Gresford News June 2021

resford News G

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June 2021

News of the communities of the Paterson and Allyn River Valleys

Ella Osmond from the U15s lends a hand to U6 player Annabelle Crouch. Photo: Julie Hartigan

Scorpions Go Pink!

Pink will be the colour of the day at Gresford Sporting Complex on June 5 as soccer players, officials and supporters of Gresford Vacy Football Club come together to Go Pink! for breast cancer research. – Full story page 5 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 District Historical Society

Scorpions Go Pink!

The Go Pink! event at Gresford Sporting Complex kicks off at 9am on June 5 and June and July meetings of the Society the whole community is invited to will be held the second Saturday of each come along, cheer on the mighty month, commencing at 6 pm at the Scorpions and spend a dollar or two to home of Delma Lawrence, 72 Park support breast cancer research.

Street, East Gresford and new members are always welcome.

The Museum is open the first and second Sundays of each month from 10 am to 2 pm.

Gresford District Bushman’s Carnival Association Inc

Gresford Landcare

Next event 12 June 9.30am start, Sugarloaf Rd Dungog. Contact David Hyde on 0414449313

James Theatre Dungog Sun June 6 at 3pm Live music - Ensemble Assorti

Expression of interest Local charity and/or kiosk operator Applications close 30/7/2021

Sun June 13 at 4pm Live music - Australian String Quartet

Gresford Campdraft and Rodeo August 27th and 28th 2021

LIST YOUR ACTIVITY

The Gresford News is keen to reinstate the listing of regular meetings and activities. Please let us know when your event or meeting is on working group meets 3pm Fridays – gresfordnews@iinet.net.au weather permitting - ring first 49389365

Arboretum

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Community Access Defibrilator is located outside the East Gresford Police Station. Sudden Cardiac Arrest is one of the leading causes of death in Australia. A defibrillator can make the difference between life and death and can save a life prior to the ambulance arriving.

The Gresford News is a great way to reach out to our community. Our content is created by members of the community – people just like you. If you have something to say please send in your contribution To contact Gresford News: email gresfordnews@iinet.net.au • Brian Doherty 0412 372 687 • Jane Richens 0425 339 856 • PO Box 73 East Gresford 2311.

Deadline for stories & ads 20th of the month.

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

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May Report The Gresford and District Community Group held its monthly meeting on 3 May at the CWA Rooms, East Gresford.

Key issues discussed included: • East Gresford Cemetery Fence. The group agreed that work needs to take place to refurbish the front fence. It was suggested that a country-style timber fence with 2.5m spacing of posts would improve the site and possibly the pressure wash of the entry gates pillars. A full plan and costing are required before the diocese can be approached.

• Therese Doyle Hall. Still waiting on quote for roof repair meanwhile a subcommittee has been formed to assess other repairs and ongoing long-term maintenance issues. Noel Brown, Lisa Connors, Peter Dreyer to report back to next meeting.

The meeting resolved that to deliver a suitable and workable parking arrangement between the Community Group and Sports Complex that a subcommittee from Community Group (Noel Brown, Peter Dreyer, Chris Wokes, Lisa Connors) meet with Dungog Council’s Sec 355 Management

Committee to finalise a plan that is mutually agreeable. Plans to be presented to June meeting of Community Group.

• Turning circle Gresford Road. No response from council as yet.

• Police station garden. Xanthe Addison spoke in support of this project.

Penny Kater and Xanthe Addison to liaise and arrange meeting to develop plan, and are hopeful to begin planting by the Spring. It was felt that a more attractive environment at the police station may make it easier to retain a permanent police presence in the township.

Although there has been little crime reported over last 12 months there is a significant benefit in having an officer live in our community. As Constable Hanson and family are going on leave, without a replacement it was agreed a letter is to be drafted to Local Area

Expression of interest Local charity and/or kiosk operator Gresford Campdraft and Rodeo August 27th and 28th 2021 Please apply in writing to the secretary Brittany Crouch Email: enquiries@gdbca.com Postal: PO Box 67 East Gresford NSW 2311

Applications close 30/7/2021

• Arboretum. Recent working bee has cleaned up boundaries and Friday volunteer working bees are maintaining plantings.

• Opera concert. Proposal from Penny O’Meara for Australian soprano, Amelia Farrugia, to perform in Gresford. The Community Group indicated definite interest and a sub-committee is to be formed. Costings are to be compared with figures from the successful John Lill concert.

Gresford and district residents are always welcome to attend the monthly meetings of the GDCG, please contact the Secretary: gcg@gresfordnsw.com.au

Dungog

Gresford District Bushman’s Carnival Association Inc

Our 2021 event is fast approaching and we are again looking for

Command, at Raymond Terrace, to voice community concerns. On the whole police presence in Upper Hunter area is regarded as minimal.

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Scorpions Go Pink! for breast cancer research “Who would have thought the colour pink could unite a community in this way?”

Scorpions president Jim Doyle said. “This is something big we are doing here and the united show of support from every single player, our wider community and some very generous sponsors makes me think we will smash the $10,000 fundraising goal.”

The Scorpions are hosting the Go Pink!

Julie, who was diagnosed with breast day for the National Breast Cancer cancer in February, said there was one very Foundation and have set a lofty good reason for the whole community to fundraising target of $10,000. “It will be a get behind the Go Pink! campaign. “The visually spectacular day with more than statistics,” she said. “They’re totally 500 Scorpions players and their unacceptable. “By funding research we can supporters running around wearing hot all play a small but incredibly important pink soccer socks,” the club’s Go Pink! part in improving the statistics and, coordinator Julie Hartigan said. “That in ultimately, the lives of women and men itself shows the level of commitment our with breast cancer.” club has for this cause – we have just over National Breast Cancer Foundation 300 registered players, yet we have prestatistics show that one-in-seven women sold more than 500 pairs of pink socks.” and one-in-716 men will be diagnosed But the pink doesn’t stop there! with breast cancer in their lifetimes.

On the day, all game balls will be pink, “More than 3000 Australians will lose game leaders will wear pink vests, hot their lives from breast cancer this year,” pink sweatbands will be for sale, Julie said. “I don’t want anything to do hairspray will add another touch of pink, with that statistic and, realistically, I many raffle prizes will follow the pink don’t think any one of us would like to theme, coffee will be served in pink cups see someone we love succumb to that and there will be plenty of pink-inspired statistic. By doing our bit, no matter treats for sale at the cake stall. how small, we are working together to

allow the National Breast Cancer Foundation to conduct game-saving research to help reach its goal of zero deaths from breast cancer by 2030.”

The Go Pink! event at Gresford Sporting Complex kicks off at 9am on June 5 and the whole community is invited to come along, cheer on the mighty Scorpions and spend a dollar or two to support breast cancer research. For those who can’t make it on the day, there is the opportunity to donate directly to the Scorpions fundraising page by following the National Breast Cancer Foundation link https://fundraise.nbcf.org.au/ fundraisers/GVFCScorpions or using the QR code below .

We are fully stocked up with Husqvarna stock, produce, farming supplies, animal products, Swap & Go gas and many other goodies 26 Durham Rd, East Gresford 4938 9204. Mon-Fri 7.30am to 5.30pm, Sat 8am to 12pm, Sun closed

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What's an Arboretum?

Having been asked several times recently about ‘what is the Arboretum’, this month will be about the Arboretum and the plants which are grown there, and a few tips and hints about growing plants indigenous to our area.

An Arboretum is a botanic garden devoted to trees and woody plants. The Gresford Arboretum was established to showcase the unique and fast disappearing Dry Rainforest species indigenous to the Paterson, Allyn and Williams Valleys.

Many of the plants in the Arboretum will be familiar to you, but some are rare and in danger of being lost forever.

The Arboretum is a place where everyone is invited to come and admire and appreciate the diverse vegetation of our region.

The Arboretum is located on Park Street, Gresford, adjacent to the Gresford Sports Grounds, on the area around the Therese Doyle Hall. This area is a perfect location for the Arboretum being alongside the Gresford and District Historical Society which houses many artefacts and historical information in the Therese Doyle Hall.

Then and Now – the Gresford Arboretum being planted in October 2016... and how it has grown now!

It is hoped the Arboretum will become a place for all to enjoy, attracting birds and animals to the area and hopefully encouraging the use of these beautiful and drought tolerant local species.

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G resford News

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Visit the Arboretum to find plants that grow in this area, most of which are available at Riverdene Nursery.

The following tips will help you to grow strong and healthy local plants.

• Many native plants prefer well drained soil, and some do well in wetter areas.

Always ask which location your chosen plant prefers.

• When planting in heavy clay soil, build up with topsoil around the plant rather than digging the hole too deep into the clay, or the roots may rot in wet weather.

• Group plants needing similar growing conditions together, remember plants requiring full sun will generally not do well in shady situations.

extra fertiliser but if using remember to avoid high phosphate fertilsers which may be harmful. Never put fertilizer in the hole as it will burn the roots.

• Use mulches and groundcover plants to assist with the reduction of weeds and to keep the soil cool and moist, especially in summer.

• Water regularly for the first few weeks but generally an initial good watering is only required for most native plants – of course this does depend on the position and size of the plant, as well as seasonal conditions. Autumn is the best time to plant as the roots have time to become established before the next growing season.

You are always welcome to join the Friends of the Arboretum on a Friday • Prior to planting, submerge the plant afternoon, please phone Penny in its pot, in a bucket of water until all the bubbles are gone. Then plant as soon (4938 9365) for more information.

Liz Jones as possible.

Friends of the Arboretum • Plant so the root ball is about 5cm below the existing soil level, water STOP PRESS well and mulch around the plant to The Gresford and District Community conserve soil moisture and reduce Group has been successful in obtaining a weed competition.

Federal Government grant to help with the • Native plants generally do well without

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G resford News • May 2021SELLOUT SUCCESS

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Gresford The resford News • April 2021, p 9 District Landcare Group for the cattle. Plant one tree in a paddock trees around the Duninald homestead as

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The AGM and May meeting of the Gresford and District Landcare Group was held at the lovely property of Julia and Chris Wokes at ‘Duninald’, Paterson on a superb autumn day. President, Julia welcomed all, saying she and Chris had joined Landcare 15 years ago when they first moved to ‘Duninald’ to meet locals and learn from other members of Landcare and has found Gresford and District Landcare to be “a cheerful group of local landholders that meet to enjoy each other’s company and share information on land management”

representing historical garden design. Sid Reynolds established a native nursery in 1966, and at the same time established a “botanic garden” with seed he had collected for the nursery.

When Julia and Chris Wokes took over the property in 2005, the botanical garden and the Old Duninald house had been badly neglected. They have successfully restored ‘Old Duninald’ and began clearing out the weeds, reestablishing and replanting the botanical garden. With the help of Alex King from Botanical Restoration, tree species have been identified and Chris and Julia are continuing their plans for the botanical garden to showcase the Lower Hunter rainforest environments.

Julia presented her AGM report for 2020 and made special thanks to all members who invited Landcare to visit their properties over the last year. Thanks also The botanical garden is divided into 5 went to LLS and Hunter Regional Landcare for the support and sponsorship zones, including rainforest for long term, and a bush food area was commenced in of the Field Days.

2020. All new plantings are indigenous to A short history of ‘Duninald’ which was this area. an original land grant of 1300 acres to William Dunn in 1822. Several successive Having planted many trees in the paddock and along the over 2 km of river front, generations of the Reynolds family Julia loves watching the cows grazing on occupied the property, and all have left the irrigated pastures, and believes clean their mark on the garden. The N.S.W. water and shade improve the conditions Heritage website describes the mature

of cows and grass won’t grow near the tree, plant many, especially in groups and there you will find the best grass.

Autumn is the best time to plant new trees. When planting tube stock Penny recommends the top of the root ball should be about 5cm below the existing soil level, to keep moisture around the root stock, water heavily and mulch around the plant to conserve soil moisture and reduce weed competition.

Australian native plants will benefit from an application of an organic, or a slowrelease fertiliser, with low levels of Phosphorous. Plantings during winter, especially in areas prone to frost, place plant protectives around the plant.

Following the meeting, members walked around the botanical garden with Penny giving an informal talk about the wide variety of rainforest trees and ground covers, returning to a sausage sizzle on the verandah and pristine lawns of ‘Duninald’.

If you are interested in joining Gresford and District Landcare or require information, please email the Secretary Dave Hyde at dhyde@bigpond.net.au

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Dungog Shire Council Focus in and around Gresford $25 Million for Roads The big news for the Dungog Shire last month was the NSW Government’s announcement of a special purpose grant of $25 Million to upgrade and improve the Shire’s local road network.

Whilst this amount will not address all of the Shire’s road funding requirements, it nevertheless constitutes a big win and comes as a direct result of the intensive advocacy by the Council of all the candidates standing in the by-election.

Unlike the grant moneys received over recent years this was not a competitive process open to other council areas, but a special allocation for Dungog Shire alone.

Council’s carefully constructed submission included sections of Allyn River Road, Bingleburra Road, Glendonbrook Road, Park Street, Gresford Road, Chads Creek Road and Paterson River Road among others.

Which roads will be selected for priority works, will be determined after consultation with Transport for New South Wales on the basis of an objective assessment as to need.

While there is more that needs to be done, $25M is still a game changing

announcement for the Shire’s road network in terms of addressing the priorities, backlog and maintenance of roads in Dungog Shire. Council will continue to lobby for the further funding required.

Bingleburra Road Landslip The landslip site on Bingleburra Road remains under traffic control until the final survey and geotech report is received by the Council addressing the stabilisation and safety of the site.

Unfortunately, works in this area have been hindered by theft and vandalism of Works nearing completion on the Glendonbrook/Durham Road intersection the onsite traffic lights, with removal of the solar panels and light batteries on Tenders have been accepted for the more than one occasion forcing Council replacement of Archinals Bridge and to install protective barriers to prevent Bruxner Bridge. Jordan’s Bridge will be these assets from further damage. replaced by the Council. It is hoped that all three will be completed before Christmas.

Works Update Works at Durham Road and Glendonbrook Mayoral Drop-in Sessions Road intersection are close to being All residents are invited to come along to completed, and works on Gresford Road are one of the upcoming Meet the Mayor progressing well. In recent weeks, Council drop-in sessions in June to discuss these has tripled its road repair and maintenance or any other issues that are of concern. crews to ensure road damage across the No appointments are necessary. shire can be repaired as quickly as possible following the Shire’s extreme weather and Gresford, Beatty Hotel – 22 June 4-6 pm flooding events.

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Lost Paterson and Allyn Valleys

Gala Day at the Eccleston Congregational Church – Sat 4 September 1920 Dungog Chronicle : Durham and Gloucester Advertiser Tue 7 Sep 1920 Page 5 The coming of Spring was heralded on Saturday last by a gala day at the Congregational Church when a large crowd assembled and thoroughly enjoyed the varied programme.

Interest centred in the performance of the Maypole dance, which was seen for the first time by many of the residents.

Sixteen of the Junior Christian Endeavor Society had been trained by their Superintendent, the Rev. A. FisherWebster, and they acquitted themselves remarkably well. Proceedings commenced at 2.30 with a procession from the Public School, headed by the Queen, Edith Marceau, with her trainbearer, and followed by the bevy of little maidens each prettily dressed in white. The Queen was resplendent in a silk dress with over dress of shadow lace trimmed with spangles and pearls. The train was beautifully made of silk and ornamented with beads and lace. She

wore a crown and carried her wand in a most graceful style. Eight different figures were performed with much precision and the effect was very beautiful. 'The Manse' verandah was the stage for the concert which followed, and the programme was both long and varied, consisting of songs,

choruses and recitations by the juveniles, assisted by the following adults: Misses R. Jarrett, Ivy Hopson, and Fisher-Webster, and Messrs H. Willings and Jas Conroy.

Miss W. Fisher-Webster proved a capable accompanist. Afternoon tea was served at the close and everyone enjoyed the good

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things provided. A vote of thanks to Mr Fisher-Webster, moved by Mr J.N. Sivyer, seconded by Mr John Hopson, and carried by acclamation.

Photographs are by RJE Marceau (Eccleston school teacher at the time) and courtesy of Joan Salmon and Gail Wilson.

The Gresford and District Historical Society now has for sale for $20 the recently published "Seven Little Churches of the Paterson Valley" (which celebrates 175 years since the creation of the Anglican Parish of Gresford Paterson).

The book was written by David Brouwer and published by Paterson Historical Society at the suggestion of the Parish and we thank the Paterson Historical Society for their generosity in being able to sell the book.

In fact, the Paterson and Gresford District Historical Societies are having a joint stand at the Maitland Heritage Fest, 12 and 13 June and we will be located in St. Mary’s Hall in Church Street, so please help spread the word.

And finally, for June and July meetings of the Gresford District Historical Society will be held the second Saturday of each month, commencing at 6 pm at the home of Delma Lawrence, 72 Park Street, East Gresford and new members are always welcome.

The Museum is open the first and second Sundays of each month from 10 am to 2 pm.

Ivan Skaines, Gresford District Historical Society

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A mountain bike led recovery An agreement between the NSW Government and Karuah Local Aboriginal Land Council, has secured Dungog’s future as a national mountain biking destination according to Deputy Premier John Barilaro.

A $650,000 investment from the NSW Government will be spent on initiatives across Dungog Common, including new mountain bike tracks.

“The silver lining of COVID has been an increase in domestic tourism and riders come from all over the State to ride the Dungog tracks. As a result, business is booming, with eight new businesses, including two new bike shops, now open,” Mr Barilaro said.

Housing Melinda Pavey said an investment will be made into the Common to provide employment for “This investment will protect Aboriginal Aboriginal staff on the reserve, culture and heritage while allowing Ride infrastructure upgrades, and to develop a Dungog to add more tracks, maintain and broader tourism strategy. repair existing trails and provide training “This agreement has only been made workshops for young people wanting to possible by the strong partnership get involved in this great sport.” between the NSW Government, the This funding comes off the back of a Karuah Local Aboriginal Land Council, strong local campaign, which saw more the NSW Aboriginal Land Council, and than $70,000 raised to put towards the the Dungog community,” Mrs Pavey said.

Ride Dungog initiative.

“By all of us coming together as partners, this agreement secures the best outcomes Minister for Water, Property and

for Karuah Local Aboriginal Land Council, all users of the Common, and the local community by working together to grow Dungog into a world class biking destination.”

Minister for Mental Health, Regional Youth and Women Bronnie Taylor said Ride Dungog has been working on a number of programs to help provide bikes to young people and encouraging young women and girls to join.

“The community will benefit from biking events, activities and workshops including a youth bike library, and the

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Performing Artists Dungog ‘Girls Ride Into Tomorrow’ program.”

Karuah Local Aboriginal Land Council Chairperson Michelle Perry said the agreement is delivering an opportunity for the Karuah community to both protect the culture and heritage of the area, and also be part of the exciting future of the Dungog Common.

“Our community is overjoyed with this outcome. The partnership returns the Crown land on which Dungog Common is located to our people while guaranteeing continued community use and access, delivering joint social, economic and tourism benefits for the region.”

Ride Dungog President Chloe Chick said the partnership with Karuah Local Aboriginal Land Council will deliver the certainty needed to grow Dungog into an even more impressive drawcard for mountain biking enthusiasts.

“Working together we’ll be able to achieve community driven social, economic and environmental outcomes for our region, especially for our young people, through mountain biking,” Ms Chick said.

Performing Artists Dungog are off to a great start with full houses for the first 4 gigs. PAD@theROYAL gigs are on the 3rd Sunday each month and are proudly sponsored by the Royal Hotel Dungog.

of whom is Dungog’s own Zana Rose, this promises to be a musical treat for everyone. As ROLLING STONE Australia said "E for Echo’s lush harmonies wash over you and draw you in all at once…".

Coming up on Sunday 20th June, we are looking forward to presenting E for Echo.

Awash with dream-pop harmonious soundscapes led by gritty guitars, 90s synths and lush layered vocal hooks that dip deep below the surface. With dynamic and engaging performers, one

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G resford News • May 2021

The

, p 18

On the Shelves...

by Glenda Smith Betty and Me – a love story

by Dudley Hyde

This is the heart-warming story of a couple coming to terms with Alzheimer’s disease. The author and his wife had a rich and productive life together until she developed the disease. This was in the 1980’s when less was known about the condition, and they struggled to deal with it as so many have.

Betty stayed at home as long as possible, and when he had to finally let her go to a nursing home, Hyde was very creative in celebrating Betty’s identity in a manner he calls ‘love-therapy’. For example they celebrated their fifty-ninth wedding anniversary with a gathering of friends and family and light-hearted poems about their courtship and marriage written in the style of the Christopher Robin poems. His mission was to relive the experiences of the past and savour them, with the intention of improving Betty’s quality of life and validate her identity. In spite of the problems, their love story continued, despite his own sense of bereavement.

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

Vacy and district Red Cross May has been a busy month for the members of Vacy Red Cross. Our recent Pie Drive raised $600 and we would like to thank the community for their support.

After the delivery of the pies on the 19th May our members continued to fundraise at the Vacy School of Arts Hall for the Upper Hunter By-Election on the 22 May. Again we would like to thank the community for their support for this fundraiser, which raised $910.

The committee of the Vacy & District Red Cross would like to thank the few members we have for helping with the Baking and the manning of the stall.

Vacy has had an active Red Cross Branch for over 75 years.

Without community support and new members (who we hope to attract), this small group of ladies may need to close the Branch.

If you are interested in helping to keep this Branch OPEN we would be interested in talking to you. Although we would love to see more people at our meetings, attendance at meetings is not necessary as the minutes can be emailed to you. Help with fundraising events would be much appreciated. Membership fees for Australian Red Cross are only $10 per year.

Please contact Diane Denton on 0417381981 for further information.

G resford News

The

• May 2021, p 19

Gresford News June Crossword

Anglican Parish of Gresford Paterson Weekly Services 10.30am Sundays at St Annes COVID safe practices in place CONTACT Fr Peter Rothnie 0438 413 007, email priest@gpanglican.com.au

St Helen’s Catholic Parish of Gresford and Sacred Heart Summer Hill Saturday Vigil Mass at St. Helen's church Sat. evening at 5:30 pm ( except 2nd Sat. of month).

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

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

May 2021 crossword answers

Crossword kindly provided by Russel Jessop.

Building better together Hunter Construction Group is proud to be locally owned and part of your community.

We have been operating in the Hunter Valley for over 20 years, making the members of Hunter Construction Group an integral part of the local construction industry.

We are a group of local construction companies and trades, supporting each other through our vertically integrated supply chain model. Our six disciplines work together to offer tranparency, trust and confidence, enabling project completion to a high spec and on time for our clients.

At Hunter Construction Group we pride ourselves one being the local experts that care as much as you do.

To learn more about Hunter Construction Group and our companies, visit our website www.hunterconstructiongroup.com.au.