NSW Office of Local Government, Local Government NSW and the Country Mayors Association.

These relationships have had positive results for the Dungog Shire with many of these agencies now aware of and advocating for the needs of our local government area; • In a recent visit to Dungog Shire, Deputy Premier, John Barilaro commented on the fact that the positive changes being made at Dungog had been noticed and commented on in Government circles; • Council had been successful in partial approval of our Special Rates Variation.

While some may not see this as a positive, once the improvements to our infrastructure start to materialise, I am confident that our community will see the benefits of this rates rise. The very fact that we have had to put the rates up has been instrumental in our success in gaining much of the unprecedented funding and in convincing the Government to take back control of our regional roads.

I would like to acknowledge those community members who over these last 12 months have supported our lobbying efforts and played an important part in achieving a number of the above outcomes. As I have often stated, we are nine councillors and 65 staff. You are nearly 6000 voters. Your voice is crucial to holding the government accountable. Thank you for answering my call with letter writing and directly contacting our Local Members of Parliament and other MPs during the State and Federal Elections.

Make no mistake, you have been vital to our success in gaining funding and consideration by the government.

The successes to date of this term of Council are the result of a great team effort. I would like to thank the Deputy Mayor and my fellow Councillors who all work together on planning for the future of the Shire and behind the scenes

G resford News

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the diligent and hard-working staff of Dungog Shire Council, I want to acknowledge the hard work and strategic capacity of our General Manager, Coralie Nichols and her capable senior leadership team.

While we have long, hard inroads yet to make in our pathway towards achieving sustainability, we are in good stead thanks to much hard work and heavy lifting both in the organisation and in the community.

Ordinary Meeting of Council The May Ordinary Meeting of Council saw DA approvals and the bringing forward of road rehabilitation work on a section of Webbers Crk Rd, Paterson.

Council also endorsed the engagement of a consultancy firm to prepare a Plan of Management for Dungog Showground. Under new legislation all parcels of Crown Land under council control must have a plan of management. All Local Government Areas in NSW have been allocated a small amount of funding to meet the costs of preparation of these plans. I will be advocating strongly for more adequate funding to help meet these costs.

13 May 2019 Train Timetable The new Dungog to Newcastle train timetable, which in fact is the old preOctober 2014 train timetable has now kicked in. This timetable allows time for day-trippers to Dungog to have a good look around and to enjoy some shopping and lunch and still be home at a reasonable time. It also allows Dungog residents to go to appointments in Maitland and Newcastle and be home in time to collect the kids from school. Congratulations to Allen Shrimpton and Dungog District Chamber of Commerce (DDCC) President, Jenny Lewis, for getting this over the line.

Circular Economy The Hunter JO Circular Economy working group heard from the Executive Director of Circular Economy Innovation Network, Prof Veena Sahajwalla, Newcastle University’s Prof Richard Bush and Dr Michael Askew and Hunter Water’s David Derkenne.

The concept of a circular economy is that the economy is regenerative, that products can be regenerated for other uses rather than becoming waste and going to landfill. These other uses include energy sources such as bio-gas, soil enhancers and high value carbon.

Such systems have existed in Europe for many years, with up to 100% organic waste being diverted from landfill, such as in Finland, whereas in Australia, according to Dr Askew, we still have 95% of organic waste going to our landfills. A workshop involving the working group, academics and interested parties from private industry is planned for later this year.

Special Rates Variation The Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART) advised Dungog Shire Council this morning that its application, for a Special Rate Variation (SRV), has been successful under amended conditions to the original application.

IPART has provided partial approval of the SRV, stating that “although Council has demonstrated a financial need for its proposed Special Variation, the decision reflects the uncertainty of longer-term forecasts for expenditure and operating performance, in the context of the substantial impact of the proposed Special Variation on the Council’s ratepayers.”

IPART said in their report that the partial approval “will allow the Council to continue to fund operating and capital expenditure for its key assets including its road network, timber bridges and community buildings, enhance its I have contacted Jenny in her capacity financial sustainability and begin to of President of DDCC and as a Board Member of Dungog Regional Tourism to reduce its infrastructure backlog.” ask them for input into marketing the Council’s amended SRV, as approved by changed service times. It would be great IPART, will be rolled out over the next if businesses would make a concerted five years with a cumulative increase of effort to attract this day-tripper market.

76% in the following way: When we achieved this changed ·2019/2020: 15% increase per annum timetable I was given some great advice ·2020/2021: 15% increase per annum from the then Parliamentary Secretary ·2021/2022: 10% increase per annum to the Hunter, Scot MacDonald who, ·2022/2023: 10% increase per annum along with local State Member, Michael ·2023/2024: 10% increase per annum Johnsen helped secure this result: use it or lose it.

The SRV will come into effect 1 July

• June 2019, p 21

2019 and will apply to all rateable properties in the Dungog Shire from the 2019/2020 financial year.

The Special Rate Variation means Council can now deliver a range of services that the community wants and expects and also ensure that our key assets and facilities are properly maintained.

Council urges ratepayers who are concerned about the financial impacts of the Special Rate Variation to make contact to discuss their circumstances confidentially.

There are measures we can put in place to assist members of our community who are in financial difficulty, and we will work closely and respectfully with our community through this transition period.

For more information about the Special Rate Variation, visit www.dungog.nsw. gov.au or to view the application, visit www.ipart.nsw.gov.au

6 May 2019 Dungog Shire Events (DSE) Dungog Shire Events meet on a monthly basis to discuss events being held in the Shire. It’s a great way to find out what other groups are planning, events-wise, and a great way to share information about running events. The Committee has a large inventory of useful equipment such as signage, chairs and bunting, which can be hired at discounted rates, with an extra discount for not-for-profit groups running events in the Shire. DSE also has a group insurance coverage that may provide for various nominated events at a low rate.

DSE also has access to volunteer traffic controllers and will be organising a group course in traffic control in the coming months. If you are interested in undertaking such a course, please contact Pauline on 0429 629 014. DSE will subsidise this course if you volunteer at a certain number of events over the course of a year.

Council has recently been successful in its application for a grant to run training in events. This training will be undertaken in the near future. I will provide more details about this in the coming weeks.

Dungog Shire Events meet on the last Tuesday of the month at Council Chambers

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Gresford Vacy Football Club

Match reports This year our brilliant

with Mia Smith, a local Paterson teenager who is now getting great work experience by volunteering each Saturday morning making coffee for the club. The Canteen is a major revenue base for the club helping us keep many other costs low, so drop in, caffeine up, get a tasty bite from our great canteen team whilst supporting the club.

Cathy Easdown for being the deserving recipient of the HVFA Newcastle Permanent Volunteer of the Month for May 2019. Cath is remarkable in her time and commitment to facilitate and motivate our club and committee to function for our local community. Her financial attention to detail, drive with Positive Feedback The club is going from Girls and Womens Team double home committee issues and organisational strength to strength with many positive game Come down to Sunscorp Stadium skills are a contributing force to our comments flooding in from attending great clubs' success. Cath has been East Gresford on Sunday 2nd June to clubs, external supporters and new club involved with the scorpions for 16 years, support our great ladies teams. recruits. From the keen volunteers setting treasurer for nearly a decade and has out up our amazing grounds, our busy and Silent Saturday Gresford Vacy recently played her junior (now adult) children dedicated committee, our wonderful hosted ‘Silent Saturday’ at Sunscorp on the pitch that make cameo's every so canteen team delivering tasty and healthy Stadium with an emphasis for spectators, often so their mum doesn't dish too foods, the kick off and club culture parents, carers and coaches to ‘keep much dirt on them. She carries out her programs being rolled out, new uniforms quiet’ and ‘just let the kids play’. It’s an roles without prompting, with a high and sponsor signage, the growing player interesting day of many biting their degree of professionalism and has numbers with brilliant coaches and enthusiastic lips and kids radically free immense respect internally to the club, managers, all set in a beautiful rural setting, ranging on the fields. Its purpose by the with external association partners and it makes a lot of sense. Keep up the great associations is to promote free thinking her local community. Cath is the glue work everyone. This feedback is reflecting of the players, respect to officials and to that holds this club firmly together and all your hard work. curb overly interruptive or negative is much loved. Recently the Ladies comments that can sometimes be seen.

Scorpettes training was hijacked to Trained Coffee Baristas The club GVFC is highly supportive of the day inform Cath of her award. Sarah White recently paid for 2 volunteers to do a and the initiative, always promoting from HVFA and Phillip Andrews from barista training course and they are now respect and goodwill to our attending NNSWF presented this to young Cath pumping out great quality coffee that is referees and officials in their duties. along with a great many Scorps almost as good as the football being supporters, her family and friends there played. Canteen quality control officer Volunteer of the Month award Myf Doyle attended the training along Congratulations to the very awesome to congratulate her. Well Done Cath. coaches and managers are trying to get match reports circulated each week that we have been posting out to our Gresford Vacy FC Facebook account.

Keep an eye out for these updates, they can be quite entertaining.

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G resford News

• June 2019, p 23 Gresford News June 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

May 2019 crossword answers

Crossword kindly provided by Russel Jessop.

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