Gresford News May 2018

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News of the communities of the Paterson and Allyn River Valleys May 2018

Healthy Harold vs the Easter Bunny. Photo: Brian Doherty

Biggest Ever Billy Cart Derby

What a great day we all had. The Amazing Jonathan in his multi coloured suit, the Easter Bunny, Healthy Harold, our mayor, politicians and even the clergy lined up to race today.

We had some fantastic carts and damn good old fashioned carts. Dummy Spit was a great success in its first year. Biggest crowd, most entries, all in all a roaring success. Thanks to everyone who came along and supported our little country event. A special thanks to our soccer and cricket volunteers who were an integral part of making today happen. – Graham Murphy

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

Vacy General Store Looking for something different why not check out Vacy General Store – Beautiful little Country Store now Serving Breakfast on weekends.

A little bit of what you can get at our country Store: NUNDLE Smoked Trout • Frozen Salmon portions Hunter Belle Cheese • Beautiful gift lines Rawleigh Products • Great Coffee & Cakes Cards & Wrapping • Convenience Grocery Lines Great range of Magazines & Newspapers Wallarobba Free Range eggs • Local Honey Hot BBQ Chooks on Saturday or Sunday Clarencetown Bread • Fresh sliced meat Olives • Oils • Chutneys and sauces Premium fuel Why not drop in for morning tea or lunch.

Sandwiches fresh or toasted focaccia's quiche or lasagna, home made pies & family Pie.

Fresh Home Grown Produce Day is on 1st Sunday of Each Month at Vacy General Store.

Money goes back to grower. Should you have produce, home made pickles or plants please contact us.

PEST CONTROL SERVICES locally owned and operated

General household pests: spiders, cockroaches, rodents.

Termite inspections and treatment using environmentally friendly low odour chemicals and baits.

Call Barry Wilson 0429 317 154 pest management certificate number

15-102220-001

The Gresford News Community Diary Wed

2 May French in the rooms, CWA Rooms, 11.00am (1st & 3rd Wed of the month)

Wed

2 May Rural Fire Brigade meeting, Gresford Station, 7.30pm

Wed

9 May Grant info night – Dungog community & sporting groups, Doug Walters Pavilion, Mackay St, Dungog, 6.30pm

Sat 12 May Dungog Chamber of Commerce 2018 Business Awards, Dungog RSL Wed

16 May French in the rooms, CWA Rooms, 11.00am (1st & 3rd Wed of the month)

Sun

20 May Book launch Paterson Historical Society, “William & Elizabeth Paterson”, Woodville School of Arts Hall, 3.00pm

Sun

20 May Community Markets, Hotel Beatty, 9.00am

Sun

20 May Live music, Hotel Beatty, 1.00pm

Sat 26 May Turn weeds into forest – Greford District Landcare Group Fieldday, 9.15am Sat/Sun 2/3 Jun Dungog Antiques & Collectables Fair, Dungog Memorial RSL & St Mary's Parish Hall Sat10-5, Sun 10-3 Sat 23 Jun Dungog Masked Ball – Out of this World, James Theatre Mon

2 Jul

Mon

6 Aug CWA International Day, St. Anne's Church Hall

CWA Hunter River Group Ag & Environment Day, St. Anne's Church Hall

Mon/Tues

Social ladies tennis starts, Mon or Tues mornings, Gresford Tennis Courts, 9.30–11.00am

Tuesdays

Spring/summer mixed Tuesday nights tennis, 7.30–9.30pm

Mondays

Vacy and Gresford Dance Centre at Vacy School of Arts Hall

Tues, Wed, Thurs

Vacy and Gresford Dance Centre at Gresford School of Arts Hall

Friday afternoons

Junior tennis coaching, Gresford Tennis Courts

1st Sun each month

Fresh Home Grown Produce Day at Vacy General Store. Money goes back to grower.

1st Mon each month

Gresford District Community Group Meeting, 6.30pm, Hotel Beatty, all welcome! (not Jan)

1st Wed each month

Gresford Rural Fire Brigade meeting, station, 7.30pm

1st Thurs each month

CWA Gresford Branch Meeting, CWA rooms, East Gresford, 9.30am (not Jan)

1st & 2nd Sun each month Gresford Historical Centre (Therese Doyle Hall) 10am-2pm & by appt. Ph George Sales 4938 9639 2nd Mon each month

Gresford Historical Society Meeting, Therese Doyle Hall, 10.30am (not Dec, Jan or June)

2nd Tues each month

Gresford District Landcare Group Meeting, Hotel Beatty, 7.30pm (not Jan)

2nd Sat each month

Book Club, CWA rooms, East Gresford, 3.00pm (not Dec or Jan)

3rd Tues each month

Paterson Allyn Garden Group meet, 10.00am (not Jan)

3rd Fri each month

Gresford Public School P&C Meeting, school library, 10.00am

Last Thurs each month

Gresford District Agricultural Society Meeting, Showground Luncheon Pavilion, 7.30pm

Every Wed, Fri & Sun

Gresford Bowls Sport & Recreation Club Raffles, from 6.30pm

Every Mon & Thur (school terms) Hunter Mobile Preschool, Vacy School of Arts Hall, 9.00am 49346725 Every Tue & Fri (school terms) Hunter Mobile Preschool, Gresford School of Arts, 9.00am 49346725 Every Thur

Happy hour and free pool and jukebox at the Hotel Beatty

Every Fri

Cricket Club Raffles at the Hotel Beatty

Every Wed & Fri (school terms) Yoga with Donna Cavanough, Wed–gentle, Fri–general, Vacy School of Arts Hall, 9.15am Every Wed

Gresford PlayTime, children 0-5 & carers, Gresford School of Arts, 10.00am

Every Sunday

The Gresford Congregational Church welcomes you, 10.30am

To contact Gresford News: email gresfordnews@iinet.net.au • Brian Doherty 0412 372 687 • Jane Richens 0425 339 856.

Postal Address: PO Box 73 East Gresford 2311. Deadline for stories & ads 20th of the month.

For text – Word format preferred. For pictures – .jpg format preferred (not in word).

Visit

www.gresfordnsw.com.au

for local information and the ‘Gresford News’ online.

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Please support your local newsletter and contribute anonymously or use the slip below and place your donations in the boxes provided in Gresford.

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Address

Dungog

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Gresford News Notices Grant info night

Your comments sought

Gresford Rural Fire Brigade AGM

Wed 9 May, 6.30-8pm, Doug Walters Dungog Regional Tourism is pleased to Pavilion, Mackay St, Dungog. invite interested members of the public The Gresford Rural Fire Brigade, will be An info session for Dungog Shire and all those with an interest in tourism holding its Annual General meeting on community & sporting groups designed to to comment on design concepts for Wednesday 4 June. The meeting will develop successful grant applications. branding tourism in the Dungog Region. commence at 7.30pm at the Station & all Topics incl: finding a grant relevant to members & guests are encouraged to attend. your project, who can apply for grants & The project is part of the overall strategy established when a review was done of who else needs to know about my grant tourism in the Shire and a major application, incl Dungog Shire Council & element of the strategy was to other gov bodies. An info booklet & rebrand tourism. application templates will be provided.

Sat 2 & Sun 3 June, Sat10-5, Sun 10-3 If you are able to attend or for further Bring along your antiques to be Cordial Pty Ltd was selected through a info contact Tracey Lowrey, Council’s appraised or visit the many stall holders. competitive process and they have Community Project Officer on 4995 7777.

Dungog Memorial RSL & St Mary's Parish Hall prepared the concepts for review. These This event supports the are available for viewing at the Dungog Gresford District Historical Society.

Shire Visitor Information Centre or online at http://www.getcordial.com.au/ dungogshire/ from Wednesday 9 May provided by Delma Lawrence 2018. Feedback is to be provided by way Our 2018 event is fast approaching and • For ant problems put out a mix of borax of a survey which can be completed we are again looking for & honey, just a little of each – they love it. online or via hardcopy at the Visitor Expression of interest • Put honey on bee stings for instant relief.

Information Centre. Closing date for Local charity and/or kiosk operator feedback will be Friday 25 May 2018.

• For a fish bone in your throat swallow Gresford Campdraft and Rodeo a raw egg and the juice of a lemon.

August 24 & 25 2018.

DRT is looking forward to having this • Sweeten whipping cream with honey.

Please apply in writing to brand set and it will then be in a 2 tablespoons to a pint of cream. the secretary Brittany Crouch position to develop products and • If you rub the top of a cake with flour PO Box 67 East Gresford 2311 promotions for the Region. before icing it will stop the icing running.

Applications close 30.5.18

Dungog Antiques & Collectables Fair 2018

Gresford District Bushman’s Carnival Association Inc

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Helpful Hints

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Mayoral Update

23 April 2018 Clarence Town Museum

politicians and senior bureaucrats. We attended a reception with several of the Local Members, including our own With the community in mind, Dungog Michael Johnsen; the Parliamentary Shire Council has resolved to transfer ownership of the Clarence Town Museum Secretary for the Hunter, Scott MacDonald, and the Minister for Local Government to Clarence Town Progress Association. and for the Environment, Gabrielle This decision represents an estimated Upton. Many of the pollies congratulated saving to Council of $23,000 per year, Hunter Councils as being the model Joint while ensuring the museum site remains Organisation (JO) on which the new JOs in community hands for the benefit and Model is being based. Advocacy is front enjoyment of future generations. and centre for the Hunter Councils JO Dowling St Gets a Facelift going forward, and I must give a special Thanks to a place-making grant, Dungog thanks to Lake Macquarie Mayor, Kay town’s main street will get a long Fraser. I interrupted a conversation overdue facelift. A series of community between her and Scott MacDonald at the workshops were held late last year and reception. Rather than talking about issues many great suggestions came from the in Lake Mac., Kay was giving a fullcommunity as to how this money throated appeal for the Government to should be spent. help Dungog. This sort of regional thinking is what will make the whole of The grant money will go towards new the Hunter stronger. street furniture, way-finding signage, improvements to the visitdungog At our meeting, we were addressed by website and the provision of free WiFi at the Chair, Independent Planning the Visitor Information Centre.

Commission, Mary O’Kane, and representatives from Department of Premier and Cabinet, Office of Local Government, and Regional Infrastructure. We were updated on our Local community organisations in the options with the recycling issues and Upper Hunter electorate (can) apply for went through the the next round of funding for local final draft of the projects under the NSW Government’s Strategic Plan for Infrastructure Grants program. The the new Hunter Infrastructure Grants support new or Councils JO, which upgraded community facilities across should be ratified arts and culture, emergency at our next preparedness, and sport and recreation. meeting. The Major Events $50 million in Infrastructure Grants is Committee, of being provided to communities across which I’m a NSW. Funding ranges are $50,000 to $200,000 for arts and culture, $10,000 to member, held its inaugural meeting. $200,000 for emergency preparedness and $100,000 to $300,000 for sport and Meetings recreation.

I was accompanied

by Michael Johnsen Applications for the next round of to my meeting with Infrastructure Grants are open from 1 the Minister for May to 21 May. For more information, Roads, Maritime visit http://www.responsiblegambling. and Freight, nsw.gov.au Melinda Pavey; 16 April 2018 meetings with Welcome to our new General Manager advisors to Minister On behalf of Dungog Shire Council and Toole (Crown Lands Councillors, I would like to extend a and Forestry) and very warm welcome to our new GM, advisors to Minister Coralie Nichols. And again, I’d like to Constance thank Shaun Chandler for the great (Transport). The work he did in the interim. meetings brought mixed results.

Meetings at Parliament House Hunter Councils met at Parliament House Unfortunately, the Crown Land that last week to give Mayors and General we wanted to Managers a chance to catch up with

From Local State Member, Michael Johnsen – Infrastructure Grants Available for Community Groups

Tracy Norman, Mayor Dungog Shire Council discuss has complexities involved which make transferring it to Council very difficult. I discussed the changes of train timetable and the introduction of a bus service to Clarence Town to the advisors to the Transport Minister. They promised to look at the change in timetable, although they likened it to turning around the Queen Mary. They did indicate there could be good news regarding buses.

Watch this space for further details when they come to light.

My meeting with Minister Pavey naturally centred around wooden bridges and roads. I will be meeting with Michael Johnsen again next week to discuss next steps in our quest for some funding for our roads and timber bridges, and I’ll be writing to Ms Pavey to reiterate our issues and needs. The Minister was interested in seeing some facts and figures about losses incurred by farmers, so I will also invite her to Dungog Shire to meet some local farmers and business people.

9 April Special Rates Variation (SRV) Community Consultative Panel The panel met last week to hear an in-depth appraisal on the current financial position of the Council.

Fully Licenced Café / Restaurant 4938 8305

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* If you want to be kept updated via email on council and community matters, please email me at: tn@munni.com.au.

Unsurprisingly, the main issues were the infrastructure backlog, the wooden bridges and the state of the roads.

Acting General Manager, Shaun Chandler told the group that Dungog Shire Council had been found to be unfit during the original Fit For the Future process, which measured councils against seven benchmarks. These benchmarks were to be met by 2020.

Council has been given the opportunity to be reassessed on these seven benchmarks and, to be found fit, must be meeting or trending toward meeting these benchmarks by 2026-27. Council must also be seen to be improving its operational effectiveness and finding savings through efficiencies.

What was obvious to all panel members was that changes need to be made to enable Council to meet or trend toward meeting these benchmarks and improve our position. Currently we do not meet six out of seven of the benchmarks. We are not spending what we need to on asset renewal, therefore maintenance costs are higher than they would be if we were. The current rate peg is 1.5%, and yet operational costs such as materials, emergency services and

insurance are rising at much higher rates, and electricity costs have risen nearly 20% in this financial year.

Shaun outlined the steps Council and Councillors are taking to improve our position, to compliment a special rates variation. These include resource sharing, joint contract negotiations and regional procurement through our association with Hunter Councils, actively pursuing grant revenue, extending the life of our landfill through our recycling efforts, energy efficiency and discussions with neighbouring councils about strategic alliances to grow our capacity.

Council intends to apply for a percentage rate rise per year for seven years. This means that the fixes to our infrastructure will take longer, and it will be a slower process to get ourselves in a better position. However, it will also mean that the impost to rate-payers will be more sustainable.

Greg from Morrison and Low, who is assisting Council with its Long Term Financial Plan, showed us a couple of scenarios with various levels of rates rises. These scenarios show us either

making the benchmarks or trending towards them by 2026-27. Please note that if we’re making these benchmarks then we are definitely improving our position and seeing improvements in infrastructure backlog. We are spending more money on renewing assets and replacing our wooden bridge network.

In our next meeting, Infrastructure and Assets Manager, Steve Hitchens, will present on what the various scenarios will mean for works on the ground. This way we can get a better idea as a group of the optimum level of rates rise, which is both affordable and effective.

For more information on our current position, and to work out what a special rates variation will mean for you, please go to the Council website at: https:// www.dungog.nsw.gov.au/council/specialrate-variation.

You’ll find a FAQ page, the presentations made to the community, and an online calculator to help you understand how your rates will be affected by a special rates variation. If you would like any more information, please contact me on 0427 047 336, email me at tn@munni. com.au, drop into my office.

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Dungog Antiques & Collectables Fair 2018 Saturday 2 June 10am – 5pm Sunday 3 June 10am – 3pm

Sponsors: Ray White Dungog Insurance Advisernet Dungog Swimming Pool • Entry: $6 to both venues • Appraisals: $2 per item Profits to local Dungog charities

Dungog Memorial RSL Club • (Appraisals & Stall Holders) Weather permitting St Mary's Parish Hall (Stall Holders) there will be: Enquiries: 0417 197 500 Cobb & Co Coach rides

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Culture Vulture Interview with Sculptor Philippa Graham, Sculpture on the Farm.

How important are art prizes to the artists? Substantial art prizes are very important because they provide not only significant recognition and exposure for artists, but especially for sculptors, prizes provide meaningful incentives, which may cover factors such as the cost of transport to the exhibition. To get things started my husband and I have donated $10,000 to establish an Acquisitive Prize.

One of the important objectives of Sculpture on the Farm Inc is the progressive acquisition and public display of sculpture in the Dungog Shire for the benefit of the local community and the visitors to the region.

Philippa tell me about Sculpture on the Farm. Sculpture on the Farm is a new sculpture exhibition to be held in the glorious foothills of the Barrington Tops National Park on our family’s cattle property at Fosterton, Dungog. It will display both indoor and outdoor works over the 2018 October Long Weekend exhibited by sculptors from all over NSW and beyond. The event will be run as a not for profit venture under the direction of Sculpture on the Farm Inc. Philippa you are a sculptor, what inspired you to do this project? When did you start this project? The inspiration for Sculpture on the Farm came from experiencing Sculptures in the Gardens at Mudgee, which was initiated by my friend Kay Norton Knight in 2011. I have dreamt about staging such an exhibition in the Dungog region for some years but I started the planning in earnest last November.

by Robyn Werkhoven

very enthusiastic and capable committee of people from the Dungog Shire, to oversee all aspects of this new venture.

What are the challenges of staging such an event? The challenges range from simple logistics and marketing to compliance and insurance matters, whilst we have also set about mastering the Is there a lot of hard work in planning forum of social media. Of course the most important element for me personally such an event? Yes. As each day passes I discover more challenges or as I like to relates to the enjoyable task of contacting sculptors and inviting them to participate think of them, opportunities, that have in this new and exciting event. to be mastered. We have put together a

What does an art event such as this contribute to the community of Dungog? Sculpture on the Farm will provide an opportunity for the local community to engage with sculptural art works, in a rural setting with which they are familiar. In particular I would love the children of the community to be able to learn about sculpture so that their outlook on art will be broadened.

The acquisitive prize will ensure that a piece of sculpture will be sited within the Dungog Shire for locals and visitors alike to be able to appreciate and enjoy.

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Dungog has a growing artist community, with many artists’ homes and studios nestled in the glorious rural landscape.

Is Dungog becoming a Mecca for modern art? The Dungog region has been emerging in recent years as an important incubator for the arts. Many artists are making Dungog their home, which is evident from the flourishing Dungog Artisans who exhibit at Dungog by Design and the well-established Dungog Arts Society. Dungog Contemporary Gallery on the main street of town is a commercial art gallery established by Stephen Hobbs and Sarah Crawford. Both are practicing artists as well as art world entrepreneurs, working hard to position Dungog as the destination for art and culture in the Hunter.

How important is it to bring modern art / culture to rural areas? What do you hope viewers of the art works will feel and take with them? I’m a great believer in securing opportunity for the communities in which I live. Sculpture on the Farm will expose this rural community to the fine arts and in particular sculpture of our time. So often artists explore issues of societal importance which people in rural areas will now be invited to share.

The challenge of considering different

artistic outlooks ensures that we live in a richer society. I hope that visitors to Dungog for the October Long Weekend will be challenged, delighted, reassured, puzzled and excited by the range of sculptural works that they will see at Sculpture on the Farm.

Philippa Graham © 2018 Chair, Sculpture on the Farm Inc.

• May 2018, p 11

Set aside the 2018 October Long Weekend Exhibition: Sat 29 & Sun 30 September 9am–5pm, Mon 1 October 9am–12 noon for this exciting new sculpture exhibition of both indoor and outdoor works, large and small.

Sculpture on the Farm is seeking expressions of interest from sculptors for both indoor and outdoor works to be exhibited at the rural property "Fosterton".

We are thrilled to announce the $10,000 Sculpture on the Farm Acquisitive Prize and a $500 People’s Choice Award.

Further prizes will be announced soon.

Sculpture on the Farm will be held in conjunction with the renowned Dungog Festival, which celebrates the arts, local food and rural life.

Sculpture on the Farm - expressions of interest. The inaugural Sculpture on the Farm exhibition will be held in the gardens of “Fosterton” a picturesque cattle property on the outskirts of Dungog in the Hunter Valley, NSW.

Official opening Cocktail Party – Friday 28 September 2018 5–7pm ($65 a ticket and free for exhibiting artists. Tickets will be available online through the Dungog Festival website.)

All information for interested sculptors is available on www.sculptureonthefarm.com or by contacting Philippa Graham by email on pdgraham@graers.com

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Getting to know the locals... by Noel Jupp OAM, Dip Hort, QP Dept Ag & Fisheries

Stabilising Gravel Base Most readers that attended a Landcare Field Day at Riverdene Nursery in May 2015 will remember what the exercise was all about but for those who did not take part I will briefly outline what it was all about. The object was to prevent a large bed of river gravel moving into a large spring fed waterhole on the eastern side of the nursery.

seed ripens in early summer, the results were not as good but they were what I had hoped for. The plants survived the big flood of April 2015, battered and bruised but they did the job.

Fast forward to February 2018 and I am literally blown away by the results. Not only have the original plants survived but the shelter that they have provided has encouraged more seed to come up.

The original Casuarinas are now setting I started the project in 2013. Not only is seed and the original Lomandras have the waterhole an invaluable source of yielded up to 50,000 seeds and that is emergency water for us, it is also an after I collected my share for the nursery. invaluable asset for the local wildlife.

However, it is the other species that have The gravel bed is up to 3 metres deep in moved in that have impressed me. These places (see photo) so the problem was are Carex appressa, Carex fasicularis, how to anchor the gravel. It is so thick Cyperus exaltatus, Cyperus gunnii, and deep that it is impossible to plant Schoenoplectus mucronata, anything in it so I came up with the idea Schoenoplectus validus and of direct seeding River Oaks Casuarina Alternanthera dentata. Of course there cunninghamiana and Lomandra hystrix. are a few weeds that I am trying to The seeding was done by cutting off seed control. The Lomandras have already bearing limbs of the River Oak and tripled in quantity as have the laying them on the gravel, weighing Casuarinas. What I like best is that the them down with larger rocks. The seed gravel is now so bound by roots that it is falls out of the cones first and then the almost like a bed of cement. I have taken leaves drop creating a soft, moist and quite a few photos that I hope will cool seed bed. A few showers of rain illustrate the position a lot better. helps a lot. I followed the same process All photos taken mid January 2018 with the Lomandra hystrix but as this

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Waterhole

Sand & gravel bed

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Carex appressa

Original trees

Carex fascicularis

Schoenoplectus mucronatus

Young Lomandra

Cyperus exaltatus

Schoenoplectus validus

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2018 Billy Cart Derby

Auction Sunday 27 May St Anne’s Church Hall Church St, Gresford

Come for a cuppa at 10am

Auction of fruit, vegetables and other goodies begins at 10.30am

Easter Billy Cart Derby photos by Brian Doherty and Graham Murphy

The 2018 Gresford Billy Cart Derby and Easter Fair was a resounding success. With perfect weather and record entries, more carts than ever headed down East Gresford’s Park Street on Easter Saturday. The large crowd enjoyed the excitement of the day with a colourful and amazingly complex range of billy carts lining up on the starting grid.

As always there were plenty of extras with a great range of food and stalls offering a variety of products and great fun events including Gresford’s famous Dummy Spitting and Ponypat lotto and Gumboot throwing competitions.

Following are the Champion Billy Carters and the winner times in each group, all recorded times are available on the Gresford Billy Cart Derby website: https:// gresfordbillycartderby.wordpress.com/

G resford News

The Results for 2018 Gresford Billy Cart Derby Grand Champion:

Tag Team Winners: Inter Mines Competition: Most Unique Cart: Best Pit Crew:

Emily Cooper (Time: 22.780) Pac Team Liddell Thomas Tank Engine Team Liddell

Junior Group Winners Group Group Group Group Group Group Group Group Group Group Group

1 Liam Brennan 2 Nate Leadley 3 Sophie Myer 4 Zac Solomon 5 Braydon Thornton 6 Harry Uren 7 Emily Cooper 8 Campbell Martin 9 Campbell Evans 10 Lachlan Foster 11 Riley Solomon

Time: Time: Time: Time: Time: Time: Time: Time: Time: Time: Time:

22.709 26.43 25.712 22.976 27.65 27.091 22.922 23.648 23.646 23.295 27.586

Senior Group Results Group 1 Harrison Crase Group 2 Paul Brennan

Group 3 Aaron Johnson Group 4 Maddison Smith Group 5 Jason Rampling Group 6 Rebecca Smith Group 7 Anthony May Group 8 Dominique Daly Group 9 Cameron Williams Group 10 Neil Murphy

Time: 23.889 Time: 22.563 (overall fastest) Time: 24.495 Time: 22.932 Time: 22.762 Time: 23.047 Time: 22.712 Time: 22.762 Time: 24.218 Time: 25.702

The Gresford Billy Cart Derby and Easter Fair has been nominated in the Community Sector of the Dungog Chamber of Commerce 2018 Business Awards. Congratulations to everyone who has been involved in this terrific event.

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• May 2018, p 15

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No Fungi – No Beer Over the weekend of 14/15 April around 50 people took the opportunuty to get to know the Upper Allyn Valley a little better. Some took part in surveying areas for the presence of Koalas while others sharpened their eyes to spot an amazing variety of weird and wonderful fungi.

The weekend was a collaboration between the National Parks Asociation and the Paterson Allyn Williams Science Hub and each group was led by professional scientists and researchers who provided guidance and did their best to answer the myriad of questions thrown at them.

integral to the well being of a subtropical rainforest such as that along the Upper Allyn River. The threads of the fungi enclose tree and plant roots, and enable plants to chemically communicate with each other, often in a very sophisticated way. The health and diversity of fungi generally reflect the health of the entire forest. While plants capture sunlight to drive chemical reactions producing food for animals the fungi are at the other end recycling everything.

As we walked along the forest track it was clear that different fungi occured in 'patchy' groups. Different species are specialised to break down either soft fleshy leaves or tougher woody branches I went along to the fungi foray led by and they also use chemical warfare to Jamie and Danja Derkenne. Pam O’Sullivan and Skye Moore, the co-authors mark out their territory and stop other of 'A guide to the common fungi of coastal fungus invaders. And if you think sex is New South Wales', were also there to guide complicated spare a thought for the poor fungi that has not 2 sexes but thousands! us through the mysteries of these most amazing lifeforms.

As a cattle producer I know that soil For the most part what we see of fungi is the fruit-body of a much larger, thread like organism that is neither plant nor animal yet accounts for an estimated 25% of the world's biomass.

Dr Derkenne explained that fungi are

carbon is important, as well as soil structure and of course healthy plants for the cattle to eat. It turns out that most terrestrial plants have a symbiotic relationship with one or more species of fungus that provides food for the plant in exchange for sugar. Fungi are also

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responsible for sequestering carbon and creating good soil structure. But it doesn't stop there – without fungi we wouldn't have penicillin... or beer!

Dr Derkenne, who spends his time between the Lister Village and Sydney, said in the 50 years that he has bushwalked in the area there have been immense changes.

“Pademelon, quoll, echidna, platypus and many other animals used to be abundant in this area. Nowadays, you are lucky to see them.” He said because almost the entire river bank was used as camping sites in peak holiday seasons, many rare and unusual fungi had all but disappeared.

“I acknowledge that the Forestry Corporation have tried to improve the conditions and the policing of campers along the river bank, but Forestry is not keeping up with the pressure.”

“This area urgently needs to be declared national park, and I hope Dungog Shire Council and local landholders will support the National Parks Association proposal to make that happen.”

Brian Doherty

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G resford News

The

• May 2018, p 17

Mycologist Pam O'Sullivan examines a cluster of different fungi species on a fallen branch at Peachtree Park, on the Upper Allyn River.

G resford News • May 2018

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, p 18

Gresford CWA News Have you availed yourself of the CWA Street Library? The

Many people know The CWA is the largest women's organisation in Australia. The organisation is self-funded, nonpartisan and nonsectarian. What many perhaps would not know is the degree to which we also support Medical Research.

Street Library is an initiative of the Book Club, sits on the front fence of our building and is available to anyone who is interested in reading. Books are changed on a regular basis and are free to take, return or replace and should be of an acceptable standard to the general public.

Each year at State Conference we vote on a Medical Research Project to support. The same research project can be supported for a maximum of three years.

Since 2015 we have been supporting Lyme disease, before that Crohn’s disease, Prostate Cancer, Haemophilia, Motor Neurone Disease, Lupus, Retinitis Pigmentosa to name a few.

We are also staunch supporters of “Wraps with Love” and our members continuously knit and crochet to support this very worthy cause which started in 1992. Wraps (rugs and quilts) are sent to people in need in Australia and around the world.

If you have spare wool you would like to donate we would love to receive it.

The district nurses have access to our building and can select books from a more comprehensive range of books inside for housebound patients.

Book Club meets the 2nd Saturday of each month and the next meeting is Saturday, May 12 at 3pm. The book for discussion is “The Lost Dog” by Michelle de Kretser and everyone is welcome. Afternoon tea, friendship and lively discussion guaranteed.

(President) Robbie Thornton handing completed Wraps to Daphne Liebman from “Wraps with Love”

Graeme Ferguson

Registered Surveyor Consultant in surveying, planning and engineering * Portion Boundaries Remarked

* Identification Survey Reports * House Setouts

* Urban and Rural Subdivisions * Engineering Survey and Design * Topographic Surveys * Urban and Rural Road Design * Control Surveys

“Yatta” Torryburn Via Paterson 2421

Tel 4938 9448 Email yatta2@bigpond.com

Would you love to earn some Brownie Points with your mum this Mother's Day? Why not book her in for a Pamper or buy her a gift voucher so she can have a complete pamper when it suits her.

We have an Indulgent Mother's Day Package available just for her.

Looking forward to being able to pamper you for your Hair & Beauty in the salon soon.

The Quaint Team Andrea, Josie, Annette, Demee, Kelly & Prue 803A Gresford Rd Vacy.

Ph: 49 388 386

French classes are held on the 1st and 3rd Wednesday of each month.

G resford News

The

On the Shelves

Classes commence at 11am. If you would like to join the group give Glenda Smith a call on 4938 9456 for more details. Everyone welcome. A gold coin donation for printing costs is appreciated.

DATES FOR YOUR DIARY Monday, July 2. Gresford Branch will host the Hunter River Group Ag & Environment Day in St. Anne’s Church Hall. Guest speakers yet to be announced.

Monday, August 6. CWA International Day in St. Anne’s Church Hall, Country of study is the Republic of Poland.

More details on these two events to come.

New Members Are you new to the area, do you have time on your hands or would you just like to meet new people? Why not come and join us.

We meet the 1st Thursday of the month at 9.30am in the CWA rooms, 12 Durham Road, East Gresford. We are a great bunch of ladies and would love to have you join us. For more information contact the Secretary on 4938 9718, email gresfordcwa@gmail.com or check-out our web site www.gresfordcwa@wordpress.com

Our next meeting is Thursday, May 3, hope to see you there.

• May 2018, p 19

by Glenda Smith Silence

Shusaku Endo This novel is a fictionalised account of events in 17th century Japan, when Christians and the Jesuit priests who proselytised them were persecuted, tortured and even killed to turn the tide against their faith. The title refers to the apparent silence of the protagonist’s God as this suffering takes place. Rodrigues is a Portuguese Jesuit who makes his way to Japan to find out the truth about the reported apostasy of his and an accompanying priest’s mentor, who was reported by the Japanese authorities as having renounced his beliefs. The two young priests cannot believe it of this man, Ferreira, and they are willing to take the risk of their own martyrdom to prove the report wrong.

While the events of the novel sound grim, it is restrained in detail but graphic enough to establish the dilemma facing the young priests, who are faced with their own spiritual and physical ordeals. There is a Judaslike character who constantly links Rodrigues’ journey to Christ’s, but who also shows the persistence of faith in unlikely vessels. Silence is very thought-provoking in posing questions of moral and spiritual responsibility. One of the salient points raised is that Christianity was successful among the peasants because it validated their humanity in a way that their oppressive lives of serfdom did not. Endo himself was a Catholic, but this novel was seen as contentious by many fellow Catholics. However, it was a critically acclaimed, prize-winning novel, which was turned into a film by Martin Scorsese in 2015.

Jill Hancock, Secretary All books reviewed are from the CWA library. They are on a separate shelf in the library so they are easy to find plus the reviews are in a folder.

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G resford News • May 2018

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, p 20

The key to quality sleep Sleep is incredibly important for our health and wellbeing as it allows the body to recover, recharge, and heal.

Most adults need between 7-9 hours sleep, however, many of us just don’t get enough, creating disastrous effects on both our short-term and long-term health.

In addition to this, the quality of our sleep is just as important as the quantity. You’ve heard of ‘Beauty Sleep’ right? Well, there is actually some merit to this term as the hormone melatonin, produced by your body during dark, sleep hours, has anti-aging properties.

Both directly and indirectly, it also has immune boosting, anticancer, infection prevention, and anti-oxidant properties that prevent cellular damage and dysfunction. Low levels of this (and related) hormones can lead to loss of muscle mass, strength, energy, skin tone, hearing, hair, etc., and also an increase in your risk of disease, including certain cancers. In a nutshell, maintaining good levels of melatonin helps you stay youthful and much healthier in general.

Melatonin production is triggered by darkness and inhibited by exposure to

by Belinda Doe. Herbalist, Nutritionist, Massage Practitioner light. In this way, it aligns our body clock with night and day. To get the best quality sleep possible, we need to keep this in mind and consider our sleep hygiene habits.

Sleep may seem like something that you just cram into your busy life at the end of a long day, but making it more of a priority, along with elements of proper diet and exercise, will ensure you are investing in both your short-term and Here are my top tips for good sleep hygiene long-term health and wellbeing. and optimal melatonin production: • Ensure your bedroom is dark and also free from electronic sources of light (including alarm clock displays, TVs and other devices) • If you get up in the night, use a small torch rather than turning on the light to prevent a decline in melatonin production, which also causes difficulty falling back to sleep • Go to bed and get up at the same time each day to regulate your body clock • Have a pre-sleep routine to relax your body and prepare it for sleep (bath, gentle stretching, meditation, reading, herbal tea, etc.)

• Avoid stress, work, stimulating activities, news programs, emotional issues, etc. before bed • Avoid stimulants such as caffeine, nicotine, and alcohol before bed • Avoid heavy meals 2 hours before bed

G resford News

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• May 2018, p 21

New book reveals the lives of William and Elizabeth Paterson A town and river are named after William Paterson but little was known about him until now.

Paterson Historical Society has announced the launch of a book that recues both William and his wife Elizabeth from historical obscurity and takes a fresh look at the first two decades of Australia's European settlement through their eyes.

The book is titled “William and Elizabeth Paterson – the Edge of Empire”. It was written by Dr Brian Walsh and is the first to record the detailed lives of these two people whose memory is etched into the Hunter Valley through the Paterson River and Paterson township. They are equally prominent in northern Tasmania where the duo founded the city of Launceston.

William Paterson explored the lower Hunter Valley in 1801, which is why the river and town bear his name. He also commanded the regiment nicknamed "the Rum Corps", and led a rebel

government after his officers deposed the NSW Governor, William Bligh, in a military coup. The book chronicles William Paterson’s achievements and weaknesses as a botanist, officer and governor. It also challenges popular views of the Rum Corps and Rum Rebellion and offers an alternative perspective on this extraordinary period in Australia's history.

Elizabeth Paterson refused to live in William's shadow. She was an intelligent, high-ranking colonial woman who made her mark in a male-dominated society and rode out the political storms that surrounded her husband. Elizabeth and her friend Anna King established the Sydney Female Orphan School, becoming the first women in Australia to manage a public institution.

As a keen part-time botanist, William Paterson gained recognition in his lifetime as Australia's first Fellow of the Royal Society, Britain's peak body for the advancement of science. Today his contribution is commemorated by a plant genus and more than 20 species named in his honour. He also arranged the importation of the first Merino sheep into Australia.

BR

Dr Cameron Archer AM, president of Paterson Historical Society said "This book is long overdue and a welcome addition to the colonial historical record.

Dr Walsh has meticulously researched primary sources and created a thoroughly readable and contemporary study which will of great interest to anyone interested in the early years of European occupation of this continent”.

The book is 224 pages in full colour. Sale proceeds go to Paterson Historical Society.

The book is available at Paterson Court House Museum and McDonalds Bookstore in Maitland. For additional outlets see www.patersonhistory.org.au/books.htm

Book launch Paterson Historical Society invites you to attend the launch of “William and Elizabeth Paterson” Sun 20 May 3pm, Woodville School of Arts Hall. Afternoon tea will be provided.

The book was written by Dr Brian Walsh and will be launched by Dr Julie McIntyre, Research Fellow in History at Newcastle University. Julie has a special interest in Hunter Valley history. RVSP patersonmuseum@gmail. com for catering purposes.

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G resford News • May 2018

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, p 22

Stop weeds at the gate Hunter Local Land Services and Hunter Regional Weeds are urging everyone in the community to work together to “Stop Weeds at the Gate”.

Weeds cost agriculture in NSW an estimated $700 million per year and threaten local biodiversity as they place an avoidable strain on native landscapes.

“Good weed biosecurity practices are essential to stopping weeds like giant parramatta grass, alligator weed and serrated tussock taking hold in our region,” said Daryl Dutton, Chair of the Hunter Regional Weeds Committee.

“Last year gorse was successfully eradicated from the Hunter and Manning Great Lakes, and we want to make it the first of many weeds kicked out for good.”

• A video case study on positive weed biosecurity behaviors • Information on how to clean down and manage vehicles before/during/ after property visits • And procedure guidelines for machinery operators “Weed seeds can easily be transported between properties by animals, vehicles and even the shoes and clothes on people,” said Mr Dutton. “We have developed an easy to follow checklist to help landholders explain to visitors and contractors how they can help reduce the risks of spreading weeds by taking some simple steps such as brushing themselves down or staying on approved tracks when moving through a paddock.

“We also have a step by step clean down method for cars and larger vehicles to The campaign is targeted at helping make sure weeds are not transported off everyone to work together to prevent a property or between paddocks weed spread. Several resources have been accidentally.” developed to help the users adopt best Copies of the video, factsheet and practice measures to reduce the risk of other resources are available through weed spread including: Hunter Local Land Services website: • A factsheet with tips on improving www.hunter.lls.nsw.gov.au/weeds your weed biosecurity • A checklist for contractors working on and Hunter Regional Weeds: www.hunterregionalweeds.net.au/ properties to minimise risks

SMS for power outages Essential Energy is now providing customers with real-time notice of planned power outages, replacing mailed letters with SMS (Short Messaging Service) notifications.

Under the service, customers will be notified 15 days in advance of a planned power outage via a text message. A reminder SMS will also be sent the day before the outage.

The majority of those customers who have a mobile phone number registered with their electricity retailer have now been switched to electronic notifications.

Registered life support customers, those who haven’t provided a valid mobile phone number to their retailer, and customers who have chosen not to receive SMS notifications will continue to receive mail notifications to their premises or postal address.

Customers should ensure their mobile details are up to date with the electricity retailer who provides their bill and who then provides Essential Energy with the necessary contact information.

A list of retailers is available at energymadeeasy.gov.au.”

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PETER EVANS & ASSOCIATES SOLICITORS

‘Looking after people in business is our business’ Peter Evans is descended from a farming family located in the Gresford area prior to 1840 and is keen to assist residents, farmers and business in the area with all their legal needs.

We can help you with: Conveyancing, Subdivisions, Family Law, Business Law, Wills, Powers of Attorney, Probate and more PHONE: 4926 4788 www.evanslaw.com.au

G resford News

• May 2018, p 23 Gresford News May Crossword The

Anglican Parish of Gresford Paterson ph 0458 146 152

regular church times

Paterson 8.30am every Sunday Gresford 10.30am every Sunday Allynbrook 12 noon 4th Sunday of month

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

St Helen’s Gresford Saturday Vigil 6.30pm 5th Sunday of the Month, no Mass at Gresford but Sacred Heart Church Summer Hill, time to be advised.

Enquiries Parish Priest, Fr. Derek Garner 4992 1477

April 2018 crossword answers

Crossword kindly provided by Russel Jessop.

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