Gresford News May 2022

resford News G

The

May 2022

News of the communities of the Paterson and Allyn River Valleys

Congratulations! Tina Fleming and daughter Florence in front of one of the 2022 Royal Easter Show exhibits.

Don't Give Up – a win at the Royal Easter Show Gresford CWA member Tina Fleming is a regular visitor to family at East Gresford. On a visit about 6 years ago, when her daughter was a baby, Tina saw a Land Cookery contest 'Can you cook?' sign in the window at the Gresford Corner Store. Tina was not a confident cook but took up the challenge and won the Lamington section. That contest led on to wins at the Gresford Show and now at this year's Royal Easter Show with a First Place in the Novice Section for Lamingtons and a commendation for her Orange Cake. Tina is showing her daughter that you 'Don't give up' even when times are tough. And Tina's daughter Florence is following her mum's lead winning a certificate of merit for a painting she entered.

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

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Bobcat Tipper Service

Serving the local areas General Earthmoving Gravel driveways Site cleaning Attachments available

Call Andrew 0487624605

Gresford News Notices Gresford & District Community Group May meeting 6.15pm Mon 2 May, Hotel Beatty

Next Landcare Meeting Saturday 14th May 9.30am at Allynbrook on the Allyn River A discussion on Post Flood Issues and Riverbank Management with speakers from Hunter Local Land Services.

Many different management techniques have been trialled over the years.

Now is the time to discuss what works and what doesn’t. For details and directions phone or email Dave Hyde Secretary Gresford District Landcare Group 0414 449 313, dhyde@bigpond.net.au

Gresford School of Arts Management Committee ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING Date: 17 May 2022 Venue: School of Arts Hall.

The Gresford Museum Is reopening on the 1st and 3rd Sunday of each month.

Future of Farming Forum – FREE Friday 6 May 3-6pm, Dungog RSL Dungog District Chamber of Commerce & Future of Farming Steering Committee For more info see story on page 4.

For information: Marion Stuart, president@ddcc.org.au, 0428 921 899

Gresford Rural Fire Brigade AGM Wed 1 June, 7.30pm The Gresford Rural Fire Brigade, will be holding its Annual General meeting on Wednesday 1 June 2022.

Elections of all Field Officers and Administration Positions are not required until 2023.

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

Country Arts Support Program (CASP) – applications close mid May 2022 Up to $3,500 for community groups and others to run workshops, hold shows, and more. Funded by Create NSW and managed by Arts Upper Hunter.

Email: admin@artsupperhunter.com.au

Bird Language Talk – FREE Wed 4 May, 6pm With environmental educator and wildlife naturalist Andrew Turbill in town in Dungog Bird language?… By learning to pay attention and de-code bird language you will be drawn into the world of birds and the natural world.

Please book via the Eventbrite link on the Paterson Allyn Williams Science & Ideas Hub website. https://pawsciencehub.com/

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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On the Shelves...

by Glenda Smith The Chase

by Candice Fox The recent ABC series Troppo was based on Fox’s book Crimson Lake, and demonstrated her interest in dark and brooding themes.

She writes with gusto and complication, which can make her work challenging to read at times, but it is never boring. The Chase is set in Nevada with a prison stand-off, whereby prison officers are coerced into freeing all the prisoners. This creates a nightmarish scenario for the nearby regions as police and US Marshals try to round them up. Many are minor criminals, but the death row inmates have also been released, and there is a terrorist among them who has masterminded the escape.

The major characters are Celine Osbourne, a death-row guard and John Kradle, her chief antagonist and a convicted murderer. The novel is noteworthy for strong female characters, even though Trinity Parker, the US Marshal in charge of the recovery operation, is something of a Dirty Harry caricature. The Warden is a woman with a reputation to recover, and Celine has been twisted by past events, which have given her a passion for punishing and containing the guilty. All three women are driven to recover the escapees, but Celine’s mission is personal. The complications arise from minor plots intersecting the main chase, which is Kradle’s determination to prove his innocence and Celine’s determination to recapture him. It is reminiscent of The Fugitive with some bizarre set pieces. This is a rollicking read.

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.

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Future of Farming Forum Dungog District Chamber of Commerce (DDCC) in association with the Future of Farming Steering Committee is inviting all businesses interested in the future of agriculture in our Shire to join a free forum being held between 3-6pm on Friday 6 May 2022 at the Dungog Memorial RSL. The aim of the forum is to: • Build networks related to agriculture and local businesses • Showcase unique local and regional agricultural ventures • Update on various Dungog Shire planning initiatives • Provide input into the Shire’s Economic Development Plan The program will include speakers from Dungog Shire Council, regional agencies and organisations involved in agriculture, as well as local businesses and individuals with a passion in a variety of agricultural pursuits including, agritech, cattle and sheep production, dairying, farm property management, horticulture, agroforestry, training, boutique production, regenerative agriculture, agricultural service providers such as contractors, suppliers and many other areas.

Come and enjoy the company of those who that share a passion for the future of agriculture in our region. This is a special opportunity for everyone with this common interest to come together for the very first time in Dungog.

Further details: Chamber website at www.ddcc.org.au Marion Stuart, President Dungog District Chamber of Commerce, president@ddcc.org.au, 4992 1899, 0428 921 899 Cameron Archer, Primary Industries Education Foundation Australia, Chair Dungog Regional Tourism Inc, 6579aca@gmail.com, 0427 202 948

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Letters To The Editor Invading Drones?

A number of people have reported drones over properties at night causing dogs to continually bark. My daughter Xanthe said there were 4 large ones & one small one over our place when she drove in at night over Easter & the low one would have been able to see in our windows. The large ones are about 4 meters in width. They make hardly any sound so I am wondering who is behind this surveillance?

Council are not involved so gave me the Civil Aviation Authority phone number – 131757. A complaint has to be online - www.aviationcomplaints. gov.au & go to the Drone Section. If anyone sees these drones they should take a photo if possible & report it to the police & the aviation website.

Carolyn Addison

Piano from Gresford My name is Georgie Winchester (middle daughter of Michael Winchester) and I’ve got some good news that may be of interest to the Gresford News.

At the 2022 Newcastle Fringe Festival my production called “Piano From Gresford”

production. We added an orchestra and two acrobats to tie the music and narration together, one of which was my little sister Eloise.

won the BEST NEW PRODUCTION award. We had 150 tickets sold altogether at the shows and even some people from Gresford were able to come and see it including a 91 year old lady originally from Eccleston who absolutely loved it and said it was her ‘calling’. She bought a few of my C/D’s at the end of the night.

From the production, we secured two additional gigs at different events in Newcastle later in 2022.

The production was founded on a classical Piano Album I wrote based on memories and songs I’d learnt growing up playing classical piano in the Gresford church. I then teamed up with a local creative writer who wrote stories for the music and narrated them throughout the

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We grew up in Mt Rivers and went to school in Gresford and when I was older I worked at the Beatty Hotel and then in the cafe. My sisters and I have since moved to Newcastle to find opportunities, although, we often come back to the farm in Mt Rivers to hang around when we get the time.

My Dad also helped me direct the show and did all the lighting design :) The team: Georgie Winchester - Producer, Composer & Pianist Angus Sharpe - Writer & Narrator Eloise Winchester - Dancer Erinn Smith - Dancer Manuel Rohrl - Bass Player Naomi Blanch - Saxophoniste Chloe Gill - Trumpet Michael Winchester - Director, Lighting Design, Assistant Producer & Director Website Link: https://www. georgiewinchester.com/bio-3 Georgie Winchester

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Dr David GILLESPIE THE NATIONALS FOR LYNE

BINGLEBURRA ROAD UPGRADES COMPLETED It’s great to see some of the completed sections of Bingleburra Road – new shoulder widening, guardrails and line marking - supported with Federal funding of close to $500,000.

FEDERAL FUNDS FOR GRESFORD BOWLO It’s great to be announcing Federal funding for Gresford Bowling Club to upgrade their clubhouse for greater accessibility.

The Club has been successful in securing funding under the Stronger Communities Program Round 7 to install automatic doors out the back near the bowling green, an access ramp for the elderly and an improved front entrance for easier access for patrons.

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• May 2022, p 7

New book on Aboriginal and European people in the Paterson Valley Aboriginal people and relations between the two cultures as they collided. The final chapter covers the decline, survival and resilience of Aboriginal people of the Paterson Valley into the early 1900s.

Paterson Historical Society has released a new book to recognise and reflect on 200 years since the start of large-scale dispossession of Aboriginal people from their land in the Paterson Valley. This occurred when the area was thrown open to widespread colonisation via land grants in 1822.

President of Paterson Historical Society, Dr Cameron Archer AM, said "This 200 year anniversary could not be allowed to pass without our Society marking it in some way. It would be easy to put it in the too-hard basket, but is that a responsible outcome?"

Titled "Before and After 1822 – Aboriginal and European People in the Paterson Valley", the book has been written by historian Dr Brian Walsh.

The book begins long before 1822 as it describes Aboriginal people in the Paterson Valley during the last Ice Age. It then covers early contact between Aboriginal and European people in the Valley from about 1800 as Europeans explored and cut timber. It includes a brief account of the few Europeans who settled on small farms scattered along both sides of the river in the Woodville district from 1812.

Later chapters reveal the pace and scale of dispossession of Aboriginal people from their land as European colonisation of the Valley gained momentum from 1822. By 1840 Europeans occupied most of the riverside land of the Paterson and

He continued "There seems to have been at best, an aura of shame within the colonial community—possibly helplessness—by many who felt for the plight of the Aboriginal people.

At worst there was a conspiracy of silence.

This book meets a need to record an uncomfortable history that deserves to be told".

Book cover showing Aboriginal people using fire to hunt kangaroos (Joseph Lycett, National Library of Australia)

Allyn valleys from river-mouth to the northern limits of survey above Carrabolla and in the Upper Allyn.

The book discusses the impact on

The book costs $15 and is available at Paterson Court House Museum on Sundays, or online at patersonmuseum. square.site. It will also be available at MacDonalds Bookstore in Maitland.

Cameron Archer

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Autumn will be stunning this Year!

Country buyers are out in force in our areas.

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Best marketing and best property presentation… best results!

The biggest enquiry time experienced in many years for all types of rural properties.

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Country retreats up to productive riverfronts. Cottages up to luxurious country homes, all wanted.

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• May 2022, p 9

Paterson Allyn Garden Group

A sea of green paddocks, a blue sky and a magnificent birthday cake greeted PAGG members at our last meeting. We gathered in the garden of ‘Old Duninald’ at Paterson, the property of Julia and Chris Wokes and witnessed two milestones. The 11th birthday of PAGG and the resignation of Janie Chandler as President. Liz Jones has graciously taken over the reins and Garden Clubs Australia recognized PAGG with a certificate of Achievement. Our garden group has

become a solid organisation with a wealth of knowledge and it will continue to flourish with Liz guiding members through droughts, floods and yes, perfect seasons!

We were thrilled to be able to wander the magnificently restored Arboretum on ‘Duninald’. It has been many years in the making, 17 in all with the help of Alex King. They have created 5 different Rainforest Zones with species that are indigenous to different parts of the valley, providing bush food and habitat for local fauna. Fallen limbs edge the path and leaf litter forms a seed bed for future growth. This superb forest of trees and undergrowth will be recognised well into the future as one of the most valuable stands of native bushland in the Hunter Valley.

Janie Chandler

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

  L–R Penny Kater, Janie Chandler, Liz Jones

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Scorps 2022 season underway Season 2022 is officially underway – however, most Gresford Vacy Football Club teams were denied a chance to show off their new uniforms when wet weather forced Round 1 cancellations across the district on April 22/23.

Only five of the Scorpions’ contingent of 26 junior and senior teams managed to take to the field for the season opener. By all accounts, it was very soggy underfoot but our players relished the opportunity to be back on the paddock playing soccer.

A full round of home games was expected to go ahead for Round 2 on April 30.

The Scorps players are in the familiar red and yellow again this season but generous business sponsorship from our community and beyond has allowed the club to buy a whole new playing strip. Our sponsors feature on the playing shirts, shorts and dress shirts as a way of showing the club’s appreciation of their support of grassroots soccer in our community.

Anyone looking to follow the journey of their favourite Scorpions teams this season can check out the club’s Facebook page @Gresford Vacy FC. Supporters are also always welcome at home games

Some of the enthusiastic young Scorpions who took to the field for the very first time in Round 1.

They are pictured with some of their biggest fans.

where you can be guaranteed to see some entertaining soccer while feasting on the club’s famous Mongrel Burgers and barista-made coffee.

The Australian Red Cross LifeBlood Challenge continues with club members and supporters laying down the challenge to other sporting clubs throughout the district. The aim is to make as many life-saving donations of blood and plasma at Red Cross blood banks throughout the year. New and regular donors are invited to join the Scorpions team as it pushes to be the Number 1 club in the Hunter.

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SAVE THE DATE: As part of the Scorpions ethos of giving back to the community, the club will be hosting Pink Day in support of Hunter Breast Cancer Foundation on June 18. Limitededition pink playing shirts will be available to players and supporters as well as a whole range of merchandise, a cake stall and a raffle with some sensational prizes. More details will be made available in the coming weeks.

Anyone interested in sponsoring Pink Day can contact event co-ordinator Julie Hartigan on 0421 023 934.

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Gresford and District Community Group A keen eye is being kept on the Lostock-Glennies Pipeline by Noel Brown, Chris Wokes and Penny O’Meara. Chris is also liaising with Mark Walker on the Martins Creek Quarry Extension community response.

The persistent rain through March and early April kept flood waters up and the water problems going – leaky roofs, flooded sheds and garages, damaged fences, potholes and impassable roads, mould, jamming doors and the list go on. We hope that everyone has been able to get through this period OK and that the fine weather over Easter was some compensation for the recent difficult times.

We are blessed with many ‘not-for-profit’ organisations in our district. These organisations cater for different interests and are a great way to get out and about, enhance knowledge and skills, meet like-minded people, The GDCG has had to ‘tread improve quality of life, water’ these last couple of months resulting in Working on the BBQ site strengthen our community and have fun. Its often only by development progress at 2. Rural Lands Strategy – the consultation word of mouth that new residents find Gresford Community Park stalling just a period is on hold as further mapping out about them. The GDCG would like little. Notwithstanding we have been is required and council still to appoint to assist exposure for not-for-profits by working behind the scenes getting a senior planner. providing a free listing in the Gresford materials and re-scheduling work.

3. Population growth – very relevant to News. Please email us at gresfordnews@ the Rural Lands Strategy. Many Councillor Digby Rayward kindly iinet.net.au. All that is needed is your questions need to be answered – how attended the April GDCG meeting and organisation’s name, a short statement many people? 4000 has been provided a rundown on topics of of what you do if not obvious in the suggested. Will they be on lifestyle community interest, three of which are: name, and how you can be contacted blocks? Will this put pressure on by email or through your website or 1. Roads – the state road funding formula agricultural land? Will properties be social media page. disadvantages small rural councils and further sub-divided? How will services getting money is a constant problem. be provided? and on and on . . .

Peter Dreyer – President, GDCG

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ANZAC Day 2022 – Paterson Dawn Service & Gresford Commemoration Services

Gresford ANZAC Day Crowd. Thank you – Allan Lambell, Vacy – for the 2022 ANZAC Day photos

Judging by excellent interest and participation from the public at both Paterson and Gresford it is obvious that the Spirit of Anzac is alive and well.

Despite a very chilly start at the Dawn Service with questionable rain, both events were well attended with record numbers boosted by the limited opportunity for commemoration in 2020 and 2021.

Gresford RSL Sub Branch presented a Dawn Service at the Paterson Cenotaph. The service this year was supported by personnel from the RAAF Williamtown forming a Catafalque Party. Veterans marched from Stockers & Partridges Garage to the Paterson Cenotaph accompanied by pupils from Paterson Public School and locals marching in honour of their

deceased relatives. A highlight this year was the parents of the Paterson School children marching with the children forming the longest procession in recent memory and led by a lone piper, Tom Thorvaldson.

Paterson Public School children assisted with the commemoration service with special readings during the service. Gresford RSL Sub Branch wishes to acknowledge the

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G resford News

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Vacy School ANZAC Day 2022

support from many locals in preparing the Cenotaph for the event including Paterson Rotary and local electrician Garry Clements. The Paterson Rotary Club ladies again decorated the hedge behind the cenotaph with hand made poppies. The local Police from Paterson managed the march route. Following the Dawn Service most attendees retired to the Paterson Tavern for a traditional mince on toast breakfast.

Garage & Rural proceeding to the Gresford Cenotaph for the Commemoration Service. The march was well supported by the local veterans and many locals marching in honour of their deceased relatives. Gresford RSL Sub Branch presented a Commemoration Service which was again supported by personnel from the RAAF Williamtown, forming a Catafalque Party. This year, RAAF Williamtown also elected to provide a contingent of 30 RAAF Anzac Day at Gresford began with the personnel marching in front of the Veterans march commencing at Gresford veterans and following the piper, Tom Thorvaldson. Also marching were students from Gresford Public School, Vacy Public School and Paterson River Pony Club. Gresford Public School children assisted with the commemoration service with special readings and an emotional rendition of the song “Ï Am Australian”. The Commemoration Service was well attended by many locals with the seniors seated under excellent shade awnings provided by the Gresford Community Group. The local Rural Fire Brigade

• May 2022, p 15

Gresford ANZAC Day 2022 March

and Gresford Police again assisted by managing the march route.

Gresford RSL Sub Branch expressed their appreciation to the following persons: Reverend Peter Rothnie for presenting the Benediction at both the Dawn Service and Gresford Commemoration Service. Megan Edwards for singing Hymns and Anthems at both the Paterson and Gresford services. Janelle Riggs, the Bugler, again presented a pitch perfect performance at both the Paterson and Gresford services as she has for more than 20 years. Tom Thorvaldson, the Piper, very ably led the march at both Paterson and Gresford this year.

John Casey, Gresford RSL Sub Branch.

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Australian Cypress ~ Gresford Arboretum they are native to and only grow in parts of Australia. They are generally freely available from nurseries, our local Riverdene Nursery would be my first call.

An advantage of these trees over the exotic Cypress being they are reasonably quick growing (2-3 m over 3 years), they form a dense screen and importantly are more drought tolerant than the exotic Cypress. There are five White Cypress Pine (Callitris glauca) currently growing in the Arboretum in the Gresford Community Park to view.

Australian Cypress Family: Cupressaceae

Callitris macleayana – Brush Cypress, Stringy Bark Pine

Callitris endlicheri – Black Cypress Pine, Black Callitris or Scrub Pine

Callitris glauca – White cypress pine, Murray Pine, Native Pine

Callitris rhomboidea – Port Jackson Pine Are you disappointed that your lovely exotic cypress pines (Cupressus sp.) didn’t survive the drought, or you would like to add a Cypress to your garden or have a windbreak in the paddock? Then a native Cypress Pine could be the answer.

Many gardeners are unaware of our native cypress and the advantages of using these species instead of exotic Cypress Pines. These native cypress are endemic to Australia meaning Callitris macleayana – Brush cypress is a straight growing tree up to 40 metres, spreading branches, as it matures, the branches can be up to 2-3m long. Produces cones 20-30mm in diameter and can remain on the branch long after maturity.

Callitris glauca – White cypress has a single trunk with blueish to grey foliage with a rough and deeply furrowed bark.

Callitris endlicheri – Black Cypress has classic xmas tree form and is tolerant of poor soils.

Callitris rhomboidea – can be trimmed as a hedge!

Some species prefer moist habitats, close to rainforest, and some are found growing in poor soils. Great trees for a windbreak providing shelter virtually all the way to the ground. Terrific trees for our dry rainforest areas around Gresford.

According to Gardeners and Graziers, kangaroos, wallabies, and rabbits may nibble small seedlings, although it appears once the cypress has reached a metre tall nothing seems to bother them.

They also make comment, ‘all livestock avoid mature trees’.

Generally unaffected by frost and very drought tolerant, these species may not all be perfectly shaped Cypress, however with patience and pruning a straight growing point will develop.

These long-lived trees attract a wide range of birds – including parrots and cockatoos who feed on the seed-bearing cones. They also attract bees.

Indigenous Australians were known to use the resin as a waterproof adhesive when making woomeras and spears.

References: www.gardenersandgraziers.com.au/cypress-pine-trees-for-sale www.conifers.org/cu/Callitris_macleayana.php https://wtlandcare.org/details/callitris-glaucophylla/

Liz Jones

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ANZAC Day at Gresford – 1953 & 1973

ANZAC Day wreath laying – second left is Rev. Clarke, Anglican Rector at the time, next to Lawrie Hipwell. And in the centre I’m pretty sure is Stan Kelehear. If you can identify any others I would love to hear from you on 0428 258 464 or ivan_skaines@bigpond.com

To coincide with ANZAC Day 2022, here is a newspaper article about the first ANZAC Day March in East Gresford held on 25 April 1953. The story is taken from the Dungog Chronicle: Durham and Gloucester Advertiser, Saturday 2 May 1953 Page 8. In researching this article I discovered that ANZAC Day services were held at St. Anne’s Church as early as 1918.

Anzac Day at East Gresford was observed by a march from the picture theatre to the war memorial porch at the School of Arts. The march, the first to be held at East Gresford, was led by Rev. B. E. Geary a former army padre, and men of both wars and ex-service-women participated.

Miss Joy Crawley, of the R.A.A.F. acted as drummer.

The images however, are from ANZAC Day 1973 when the Maitland Mercury covered the march.

Photos courtesy of Lawrie Hipwell’s daughter in law Margaret Hipwell, Eccleston.

The Gresford District Historical Society does have an extensive e-collection of images of the ANZAC Day Marches in the 1950s, 1960s and early 1970s, however

the quality of the images is quite poor.

So, if you are the keeper of that collection we would love to hear from you and be able to scan them at a higher/better resolution.

By Ivan Skaines, Member of the Gresford District and Paterson Historical Societies and Co-administrator of the Lost Paterson and Allyn Valleys Facebook group

First in the march were the men of the 1914-18 war, led by Mr. Ray Brimble, who had been mentioned in despatches.

Mr. Fred Adams was flag bearer. Mr. R.B. Capp. President of the local branch of the R.S.S. and A.I.L.A., was marshal.

While the parade stood to attention wreaths were placed at the base of the flagstaff.

The Anzac service was held in the School of Arts by Mr. Geary, assisted by Rev. Mr. McLean, of Eccleston.

Representatives from three wars – left to right - Lawrie Hipwell (WWI), Robert Richardson (Vietnam War) and Ivan Hudson (WWII).

G resford News • May 2022

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Martins Creek Quarry & Water Plan Daracon, the operators of the Martin Creek Quarry, have submitted a proposal to massively increase, based on the approved 1991 consent, the amount extracted from the quarry.

Presently the application is before the NSW Department of Planning and Environment (DP & E) and is at the assessment stage following the response to submissions completed by Daracon on 17 November 2021 in response to submissions by the Martins Creek Quarry Action Group, community members and other interested parties.

The DP & E have 90 days to assess and make their recommendation. However, this is extended if the DP & E request further information. Further requests for information have occurred and we are not sure when the 90 day period expires. The DP & E will in due course make available their recommendation which will go before the Independent Planning Commission (IPC) for final determination.

We are not entirely sure whether the IPC will visit the Quarry and be available for discussions with the public but a public hearing will take place either in person or virtually. In the meantime, following changes in their directors and staffing, the DP &E has requested a meeting with the Action Group at a date yet to be agreed.

On 27 April, following overwhelming community feedback, Dave Layzeel MP announced the Dept of planning and Environment's proposed new cease to pump rules in terms of managing salinity levels in the Hunter River Tidal Pool, Wallis Creek Tidal Pool and Paterson River Tidal Pool would not proceed.

Chris Wokes

Singleton Lights Up in May FIREWALK – LIGHT + LASER SPECTACULAR From 6pm | 14 - 22 May 2022 Singleton’s historic Dunolly Bridge and Cook Park precinct will be brought to life with a series of immersive displays of laser lights and projections showcasing the story of Singleton, engaging visitors in an unforgettable sensory experience.

A must-see spectacular nightly from 14 – 22 May 2022. PLUS local food trucks will be serving delicious street eats on Saturday 14 May and Thursday 19 May from 5.30 – 8pm.

This event is ticketed but free. Go to www.singleton.nsw.gov. au/842/Firelight to book your free tickets.

FIRELIGHT AFTER DARK EVENT 6 – 10pm | 21 May 2022 A modern celebration of arts, music, food, fire and fun in the heart of Singleton on Saturday 21 May 2022.

Ignite your senses with vibrant fire performances. Soak up the live entertainment including laser and light shows in Burns Lane, fire dancers, kid + teenage entertainment, and live music. Plus experience some of the region’s best food stalls, food trucks and laneway bars featuring the best of Hunter Valley wine, beer and spirits.

This event is ticketed but free. Go to www.singleton.nsw.gov. au/842/Firelight to book your free tickets.

Don't forget if you're attending the event to also secure your free tickets to Firewalk. This is a separate event area at Cook Park across Ryan Avenue.

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G resford News

The

Dungog library doubling in size & going hi-tech

• May 2022, p 19

Bowlo access improves

Plans are currently being finalised for a major transformation of the library, internally and externally, with the project going to tender in coming weeks.

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 in particular, local families have identified a need for Dr David Gillespie looking at upgrade plans with better facilities for online learning for Librarian Amanda Fields and Dungog Public School student Scarlett Papamau. students,” Dr Gillespie said.

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.

“This exciting project will provide opportunities for hi-tech access and online learning forums. There’ll be a huge conferencing screen and a dedicated study hub for students.

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

“We’re very pleased to be supporting a project that will positively transform the council precinct and Dungog town centre,” he said.

Gresford Bowling Club has been successful in securing funding under the Stronger Communities Program Round 7. Club spokesman Michael Beaumont said the funds would be used to install automatic doors out the back near the bowling green, an access ramp for the elderly and an improved front entrance for easier access for patrons.

G resford News • May 2022

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Thank You – Myositis Raffle

Rhobn & Lyn Tunin with Sandra Chapman

A huge thankyou must go out to the sponsors & general public who supported the Myositis Association Australia raffle. Rhobn & Lyn Tunin sold raffle tickets at the recent Gresford Show and the Beattie Hotel. The raffle was drawn on Wednesday, 13th April by members of the Myositis Support Group at Ourimbah. Congratulations to all the prize winners.

1st Ree Ure from Butterwick – $200 towards accommodation with Cabins in the Clouds at Vacy.

Rhobn & Lyn Selling Raffle Tickets.

2nd Graham Hudson from Woodville – Dinner for 2 at the Beattie.

3rd Penny Reid – $50 Meat Voucher from Gresford Country Meats 4th Lynda Winchester from Hilldale – Picnic Hamper from Gresford Foodworks 5th Joanne Ford from Gosford – $50 Coles Voucher 6th Trevor Stafa - Pieter Van Gent Chardonnay May is international myositis awareness month. This raffle helped bring

Graeme Ferguson

awareness of Myositis to the Gresford area, as well as raising funds for the Association. Myositis is a rare muscle wasting disease causing weakness & inflammation of the muscle tissue.

Myositis is difficult to diagnose and is often confused with Muscular Dystrophy – a muscle biopsy is necessary. There are four types of Myositis. There is no treatment or cure. Myositis affects sufferers differently; no two people have the same set of symptoms.

Cheers, Lyn Tunin

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G resford News

The

Can you help – Gresford School of Arts The past few years have seen a restricted use of the School of Arts facility due to the restrictions imposed due to the COVID 19 pandemic. As many people know, the Hunter Mobile Preschool is again using the Supper Room and the facility was also used as a polling centre for Local Government elections and the State Government by-election. Dungog Shire Council was also able to use the time to clean and repaint the external The facility now consists of the walls of the Supper Room and also auditorium and foyer, cenotaph, kitchen, repair/replace some fire doors. supper room (preschool), meeting room, external storage garage and the external We have all seen the unfortunate results (eg increased hall hire fees, closure or public toilets. Progress is continuing to sales of facilities) in other areas where have a disability accessible toilet the local Council was forced to take constructed on site with Dungog Shire direct control of their School of Arts Council having received a federal grant facilities to a lack of awareness by their for this purpose residents about the benefit of local The title of the School of Arts transferred management committees. to Dungog Shire Council 22nd October 1970 and the management of the facility Now we need your help! It is essential that we have more people to assist by is conducted by local residents joining the Committee. Come along to constituted as a Council Section 355 the Gresford School of Arts Annual Committee. These residents have General Meeting to be held at the volunteered their time and expertise to School of Arts hall at 7.00pm on successfully ensure that the Gresford Tuesday 17th May 2022. Contact Kel School of Arts facility remains viable, relevant and in our public hands for the Merriman (secretary) on 0417 280 851 or 4938 9564 for more information. benefit of Gresford.

The Gresford School of Arts was originally located in Church Street Gresford, now occupied by the St Anne’s Parish Hall. The timber frame building was relocated to Park Street East Gresford and officially opened in December 1928.

A brick School of Arts building was later constructed adjacent to the other building and officially opened on 20th March 1930.

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Maitland Fest Maitland Heritage Fest 2022 will be held on 18 & 19th June in historic Church Street, Maitland.

Venues include: Grossmann & Brough Houses, St Mary’s grounds and hall, CWA Hall and the Maitland/ Rutherford Guide Hall (St Andrews St).

Activities and participants include: historical displays, talks, walks, house tours, children’s activities, puppetry, a Town Crier, even a Penny Farthing, Classic cars, vintage games for all, Bell Tower tours, entertainment, artisan demonstrations, expert restoration advice, food drinks and specific activities for children, family groups, historians, home renovators and mature attendees. Local historians will be on hand for a chat and to lead heritage walks.

Ticketed events for bookings & details: wwwmaitlandheritagefest.org.au/ Heritage Fest Dinner @ Monte Pio, Friday 10th June ; Musical Recital @ Sun Street Studios 11th June; Heritage Walks & Devonshire teas on Saturday and Sunday 11 & 12 June.

More information: maitlandheritagefestival@gmail.com or visit the website.

Dungog

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Lounges Automotive Antique Restoration French Polishing Canvas Annexes Horse Rug Repairs

• May 2022, p 21

Peter Evans is descended from a farming family located in the Gresford area prior to 1840 We are keen to assist you with all your legal needs.

We can help you with: Conveyancing, Family Law, Business Law, Criminal Law, Wills, Powers of Attorney, Probate and more …

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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

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G resford News • May 2022

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Council Happenings

Wednesday 20 April 2021, 6pm – selection of highlights:

FIXING COUNTRY BRIDGES UPDATE In 2021, council received $16.44M for the replacement of 23 of the 24 timber bridges in Dungog Shire, under the NSW Government’s Fixing Country Bridges program. Council has now completed pre-construction works for each of the 23 sites including: • Review of Environmental Factors • Heritage Impact Statements • Concept Road Alignment Plans; and • Geotechnical Investigations.

While wet weather has heavily impacted this program, with 266 days being lost to rain during the past 12 months, significant achievements have been realised: • 8 bridge tenders have been awarded, with a further 7 tenders closing earlier this month.

• 4 bridges have commenced construction (Archinals, Bruxner, Mary Carlton’s, Hopson’s), with the new Mary Carlton’s Bridge opening in December.

Significant achievements over the next six months will include: • Completion of Archinals, Bruxner and Hopson’s bridges.

• Commencement of construction on Banfield, Thalaba, Fosterton and Saxby’s bridges.

• Tenders awarded for Jordan’s, Gam’s, Mates, Middlebrook, Ryan’s, Ashards and Chesworth bridges and advertisement of the 8 remaining bridge tenders.

Stakeholder engagement has been undertaken throughout this program and further communications updates will be provided as this program progresses.

WORKS PROGRESS DESPITE DAMAGE AND DELAYS During March 2022, Dungog Shire Council undertook significant road and infrastructure construction works across the shire, as well as a large volume of maintenance works following extreme weather events. These works included: Road & Bridge Construction • Paterson River Road, Salisbury Road and Flat Tops Road – Drainage and guardrail installation works undertaken have been funded by council’s Special Rate Variation (SRV).

• Clarence Town Road, Segment 1 – contract construction work is continuing on the $1.83M priority segment of Clarence Town Road, with Segment 2 works (Clarence Town Road and Glen William Road intersection) also underway.

Council crews have undertaken drainage and pavement works on Clarence Town Road at the Hanleys Creek Road intersection (Segment 7).

• Drainage and earthworks including tree removal have been carried out as part of a safety upgrade on Gresford Road at the Clements Road intersection. 1.4km of road will be upgraded under combined funding from the Australian Government’s Black Spot program, NSW Regional Roads Repair Program and council funds. In addition, guardrail installation is continuing on Clarence Town Road, north of Brentwood Drive, as part of the Black Spot works program.

• Archinals, Bruxner and Hopson bridge replacements – Contract construction work is continuing on both Bruxner Bridge and Hopson Bridge, with road approach works carried out for Archinals Bridge, which is anticipated to be open shortly. These works are being completed under the NSW Government’s Fixing Country Bridges program.

• Sealed and unsealed road maintenance on roads across Dungog Shire was undertaken following recent extreme weather events. This included heavy patching on Paterson River Road, landslip repairs on Allyn River Road and guardrail maintenance in Dowling Street.

Recent heavy rain and flooding has caused significant delays to all council capital works projects due to resources being diverted to emergency works and clean-up operations. This is expected to create a minimum of four weeks’ delay to the delivery schedule for capital works projects.

Availability of staffing resources and limited supply of materials as a result of COVID-19 is also causing project delays between six weeks and nine months.

18.1 A CARAVAN PARK FOR DUNGOG Following a Mayoral Minute by Mayor of Dungog, Cr John Connors, calling for Expressions of Interest in 2021, council will enter into an agreement with the Rob Jeffress Group (Private Property Pty Ltd), to provide further camping and caravan accommodation options in Dungog Shire. This agreement includes: • the leasing of council-owned properties at 138 Abelard Street, Dungog; and • the leasing or licensing of portions of the council-owned properties at Abbotts Flat.

The agreement is subject to the Rob Jeffress Group obtaining the required development consent and other appropriate approvals for use of the land as a caravan park.

It also provides a first right of refusal for purchasing the 138 Abelard Street property, should council determine to sell, as well as consideration by the General Manager how or if grazing licensing interests should be retained in some sections of these properties.

Enquiries: JOHN CONNORS - MAYOR Phone: 02 4995 7777

G resford News

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• May 2022, p 23

Gresford News May 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.

April 2022 crossword answers

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