Gresford News March 2022

resford News G

The

March 2022

News of the communities of the Paterson and Allyn River Valleys

Michael Winchester and John O'Brien remotely directing Daniel Henshall in the role of John Andrew Stuart in the Radio National 'Earshot' program 'Danny's Inferno'.

Locals produce National Radio documentary The Whiskey Au Go Go nightclub fire, which killed 15 people in 1973 is the hub of a much bigger story explored by Michael Winchester and John O'Brien in a two part radio documentary which premiered on Radio National’s Earshot program in early February.

See story on page 5...

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

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Gresford & District Community Group – February 2022

The Gresford and District Community Group held its monthly meeting at the Beaty Hotel on 7 February and some of the key issues were: 1. Rural Land Strategy – Letter to Council requesting extension for submissions to be extended. Ward C Councillor Digby Raywood to be invited to speak on this at the March GDCG meeting. The GDCG has recently been advised the Council unanimously agreed to re-exhibit further detailed maps once available and will organise public meetings throughout the shire for public consultation.

2. No update on the Glennies Creek pipeline and the Quarry extension since the reshuffle of Cabinet Ministers.

3. Sub-Committee set up to look at possible grants for renovations of the Therese Doyle Hall 4. Sub-Committee to continue review of social media options.

5. Brian Doherty and Jane Richens gave a comprehensive update on the Gresford News, including how it is printed and edited.

6. Penny gave an updated report and expressed thanks to Bob Doyle and David Crouch for recent mowing of the area.

The GDCG meets the first Monday at 6pm of each month at the Beaty Hotel, everyone is welcome. For further details please email: gcg@gresfordnsw.com.au Liz Jones, Publicity

Have your say about the cultural future of our shire Dungog Shire Cultural Plan

Cultural Advisory Group

Dungog Shire is creating a Cultural Plan to use as the basis for external funding applications to State, Commonwealth and philanthropic organisations to support cultural activities across the shire.

Dungog Shire Council is creating a Cultural Advisory Group to support the ongoing development and delivery of its Cultural Plan.

The Creative Ingredient has been engaged to undertake community consultation to inform the development of the Cultural Plan.

A broad community consultation process is being conducted now until the end of March 2022, across the whole LGA. This includes: (a) An online and in-person survey; (b) Community consultations; (c) The establishment of a Cultural Advisory Group; (d) School assembly talks; (e) Targeted interviews with s355 committee members, cultural practitioners and community representatives.

Please have your say by completing the Dungog Shire – Cultural Plan Community Survey.

Visit: www.dungog.nsw.gov.au/ play/dungog-shire-cultural-plan

The plan sets the long term vision for culture in the Dungog Shire and provides a roadmap for Council, the community and partners to work together towards an exciting and engaging arts and cultural life for the area.

The Cultural Advisory Group members represent the community in an advisory role to Council.

Group members provide knowledge and diverse perspectives about creative practice, arts, cultural activities, and events relevant to the Dungog Shire.

To register your interest in being a member of this group complete the online application form via the council website. Also when you are on the website download the Cultural Advisory Group Terms of Reference.

Add your voice to build the rich, diverse cultural life of our shire.

Gresford News Notices Gresford Show

Tourism Forum

11 & 12 March Friday – Local commercial cattle, goats, poultry and pavillions with cooking, sewing, flowers, arts, crafts, photography, fruit and vegetables. Saturday – Dog camp drafting, mixed dog races and best dressed child's dog, tug of war, post splitting, FMXKAOS Team shows, ag bikes, Grand Parade 2.30pm, Kid's Disco, Fireworks, Live band.

Thursday 17 March, 4-9pm, Dungog’s Royal Hotel.

Gresford & District Community Group March meeting 6pm Mon 7 March, Hotel Beatty

FREE Business Workshop Dungog District Chamber of Commerce 1-5pm Mon 7 March, Royal Hotel

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COMMUNITY GROUPS MUSTER Add your event information to build the COMMUNITY DIARY page to list upcoming events and meetings of our many and varied community organisations. The listing provides advertising for the events and helps to avoid event conflicts at the planning stage. AND A NEW COMMUNITY GROUP INDEX to publish in each edition so that community members can see the range of groups operating in the area and be able to contact them.

Send details to: gresfordnews@iinet.net.au or call 0412 372 687 for more info.

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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.

Visit issuu.com/gresford-news for the ‘Gresford News’ online.

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Free workshop with business coach

Dungog District Chamber of Commerce The Dungog District Chamber of Commerce invites you to join them for a free business mentor workshop, as part of NSW Small Business Month 2022. This event will be led by Taylah Hudson, business coach from Gunnedah. Taylah is passionate with her mentoring about helping make regional businesses successful.

In this group mentor session you will discover tools to regather, recharge and reinvent your regional business.

One of the biggest hurdles you can face as a business owner is losing sight of what you do and why you do it. After the past two years, no one would judge you for losing direction or being unsure of your next step!

This mentoring session will provide you with inspiration, guidance and support along with practical tips to implement right away, helping you recreate a more profitable and impactful, regional business.

Event to be held on Mon 7 March in the Royal Hotel conferencing room, 1pm to 5pm with afternoon tea provided. There will also be ability to zoom in.

Numbers for face to face a limited so book early.

Contact Andrea ph 0409 829 735 or email secretary@ddcc.org.au RSVP please by 28th February.

Tourism Forum

Dungog Regional Tourism / Dungog District Chamber of Commerce Dungog Regional Tourism in association with Dungog District Chamber of Commerce is inviting all businesses interested in increasing tourism to our Shire to join a forum being held at 4-9pm Thursday 17 March 2022 at Dungog’s Royal Hotel.

The aim of the forum is to: • To reactivate and build networks related to tourism and local businesses • Showcase local tourism ventures and the Royal Hotel facility • Update on DRT initiatives • Hear from various authorities regarding developments in tourism and related initiatives.

• Learn about forthcoming local events The program will include speakers from Destination NSW, local successful businesses, Shire representatives covering topics including the new NSW Govt guidelines for Accommodation hosts, proposed Strategic Plans from the Shire, the revitalisation of Dungog Visitor Information Centre and much more. $30 per head to cover delicious supper catering and the venue.

The bar will be open.

Further details will be posted on the DRT website www.drt.org.au and Chamber website www.ddcc.org.au Come and enjoy the new on trend venue with its Art Deco themes and 21st century conference facilities.

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• March 2022, p 5

Danny’s Inferno burns up the radio About ten years ago, Michael Winchester and Owen Elliott were up North Queensland showing the film they’d made partly in Dungog shire, Bathing Franky. After the screening a bloke came up to them and said he’d like to tell them the story of a miscarriage of justice perpetrated 40 years earlier – his Uncle

John was wrongly imprisoned, he said, for the Whiskey Au Go Go fire, which killed 15 people in 1973. This was Danny Stuart.

He’d been on a lifelong quest to prove his uncle’s innocence.

Now, Michael Winchester and John O’Brien have turned that story into a two part radio documentary which premiered on Radio National’s Earshot program in early February, Danny’s Inferno.

Although the Whiskey nightclub fire is the most famous part of the story, the radio documentary also explores Danny and his sister Maggie’s own dark and troubled childhood of trauma and abuse.

It makes for fascinating listening – not easy listening though – and there’s a strong element of redemption in there as well. Thanks in no small part to the extraordinary closeness between the two siblings, both have eventually found a kind of peace. In fact they’ve made a success of their lives, though the trauma still lurks just beneath the surface.

They are also charismatic storytellers with a great compassion for others. For John Andrew Stuart and Daniel Stuart Michael and John, telling the domestic

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John protesting his innocence on Boggo Rd Gaol roof.

abuse journey was as important as the Whiskey. “We see the violent world of criminal gangs, crooked cops, a bendable judicial system (Joh Bjelke-Petersen’s infamous moonlight state) and family violence as interlinked.”

Above all it’s the story of Danny’s long long attempt to be heard, from a voiceless childhood to the chance to have his story told today. Indeed, 45 years after it was suddenly curtailed, the Whiskey Au Go Go inquest reopened in Queensland last year and should report its findings soon.

The podcast version is available on the ABC website and ABC Listen app. Search for Danny’s Inferno.

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• March 2022, p 7

February meeting – Riverbank maintenance The St Mary on Allyn precinct provides 500 metres of three different approaches to riverbank maintenance. The upper property, ‘Serendipity on Allyn’ is located at the top of a bedrock cliff with a deep pool in the Allyn River below. Next door to Serendipity the riverbank is less steep with a mid-river gravel bar (riffle/island) river allowing for a small canal.

‘Riverglen’ the third property and immediately adjacent to St Mary on Allyn sits on a sweeping curve of the river providing a large flat area that is maintained by mowing.

According to Jenny Weingott, Advisory Officer, Hunter Local Land Services, this area of riverbank is in relatively good condition. There are some weeds (giant reed, willow, green cestrum, lantana, balloon vine and madeira vine) and the mid-storey could be improved through bush regeneration methods and planting local native shrubs in strategic locations.

The riverbank has a good established canopy of native trees – casuarinas, figs, spotted gum (likely planted), rainforest trees which provides a good basis for commencing bush regeneration to

restore the shrub layer, which is important for local wildlife such as birds.

Along the water’s edge casuarina trees perform an important structural function of the river to help stabilise the gravel bars (riffle/islands) and riverbanks.

Smaller trees can bend over during floods then regrow after floods. There is good natural regeneration of casuarinas

evident in the local area.

The 32 members who attended gained greater understanding of the three difference riverbank areas and the challenges in maintaining riverbank areas.

For further information on Landcare please contact Dave: dhyde@bigpond.net.au With thanks to Jenny Weingott for this report.

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Lost Paterson and Allyn Valleys First Show of the Paterson and Allyn Rivers Agricultural, Horticultural and Pastoral Association Dungog Chronicle : Durham and Gloucester Advertiser, Tuesday 24 May 1927, Page 2 Gresford On The Map A. H. AND P. ASSOCIATION SUCCESSFUL SHOW On Friday and Saturday last the Paterson and Allyn Rivers Agricultural, Horticultural and Pastoral Association held its first annual show. A fine ground had been secured behind Beatty's Hotel ideal from the point of view of proximity to the town, and in fact, it was ideal in every way. The necessary buildings, etc., were erected and will be added to as time and money permit. The setting for the first show was all that could be desired; and added to this was a fine entry of 1600, and perfect weather.

The attendance on Friday, when £43 odd was taken at the gates, was over 1000.

On the second day, the gate receipts amounted to £94, and the crowd was the biggest ever seen collected together in that district. Amongst those present were many from the adjoining localities,

This image is a memento of the First Show of the Paterson and Allyn Rivers Agricultural, Horticultural and Pastoral Association in the possession of the Gresford District Historical Society (please let us know if you have the original). The women are named as Enid Stace, Vida Hopson (later Stace), Violet Cleaver, Mona Gorton and Gladys Stace, and their gloves and hand bags are noticeable and symbolic of the times, along with at least two of them holding box brownies or similar cameras.

Dungog, Maitland, etc., and the show was of the most successful socially that could be held anywhere. It was really a 'Back to Gresford' stunt, because old residents of the Paterson and Allyn flocked there in large numbers, and the hearty handshakes and reviving of old memories were features of the gathering.

As a show the efforts of the committee were crowned with glory. Competent judges considered it far in advance of many country exhibitions that have been established for years, and for a ''first' show, it was unequalled anywhere. There is no reason why the fertile Allyn and Paterson

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• March 2022, p 9

By Ivan Skaines, Gresford District Historical Society and Co-administrator of the Lost Paterson and Allyn Valleys Facebook group districts should not stage an annual exhibition that would rival those of other centres. Added to this is the fact that the officers and committee exert such a magnetic influence that they have available to them for the asking the help of experienced and competent men in show work. It was a treat to watch Messrs.

J. Enright, C. McRae, Monty Brown and other Maitlanders, assisting to run the ring. No wonder the sideshow men complained that they could not collect a crowd around their tents. In other ways outsiders lent willing hands and were pleased to be associated with the keen and genial men of the Gresford Association.

All the arrangements ran like clock-work, there was not a hitch, not a complaint, nor a protest. The President, Secretary and Stewards deserve all the credit for their administrative efficiency, and a share must also go to the exhibitors who entered into the spirit of things and were responsive and agreeable. Mr. C. K. Holden was secretary, and the committee was wise and fortunate in securing the services of the well known organiser. Mr. Bill Brown, of Cessnock. What 'Bill' does not know about horses, pigs, plum puddings, ladies' underwear, side shows,

etc., is not worth mentioning; he is a drill sergeant with a smile, an organiser with brains and a genial good fellow into the bargain. Mr. Holden who was acting for the first time as a show secretary, was pleased to gain the experience imparted by his ''show sunburnt' friend.

Another reminder – the Gresford District Historical Society has available Gresford on the Paterson River, East Gresford - on the Allyn River and Surrounding District History 1829-1999 by Hazel Hancock and Freda Collison (2005) – $30. Please contact Delma Lawrence on 4938 9589.

Note: There was an earlier show and sports day, held Thursday 18 October 1917, a fundraiser for the war effort (Red Triangle and France’s Day) and held at the Orindinna Ground on the Paterson River just south of Gresford.

The March meeting of the Gresford District Historical Society will be held Sat 5 March (the first Saturday), commencing at 6pm at the Therese Doyle Hall, East Gresford and new members are always welcome. The Museum is yet to re-open.

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The Scorps need your help to save lives

Gresford Vacy Football Club members and supporters, and those in our wider community, have been the beneficiaries of the great work of the Red Cross over the years and now it’s time for us all to band together to give something back by joining the Lifeblood challenge. The Scorpions are leading the charge by committing to donate as much blood as possible over the next year and the club is challenging other sporting codes and clubs to get involved.

lives,” club president Jim Doyle said. “At Gresford Vacy Football club we want our In February, the Scorps were joined at members to grow into better players but, Maitland Blood Donor Centre by probably more importantly, we want members of Maitland Rugby Club, them to become better people by being Maitland Mustangs and Lochinvar part of a community and learning to Rovers who will also roll up their sleeves, give back is a huge part of that.” literally, to support this life-saving cause.

In 2021, the club organised a charity Go People who are battling cancer and other Pink! day which raised nearly $14,000 for illnesses, new mothers and those injured in breast cancer research being led by the road traumas and industrial accidents all National Breast Cancer Foundation. This need blood or blood products to save their year, along with another planned charity lives and aid their recovery. However, there day, the club hopes to spread its is a desperate need for blood donations, generosity to saving more and more lives. with supplies depleted due to the 100,000 With the COVID-19 Omicron wave regular donors sidelined by COVID-19. impacting donations nationally, Lifeblood Gresford Vacy Football Club is urging spokesperson Brian Bruce said it was sports fans and players across the region critical new donors stepped up to take the to get behind the challenge. “We’re place of those who can’t donate right now. asking people to make it their goal this If you are seven days clear of COVID-19 symptoms or isolation, you are able to year to donate blood and help save

 

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give blood. “There is no substitute for blood, and we’d like to thank Gresford Vacy Football Club for keeping supplies flowing to hospitals,” Mr Bruce said.

To join the Gresford Vacy team go to: https://don8blood.com/32Qiojv or head to www.lifeblood.com.au and ‘Donate as a group’ to search for Gresford Vacy Football Club.

“We are urging all of our community members to join our team in the fight to save lives,” Doyle said. “When you consider that one donation of blood can save up to three lives, it is an easy way to make a difference. It only takes an hour of your time and they do spoil you while you are there.”

To make an appointment to donate blood, call Lifeblood on 13 14 95 or visit www.lifeblood.com.au .

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• March 2022, p 11

Looks like it’ll be another good year for the Scorps player in terms of affordability, which means we get kids out exercising, having fun and learning new skills, but it means we can continue to build the infrastructure that allows our football community to go from strength to strength.”

While the major sponsors have been signed for the season, the club is seeking businesses, families and individuals to sponsor individual teams. These packages range from $200 for under-6s and under-7s through to $800 for the Under-12s to Under-16s. “We’d really love every one of these teams to have its own sponsor,” Doyle said. “I guarantee sponsors will love being part of the Scorps family.”

Gresford Vacy Football Club is gearing up for a huge 2022 with Players can register for the new season at www.playfootball.com.au hundreds of young (and not-so-young) players already signed up for the winter season which begins on the weekend of April 22-23. (don’t forget to get your Active Kids Voucher first) and sponsorship inquiries can be directed to gresfordvacyfc@outlook.com.

While registrations are still open for those keen to pull on the boots for the Scorpions, they are closing soon. “Our fees are unchanged this season, meaning we still have one of the most affordable sporting packages in the state,” club president Jim Doyle said. “But those who aren’t yet signed up really need to get a move on because registrations close on March 4 to give the officials time to work on the competition playing schedules. “This is a huge behind-the-scenes job.”

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The low registration fees at Gresford Vacy Football Club are due to the generous support of sponsors. Soccer gaming company Microprose is on board as the ball sponsor and the club’s platinum sponsors for the next two seasons are ARMA Insurance and Doyle Ag & Fabrication. Gold sponsors are Hawks Transport, Gresford Foodworks, Boydell’s and The Woodville Store and silver sponsors are Battery World Maitland, AoK Building & Maintenance, Ezy-flo Fabrications, Design Anthology, Koby Group, Hunter Construction Group, Paterson Friendly Grocer, Merchant Excavation and Electrical, Troy Butler Roofing and David & Clare Oliver Photography.

Drink bottles, which will be given to every junior player at the start of the season, are sponsored by InFront Electrics and Paterson Butchery is sponsoring the club’s legendary barbecue.

All players will be in a new kit this season, with the logo of major sponsor Hunter Construction Group adorning the playing shorts and the logo of sponsor One Agency Sharon Hill on the front of the orange goalkeeper jerseys.

“It’s going to be a big year for the club, especially coming off the back of being named the Hunter Valley Club of the Year in 2021,” Doyle said. “We have a massive building program ready to break ground this season and that will mean a brand new clubhouse and canteen. That’s why these sponsors are so important. Not only do they make a direct difference to every

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Dr. David GILLESPIE MP FEDERAL MEMBER FOR LYNE

FIVE NEW SECTIONS OF CLARENCE TOWN ROAD UPGRADES UNDERWAY

LOOKING FORWARD TO THE RETURN OF OUR LOCAL SHOWS I’m pleased to announce Federal support for Dungog Ag and Horticultural Association for a new portable grandstand and caught up with show society members, Helen, Dugald, and Owen recently to see what’s being planned.

Dr. David GILLESPIE MP FEDERAL MEMBER FOR LYNE

He Listens. He Cares. He Delivers.

Federal funding of $20 million is delivering major upgrades to Clarence Town Road, with five new sections of work currently underway. The total project is for the reconstruction and rehabilitation of 22 sections of road across 17.6km, to better connect Dungog with Raymond Terrace and the major commercial and community hubs of the Port Stephens and Dungog local government areas.

Six sections of the route have already been completed and expected completion of the entire project is mid2023. Motorists along the route will have a safer trip, with road shoulders widened and corrections made to the road alignment, clearer signage, pavement replacement and improved surfacing meaning less wear and tear on vehicles.

NEW SHADE SAILS BEAT SUMMER HEAT Great to see Pool Manager, Casey Hynes and local children staying sun safe at Dungog Pool with the help of Federal funding for a beautiful new shade sail. New shade sails have also been erected at Jubilee Park and Coronation Park in Dungog and Clarence Town School of Arts, with Federal funding.

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G resford News

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• March 2022, p 13

Hairy Lolly Bush ~ Gresford Arboretum Indigenous Australians are known to have eaten the main root of the Lolly Bush which has a starchy taste after being roasted, and dried sticks were used for friction fire lighting.

Hairy Lolly Bush Family: Lamiaceae Genus: Clerodendrum Species: Clerodendrum tomentosum Common Name: Hairy Clerodendrum; Lolly Bush; Flowers of Magic; Downy Chance Tree; Witches Tongues. Informal name: “Hairy Clary” Clerodendrum comes from the Greek language meaning ‘allotment tree’, a possible reference to the medicinal value from plants of this genus. Toowoomba Plants (2008) states that sometimes they are called ‘Chance Trees as they are used as cures for some particularly deadly diseases’. While the fruits have the appearance of lollies, they are not edible and probably toxic given the use of many Clerodendrum species for medicinal purpose.

A very hardy plant, which tolerates drought and frost and is a lovely shrub or small tree, with silky, hairy (not too noticeable) and yet velvety leaves. A perfect upright tree or shrub, from 1 metre to about 10 metres, if you are looking for a space to fill or add interest in your garden. The Lolly Bush can be pruned to control height and width.

Plants being propagated from fresh seeds or cuttings (easiest), are easy to grow but initially require plenty of water.

bird), and are host to the larval stage of some butterflies (fiery-jewel and black spotted flash) and moths like the sandalbox hawk moth.

A final warning, ‘if you want to plant one in your garden and have young children, you might like to refer to them as a ‘Chance Bush’ to discourage unsupervised trialing of the ‘lollies’.

(Toowoomba plants)

References: https://ppnn.org.au/plantlist/ clerodendrum-tomentosum/ https://cqclandcarenetwork.org.au/ plants/lolly-bush/ http://toowoombaplants2008.blogspot. com/2013/11/smooth-lolly-bush.html Clusters of white, fragrant flowers form https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ in dense heads and start appearing from Clerodendrum_floribundum September until December, growing into https://resources.austplants.com.au/ a large purplish-black berry-like fruit in a plant/clerodendrum-tomentosum/?gclid red hairy fleshy calyx (consisting of =EAIaIQobChMIrcLTsrSN9gIVvplm separate or fused sepals) with purplishAh33Lw4xEAAYASAAEgK8gPD_BwE black surrounds. As the rather succulent glossy fruit (dupe – stone fruit) appear it Friends of the Arboretum meet every Friday afternoon from 4pm, everyone is becomes obvious why it is given the welcome. For further information name ‘Lolly Fruit’ shrub. contact Penny Kater 4938 9365.

The fruit from the Lolly Shrub attracts many birds (satin bower bird, green cat Liz Jones, Friends of the Arboretum

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

G resford News • March 2022

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, p 14

G resford News

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• March 2022, p 15

Food chat with Fiona...

Between the rain and the heat my garden is progressing nicely.

Tomatoes coming on but tending to split due to rain – I have been harvesting quickly and halving and semi drying them and throwing them in the freezer to think about later….

Sometimes there is just too much to do.

Thank you everyone for the bunyas – they are working well ground as a meal and using in friands, also as giant pinenuts in pesto too, but mostly just wrestling them out of the casings and freezing for later.

Eggplants are my next adventure. I paired some with the first red capsicum, tomatoes, onions, vinegar and dates to make Caponata…. The south of France and Spain have some sweet & sour type dishes that harken back to the Moors 1700 years ago. Amazing our tastebuds still dance to the memories.

View from the Palace gardens back into Granada. Photo: Fiona Wright.

Granada, the last bastion on the Moors to this day features an eggplant dish on its menus, totally surprising and so delicious.

Berenjenas con Miel it is called.

Take some fresh eggplant, cut in 1 cm wide slices and soak in milk.

After an hour or two pat dry and lightly crumb with breadcrumbs.

Fry in olive oil, drain and plate.

Drizzle honey over the top to serve.

Yes honey, it does sound weird but give it a try, sip some dry sherry and

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G resford News • March 2022

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, p 16

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G resford News

The

MAYORAL MINUTE – Withdrawal of draft rural lands strategy from exhibition RECOMMENDATION: That the Draft Rural Lands Strategy be withdrawn from public exhibition and that it be re-exhibited when the consultants have furnished further detailed maps and Council is able to organise public meetings throughout the shire to enable the community to be properly informed and consulted.

RATIONALE: The process to prepare a Rural Lands Strategy to inform the next Dungog LEP commenced in 2019 with the formation of a Steering Committee.

Advertisements were placed calling for nominations and three community members were appointed.

The Steering Committee also comprised representatives of DPIE, DPI Agriculture Hunter Water and other government agencies together with the consultants engaged to assist with the process, GHD. The resultant draft document went on exhibition in August 2021 following numerous delays some of which were Covid related. It is essential that the community be consulted widely and be informed of the contents of the draft and that feedback be received to inform the final version of the strategy.

Council has a current vacancy for a strategic planner which has contributed to difficulties in resourcing the project. Covid also made this difficult in the past and the lack of proper mapping has caused further delays in this process. Whilst the document remains on exhibition and whilst no community consultation is able to take place the community is left to form incorrect assumptions as to what is intended which then generates fear that their input will not be considered.

• March 2022, p 17

Changes coming to the Federal funding supports Allyn River water rights? Dungog library doubling in If you use water from the Allyn size, going hi-tech for irrigation purposes, the Department of Planning, Industry and Environment (DPIE) is proposing some big changes which, if implemented, will put at risk your ability to irrigate when you most need to.

The draft Water Plan proposes irrigation may occur when there is less water in the Allyn River than is presently the case. The risk for licencees on the lower Allyn is the likelihood of being able to irrigate will be reduced. Just why the change is proposed is a mystery.

The advice I have received from long term residents is that no change is considered necessary. To understand more Google “Draft Replacement of the Hunter and Alluvial Water Sharing Plan”.

Submissions to the DPIE on the Draft Plan were due by 27 February.

If you are likely to be adversely affected by the proposed changes and wish to make a submission, hopefully the DPIE will listen to you but there are no guarantees.

Federal funding of $330,000 is supporting the most significant refurbishment of Dungog Library in 40 years, almost doubling the size of the existing building. Plans are currently being finalised for a major transformation, internally and externally. The new build will include development of a large community conferencing space with latest audio-visual technology, to function as a meeting area for council and public events.

Federal Member for Lyne Dr David Gillespie said one of the aims was to dramatically improve technology resources for students and young people. “During the pandemic, local families have identified a need for better facilities for online learning for students. We’re very pleased to be supporting a project that will positively transform the council precinct and Dungog town centre.”

State Libraries is also contributing $500,000 to the project that is expected to be completed at the Chris Wokes end of 2022.

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G resford News • March 2022

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, p 18

Council Happenings Dungog Shire Council meets on the third Wednesday of every month from February – November, and on the second Wednesday of December.

Meetings are livestreamed via council’s Facebook page facebook.com/ dungogcouncil and meeting agendas and minutes can be found on council’s website dungog.nsw.gov.au Please find following a selection of meeting highlights:

WITHDRAWAL OF DRAFT RURAL LANDS STRATEGY FROM EXHIBITION In response to a Mayoral Minute raised

by Mayor of Dungog Shire, Cr John Connors, Dungog Shire Council has agreed to withdraw its draft Rural Lands Strategy (RLS) from public exhibition.

DEVELOPMENT APPLICATIONS DELEGATED AUTHORITY & TRACKING During the period November 2021 – January 2022 (inclusive), Dungog Shire Council determined 66 Development Applications worth over $9M. This is a notable result, given this period incorporated the Christmas shutdown and was impacted by continuing COVID-19 restrictions and resource shortages.

BR

FOOD AND DRINK PREMISES AT 803 GRESFORD ROAD, VACY

• Cameron Archer, President, Dungog Regional Tourism • Jane Thompson, Principal, Addison Development consent has been granted Partners to allow the existing general store and post office located at 803 Gresford Road, • Grahame Chevalley, Director, GWH and Hunter Construction Group Vacy, to formally operate as a food and • Dee Braithwaite, Principal, Ray White drinks venue.

Rural Lifestyle While no physical works are required to • James Lovegrove, Manager, Lovey’s the premises, this change of use has Grocers IGA been requested to allow for the • Annabel Kater, Dierctor, Australian application of a liquor license for the site Sustainable Timber and to formalise dining arrangements for The Advisory Group comprises of local future operations. business leaders who were nominated on ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT PLAN the basis of their industry experience and ADVISORY GROUP supported by peer recommendations.

In progressing the next stage of its The Group will meet four times between Economic Development Plan, Dungog late February and June 2022, to advise on Shire Council has appointed the the governance and management structure following council representatives and needed to implement the Plan. community stakeholders to the Extensive community and business provisional Economic Development Plan consultation will also be conducted during Advisory Group, which will commence the Plan’s development, including a this month and end in June 2022, upon community survey and up to 50 adoption of the Plan: individual interviews conducted via • Mayor of Dungog Shire, Cr John Expressions of Interest. A draft Plan will be Connors submitted to council and exhibited for 28 • Cr Jessica Clark, B Ward Councillor days, with all feedback received during the • Cr Digby Rayward, C Ward Councillor exhibition period being considered prior • Marion Stuart, President, Dungog to final adoption of a new Economic District Chamber of Commerce Development Plan for Dungog Shire.

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G resford News

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• March 2022, p 19

Gresford News March 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 Enquiries to Pastor Roy Waters Ph 02 4938 9348

Crossword kindly provided by Russel Jessop.

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).

Weekday Mass Thursdays at 9.30am 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.

February 2022 crossword answers

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