Gresford News June 2023

$2.50

June 2023

News of the communities of the Paterson and Allyn River Valleys

TheG resford News

A record start to the season

An incredible 307 players are registered to play for the Scorpions with 26 teams from under-5s to over-35s. The next generation of Scorpions is having its first taste of soccer in the Miniroos Kick Off program for preschoolers. There are also countless volunteers performing roles as coaches, managers, committee members and canteen helpers. read the story on page 12

Under-10s goalkeeper Annan Krick clears the ball for the Scorps.

Photo: Julie Hartigan

Your local team

No jobs too big or small – We can come to you

Steel fabrication

All welding applications

Plasma design & cutting Ute tray and canopy conversions

Plus industrial sewing and design of canvas and PVC – Including repairs

Phone: Brett 0427499562

Jonno 0423605152

Email: sales-allswell@mail.com

Dungog ChiropraCtiC CliniC

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

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

Located at Dungog Community Hospital on Hospital Road in Dungog phone no: 4992 3766

Shane Moss B.Sc. M.Chiro.

ALLSWELL FABRICATION PTY LTD

Local Forest Futures Forum

4.45–6pm Sat 3 June

James Theatre Dungog

short presentations + Q&A before the screening of the film ‘The Giants’

Join us for a conversation on the future of forests in the local area –chaired by Martin Fallding.

• History & future of Barrington Tops

National Park Ian Donovan, President National Parks Assoc of NSW (Hunter)

• Barrington – Hawkesbury Climate

Corridors Jo Lynch, Co-ordinator Hunter Community Environment Centre

• Forests & tourism in the Hunter Region Cameron Archer, Chair Dungog Tourism Board.

The forum is a FREE event by the Paterson Allyn Williams Science & Ideas Hub

Gresford Rural Fire Brigade AGM

Wednesday 7 June

The Gresford Rural Fire Brigade, will be holding its Annual General meeting on Wednesday 7 June.

Elections of all Field Officers and Administration Positions will be

Gresford News Notices

conducted during the meeting. The Annual General Meeting will commence at 7.30 pm at the Station and all members and guests are encouraged to attend.

Community Action Plan

Peter Kenyon and Jen Curnow-Trotter will be coming to Gresford for 4 days and 3 evenings in the week beginning the 10th of July. We are still working on the specific schedule. The outcome will be to work with the Gresford Community on developing a Community Action Plan similar to the one for Coolah. To prepare think about what you would like Gresford to be like in the future –think big. Think about our strengths and weaknesses and specific projects you are interested in. There are some very proactive successful people very excited about this process. Please give me a call if you have any ideas or would like more information. Jim Doyle 0407 307 800

Community

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

Contact:

• gresfordnews@iinet.net.au

• Brian Doherty 0412 372 687

• Jane Richens 0425 339 856

• PO Box 73 East Gresford 2311

Deadline for stories & ads 20th of the month.

Gresford News online link

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

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

Local CWA History Part 1

Gresford CWA Branch has a long history of supporting our local community. Over the coming months we will bring you the history of our Branch.

Gresford CWA began on 31st July 1936 with Mrs G Doyle declared President. On 2nd June 1938, the branch held their first Luncheon Booth at Gresford Show, efforts were to support the War Veterans home at Narrabeen. The branch also erected a rest tent.

By August 1939 the Baby Health Clinic had opened, this continued with our branch for 28 years. This service also served as a meeting place for country mothers and their children. During the years of World War II, funds were raised and parcels sent to soldiers serving overseas. As a Christmas gift, 10/- canteen order was sent to each boy overseas together with a card from the Branch. Funds were also raised through a raffle of a donated painting. Letters of appreciation were often read from the “boys” at the meetings.

By Mrs Valarie Smith

The CWA Coronation Cookery Book

With the recent Coronation of the new Commonwealth monarch, I thought that

it was fitting to revisit the CWA Coronation Cookery Book, first published in June 1937 for the coronation of George VI and his wife Elizabeth, but this is not where this book started.

After King George V died in 1936, people in the Commonwealth prepared to celebrate the reign of his son, Edward VIII. The CWA of NSW branch decided to compile a publication titled The Coronation

Cookery Book. They planned to publish it in time for the crowning of the new king. Then scandal hit when the King abdicated the throne to marry Wallis Simpson.

The CWA of NSW thought that they would have to change the title of their new cookery book. Fortunately for the CWA, it was announced that the King’s younger brother would take the throne and the coronation would go ahead as planned. The book published with more that 200,000 copies sold when the last edition came out in 2006. (credit ABC News)

Chicken A La King

2 Cups diced cooked chicken

1 cup sliced mushrooms

1 green pepper chopped finely

2 egg yokes

2 tablespoons flour

2 tablespoons of shortening

1 cup chicken stock

1 cup sour cream

1 tablespoon sherry

Melt shortening and saute mushrooms and pepper. Lift out, add flour, then chicken stock and cook until thickened. Add chicken and when hot add the cream and beaten egg yolks, mushrooms and pepper. Add sherry and serve immediately.

CWA Gresford Branch Facebook page

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

New Members

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

Book Club

Book club meets on the second Saturday of the month except in unusual circumstances, at 3pm in the CWA hall. There is also a street library out the front and borrowers are welcome to come to the indoor library any time the hall is in use. For enquiries, please ring Glenda Smith on 0400 108 079. Feel free to join us.

French Group

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

The next meeting will be 4th June/2nd July at 3pm

Jodeane Taylor Treasurer and Publicity Officer

What's (Not) On the Shelves?

by Glenda Smith

Glove Box Guide to the Paterson Valley

by Cameron Archer

This book is a publication by the Paterson Historical Society and is a delightful insider’s view of the valley for both visitors and residents alike. It is full of photos and interesting snippets of the main roads and byways, and would function well as a driving guide as so designated. Archer has a broad knowledge and passion for the area that comes through in the cosy and personal style – “My tip is to get someone to drive you so you can admire the scenery otherwise you may end up in it!”

The guide is in A5 format, spiral bound and with glossy pages –a perfect presentation for its intended purpose. It is not organised into chapters, but roadway approaches, such as “Entry to the Valley from the Belmore Bridge” or “Entry to the Valley from Hinton” which makes it easy to navigate the information and the valley. There is something here for both newcomers and long-term residents and it would be a valuable resource for showing visitors around. This copy was bought from McDonald’s bookshop in Maitland, but the front of the book directs enquiries to Paterson Historical Society P.O. Paterson, or www. patersonhistory.org.au There is also an email address – info@ patersonhistory.org.au

All books reviewed are (usually) 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.

423 acres

$4.25 million

Stunning Allyn riverfront. Irrigation licence. 17 dams. 7 troughs. Fenced into 23 paddocks with laneways. Machinery sheds. Barn. Steel yards. Charming Farmhouse. Pasture improved paddocks. Fertile riverflats. Inspect by prior appointment 0427 207 542

Sculpture on the Farm 2023

Friday 29 September until noon Monday 2 October

The gardens, galleries, and paddocks of "Fosterton" will be buzzing with activity as exciting works from sculptors come to "Fosterton" for the Sculpture on the Farm 2023 Sculpture Exhibition.

Starting with the Gala Opening of Sculpture on the Farm 2023 on Friday 29 September and going through to 12 noon Monday 2 October, there will be Sculpture rambles, Artist chats, musical interludes, blacksmith at work and many different sculptures that are sure to delight.

Local business, "The Trading Post" will be setting up an outpost at "Fosterton" tempting you with its scrumptious treats and excellent tea and coffee.

Why not fill your home with family and friends. Dungog will be alive with live country music, art exhibitions and much more over the October long weekend.

A reminder to all sculptors Entries close on 1 July and we are looking forward to announcing the finalists on 14 July.

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

Dear Gresford News

I would like to express my appreciation for how wonderful our little newsletter is.

Every month (not January though), since I moved here in 2000 the Gresford News arrives in my letter box, with interesting articles about what’s going on, our wonderful local plant species, and for many years Culture Vulture was a particular favourite of mine.

My partner adores the crossword. How many little towns have their own resident crossword writer? When my children were young it was a thrill to see their school and community escapades in print.

In this world of everything being online, it feels like a gift from the Gresford Community to receive this hard copy, where the people I know are the celebrities. Where the people I know have the opportunity to let people know of their interests, expertise or their services for offer.

People moving to the area feel instantly connected to Gresford by the Gresford News. What’s the CWA up to, or the Historical society or the Gresford Arboretum or Landcare?

If the Gresford News were to go online I wouldn’t read it, I spend too much time online already. Older residents would struggle to go online.

So thank you for the opportunity to stand at my mailbox, with my feet on this beautiful land, breathing this clean air, listening to the birdsong and appreciating my connection through the Gresford News, in my hands, to my community - to all the people standing at their mailbox.

Thank you to all the contributors over the years, our incredible editors and designers, our wonderful mail contractors and the Gresford Community Group for having the vision to support this publication.

Yours Sincerely

Donna Cavanough, Bingleburra

DO YOU WANT MORE WORK-LIFE BALANCE? ARE YOU SEMI-RETIREED OR WANT VARIOUS FLEXIBLE WORK ARRANGEMENTS INCLUDING OPPORTUNITIES TO ONLY WORK IN THE SCHOOL TERMS…

DO YOU WANT MORE WORK-LIFE BALANCE? ARE YOU SEMI-RETIREED OR WANT VARIOUS FLEXIBLE WORK ARRANGEMENTS INCLUDING OPPORTUNITIES TO ONLY WORK IN THE SCHOOL TERMS…

Linq Buslines is looking for bus drivers to join our Gresford Team.

Linq Buslines is looking for bus drivers to join our Gresford Team.

As a Linq Buslines member you will be operating our vehicles to transport passengers including school children on specified routes including school and charter services with the highest of safety and service.

As a Linq Buslines member you will be operating our vehicles to transport passengers including school children on specified routes including school and charter services with the highest of safety and service.

Minimum MR licence, NSW Driver Authority and Working with Children Clearance (or the ability to obtain)

Minimum MR licence, NSW Driver Authority and Working with Children Clearance (or the ability to obtain).

We are looking for people who have:

We are looking for people who have:

• Good communication skills

• Good communication skills

• Good driving history

• Good driving history

• Good customer services and dealing with people.

• Good customer services and dealing with people.

• Happy to work a flexible roster including broken shifts.

• Happy to work a flexible roster including broken shifts.

For further information or to apply please contact us on 0249 389 394 or email info@linqbuslines.com.au

For further information or to apply please contact us on 0249 389 394 or email info@linqbuslines.com.au

PAAG at the Gresford Arboretum

A beautiful autumn day saw President Liz welcome approximately 50 members and guests to the Arboretum.

The Arboretum has come a long way since it’s inception in 2016 due to some dedicated people and hard work by volunteers in planting and maintaining the space. Liz interviewed 2 people who were instrumental in planning and implementing the idea of a green space that could become a focus for the Gresford community.

Penny Kater: the aim of the Arboretum is to showcase the indigenous plants from the Paterson/Allyn area as so many are disappearing. It is hoped that people who

visit will be inspired to plant some of these species in their own gardens. The plantings include evergreen trees, shrubs, perennials, understory plants and creepers. Their characteristics are such that they should hopefully thrive in this district given the uncertainties of climate change. Penny also congratulated members for money raised by the club over the years.

Janie Chandler: A grant of $10,000 dollars facilitated by Landcare enabled the purchase of 12 advanced Brachychiton discolour trees (Lace Barks) to celebrate Queen Elizabeth’s 70th jubilee. They have been planted around the perimeter. Projects that have been

undertaken are the beautiful bird paintings done by Christine Pike that will be located at the Gazebo when it is completed; the Gazebo itself which will enable a protected area for gatherings, complete with a BBQ; the adventure playground which has proved popular with children already.

Future plans include a “bush tucker” garden and suitable plants in a wet area at the low point of the property.

Anyone interested would be welcome to join the “Friends of the Arboretum” to help maintain the gardens. Contact Penny to learn more: pennykater@gmail.com

Saturday 8 July Bowls Presentation – Start at 12.30pm for a 1.00pm Lunch, everyone is welcome please RSVP at the club by the 3 July 23

Saturday 25 July – Naughty Numbers “Bingo with a Twist”

Doors open 7.00 Show starts 7.30

A night of laughter and plenty of fun with great prizes to be won!

$15.00 entre!

Casual Bar staff Required please Cont act the Club Or email gresfordbowlclub@bigpond.com

Every Week at the Bowlo!!

Wednesday Night

HAPPY HOUR WEDNESDAY 4.30 - 6.00

Yellow Barrel Draw-$50.00 every week

Last Wednesday of the month $200.00

Schooner Card Draw 1st Wednesday of the month

Drawn after the raffles must be here to win!

Friday Night

Gift Voucher Raffles

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

Sunday Night Raffles

Like us on Facebook

“Support your Club, It’s your club” Best In our town,

Gresford ANZAC Day 2023

A picture perfect day was afforded the Gresford Community and visitors who attended the Gresford War Memorial in large numbers to commemorate ANZAC Day on the 25th April.

Gresford RSL President Graham Hudson OAM, described the day as quite remarkable and a credit to the RSL Sub Branch, the Gresford Community Group, and all those who contributed to the service.

Mr. Hudson the Sub Branch President officiated on the day and firstly made welcome and introduced Chelsea Crow from Gresford School, who gave the traditional Welcome To Country.

Mr. Robert Richardson gave a wonderful narration of the meaning on ANZAC Day and Mr Rod Kater from the Community Group then spoke about the sacrifice of so many and the remarkable contribution Australia made to the war effort given our Nations small population from 1914 to 1918 and all theatres of operation following the first world war.

The RSL President recited the ODE and officiated during the Last Post, with the

Reverend Mary Horn offering the Prayer for Remembrance and the Benediction. Gresford Public School Students Ebony Young and Bridie Booth narrated “In Flanders Field and the Battle of the Somme” respectively. The Prayer for the King and Payer for the Nation was also offered by Mr. Martin Addison and Mrs. Denese Hume respectively. The Hymns and the New Zealand and Australian National Anthems were sung magnificently by Mrs. Megan Edwards accompanied by Ms. Janelle Riggs, who

also sounded the bugle for the Last Post. The RSL Sub Branch passed on their sincere gratitude to the Catafalque Party from RAAF Base Williamtown, The Gresford Community Group, the Gresford News, Gresford Public School, Megan Edwards and Janelle Riggs. Sincere thanks were also extended to Reverend Mary Horn, the Gresford Rural Fire Brigade and Senior Constable Richard Hansen of the NSW Police

Glenn Wall

All photos provided by Allan Lambell

Gresford Vacy Football Club

It’s been a record start to season 2023 for Gresford Vacy Football Club.

An incredible 307 players are registered to play for the Scorpions and it seems they’re a hungry bunch, with the canteen in the new clubhouse facility consistently reaching new sales levels at each home game.

The players are registered across 26 teams from under-5s to over-35s and the next generation of Scorpions is having its first taste of soccer in the Miniroos Kick Off program for preschoolers. There are also countless volunteers performing roles as coaches, managers, committee members and canteen helpers.

The canteen has a long-respected reputation throughout the Hunter Valley for its healthy and delicious game-day options but canteen managers Rebecca Cowled and Alyce Williams have stepped it up even further this season.

From the infamous Mongrel Burgers to the newly-listed beef and gravy rolls and freshly-brewed coffee, the canteen is in hot demand at home games on Friday nights and Saturdays.

“We’ve actually heard that people who

aren’t even interested in soccer are popping in to grab a feed from the canteen,” GVFC president Jim Doyle said. “And who can blame them? What’s on offer is genuinely worth the visit." “And we’re secretly hoping the canteen might help them change their minds and fall in love with the round-ball game.”

The club is enjoying success in the early half of the season with all teams putting in solid performances on the field. There will be special opportunities for the community to join the Scorpions throughout the season, including Grandparents Day on June 17 and a fundraising round for mental health on July 1.

The community can also get involved by sponsoring new spectator seating at the ground. The seats, designed and manufactured by the club’s major sponsor Doyle Ag & Fabrication, can be sponsored by a family or business or even dedicated to a loved one.

Anyone keen to sponsor some new seating at Gresford Sporting Complex can contact club president Jim Doyle on 0407 307 800.

Ellie Barnett on the charge for the U10 girls

All photos by Julie Hartigan.

Some of the club’s youngest Scorps enjoying the 2023 season. Otaki Ropata backs himself against the opposition.

Raymond Turnbull (centre), of Bingleburra, in action for the U6s. William Parker, of Gresford, leads the way for the U13s.

Local roads and community infrastructure program

The Federal Government has announced the allocation for individual Councils of Phase 4 of the Local Roads and Community Infrastructure program.

In the Lyne Electorate the allocations include:

Maitland City $1,376,182

Port Stephens $1,230,752

Dungog Shire $906,393

MidCoast $5,349,312

Port Macquarie-Hastings $2,880,252

Federal Member for Lyne Dr David Gillespie said the program, which was created by the former Federal Coalition Government, had now become a critical program for regional councils in local infrastructure delivery.

“I am pleased that the government is going to retain the Local Roads and Community Infrastructure program. In my recent Vision 2030 Plan survey, of the 3,000 households that responded across the Lyne electorate, roads were the number one priority. This program will go some way towards getting more road projects on the agenda.”

Dr Gillespie said that since the Federal election a year ago, he’d had several

meetings with both the Minister and Shadow Minister for Infrastructure, Transport & Regional Development.

“I’ve discussed the need to not only

maintaining existing levels of funding for infrastructure in regional areas like ours, but also further investment given the importance roads are to our region and the economy,” Dr Gillespie said.

DAVE

Vacy sports ground AGM Presidents report

The Vacy Sportsground held its AGM on Thursday, 11th April.

The committee remains the same:

President: Josh Evans

Treasurer: Angus Uren

Secretary: Robyn Dunford

Booking Officer: Ian Muncaster

Members: Sue Doyle, Leigh Collison, Digby Rayward, Duncan Smith

…excerpt from the President's Report

Another year has come and gone and we are happy to say we’ve ticked off a few items off our bucket list.

The new synthetic practice nets and game wicket could not have been left any longer, and our enthusiastic cricketers young and old are really enjoying both surfaces.

This could not have been achieved without the help of Colts Cricket club who applied for and gained the grant from state MP Dave Layzell to cover the costs of the surface and work, and were instrumental in pushing the project along. A special thanks To Duncan Smith for his work on the surface project.

Our new Vacy oval fence has been the talk

of the town and something we should all be very proud of. It was a big job to get it done and thanks to Cliff Dunford and all of committee members, especially Gus Uren - we achieved a great result. Again, thanks to the help of Dungog council for backing us to get a grant from Federal Member Dr David Gillespie to cover the costs of the fence and its installation. It really does lift the whole appearance of the ground.

With the new pavilion quote now in hand, hopefully work will commence in the next month or so. The pavilion will really complement the fence and offer a little creature comfort for users and supporters of the Vacy sports ground and surrounds. Thanks to the Vacy Country Carnival for backing and paying for this project. Looks like it will be complete in the next couple of months and we can all enjoy a little shade next summer while watching our cricketers enjoy their first full season on the new wicket!

We still have plenty to achieve. Top dressing of the ground, installing our watering system, planting some established trees and improving the parking facilities…. As well as working

with the Scorpions Football club to build a new kicking wall, are all things that we need to work towards to keep moving Vacy forward into the future, so that all participants have a great facility for our local village.

The naming of the Oval to the Keith Miles sporting Oval is something that we should also discuss in general business tonight and I know it’s something very close to the hearts of a few of our members and it is something I would fully support. I suggest we commence tonight’s proceedings with this discussion.

Once again, a huge thanks to our committee, it’s been a tough few years coming out of the Covid delay periods to see some achievements finally happen here on the ground. I think from the huge growth in both the football and junior cricket clubs we can see all our work will long be enjoyed by local families.

Looking forward to working with you all to finalise our list of improvements this year, and ensure the ground is set up to really be enjoyed by our whole community.

Robyn Dunford, Secretary, Vacy Sportsground 355 Committee

BE CAREFUL, IT'S FOG SEASON

Did you know it’s fog season across Dungog Shire right now? Every year, as the Autumn temperature drop, our morning fog creeps in with intensity. Because of Dungog’s special meteorological and topographical characteristics, our fog season is usually from April through to October.

Tips to drive safely and to the conditions: Slow down as much as you can when driving in fog. Use your fog lights (but not high beams) to improve your visibility to other drivers.

If visibility is close to zero its best to turn on hazard lights. If visibility is zero, pull over in a safe place and keep those hazard lights on.

LIBRARY OPENS ITS DOORS

Dungog Library has reopened its doors revealing a slick renovation and state-of-the-art features including selfborrowing station. There was a constant procession of borrowers, onlookers and library users taking advantage of the quick wifi speeds when the library officially opened to the public.

Bobcat Tipper Service

Council Happenings

It's great to see so many community members enjoying our newly renovated library. In fact, one of our much-loved activities has returned – Story Time kicked off on Wednesday 10 May at 10.30am and it is set to be a weekly feature.

Our librarians will be joined by a special book-loving friend Doug the Book Bug to help them take all of the shire’s kids on a bookish journey.

FIXING COUNTRY BRIDGES

An exciting milestone was reached last when Banfield Bridge opened to traffic. Now, Thalaba Bridge and Banfield Bridge are complete, getting around that part of the shire has been made easier.

We are thrilled to announce that the Banfield Bridge, Pine Brush Road is now officially open to traffic. As one of the lengthier projects in our Fixing Country Bridges Program, this has been a top priority for our team, and we're excited to see it come to fruition.

We would like to extend our sincere gratitude to the local community for your patience and understanding during

the construction process. We know that road closures and detours can be frustrating, but we hope that the end result will make your daily commutes smoother and safer.

While the bridge construction is now complete, there are still side road works that need to be finished. We are working hard to complete these as soon as possible, but we ask for your continued patience as we finish these important details.

Next week, we will commence pavement stabilizing work to ensure the road is safe and secure for all drivers. Sealing of the pavement is also scheduled, so please be aware of any potential traffic disruptions during this time.

We are especially proud to have opened the bridge to traffic before school returned, ensuring that buses could transport kids safely to and from school. This was a top priority for us, and we are pleased that we were able to meet this deadline.

Again, we want to express our gratitude to the community for your understanding and cooperation throughout this project.

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

Gresford

Congregational Church

30 Durham Rd Gresford

Services Each Sunday 10.30am ALL WELCOME

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

Sat Vigil Mass at St. Helen's church

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

Weekday Mass Thur at 9.30am

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

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

May 2023 crossword answers

Crossword kindly provided by Russel Jessop.

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