Gresford News June 2020

resford News G

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June 2020

News of the communities of the Paterson and Allyn River Valleys

Molly Dixon with a fresh batch of CWA lemonade scones

Anyone for scones?

Taking a break from welding and her gap year in Europe, Molly Dixon tries her hand at cooking up an isolation treat – CWA lemonade scones! Molly has had the Gresford area as her second home all her life. Recently she has been gaining some extra cooking tips while in iso with her grandmother Robyn Thornton. Next step is design studies at the Australian National University.

Check out the yummy scone recipe on page 15 inside.

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

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Gresford News Notices Gresford Vacy Football Club News

everyone at Sunscorp Stadium sooner rather than later.

For more information or help contact: It is looking increasingly likely that Club President Jim Doyle 0407 307 800, there will be soccer played this season Club Secretary Jack Cowled 0427 385 603 and GVFC are pleased to advise that the club will be doing everything we can to be involved.

To view the document follow the link: www.industry.nsw.gov.au/__data/assets/ pdf_file/0008/196055/greater-hunterregional-water-strategy.pdf

Hunter Water has established The Lower Hunter Water Security Plan Community Liaison Group (LHWSP CLG). This has been formed to help share information The Greater Hunter Regional Water Strategy between Hunter Water and community representatives from across the Lower published in November 2018 should be Hunter on the development of the revised of interest to local people interested in Lower Hunter Water Security Plan. the long term future of the Paterson River. It’s designed to manage the region’s I encourage all readers visit Hunter water needs over the next 30 years.

Waters “Your Voice” site and engage in Various options are canvassed including: the process. https://yourvoice. hunterwater.com.au/ • A pipeline from Lostock Dam to Glennies Creek For information re the Community • A pipeline from Vacy to Maitland and Liaison Group (meeting minutes, project onto Singleton updates etc) visit: https://yourvoice. hunterwater.com.au/LHWP-CLG “The NSW Government has adopted these recommendations and Keep abreast of the Hunter Water sites development of the business cases for mentioned above and contact the proposed pipelines has begun. The stephen-sneddon@bigpond.com recommended infrastructure options should you wish matters to be raised at will require adjustments to water the LHWSP CLG meetings. sharing arrangements. These changes will be reviewed with the community.”

Stephen Sneddon

Letter to the editor

In regards to training and games, things won’t quite be the same and there will be new rules and regulations to follow to keep community sport in line with the ‘New Normal’ that is life during and after CV-19.

GVFC has always been committed to providing a fun and safe environment for everyone to enjoy soccer and this year will be no different. The governing body has proposed a full 14 week season for all age groups commencing in early July and concluding in Mid-October.

The club has circulated correspondence to parents and players for their feedback to plan for the remainder of the season.

Please feel free to contact us on the below details if you have any concerns or questions. We look forward to seeing

Return and Earn kiosk in Dungog now open This service has long been advocated by Council’s Manager of Environmental Services, Paul Minnett, who worked closely with the commercial operators to get this over the line. Congratulations to him and to you, the community. The Any residents looking to help the population size of Dungog shire would environment by recycling their used normally preclude us from such a containers for some extra cash can now service. However, when the operators do so via the new facility located at the saw the community’s commitment to Dungog SES site at the southern entrance waste minimisation strategies to Dungog township. spearheaded by Single Use Plastic Free Dungog & Boomerang Bags and also by Save up your drink containers that are Council’s initiatives such as the soft 150ml to 3-litres made from glass, plastics bailer, they decided the plastic, aluminium, steel or liquid investment would be worthwhile. paperboard cartons such as tetra pack cartons. It will not take plain milk, wine, Note from the editor: spirit or cordial containers.

As this issue of Gresford News goes out The Return and Earn kiosk is operated by the facility has only been open a week and it has been very popular. We put our TOMRA Cleanaway and funded by the cans and bottles in the boot when we NSW Government. To find out how it went to Dungog but there was a line up works or to get in touch with the when we arrived. By the time we got in operators visit returnandearn.org.au the bottle side was already full. WOW There are several ways to get your so many people recycling. But we could refund: a digital refund via an app on still deposit our cans, plastic bottles and your smartphone; a printed voucher that tetra pack containers. By the way can be redeemed at a number of Dungog Council doesn't service the supermarkets; or you can donate to kiosk. TOMRA is responsible to empty a cause. and service the facility.

Next time you travel to Dungog township, pop your aluminium cans and small bottles into the car. Dungog's longawaited Return and Earn Reverse Vending Machine is now in action!

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Dungog Shire Council appoints new General Manager “I am particularly pleased to be working on behalf of the people of Dungog to help this resilient community rebuild and grow following the significant impacts of both the bushfires and COVID-19,” Mr Curtis said. “I look forward to enabling a strong, capable and robust shire that will continue to prosper both now and in the future.”

Dungog Shire Council has appointed former Cessnock Council Director, Mr Gareth Curtis, as its new General Manager.

With extensive experience comprising more than 25 years within the local government sector, Mr Curtis’ focus on strategic planning and environmental health, as well as his proven ability to overcome challenges facing rural and regional communities made him a standout candidate.

Mayor Connors also thanked Mr Stephen Glen, who has been acting in the General Manager’s role since March. “I would also like to take this opportunity to express my appreciation to Mr Stephen Glen for his work in the role of Acting General Manager in recent months,” Mayor Connors added.

Mayor of Dungog, Mr John Connors, says the decision to appoint Mr Curtis as the new General Manager was made unanimously by the full council following an independent and rigorous recruitment process.

“Stephen joined Dungog Council right before the COVID-19 pandemic and his leadership in protecting the health and “The appointment of a new General safety of both council staff and the wider Manager is one of the most important community, while ensuring council navigation of contentious issues, as well decisions a council can make, so we continued to deliver essential services, is wanted to ensure we got it right,” Mayor as his proficiency acting in the role of to be commended. “On behalf of the General Manager at Cessnock on various council and the residents of Dungog, I Connors said. “Mr Curtis has a strong occasions, are all qualities which he will working knowledge of the local would like to thank Stephen for guiding bring to the benefit of the Dungog Shire.” us through this exceptionally government sector, particularly the challenges faced by rural and regional challenging time and wish him all the Mr Curtis says he is very much looking communities and how to overcome these. best in his future endeavours.” forward to assuming the role and is focused on helping to rebuild the “His achievements in taking control of Mr Curtis will commence in the General Dungog community following the council planning powers, his ability to Manager’s role at Dungog Shire Council maximise efficiencies within council, his impacts of this year’s events. on July 1.

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Drought and fire recovery advice for Hunter cattle producers “Pastures are the lifeblood of any livestock enterprise and how we manage these pastures will dictate cost of production per hectare," said Albert Mullen. "Some of the key points from the workshops included putting recent replacement female prices into perspective 2020-03 Bushfire Recovery Workshops – Neil Moss for those understocked New Hunter LLS Podcast and video series and rebuilding using home grown focusing on fire and drought recovery replacements as a ‘mix and match’ for livestock producers in the Hunter strategy to average out costs and to and Manning Great Lakes. provide adequate nutrient to achieve the best outcomes.

After a difficult period of drought and bushfire across the Hunter and Manning “The longer term outlooks for pasture Great Lakes, Hunter Local Land Services growth and to fill winter and dry season has prepared a series of free resources to gaps in feed availability were discussed support local cattle producers. through a pasture portfolio system that identified energy needs of stock numbers Hunter Local Land Services held four workshops across the Manning district in and available pasture. Concepts from early Autumn, to assist landholders with forage, perennial and winter pasture systems were slotted together over a bushfire recovery strategies. The period of 12 months to address workshops covered the issues of pasture individual farm climates, topography management for beef production and and rainfall.” improved farm profitability.

a beef herd over a typical year. With most beef producers now targeting performance based markets that have key targets for weight and fat, this information will assist you with cost structures and profitability.”

Nikki Henderson is a beef herd consultant from Pinnacle Ag and presented on herd rebuilding and heifer requirements at the workshops.

Ms. Henderson said “Critical weights and action targets are key factors for successful herd rebuilding. With most producers understocked from drought actions and high restocking prices, home grown replacements are now important.”

The video presentations from the workshops are now available via our youtube channel at https://www. youtube.com/playlist?list=PLC7J5DHnrm 61hSx4rPfm9akrkY8lT0-Kt You can download the presentations as podcasts by visiting https://www. buzzsprout.com/1028284 For more seasonal advice, or support from our team call us on 1300 795 299.

Neil Moss from SciBus works extensively with the dairy industry and presented information around livestock nutrition with energy and protein requirements of Albert Mullen, Extension and Advisory different classes of livestock and types of Officer in Sustainable Agriculture, said fodder/supplementary sources to meet that following the catastrophic bushfires production requirements. Mr Moss over summer, pasture management was explained to landholders “Pasture critical and encouraged producers to take portfolios is a mixture of pastures across advantage of the recent rainfall and your farm to fill the various energy gaps break in the season to get farm business and has been adapted to this system for back on track.

Those workshops have now been converted into a video and podcast series, ready for local producers.

Contribute To The Gresford News - It's your News The Gresford News is a great way to reach out to our community. Our content is created by members of the community just like you. If you have an event coming up or something interesting to say let us know. If you are part of a group organise a Publicity Officer to send in an occasional update of your activities. It can be as simple as photo and a paragraph to go with it.

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. Pictures – .jpg (not in word).

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Feed or foe from fodder? Check now for weeds emerging from feed Hunter Local Land Services is urging producers to be checking their paddocks regularly for new weed incursions, after several sightings of unwanted weeds in our region. Of particular concern is the number of weeds emerging in sites used to feed out fodder during the drought.

“There is still enough moisture and warmth in the ground for weeds to germinate and with the good rainfall we saw in late summers and early autumn it has provided ideal conditions,” said Matt Kennedy Hunter Local Land Services’ Regional Weeds Coordinator. “We’re asking producers to be vigilant in checking any spots they fed out fodder brought in during the drought so we can stop incursions of new weeds into our region.

Parthenium Weed and the site controlled,” said Matt. “It is advised when handfeeding to restrict fodder distribution to certain containment paddocks so as not to risk spreading imported weeds across your property.”

Now the seasons have improved, weeds are quickly taking hold in some pastures.

The discovery of parthenium weed in If you wish to report a suspicious weed, two Upper Hunter locations over the last please c ontact your local council weed week is a good example of best practice officer. “Producers need to be keeping a weed identification and management. close eye on emerging weeds It is easier “While the first incursion has been linked to eradicate these weeds in small patches to machinery, the second it’s believed is now then to be managing them for generations to come, so if producers see the result of a fodder drop during the drought," said Matt. “In the more recent something unusual they need to get in contact with their local authorities” said case, a landholder reported an unusual Matt. “It is recommended when looking specimen in their paddocks to the Upper Hunter Weeds Authority, and purchasing fodder you request a Fodder/ Commodity Declaration, so any weed it has now been confirmed as

Vacy General Store will continue to be open for all.

We will be doing takeaway food, Pizza, and coffee. Australia post will be open as normal.

We will have fresh bread and milk and your essential grocery needs and fuel are all available from 7am to 7pm. We ask if you would like take away food, pizza or coffee please ring your order through and we will have it ready. Also we ask if you drop in to shop we would appreciate you keeping in mind everyone's personal space.

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Parthenium Weed

infestations emerging from purchased fodder can be traced back to the source.”

If you need advice or support managing your livestock feeding and drought management, please contact the Hunter Local Land Services Agricultural Extension Team on 1300 795 299 or visit www.lls.nsw.gov.au/regions/hunter You can read more at: www.lls.nsw.gov.au/__ data/assets/pdf_file/0010/1156564/LLS_ Weeds_in_Hay_Booklet_LR-1-FINAL.pdf

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#visitdungogpostcorona Dungog Regional Tourism and Dungog District Chamber of Commerce are running an exciting campaign to encourage people to visit the Dungog Region once restrictions have been eased.

Dr Cameron Archer, Chair, Dungog Regional Tourism said “we miss our visitors, and as we hopefully move to more open Corona Virus restrictions, we want to encourage people to visit Dungog Shire.

The campaign is fun and serves to remind everyone that an end will come, and when it does, that we want our visitors back.” local businesses who are also members “The core of the campaign is of the Dungog Regional Tourism and #visitdungogpostcorona and we are keen the Chamber of Commerce are also to use this hashtag to promote the places featured in the video. where we live, work and play, however there are several other elements as well”, 3. Local businesses and the general said Dr Archer. community are encouraged to get involved by sharing photos of the local 1. A new, purpose build website for this area focussing on things they like to do, campaign – dungogmissingyou.com and the attractions and scenery that you 2. A short video has been developed to would love to share. To make this promote #visitdungogpostcorona and memorable, use #visitdungogpostcorona showcase the area and we are keen for and the corona handshake in your people to promote this on social photos where possible. media. The video features scenes from 4. We are also encouraging past visitors to across Dungog Shire including the the Dungog Region to share photographs Barrington Tops National Park, the of the area and to use the hashtag Chichester State Forest and general #wemissyoudungog on social media. scenes of our lovely countryside. Some

Burraga Swamp, Barrington Tops National Park

5. We will post a selection of photos taken by locals and visitors on our dungogmissingyou.com website.

“It is very likely that domestic tourism will surge after the restrictions have been listed and people are unable to travel overseas, and businesses across Dungog Shire want to let visitors know that we are ready to welcome them and for more information about the area including accommodation and other activities people should check out visitdungog.com.au” said Dr Archer.

For more information on the campaign please contact Marion Stuart from Retreat 2 Main Creek on 0428 921 899 and James Slack from Bobby's Country Rental on 0409 240 461.

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Cloaking the past

This is the second in a series of articles that Dr Jamie Derkenne is writing for the Gresford News.

Winter around Gresford can be cold. I remember marvelling as a boy at a hand painted sign on the old timber mill at the Upper Allyn village which read “snow – December 6 1965”. It’s extraordinary that between the cold winters and mostly hot summers, the Gringai – the original inhabitants of this area – preferred to go naked.

Should you have met a Gringai warrier before colonisation, the most clothing he would have worn would be a possum skin cloak, finely stitched, around his shoulders, fur side in. The skin side would

A possum skin cloak, digitally enhanced, from the United States Exploring Expedition of 1839-1840. The cloak is described by ethnologist Horatio Hale as coming from at or near the upper Hunter’s River. The Hunter tributaries were not generally separately named at the time. The cloak bears the same swirling motifs as found on Gringai bora trees and the Goo-nan-duk-yer, the ceremonial bull-roarers.

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have been beautifully patterned in intricate whirls and patterns. His hair would be greased and ochred, tied back in a bun. Should he not be wearing his cloak, its clasping pin, made of bone, would be held by the septum of his nose. Such cloaks were not just clothing: they acted as blankets, a means of concealment (important for women in some ceremonies) and as cradles for carrying infants.

Around his waist he would wear a possum skin belt from which would dangle a small possum skin bag. Inside the bag was a sacred object given to him at the time of his initiation into manhood. This was his most precious possession, an object so important that no-one was allowed to see it.

The women were similarly attired, but they would have a digging stick, and coolamins for carrying water. They would carry string bags made from human hair or bark with the handle over the foreheads, like a headband.

Neither sex had much in the way of body ornamentation or decoration, but there are several reports of scarification. The men often had an upper front tooth missing as part of their initiation ceremonies.

The Gringai were not fond of European clothes, which were often donated to them by colonists in an effort to curb the public affront of their nudity. The 1834 Supreme Court of NSW proceedings against the Gringai warrier Wong-ko-bi-kan, accused of murdering a man at William’s River states during a Also hanging from the belt would be a court recess Wong-ko-bi-kan had an stone axe fixed to a handle with resin from grass trees, and a lump of the resin altercation with the court constable, who was trying to prevent him from itself. His skin would be greased with removing his clothes. animal fats to ward off cold. In his hand would be a clutch of spears, and a As early as the 1820s, wandering throwing stick or maybe a clubbing Aboriginals were being arrested – and boomerang. Other articles might gaoled – in the High Street of Maitland include a hunting net, used for the for indecent exposure. The Gringai had a capture of wallabies. point: clothes were only functional so

• March 2020, p 11

long as it didn’t rain. As soon as they got wet, the hapless wearer was likely to succumb to influenza or other colonist diseases such as measles.

The cloaks were a vexed issue. Several can be seen at the Smithsonian’s Museum of Natural History in Washington (there is online access).

By 1840 the Gringai had to resort to thin NSW government issue blankets, as rainforest clearing by colonists had decimated the possum population.

Thomas Cook, a police commandant and magistrate at Dungog, complained that there were insufficient blankets to go around. Government reluctance to issue blankets at Stroud and Port Stephens led to an increase in animosity between coloniser and Gringai.

It is perhaps not surprising that the shortage of food, the shortage of blankets and the colonists’ habit of stealing women led to low level warfare, including the spearing of two shepherds at Black Camp Creek in 1841. In retaliation for that particular incident, the entire local group of Aborigines, some 20 people, were shot.

Only one survived.

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Biological control against Salvinia in Upper Paterson River upper reaches of the Paterson during heavy rains and flood conditions however the drought and heat of the recent summer has presented ideal growing conditions.

The Councils Biosecurity and Weeds Officer Ron Patron obtained a large quantity of weevils from the NSW Department of Primary Industries and released them to the Salvinia infestation in the Paterson River with the assistance of members of the Gresford Landcare Group.

"The biological control is a long term project" he said "we re not sure if the weevils will thrive in the local climate but it is part of an overall strategy to gain control over the Salvinia infestation in our River system."

With the assistance of Hunter Local land Services and ongoing involvement with Landcare and local property owners, the Council intends to carry out more Robert Smith & Ken Chandler join Ron Patron, Biosecurity and weeds officer, on the Paterson River Salvinia control work in the future. This of the Paterson and has the effect of Dungog Shire Council commenced a will involve the chemical treatment of starving the aquatic ecosystem of oxygen Biological control project against the the weed both on the river and on and choking the water supplies of aquatic weed Salvinia by releasing a private property. The Council is awaiting quantity of salvinia weevils in the upper adjoining landholders. It can also be grant funding from Hunter Local Land devastating if it finds its way into dams and Services and it is anticipated that private Paterson River in early March. is difficult to control once it has contractors will be used to carry out this Salvinia is an invasive weed that has taken established. It is usually washed from the work in the later half of this year. hold along the river edges and back waters

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Ron Patron and Bob Doyle releasing weevils

• June 2020, p 13

Ron Patron, Biosecurity and weeds officer

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CWA NEWS

CANCELLATION The CWA meeting to be held on June 4 has been cancelled.

CANCELLATION French conversation until further notice. Please call Glenda Smith if you are interested I joining the group 4938 9456.

COUNTRY OF STUDY This year the country of study is Ecuador. A country straddling the equator on South America’s west coast. Its diverse landscape encompasses Amazon jungle , Andean highlands and is famous for being home to the Galapagos Islands. The fourth smallest nation in South America.

COVID-19 COVER TO COVER Being isolated at home has given more people time to read “Cover to Cover”. The CWA library has many books and with libraries closed many locals and visitors are making the most of our vast selection, both inside the rooms and from the Street library, located on the fence next door to the police station. For access to the rooms please ring Dotti Hilliard 4938 9483 and she will arrange to meet you there.

BOOK CLUB The book club has been exchanging reviews on line. Many various thoughts and critiques from the members. Please join us in reading “In Love with George Eliot” which will be discussed on June 13. Please phone Glenda Smith if you are interested 4938 9456.

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COVID-19 COOKING It seems we have all been cooking. Testing tried and true recipes plus experimenting. However nothing beats scones for morning or afternoon tea.

Method: Gresford on July 2nd.

Combine lemonade and cream (do not Robyn Thornton, Secretary allow to stand or it will go flat). Pour into flour, stir with a knife. Knead gently CWA Library We have had a request on a well floured board and roll out. from 3 readers for the following Lee Child books: Killing Floor, Without Fail, Lightly cut out scones, place on a scone LEMONADE SCONES Persuader, The Enemy, Gone Tomorrow, 61 tray just touching and glaze with milk.

Hours, Never Go Back, Night School, The Ingredients: Place in a 220C oven for 12 mins or Midnight Line, Echo Burning.

4 cups self raising flour (add a little more until cooked. Turn out onto a tea towel The Library has a very good selection of if too sticky) covered cake cooler. his books. Maybe someone would donate 1 375 ml can lemonade or lend or sell to us. Call Robyn NEXT MEETING (hopefully) 9.30am in 300mls cream Thornton on 4938 9566 the CWA rooms, 12 Durham Road, East

Changes to trading...

GRESFORD BOWLS SPORT & RECREATION CLUB will be open from 4pm for takeaway sales and eftpos only Phone 4938 9368 LITTLE PAN ASIAN RESTAURANT will open from 5pm for takeaway only Wednesday + Friday + Sunday Phone 4938 9166 KEEP UP TO DATE WITH CHANGES Follow us on Facebook or call us - 4938 9368

44 years experience

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Aussie Ark no place for pests Hunter Local Land Services has been working closely with the renowned conservation organisation – Aussie Ark, in the Barrington Tops, to ensure the important ecological site remains free of pest animals.

Brush-tailed Rock-wallaby all now call Aussie Ark home.

The Hunter LLS team was successful in eradicating the last known fox to exist within a sanctuary onsite, allowing fauna to now be released into the area, and thrive without fear of predation.

The Hunter Local Land Services Biosecurity team undertook pest animal management training with the Aussie Ark staff, to assist them in protecting the Aussie Ark Manager Will Hansen said the Feral animals including pigs and foxes are area from invasive predators such as the work of the Hunter Local Land Services Biosecurity Officers has helped further known to be a primary driver of extinction fox and cat, along with other harmful secure the breeding program. pest species including pigs. in Australia; which as a nation holds the highest extinction rate on “This is a conservation earth. The specialised project of national conservation organisation, significance, and is committed to providing thanks to the sanctuary for our assistance of Hunter threatened native wildlife; Local Land Services we free from the unnatural have been able to pressures they are further enhance our currently facing in the program, and provide wild. The facility is the an even safer home largest of its type on for our breeding mainland Australia and populations for the encompasses pristine animals in our care,” wilderness on the edge of said Will. the Barrington Tops National Park. Native “The professionalism, fauna such as the safe practices and endangered Eastern quoll, around the clock Long-nosed potoroo, responsiveness of the Hunter LLS Biosecurity Officer Hunter LLS Biosecurity Officer Rufous bettong, Parma Biosecurity Officers Richard Ali with a Tasmanian Devil at Jonathan Randle with an endangered wallaby, Tasmanian devil, has helped to control Aussie Ark in the Barrington Tops

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G resford News

The

• June 2020, p 17

On the Shelves

by Glenda Smith

pests within and on the boundaries of the Ark. “As a small, not for profit organisation, being able to utilise these services and work together to eradicate pest animals from this important habitat is of huge benefit to us and the animals we are working hard to save.”

Hunter Local Land Services Biosecurity Team Leader Luke Booth said while there may be just a few pests being targeted by this latest program, the results are invaluable.

“This is a very important venture being undertaken at the Barrington tops - in fact it may well be the key for these threatened species’ to survive, so even just one fox not controlled within enclosures could have had dramatic effects,” said Mr Booth.

“It was very encouraging to see our staff succeed and that we could actively play a positive role in this significant conservation project.

“We will continue to work closely with Aussie Ark to ensure this site remains protected and well supported to undertake this significant breeding program.”

The Rosie Result

Graeme Simsion This is the final instalment in the Rosie trilogy, and shows fulfilling progress in the life of the hero, Don Tillman. Don has come a long way from his introduction in The Rosie Project, and development in The Rosie Effect. In this conclusion, he is trying to show what he has learned about life to his son Hudson. This endearing character is often misunderstood because of his autistic tendencies, but his essential goodness is clear from the beginning. However, his misapprehensions about other people and the language he uses to describe them are frequently hilarious.

Rosie’s understanding of Don’s literal-mindedness is illustrated in this extract – ‘What are you doing in your pyjamas?’ she said. ‘Preparing dinner. Which I’m timesharing with solving a problem. And single-leg dips.’ ‘I meant, why are you wearing pyjamas?’

Rosie quickly rephrases because she understands that she has asked the wrong question to get the answer she wants, but this also shows aspects of Don’s character – he is an excellent and well-organised cook; he is an efficient problem-solver; and he is dedicated to exercise.

It is possible to read this novel as a stand-alone, as Don sketches in the events of the past, but for the richest and most satisfying experience it is best to read the trilogy in sequence. That said, this one is available in the CWA library, and well worth reading in its own right. It deals with serious topics in an entertaining way, and Simsion himself felt it was the best of the three.

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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G resford News • June 2020

The

, p 18

Council Happenings

John Connors – Mayor

Council has updated its meeting procedures to minimise the amount of people in the Council Chambers, in line with current COVID-19 directions. The majority of councillors participated via video link to adhere to these regulations.

as they are applicable to all ratepayers, not just those impacted by the pandemic, council sees this as an opportunity to enable a strong and resilient community that will grow and prosper following this year’s catastrophic events.”

The livestreaming of council’s meeting via its Facebook page was successfully managed so it may continue to share information in real-time with the broader community.

Development Application No. 122/2019 - Conversion Of Existing Shed To Create A Function Centre And Ancillary Tourist And Visitor Accommodation

Stronger Country Communities Fund grants program.

Under the program, council has received funding for the construction of a new amenities building to service users of the Gresford Sporting Complex and for construction of a single multi-purpose court within the Paterson Sportsground Facility.

Council has also received partial funding for surface and drainage upgrades at Following a period of public exhibition Bennett Park and will continue to work Council thanks all staff and councillors involved with this process. Following the in September 2019, council has approved with the funding provider and the Bennett Park user groups to identify meeting, the council meeting video will a DA for the construction of a Function other available funding sources and/or a Centre and Visitor Accommodation at remain on council’s Facebook page for reduction in the scope of works. one month. To view visit: facebook.com/ Black Rock Road, Martins Creek. dungogcouncil The approval has been granted following a Council is also contributing funding deferment at last month’s council meeting, toward these important community Community Support For Ratepayers projects and has resolved to investigate where councillors called on the applicant As A Result Of Covid-19 additional avenues for full funding. to provide a more comprehensive Plan of Council has resolved to implement Management to address evacuation, fire, various options to assist the broader Road Construction biosecurity and access requirements in community in the wake of the Dowling Street: Road construction works further detail. Council is now satisfied these Coronavirus pandemic including: are continuing in the final section of requirements have been met and welcomes An extension of council’s Hardship Dowling Street (between Mackay and Policy to encompass all assessments, not the establishment of the new facility, Chapman Streets), with the southern describing it as an asset for the Shire. just Residential or Farmland primary end of this section currently closed to residences, with this change potentially traffic. Pavement works and initial The function centre and tourist in place until 30 September 2020; sealing works are scheduled for accommodation are proposed to be Commence no new debt recovery, with situated on 224 hectares of land and will completion by June 30, with asphalt any debt collection which has previously consist of two separate single storey works undertaken after this time. commenced to be critically reviewed at wings, a small bar, make-up room, toilet Dungog Road: Rehabilitation works are each step; block and a function space with continuing on Dungog Road between Referral of ratepayers to a Financial 90-person seating.

Horns Crossing Road and Grace Avenue.

Counsellor, only if the ratepayer was in Pavement works and initial sealing are Flying Fox Management Grants hardship prior to COVID-19, in an effort scheduled for completion in July.

Program to ease the current burden on financial Council has resolved to make an counsellors; Bridge Construction application for grant funding to support Financial hardship will apply for the Coulston Bridge: Council is currently the preparation of a shire-wide Flying Fox finalising the road approaches to the 2019-20 4th rates instalment (due 31 Management Plan to reduce the May) so that no interest will be applied new Coulston Bridge, with works community impacts of flying-fox camps on outstanding rates from the point of scheduled to be sealed by early June. in the Dungog region. contact by the applicant until 30 Spooner Bridge: Good progress is being September 2020.

This resolution is in response to the NSW made on the new bridge, which is Department of Planning, Industry and Council will also delay issuing 2020-21 scheduled to be open for traffic in the Environment’s recently launched grant Rate notices until 1 September 2020, latter part of this year. thereby extending the time for payment funding aimed at assisting the management of flying-fox camps around Tillegra Bridge: Initial construction until 30 September 2020, with no works have commenced on the new NSW and comes following council’s interest to be applied on outstanding Tillegra Bridge. This is a nine-month ongoing management of a flying-fox rates from the point of contact by the program with access over the existing camp at Clarence Town. applicant until 30 September 2020. timber bridge to remain in place for the Council plans to provide in-kind Importantly, any interest accumulated duration of the works. The new bridge prior to these periods will not be written contributions to support the is scheduled to be open for traffic early implementation of the plan and in off and rates and reminder notices will in 2021. continue to be issued in accordance with principle, commits to its adoption and Council has acknowledged that due to legislative provisions and the timeframes address any actions within its resource increased government restrictions as a capabilities. within those provisions. result of COVID-19, council has needed Mayor Connors: “Council has resolved to Stronger Country Communities Fund - to amend its works activities to ensure provide additional community support to Round 3 Grant Applications the health and safety of staff, contractors the ratepayers of the Dungog Shire in the Council has been successful in receiving and the general public, which in some wake of COVID-19. While these funding for three eligible projects under cases has caused delays to the current provisions will impact council’s cash flow Round 3 of the NSW Government’s works schedule.

G resford News

• June 2020, p 19 Gresford News June Crossword The

Anglican Parish of Gresford Paterson

Whilst our churches are closed due to COVID19 the Newcastle Anglican Cathedral has services on YouTube. You can also ring 40582680 (local call) to listen to a short service of prayer. The service will change each Sunday.

If you know of anyone hardship in the Gresford & Paterson areas going through a time of real need and who may need some form of assistance, please let one of our Ministry Team know. (0438 413 007) We now have a new minister who is a Locum for the Parish. His name is Fr Peter Rothnie and he can be contacted on 0438 413 007, which is also the contact number for the Parish. Fr Peter is happy for people to be able to email him. His email address is: r2cmdi@bigpond.com

St Helen’s Catholic Parish of Gresford and Sacred Heart Summer Hill Due to the pandemic all churches are closed until further notice The Parish Priest, Fr. Derek Garner can be contacted on 4992 1477 April 2020 crossword answers

Crossword kindly provided by Russel Jessop.

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