Gresford News March 2023

TheG resford News

News of the communities of the Paterson and Allyn River Valleys

Lap of Legends

“Female participation in soccer is really on the rise, so for our young girls to experience the thrill of a Lap of Legends at an international game was just amazing,” club president Jim Doyle said after the February 22 match that saw the Matildas beat Jamaica to claim the Cup of Nations.

read the story on page 14

Scorps at the Matildas game.

Gresford District Historical Society

The Gresford District Historical Society will have a stall coinciding with the NSW Elections at the Polling Booth at the Gresford School of Arts on Saturday, 25 March. Society publications, along with those from the Paterson District Historical Society, will be available for sale. ........

Gresford Billy Cart Derby

You may have heard the news that the Gresford Billy Cart Derby is back! Follow us on facebook for information on

• Cart specs and entry details

• Booking a market stall

• Food, entertainment and other activities …

Gresford cannot wait to welcome you all back trackside!

A project of Dungog Rotary.

Gresford News Notices

91st Gresford Show 10 + 11 March 2023

Get your entries ready. Visit www. gresfordshow.com.au to download schedules and entry forms.

Thursday 9 March

Art Show Opening

An Opening Night and Art Preview evening will be held in the Art and Craft Pavilion. Wine and Cheese Tasting $10 entry. 'People's choice' drawn at the Preview Evening.

Friday 10 March

Horse Classes • Campdraft • Junior Cattle Judging and Parading • Pavillions

Saturday 11 March

Horse Classes • Commercial & Stud

Cattle Classes • Pet Parade • Petting

Zoo • Pavillions • Campdraft Final • Gresford Junior Young Woman

Presentation • Grand Parade and Main Ring Entertainment • Invitational Six Bar Showjumping • Paterson River

Pony Club Musical Ride • Invitational

Steer and Mini Bull Ride • Ag Bike

Demonstration • Post Splitting • Kids Disco • Fireworks

ATTENTION: FARMERS, GRAZIERS AND HOBBY FARMERS ARE YOU GETTING THE MOST FROM YOUR ACREAGE?

Direct Drilling

Cultivating and Discing

Fertilizer Spreading

Slashing and Mulching

Tabletop Truck Hire Boomspraying

Wallarobba Memorial Hall

Prawn & Chicken night

It's back!

The return of the famous Wallarobba Hall Prawn and Chicken night. Dinner Dance with live band "Just Us"

Saturday 18 March at 7pm $50 a head

Bookings essential book on Trybooking

All enquiries call Min 0429 965 526 bookings close Monday 13 March

BYOG and drinking glasses and a plate to share for supper

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

Round Baling: Hay and Silage

Small Square Bales

Mowing and Raking

Whatever the job, get it done right and on time by your local bloke!

Your Local Rural Services Specialist. Competitive Rates!

Ring Rodney Richardson 'Penshurst' Mt Rivers Ph 02 4931 7125

New

Transpiration

& 5.5 t excavator with augers & rock breaker

Bobcat

6 t & 13.9 t GVM tippers

NO JOB TOO BIG OR SMALL

SERVICING AREAS BETWEEN

MAITLAND - SINGLETON - GRESFORD - VACY - PATERSON

BRIAN & JULIE REIBEL

PH: 02 4930 9047 FAX: 4930 9046

15 Lerra Road, WINDELLA NSW 2320

ACN: 109 886 419

Local History Stories

By Ivan Skaines, Trevallyn, Gresford District Historical Society

Gresford Show 1928

Dungog Chronicle: Durham and Gloucester Advertiser Fri 18 May 1928 Page 4

Nothing but complimentary remarks are heard regarding Gresford Show. Everyone seems to have thoroughly enjoyed it. The weather was anything but pleasant, but that did not put a damper on things in any respect.

And later in the article:

The dogs were 'strung' in the open, but no doubt, at some future date better accommodation will be provided for them. The champion dog was a fox terrier owned by Mrs. J. P. Enright, whilst the champion bitch was a greyhound belonging to Mr. Bert. Collison.

Farm and garden produce was a far better section than last year, though it could be bigger in such a fertile district. Pumpkins and grammas were predominant though the latter were not of the highest quality. Corn was a good exhibit. Mr. Sam Hudson displayed some freak corn, four cobs on one stalk, three on another and two on another. Mr. S. J. Saxby made a special exhibit of some enormous radish. He also exhibited haricot beans and cow peas.

Mrs. Archinal showed some fine quality peanuts. In the fruit line there was a special exhibit of Rome Beauty and Democrat variety of apples by Mr. E. Burley. Nothing choicer could be desired. Mr. Archinal had an exhibit of freak persimmons. In the fruit line, the oranges were the star exhibit. The judge described the navels as the finest he had ever seen. Eidler Bros. won the prize for the collection of citrus fruits.

The pavilion exhibits were the talk of the ground and very few failed to scrutinise all that was displayed.

Cookery, preserves, jams, jellies and pickles formed a wonderful collection. Mrs. Lean, one of the judges, said they put most shows to shame. They had to judge twenty-six pound cakes. Was there ever such competition anywhere. The fact that, there were over 500 entries in these three divisions showed how keen the competition was.

A perusal of the pavilion exhibits showed that the ladles of this district took a great interest in the show. The whole of the pavilion organisation was left to the ladles, of whose committee

Mrs. A. H. Lindeman was president and Miss Robertson secretary. The committee is deeply grateful to the ladies for their great work.

Flowers and plants were a surprisingly good exhibit, roses bringing forth the greatest competition.

Fine Arts was up to standard and the most pleasing portion of this was the amateur photography. Mr. R.J. Marceau exhibited some wonderful views, mainly of the Barrington Tops. Needlework was well contested particularly in the children's section.

Perhaps the most delightful part of the pavilion was the exhibition of school work by the children from all schools in the district. Not only were parents and relatives interested, but the admiration of all was won by the fine display.

There was a special exhibit of pokerwork by Mrs. Preston of the Commercial

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.

Hotel, Paterson, which attracted attention.

This photo was in the collection of either Leila Skaines Warr or Ena Warr Bird and currently in the possession of Michele Knight from Glendon Brook. Written on the photograph is “Gresford Show. Mrs J. P. Enright’s fox terrier is third from left. Won Champion ribbon which has helped identify a possible date for the image.

The next meeting of the Gresford District Historical Society will be held at the Therese Doyle Hall on Saturday, 11 March at 5 pm (the second Saturday of each month). The Gresford Heritage Museum, also in the Therese Doyle Hall, is open 10 am to 2 pm on the 1st, 2nd and 3rd Sundays of the month. Other times by appointment.

RICHARD WELLS

Lounges Automotive

Antique Restoration

French Polishing

Canvas Annexes

Horse Rug Repairs

For all your upholstery needs ring Richard on 4938 9324

Country News

Wonderful rain! Brilliant timing. Paddocks are now green and gardens flush with growth and color.

Country Buyers love Autumn gardens. Perfect timing to have professional photos and videos done now, so you are ready when you decide to launch your property onto the market. Over 25 years of selling Farms and Acreages has proven that listing in Autumn to sell in Autumn/Winter/ leading into early Spring (if still for sale) is the best time to list and sell. An easier time for Buyers to walk paddocks and absorb the benefits of your Farm. Less pressure, giving time to achieve the highest sale price and attract the right buyer. Properties can also sell quickly if you have the best marketing presentation in photos and videos. For free help and advice phone Pamela Munson 0427 207 542

Dungog Citizen of the Year 2023

Dungog Shire has recognised an outstanding group of locals who have made big impacts to the community through social justice, environmental conservation, sporting excellence and significant community contributions with the presentation of the 2023 Australia Day Awards.

The prestigious 2023 Citizen of the Year Award has been awarded to James Ashton.

Social justice and community crusader, James was instrumental in forming the Martins Creek Quarry Action Group. He has proven himself a voice for the people, fighting hard for the rights of residents across the Shire in their opposition to the quarry expansion.

Award winners across all categories who were recognised for their significant community contributions are:

JUNIOR SPORTS AWARD: Georgia McDonald

SENIOR SPORTS AWARD: Lachlan Richardson

VOLUNTEER SERVICE TO THE COMMUNITY AWARD: Susan Dillon and Pauline Cambourne

ENVIRONMENTAL CITIZEN OF THE YEAR: William Dowling

YOUNG CITIZEN OF THE YEAR: Gwen Rumble

2023 CITIZEN OF THE YEAR: James Ashton

Photo caption 2023 Dungog Citizen of the Year James Ashton and Mayor John Connors at the Australia Day Awards ceremony.

Food chat with Fiona...

The summer tomato, eggplant and chilli glut has hit. What a glorious time of year, my cherry tomatoes are so sweet they taste like lollies.

An easy and tasty meal is as simple as cutting the eggplant into wide slices salt, wash and dry. Then throw into a baking tray with chunks of red capsicum, handfuls of little tomatoes, onion wedges, few olives, chunks of feta cheese and a good slurp of olive oil.

Herbs you like – thyme, oregano? My basil is sending up flower spikes, I chop them off and layer them in there, flavour is great and easy enough to pull the sticks out when finished. Medium oven for 30 or 40 minutes. A splash of red wine vinegar stirred through when it comes out of the oven brings it all together.

Divine as a side, as a main, with pasta, cold with crusty bread…. Yum.

Chillis are a favourite – I make a sweet chilli sauce, and fill the cupboard for the year, always good to have something to gift when visiting people. Chillis with a whole heap of spices ground together makes a tangy Harissa, cover the top with olive oil and it too will store. If you

visit Morocco they like to tweak a dish with it, subtle but adds to the mouth interest, if you travel east to Tunisia they use enough to add fire to a dish. You can choose how much you would like.

Travel via Tastebuds, try something new.

Happy harvesting.

If you want full recipes drop me an email fiona@creative-arts-safaris.com. I am off to Vietnam soon, I’ll bring you some flavours back to try Best wishes – Fiona

Photo: Fiona Wright

On the Shelves...

by Glenda Smith Us

by David Nicholls

This is a wry and witty expose of the breakdown of a marriage between two very different people, which became a BBC television series and was shown recently on the ABC. The narrator Douglas is a cautious, painstaking scientist who has never been quite able to believe his luck in being married to the free spirited, artistic Connie. She had been drawn to Douglas because of his stability and consideration after a fraught relationship with a charismatic but abusive man.

On the eve of their Grand Tour of Europe (meticulously planned by Douglas) Connie reveals that she wants a change of direction, and feels that their marriage is over. Douglas is shocked and assumes the holiday will

be cancelled, but Connie insists that they go as a last hurrah for their family – their son Albie has just finished school and is off to college. His plans begin to fray, and then unravel completely when Albie makes it clear he has no interest in a last attempt at bonding with him. Albie has never appreciated his ‘boring’ father, although he has always been close to his mother.

Douglas’ desperate attempts to hold everything together simply make everything worse, but his spirit and determination rarely falter. It is probably his optimism and good intentions that make him an appealing character as he tells the story in two timeframes – the past and the present. He also has a good sense of his own inadequacies when it comes to ‘cool’ people and situations. This self-deprecation is quite winning, and even though some readers may find him ridiculous, others would appreciate his genuineness.

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.

Dungog Archies

The Dungog Archies are coming up – a very special time for the Dungog Arts Society and they’re looking for people to submit a portrait of a face from the Dungog community.

The artist doesn’t have to live in the shire – only the subject.

There are several categories and generous prizes to be won including a first prize of $750. Go on – this could be your moment in the sun!

The closing date for entries is Friday March 24th and the official opening is Friday March 31st. If you’re interested go to the Dungog Arts Society website dungogartssociety.com.au, their Facebook site, or email them at dungogartssociety@gmail.com.

Last year’s Archies subject Jan Samson with winner Janelle Hatherly.

Hidden Treasures Honour Roll –

Secretary Valarie Smith has been nominated by fellow CWA member, and past honour roll recipient, Amorelle Dempster to be added to the 2021/2022 Hidden Treasures Honour Roll. Hidden Treasures acknowledges the important volunteer roles women play within NSW rural communities. It is not an award program but a public tribute to the vast number of women who give their time and energy to help others. The link to the honour roll https://www.nsw.gov.au/ women-nsw/rural-womens-network/ hidden-treasures

CWA News

Amorelle Dempster, who nominated Valerie Smith, said about her experience. “I am a ‘has-been’ of course, a former nominee myself. It was a great experience for me and made me realise that my contribution to the community was valued. That has made it a priority for me to get involved in a lot of different areas since my nomination. I suppose it took me a while since my nomination to find the time to then sit down and nominate someone else. But that’s the way it should be. Pay it forward.

Gresford Show – Friday 10th and Saturday 11th March. Gresford CWA are proud to once again be a part of our local agricultural show. The CWA members and volunteers will be providing country fare across both days of the show. Pop in and have a cuppa and sample some local cooking. The CWA Tea Rooms will be operating out of the dinning room at the showground. New Facebook page – Gresford CWA branch now has a 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. The book for February is The Messenger, by Marcus Zusak. 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 0400108079. 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.

Next Meeting will be Sunday 5th March at 3pm

Jodeane Taylor Publicity Officer and Treasurer

Amorelle Dempster with Valerie Smith

Gresford Vacy Football Club

Gresford Vacy Football Club is experiencing an incredible pre-season. Six weeks out from the official kick-off of Season 2023, hundreds of players have taken advantage of earlybird offers to sign on to wear the Scorpions colours and some of the club’s youngest players have been a special part of the exciting action at Matildas and Jets games.

“Female participation in soccer is really on the rise, so for our young girls to experience the thrill of a Lap of Legends at an international game was just amazing,” club president Jim Doyle said after the February 22 match that saw the Matildas beat Jamaica to claim the Cup of Nations.

“The Matildas are inspiring a new generation of young female footballers and we couldn’t be more proud that, as a club, we are able to support that by offering girls an opportunity to play in mixed or girls-only teams.

“We also field a team in the women’s competition and have so many dedicated women nurturing our kids as coaches, managers and support crew.”

Hometown heroes, The Newcastle Jets, also inspired the club’s youngsters at a

recent match by allowing the young Scorpions - boys and girls - to participate in mini exhibition games at half-time. “These opportunities mean so much to the kids,” Doyle said.

The club’s earlybird registration offer finished on February 28 but registrations will still be accepted in teams that have space. Registering is an easy online process at www.playfootball.com.au

Many players are already honing their skills by participating in the pre-season Social Summer Sixes event held at Vacy Oval from 6pm every Tuesday. The games are for all keen soccer players from U5s through to seniors and are always followed by a social barbecue supported by the Farmers Hotel. Season 2023 will launch with a gala day on April 1. The day will see the club host visiting teams across all age groups and divisions and will include the official opening of the new Gresford clubhouse. The first round of competition games will be on April 21/22.

The club is always on the lookout for new sponsors to help grow and support the Scorpions community. Any

businesses keen to explore sponsorship options with the club, are asked to contact club president Jim Doyle on 0407 307 800.

Reminder, players can register for the new season at www.playfootball.com.au (don’t forget to get your Active Kids Voucher first).

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

Our ceiling charity from Australia Day 2022 to Australia Day 2023 was RUN DIPG a charity dedicated to improving outcomes for patients, families and communities impacted by the deadliest form of childhood cancer – the brainstem cancer, diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG), also known as diffuse midline glioma (DMG).

Thanks to locals and visitors for there generosity in helping the pub reach $2,780 in total with Beatty Hotel topping up the total to $3,000 – it will be money well spent for a fantastic cause.

This coming year's ceiling donations will be donated to the Mark Hughes Foundation –another great cause – formed in Newcastle by Mark and Kirralee Hughes following Mark's diagnosis with Brain Cancer in 2013.

Beatty Does it Again

Wednesday 5 April – $500 Easter Egg Raffle

$1500 Prawn & Oyster Raffle

Saturday 27 May “Wayne Donnelly” Hypno- Comedian $30 a ticket, Doors open 7.30pm

“Naughty Numbers” will be returning watch this space!

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

“Can Wok Chinese Restaurant”

Wednesday - Sunday from 5pm DINE IN OR TAKEAWAY 49389166

Like us on Facebook

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

Sunday 5th March

Peter Steffenson Soloist on the deck 2-6pm.

Friday 10th March

(Show Night) Adam Wilton Band 8-late

Friday 17th March

Guinness

Sunday 19th March

Rusty Bucket on the deck 2-6pm

Annmarie from the Beatty Hotel removing the $2,780 from the ceiling.

Tocal’s Trainees continue to impress in 2023!

Tocal College (NSW DPI) was very excited to recently welcome its first block of trainees for 2023. “We have an excellent group of young people here improving their skills and knowledge and investing in their agricultural careers. Their trainers have all been very impressed with their attitude and commitment” said Principal, Mr Darren Bayley. “It’s fantastic to see the continued, strong support of employers and trainees, right across New South Wales, for Tocal’s Traineeship Program”. During the week the group trained in a variety of machinery related units including Precision Agriculture and Safe Operation of Tractors and Quad bikes. A Biosecurity unit incorporated Machinery Hygiene. They were from a mix of enterprises including beef, dairy, thoroughbreds, and environmental and rural management. This year Tocal’s Paterson campus has trainees from as far afield as Bodalla and Cooma in the South; Narromine, Parkes and Cowra in the West; and Bowraville in the North. The majority therefore stayed at the College’s main residential campus at Paterson (Hunter Valley) for the week, though some local trainees travelled in daily.

“Tocal has long been at the forefront of vocational education in agriculture” said Darren. “Our fulltime, residential program began at CB Alexander campus in 1965 and has continued to evolve with the needs of its students and industry”. An example of this was the creation of the NSW Dairy Apprenticeship Program at Tocal in

1981. “In fact, one of this week’s trainees is employed by one of those original apprentices. It is rewarding to have that generational support, as well as many employers repeatedly enrolling their workers with us”.

The significance of Tocal’s Traineeship Program to individual young, farmers cannot be under estimated either. Alix

Tocal welcomes its first Trainees for 2023.

Faith and Flipper come to Bonnington

Elliot is a recent graduate of the program and proudly says “I was asked recently asked what my greatest achievement is, and I truly believe completing my traineeship in agriculture. I learnt so much from the experience and made so many new friends".

The ongoing strength of the Tocal’s Traineeship program mirrors a recent resurgence in employer commitment to vocational training with a 21.6% increase in the number of Trainees and Apprentices in Australia since 2021 (NCVER Statistical Report).

Tocal also has a flexible Traineeship Program at its Yanco campus in the Riverina and is developing customised programs with valuable youth groups such as ShoreTrack. The College’s Traineeship Coordinator, Ms Jill Clayton, has also been recognised for her contribution to our Trainees by being awarded the NSW Training Awards, Regional VET Trainer of the Year.

For more information on Tocal’s Fulltime and Traineeship courses please go to www.tocal.nsw.edu.au/courses/ youth-education or call 1800 025 520.

Good fences make for good neighbours!

We are metal livestock fencing specialists, it lasts for 40 years

can build nearly double

for the cost of building a traditional hardwood post and wire fence. Need to contain cattle, horses, dogs, goats, alpacas or sheep?

Then visit our website wolfrural.com.au

Free fencing advise when you get a quote with us.

Donkeys are being trialled at bonnington in an effort to reduce calf losses to wild dogs Donkeys are used to bond with the herd and keep dogs at bay. Progress with the trial will be reported in next months issue

and we

the length

Gresford Amateur Performing Society

To answer the question “Is GAPS still going?”… the answer is yes. The GAPS Annual General Meeting saw the re-election of the committee: Sharon Lawrence (President), Donna Chisolm (Vice President), Kel Merriman (Secretary), Lyndell Osmond (Treasurer), Denise Sellens (Events Manager) and Tony Schultz (Equipment Manager).

Three years gap in GAPS due to COVID-19 restrictions has changed our membership. Some have moved out of our locality and we have all got older and some even aged gracefully. But we have started again. Prior to Christmas GAPS provided all the music for Paterson Rotary’s highly successful Carols in the Park. Now we are developing our next production.

GAPS members are very friendly and welcoming of new members. If you can sing…great, if not…no worries; want to have a go on stage…great, not sure…no worries; just want to help out behind the scenes…great; only got a little bit of time.. no worries. We still want and need you! So, if you would like to join this merry band, feel free to contact the secretary on 0417280851 for more information.

Kel Merriman, GAPS Secretary

Renewal of Village Information Boards

Dungog Regional Tourism is updating and renewing each of the information boards located in Clarence Town, Paterson, Vacy and Gresford. The existing boards have served the community and visitors well over the years. The community notices section of each one will remain as they are.

The posts and structures are largely sound and will remain as they are apart from recoating the posts in the same colour as they are at present. The locations are ideal and there is no need to move any of them.

The project is complementary to a wider initiative by DRT to improve information available for tourists and visitors to our valleys. This has involved revising the existing Paterson brochure and researching and writing a brochure about each of the other villages. This process is well underway and the support of the local historical societies and other organisations has been greatly appreciated.

It is being funded by the NSW Government’s Regional Growth, Environment and Tourism Fund. DRT has been using this grant to support

outdoor recreation and tourism across the Dungog region.

Each village has its own unique history, landscape and character. The aim of the brochures is to provide a greater connection for visitors when in the area and in turn provide a deeper and more fulfilling experience. If this occurs, they may return or suggest that their friends visit sometime in the future.

DRT is also planning to erect signs at important locations in the area which are of historic importance. This will be undertaken later in the year.

In the meantime, keep a look out at your local information board because it may go missing for a day or so while the posts are being refurbished and then a sparling new version will appear which will be hopefully to everyone’s liking. Also keep an eye out for the new suite of brochures that will be out and about in a couple of months’ time. They will be distributed from the Dungog Visitor Information Centre and will also be on the visitdungog website. www.visitdungog.com.au/

Cameron Archer AM, Chair, Dungog Regional Tourism

Gresford Mural Project

Our committee is working towards brightening up our village, commencing with a historical time line of Gresford. The mural will be sketched by local artist Stacey Cocks and appear in the bar area of the showground.

We welcome input from everyone in our community as we refine the details of the timeline from 1826 with the first land grants issued by Governor Ralph Darling. The timeline prior to 1826 will be written by Gringai Elder Jimmy Wilson Miller.

Following is our first draft, perhaps you know something that could be added or you may notice there is an inaccurate date that needs rectifying. Please send any information you feel will be helpful in finalising the details to gresfordmurals@gmail.com.

Don’t forget our mural fundraiser, the Sunrise Hot Air Balloon Flight, Thursday 20th April, with Balloons Aloft who won the 2022 NSW Adventure Tourism Award. Cost $480 per person including champagne breakfast, or breakfast only

$40. Meeting point at Gresford Sporting Complex 5.30am, each flight will take approx 40-60 minutes. Profits will go to the Gresford Mural Project. Flights are dependent on suitable weather, money back guarantee, back up days 21st & 27th April.

Our next meeting will be held at The Beatty Hotel on Monday 20th March at 6:30pm, everyone is welcome and your thoughts and ideas greatly appreciated.

Louise Brown

GRESFORD SHOWGROUND MURAL TIMELINE

1826 The first land grants were issued by Governor Ralph Darling to Charles Boydell & George Townshend

1830 John McIntrye whose land adjoins Townshend & Park goes missing, foul play is suspected due to his harsh treatment of the local indigenous people & his assigned convicts

1831 The first reference to dairying in the district when Boydell and Townshend enter a dairying partnership. By 1955 there were 248 dairy farms in the district

1834 Charles Boydell plants one of the first vineyards in the Hunter Valley. By 1846 there were 102 acres of vines established in County Durham

1840 The first use of the name Gresford when a mail contract is let and was named after the Welsh town on the Alyn River

1842

Dr Henry Lindeman of Cawarra provides the first medical services to the area and establishes the thriving Cawarra vineyard and winery. The homestead is still used on Lindeman’s wine labels today

1856 The first church in Gresford is established and in 1867 St Helen’s Catholic Church was consecrated

1868 Gresford’s first public school commences in West Gresford

1870 A slab construction police station is built in East Gresford

1872 John Beatty is the landlord of the Junction Inn, later renamed the New Victoria. In 1920 John BeattyJnr buys the hotel & renames it ‘The Beatty’

1884 The first telephone is established to Gresford and Eccleston has commenced a church at Ravenscroft

1890 The School of Arts is opened at West Gresford on land donated by the Lindeman Family

1900 Bushrangers Jimmy & Joe Governor terrorise the local community

1903 The Congregational Church is opened in East Gresford.

1904 Dorothy Mackellar penned ‘My Country’ whilst living at Torryburn

1910 Ralph Bridge opened the first bakery in Gresford

19141918 192 men from the Paterson & Allyn River Valleys served along with 2 women, 47 men were killed in action in the 1st World War

1927 The Gresford Showground was established with the first agricultural show held in 1929

1929 Tom Boyle buys Shelton’s Bakery, opens a picture theatre, cafe and kiosk

1936 Gresford’s CWA Branch is formed initially using the baby health clinic rooms

1937 Gresford’s first electricity is connected

1939-

1945 During WWII the army takes over the Gresford Showground for administration and catering. 363 men and 31 women from the Gresford area served 19 killed in action

1949 The RSL first opened with a room in the School of Arts Building

1952 Gresford formed it’s first bush fire brigade

1953 Town water was introduced into the area

1953 The bowling club formed using rooms attached to the School of Arts

1956 Clevedon Private Hospital was opened

1972 Lostock Dam was built after the 1964 drought for water conservation storage

1973 The Gresford Community Park was initially utilised by the Girl Guide’s, the facilities are now been managed by the Gresford Community Group

1981 The Vacy/Gresford Colts Football club began with two teams and the Gresford Sporting complex was developed in 1984

1987 The Paterson Valley Pony Club commenced at Gresford Showground with 17 members

GAPS, the Gresford Amateur Performing Society formed staging many 1999musicals

1995 The Gresford Community Group is formed

Arboretum

1st Billycart Derby is run

2023 Gresford’s sporting complex is upgraded with a new amenities block and officially opened on 1st April

Pre 1826 text by Gringai Elder Jimmy Wilson Miller

Sculpture on the Farm

Sculpture on the Farm is back on the farm in 2023. The exhibition will run on the October Long Weekend, Saturday 30 September to Monday 2 October 2023, with a Preview and Gala Opening on the evening of Friday 29 September.

We are honoured to announce the two prestigious judges for 2023, Geoffrey Edwards and Dr Gerry Bobsien OAM.

Geoffrey Edwards is a curatorial consultant, lecturer and writer. He is a member of the national advisory panel for Sydney-based Sculpture by the Sea and is adviser to the Melbourne philanthropists John and Pauline Gandel in respect of their celebrated Pt Leo Estate Sculpture Park on Victoria’s Mornington Peninsula.

Dr Gerry Bobsien OAM has worked across leadership and curatorial roles at the National Gallery of Australia, Newcastle Art Gallery, and the Lock-Up and has provided public art curatorial services for several organisations. This year we are thrilled to be able to announce an increased number of prizes totalling up to $60,000

3 Acquisitive Prizes up to $15,000 each,

for sculptures selected for permanent public display at the: Gresford Arboretum Dungog Common Reserve and in the township of Dungog. Details of these locations will follow.

Prizes will be awarded for excellence and innovation.

$5,000 RUPIO Prize for Metallurgical Excellence

$2,000 Prize for Excellence in a Timber work

$2,000 Prize for Excellence in a Stonework

$2,000 Prize for Innovation Excellence

$2,000 Prize for Excellence in a Indoor Work

$500 Local Dungog Shire Artist Prize

$500 People’s Choice Prize for Outdoor Work

$500 People’s Choice Prize for Indoor Work

Sculpture on the Farm Timeline via www.sculptureonthefarm.com

Entries Open on 1 April

Entries Close on 1 July

Finalists will be announced by 14 July All entrants will be notified by 14 July as

to the status of their applications.

Bump in Friday 29 September between 7am and 12 noon

Preview and Gala Opening on the evening of Friday 29 September 2023

Exhibition Open Times:

Saturday 30 September and Sunday 1 October from 10am to 4pm Monday 2 October from 9am to 12 noon

Bump out Monday 2 October between 12.30pm and 3pm

See the Sculpture on the Farm website for more information. If you have any queries please contact i nfo@sculptureonthefarm.com

With your sculptures, the Committee of Sculpture on the Farm 2023 is really looking forward to presenting a sensational exhibition with some exciting new initiatives, so please save the dates and get cracking in your studios!

With best wishes

Philippa Graham OAM Chair and Curator Sculpture on the Farm Inc

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 News March Crossword

Gresford

Congregational Church

30 Durham Rd Gresford

Services Each Sunday 10.30am ALL WELCOME

Enquiries to Pastor Roy Waters Ph 02 4938 9348

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.

February 2023 crossword answers

Crossword kindly provided by Russel Jessop.

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