Gresford News November 2021

resford News G

The

November 2021

News of the communities of the Paterson and Allyn River Valleys

St Anne's Anglican Church, Gresford, NSW 2021, Museum of Applied Arts & Sciences, accessed 25 October 2021 and cropped, https://ma.as/29484.

At the time the Church was known as Christ Church (p.5 of the book).

Gresford Connections Vol 3 The 4th and latest book by Allan Hancock has recently been published by the Gresford District Historical Society and should be of interest to many in the Paterson and Allyn Valleys.

The book is sub-titled stories and photographs with a special meaning for those with family ties or who retain fond memories of the Gresford District. ...find out more on page 16

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

PLANT HIRE & EQUIPMENT COMMERCIAL INDUSTRIAL RESIDENTIAL RURAL

An extensive range of machines and earthmoving equipment to suit every aspect of the Building & Construction Industry Supply all forms of quarry product Contact:

Paul Mastin 0418 499 471 Head Office 02 4938 8135 DIVISION OF DREEGAN BUILDING & CONSTRUCTION BASED IN THE HUNTER VALLEY ABN: 56137525494

Gresford News Notices Nominate your Aus Day Hero

Nomination forms are available from East Gresford Store | Foodworks or can Nominations for the 2022 Australia Day also be downloaded from council’s Awards are now open & Dungog Shire website (dungog.nsw.gov.au).

Council is encouraging all residents to nominate the unsung heroes who enrich Completed nomination forms must be submitted to council via email or in life for everyone across the shire person no later than 4pm Friday 12 Nov. community. Mayor of Dungog, Councillor John Connors, says given the Stronger Communities Round 7 challenges the past year has presented, now open for Expressions Of there are more citizens than ever before who are worthy of nomination.

Interest “Between the COVID-19 pandemic & Expressions of interest are open until our extreme weather events, many Friday 3 Dec for Round 7 of the individuals & organisations have had to Stronger Communities Programme. The overcome countless obstacles & display a Federal Coalition Government is giving resilience & fortitude like never before. local councils & community groups an Nominations may be made by opportunity to nominate projects for individuals or organisations, & should grants of between $2,500 and $20,000. focus on achievements in the 2021 Federal Member for Lyne Dr David calendar year.

Gillespie said the latest funding Council is inviting residents to injection would support up to 20 nominate individuals, organisations & projects across the region. “Grants are teams in the following award categories: available to cover up to 100 per cent of • Citizen of the Year • Young Citizen of eligible project costs, or up to 50 per the Year • Environmental Citizen of cent of eligible project costs for local the year • Senior Sports Award (over governing bodies. Stronger 18) • Junior Sports Award (18 years of Communities is about supporting jobs age and under) • Volunteer (as an to drive our economic recovery & individual) Service to the Community providing opportunities for our regional

For all your upholstery needs ring Richard on

4938 9324

GUARANTEED QUALITY & SERVICE Pick up and delivery

Community Access Defibrilator is located outside the East Gresford Police Station. Sudden Cardiac Arrest is one of the leading causes of death in Australia.

A defibrillator can make the difference between life and death and can save a life prior to the ambulance arriving.

The Gresford News is a great way to reach out to our community. Our content is created by members of the community – people just like you. If you have something to say please send in your contribution Contact: email • 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.

Dungog

RICHARD WELLS UPHOLSTERY

Lounges Automotive Antique Restoration French Polishing Canvas Annexes Horse Rug Repairs

centres to get ahead and prosper.”

Lodge an Expression of Interest form, found on the David Gillespie website.

A local community panel will then assess local applications & recommend up to 20 projects for funding.

More information is available at

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

HANLEY’S CREEK RD DUNGOG

CHAMPAGNE GOLF IS BACK FRIDAY 19TH NOVEMBER GET A GROUP TOGETHER FOR A BIT OF GOLF & A LOT OF FUN. CHECK OUR FACEBOOK PAGE TO BOOK

Check us out on facebook www.facebook.com/ dungoganddistrictgolfclub

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.

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Draft Lower Hunter Water Security Plan

As published last month, concerns have been expressed over the Draft Plan which, if implemented, will take massive amounts of water from the Paterson river catchment for use elsewhere.

Depending upon the extent to which Lostock dam has silted up during its 60 years of operation, Lostock dam may have a capacity of 20 gigalitres; the dam spills regularly.

In October representatives of Gresford & District Community Group (GDCG) zoomed with our local member Dave Layzell and Melinda Davey, NSW Minister for Water, following which it was agreed GDCG would put their concerns in writing. At a public meeting to be held in November, these concerns which are set out below, will be put to representatives of Hunter Water and WaterNSW and we will learn how they will be addressed. Dave Layzell stated “I continue to have discussions with the Minister for Water’s office on behalf of all Groups. Consultation is the key with all stakeholders as part of this process and will make sure that Hunter Water and WaterNSW fully consult with all parties.”

The Paterson Valley comprises a number of villages from Lostock to Hinton.

At the time of going to press a date for the above public meeting has not been set. However, please familiarize yourself with the concerns that have been raised and be on the lookout for notices advising the public meeting. Your attendance at the meeting will help ensure our concerns are heard.

Water Concerns of the Paterson Valley stakeholders from Gresford & District Community Group

The Paterson River has a number of licensed water users, those on the regulated river (from the dam to Gostwyck bridge) and those on the unregulated river (from the bridge to the confluence with the Hunter at Morpeth).

When the regulated river licencees need to irrigate they order water to be released from the dam. The unregulated licencees are unable to order water from the dam and only have access to the water that flows past their properties.

On the assumption no water is transferred back from Glennies Creek to Lostock (and when Lostock needs water Glennies Creek probably won’t be able to supply it), then 45GL may be transferred annually out of the Paterson river catchment.

Our concerns cover economic, environmental and social areas

Economic Concerns The cost of implementing the Plan will be hundreds of millions of dollars.

The business case to be provided by Hunter Water will result in assumptions being adopted to substantiate their desired outcome.

Paterson Valley has been developed following the construction of the Lostock Dam into a vibrant valley. The Hunter Water, one of the two water available in the Paterson River has metropolitan water authorities in New enabled, and is enabling, the farmers to South Wales, has produced a Draft Lower develop their properties to produce beef, Hunter Water Security Plan (“Plan”), the milk, crops and vegetables. Because so principal aim of which is to waterproof a much water is proposed to be diverted growing Newcastle for the next 40 years. from the Paterson River catchment to The Plan aims to achieve this security in other catchments our concern is the a number of ways including, but not properties will lose access to water and limited to: hence their productivity will diminish.

• building a pipeline from Lostock dam to Glennies Creek with an optimum Property values will be adversely affected capacity to transfer 150ML per day: and redress needed to be sought by operating 180 days per annum this property owners under Section 87AA of would transfer 27GL of water per the Water Management Act 2000. annum. (The proposed pipeline is twoway and can transfer water uphill back Suggested solution to economic concerns We need water to stop being pumped to to Lostock at 50ML per day.)

Glennies Creek and Newcastle/ Maitland • building a pipeline from Gostwyck once the level of water in Lostock dam Bridge north of Paterson for use at falls below 75%.

Maitland or Newcastle to transfer water at the rate of 50ML per day.

Cost of the provision of water to Operating daily throughout the year Newcastle from the Paterson is not this pipeline would transfer 18GL of passed onto the Paterson Valley licencees water per annum. by limiting future fees payable by Introduction

Paterson river licencees to the present level with inflation increments only.

Arrangements are put in place so that the rules can not be changed at the whim of a government of different persuasion or inclination.

Whilst we appreciate a few matters may be business in confidence, the business case will be transparent and available to view.

Environmental concerns A potential 45,000,000,000 litres of water may be transferred each and every year out of the Paterson valley which could result in devastating environmental effects on the entire Paterson river system.

The Environmental Water Action Group (EWAG) has ceased to function.

Spills from the Lostock dam have enabled the Hunter wetlands below the confluence with the Hunter to be washed as has happened for millennia.

Any reduction in irrigation and land management generally will have an adverse effect on the productivity of the land.

Solution to Environmental concerns Given the likely absence of spills from Lostock dam and a massive diversion of water from the Paterson catchment, a comprehensive environmental study of the entire Paterson river should be performed and also of any effects to the Hunter wetlands.

A study is performed of the Environmental Water stored at Lostock dam and the benefits, if any, therefrom.

Meetings are reconstituted of the EWAG and held on a regular basis.

Social concerns The Paterson valley is a rural community and relies on farming. The Paterson Valley is a magic place. The population of the Paterson Valley is growing and new houses are being built at an increased rate. Anything that adversely impacts the valley will have an adverse effect on the lifestyle of residents.

Should a reduction occur in farming and related activities, the social fabric of the society will be poorer and not only will no new amenities occur but those that presently exist may reduce.

Solution to Social concerns Addressing economic concerns will ameliorate these social concerns.

21 October 2021

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Gresford And District Community Group News Four major issues were under discussion at the recent Gresford and District Community Group meeting. The GDCG will hold a Public Meeting to discuss important community-based issues early February 2022, and further details will be available in the February issue of the Gresford News and on the GDCG Facebook page.

• Martins Creek Quarry Development – objections to quarry expansion have been made; Daracon to respond to objections; Government then has 30 days to respond before proposal goes to the IPCC: Noel Brown to liaise with Matt Cole re timeline for above process.

2022. Strategic planner has left council so new planner needs to be appointed.

Chris Wokes to write to council requesting a public meeting sponsored

by GDCG to explain changes and the thinking behind the strategy. All community organisations to be encouraged to attend as future development in the Dungog Shire will depend on the adoption of a final plan.

• Roads in Dungog Shire- Seen as an associated issue with Rural Land Strategy.

Dungog Shire recently failed to secure any changes to the designation of roads in the Shire. Three roads were put forward to be reclassified as “Rural Roads • Water Security Issues impacting Gresford funded by the State Government”. It was and District – Explanation and discussion anticipated that at least one of the of the various issues associated specifically nominated roads would be reclassified; with the Glennies Creek-Lostock Dam council surprised that this did not pipeline and wide implications to water happen. Chris Wokes to write to local security/environmental protection; GDCG member, David Layzell, requesting a has made submission through local meeting with relevant ministers regarding member David Layzell to relevant ministers this issue. James Slack to obtain road use seeking further information. Noel Brown figures to assist in discussions and Chris Wokes to pursue meeting.

The GDCG continues to work on the • Rural Land Strategy Dungog Shire – following projects: Submission date extended until March

• Therese Doyle Hall – repairs to roof and ceiling completed and waiting on the quote for the bathroom renovation.

• Gazebo – A quote has been requested from Inca Constructions to quote on structure. Quote A1Dig for levelling of site and spreading crusher dust has been accepted.

• Picnic Tables x 3 – Timber construction with pitched galvanised iron roof, working bee to assemble on site.

• Junior Sports Ground – Meeting with Dungog Shire Council General Manager and Kris Doyle from 355 Committee regarding planning of this project.

• Car Parking Area – Delineation of area with power poles on cement cradles and a low shrub bush.

• Arboretum – Consultation with Catholic Diocese regarding the fence between Arboretum and Catholic Cemetery.

The AGM of the Gresford and District Community Group and monthly meeting will be held 6.00pm at 12 Park Street, BYO chair.

Santa Photos (Pets Welcome) Santa Claus is Coming To Town and will appear at East

Gresford Post Office Saturday 13th + Saturday 20th November

Loz Farr from LozFarr Photography will be onsite at the Post Office from 1.30pm with Santa.

Come along and tell Santa all about your wish list and have your photo taken.

Receive your image via email for you to create your own masterpiece.

Saturday 13th November is kids only.

Saturday 20th November bring your favourite pet animal along and put a great big smile on Santa’s face.

Cost: $15.00 with proceeds going to Dog Rescue Newcastle for the region's first independent no-kill animal shelter.

Please drop in and see Cris to book a time or ring on 4938 9370.

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

 

We are fully stocked up with Husqvarna stock, produce, farming supplies, animal products, Swap & Go gas and many other goodies 26 Durham Rd, East Gresford 4938 9204. Mon-Fri 7.30am to 5.30pm, Sat 8am to 12pm, Sun closed

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Santa is coming – December 5 Look out because Santa is coming to a location near you on December the 5th.

The Gresford Rural Fire Brigade is transporting Santa on his travels to see children around the area so come along and say hello to Santa and receive a treat.

The itinerary (Santa Stops) for the event are as follows -: • Arrive at Lostock at 2.00 pm • Arrive at Mount Rivers at 2.30 pm • Arrive at St–Mary–On–Allyn Church at 3.00 pm • Arrive at St. Anne’s Church at 3.30 pm • Gresford Fire Station at 3.45 pm • Arrive at Orana Park at 4.00 pm • Arrive at Breckin Close at 4.30 pm For further information please contact Brigade Secretary Glenn Wall on 4938 9462 or 0428 389 462

Vote for a Mayor who gets the job done.

SAFER ROADS | BETTER BRIDGES | STRONGER FUTURE Secured over $45M in road funding.

Successfully campaigned for a $25M Special Purpose Grant to improve Dungog’s local roads.

Implemented community infrastructure improvements including lighting and playground upgrades.

Established a fully funded $31.5M capital works program for 2021/2022 PLUS $25M for local roads.

VOTE

1

Mayor

john connors COMMITTED TO OUR COMMUNITY AUTHORISED BY JOHN CONNORS, 797 SUGARLOAF ROAD, DUNGOG, 2420

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Dr. David GILLESPIE MP

FEDERAL MEMBER FOR LYNE

OUR COMMUNITY IS A GREAT PLACE TO LIVE, WORK AND RAISE A FAMILY. This year, our focus has been to suppress the virus and deliver the vaccine, continue to guarantee the essential services that we rely on and protect and secure Australia’s interests in a challenging world.

Our Government has been taking all possible steps to protect lives and livelihoods, including unprecedented support for health care and mental health.

We are in a stronger position to recover than most countries. The next stage in our plan to secure Australia’s economic recovery includes: • Incentives for investment, jobs, new apprenticeships, and skills training.

• More infrastructure - including roads, rail, bridges, dams and electricity transmission.

• Substantial new investment in aged care, health, mental health, and the NDIS.

LOCALLY I HAVE BEEN DELIVERING FOR YOU, YOUR FAMILY AND LOCAL COMMUNITY, INCLUDING: • $456,060 to upgrade Paterson River Road • $48,000 to upgrade the Gresford School of Arts Facilities • $16,000 for the Gresford District Community Group Gazebo • $352,410 to upgrade Summerhill Road • $352,774 for the Summerhill Bridge Replacement • $5,000 for the Vacy Public School Future Focused Furniture • $68,000 for John Tucker Park • $706,000 for safety upgrades at the Paterson and Dunmore Road Intersection • $27,000 for the Paterson Motor Rail Society

FEDERAL FUNDING HAS BEEN SECURED FOR MAJOR PROJECTS INCLUDING: • Brig O’Johnston Bridge Replacement • Clarence Town Road Upgrade - Raymond Terrace to Dungog • Dungog Main Street Upgrade • Bingleburra Road Safety Upgrades • Lostock Dam to Glennies Creek Dam Pipeline • The Bucketts Way upgrade and safety improvements

Dr. David GILLESPIE MP

FEDERAL MEMBER FOR LYNE

He Listens. He Cares. He Delivers.

Wauchope Office

Taree Office

02 6586 4462

02 6557 8910

Corner of High and Hastings Streets, Wauchope, NSW 2446

144 Victoria Street, Taree, NSW 2430

david.gillespie.mp@aph.gov.au

DavidGillespieMP david_gillespie_mp davegillespiemp

Authorised by Dr David Gillespie MP, Shops 2 & 3, 43 High Street, Wauchope, NSW, 2446

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Food chat with Fiona...

Have you got your beans in? I bought a packet of seeds and have some up. This is probably the first beans I have bought ever. My Pop gave me seeds in the 80’s when I started gardening as an adult. He always said Yates are the best. He had bought a packet of Yates Beans in 1939 and saved seeds from then on, he gifted me, and I did the same.

Whilst we loved Yates Beans, Yates probably did not love us as one-time customers. My seeds always grew well until I moved to India in 2008 and they hated the conditions and died out.

creak and groan as they move the water for irrigation and run mills, everything in town is accompanied by this background ‘music’ and I always associate the memory with the taste of this bean salad.

Green Beans with a Walnut Sauce Steam your beans until they are tender then throw into cold water, so they stay bright and squeaky.

Put in your serving bowl This issue of seed saving is taking a beating Grind walnuts, garlic, in the developing world, Agro Industry coriander powder, paprika and wants new customers, and any type of salt, mix with finely chopped self-sufficiency does not suit them. They onion, coriander leaf, olive oil, are trying to merge all the little farms into white wine vinegar, lemon big Agro Enterprises; imagine someone juice and spoon over beans. trying to force all of us off our land to Sprinkle with parsley & enjoy. make a super farm? All the knowledge and Please feel free to email me history gone and where would we all live? and I will send a full recipe Strange times, aren’t they? fionawright456@gmail.com.

My favourite green bean recipe is Enjoy our glorious Spring, something I tasted in Syria in the lovely make a picnic and share it days before the present crisis. Hama is an ancient city with 17 Norias [Waterwheels] with friends, it is a wonderful dating back to the 1300’s. All day they thing to do.

Live Music is back at the Beatty!

Sun 31 Oct Rusty Bucket returns 2.00 – 6.00pm.

Sun 14 Nov Adam Wilton Band 2.00 – 6.00pm Sun 21 Nov TNR – Great new rock band! 2.00 – 6.00pm

Melbourne Cup 2021

Seafood Buffet - $40pp, Bookings essential!

Sweeps, Fashions in the Field, the full card of racing on the big screens from 12 noon.

Glass of bubbles on arrival for the ladies.

Current Covid health orders apply.

Cricket Club raffles are cancelled until further notice

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Gresford District Landcare October What do you do to improve your soil fertility/water holding capacity was the main topic for discussion at the October zoom meeting of the Gresford District Landcare Group.

Soil Testing Project

Gresford District Landcare has partnered with Luskintyre Landcare and supported

by Hunter Regional Landcare and Newcastle Uni to participate in a threeyear project to gain an understanding of Special guest Agronomist Kyle Roper the soil in this region of the Hunter from Singleton Farmers Warehouse gave Valley. Soil testing will be carried out on an informative talk on the importance of about 30 farms in the area over a twosoil testing, and how and why soil year period during Spring and Autumn. should be tested.

The collected data will be added to the Soil testing provides an understanding of national soil database, providing an the type of soil you have, the baseline of opportunity for knowledge sharing and nutrients in your soil, allowing you, the learning about soil in this area. farmer, or the gardener, to make the The project will depend on a successful necessary changes which will lead to grant application to the Federal better nutritional balance of the soil that Government. Balaji Seshadri, Researcher in turn will lead to increased cropping or from Newcastle University, explained his grazing potential and enrich the soils involvement in the program and his making the land more arable, improve focus on using soil microbes to unlock the nutritional balance of the soil and soil nutrients to make them available overall profitability. to plants.

The components of a general soil test Weeds are macro elements, micro elements, Rod Kater spoke about the problem of and nutrient balance. Kyle explained Lantana, Coolatai grass and Crofton there are variance in the elements, weed, saying it was virtually maintenance, and different soils uncontrollable. Tradescantia weed (trad) requirements based on the use of the was also discussed with it being noted soil – grazing or cropping. that there was a biological control

ces !

Goodgoofdenn eighbours

make for

We are metal livestock fencing specialists, it lasts for 40 years and we can build nearly double the length for the cost of building a traditional hardwood post and wire fence.

Need to contain cattle, horses, dogs, goats, alpacas or sheep?

available. Rod also referenced Dr Christine Jones (https://regenfarming. news/articles/917-sos-save-our-soils-drchristine-jones, https://www.youtube. com/watch?v=Yv288F4TXbo) suggesting when using chicken litter, it should be composted first to remove the ammonia before it is spread.

Trees and vegetation Penny Kater spoke about the relevance of the Gresford Arboretum, displaying plants that are native to this area and appealed to the meeting to restore what has been lost in the valley.

8 November Meeting The next Gresford District Landcare meeting will be held at 5.30pm at Tocal College with guest speaker Nigel Kuzemko. Nigel has recently opened his business Carbon Fix Australia in Dungog and will talk about working with landowners who want to capture carbon on their land.

Agenda and further details please view Gresford District Landcare (https://www. facebook.com/Gresford-DistrictLandcare-Group-Inc-101609731768457/) Please RSVP to Dave dhyde@bigpond. net.au or phone: 0414 449 313

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Then visit our website

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What's flowering in the Aboretum ~ Gresford Arboretum The Friends of the Arboretum suggest you take some time this month and visit the Arboretum. Come and see what is in flower and how it will give your ideas for your garden. We are delighted the Flame Trees are flowering for the first time and well worth the visit.

You might notice there is some tape running from the Therese Doyle Hall across the grounds. This tape is marking the designated parking area.

Rose Myrtle

Dichondra

Native Hibiscus

Native Fuchsia

Native Frangipanni

Lomandra

The childrens playground is taking shape, kids welcome under supervision as it is still under construction.

Now the warmer weather has arrived, Friends of the Arboretum will be meeting on a Tuesday or Wednesday afternoon from 4pm. If you would like more information, please contact Penny Kater on 4938 9365

FWB RURAL maintenance|contracting Fraser Beaney - 0499 554 115

PROBLEM FENCES? NEEDING MAINTENANCE? STRAINING REQUIRED? For general fencing repairs and maintenance and smaller scale replacement jobs, call me for a quote.

SLASHING? ROUSE-ABOUT? MUSTERING? Have horse, will travel Call Fraser - 0499 554 115 ABN: 24 410 158 298

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Murnong or Yam Daisy

Pandorea

Hairy Clerodendron

Flame Tree

Dianella

Private Kill Welcome

Packed and labelled ready for the freezer and your convenience.

Aged for 7–10 days to develop the best flavour your beef has to offer.

Ph 4938 9710

• November 2021, p 13

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CWA NEWS

AGM The postponed AGM will

SPRING IS HERE berries are in

be held on Thursday, November 4th, 9.30am in the CWA rooms, 12 Durham Road, East Gresford.

All members must be fully vaccinated. All members must be financial in order to vote. Please nominate for a position. 2022 should be fun with very few restrictions. The annual membership fee is $45. Any enquiries please call the treasurer Linda Jackson 0411 379 543.

abundance serve this delicious slice with fresh raspberries.

QR CODE we are in the process of having QR code installed to the rooms.

Members attending meetings and the public borrowing from the CWA library will need to check in. There will also be a sign in book on the desk inside the door to be used when necessary.

BOOK CLUB The book being read for discussion in November is “The Convict Valley” author Mark Dunn.

We will be meeting at 3pm. on Saturday 13th November at 3pm. Lively discussion, covid rules adhered to, tea and coffee available. Book Club is lead by Glenda Smith with a number of local ladies attending. Men and teenagers are welcome.

RASPBERRY SLICE 4oz butter ½ cup sugar 1 egg 1 1/2 cups plain flour Raspberry jam Pinch of salt Squares knitted by Gill Harris.

FRENCH CONVERSATION has resumed.

TOPPING 1 egg, 1 cup sugar, 1 cup coconut.

Taking place on the first and third Mondays of the month in the CWA rooms 10.00am to 11.30am. Ladies, gentleman, students all welcome. The leader can accommodate all levels. Enjoy this facility in our village. Enquiries to Glenda Smith 4938 9456 or email gingosan@gmial.com.

METHOD

HANDICRAFT Members are knitting small teddies to be given to new born babies in the area. A number of members and friends are knitting 50 stitches x 50 rows squares for the charity Wrap with Love. A number of the wraps are sent to the Women’s Refuge in Maitland. Others go overseas to troubled areas.

TOPPING

Graeme Ferguson

Base Pre-heat oven. Grease a flat tin. Beat sugar, butter, egg, flour and salt together.

Press mixture firmly into prepared tin.

Spread jam over mixture, add topping.

Bake in a moderate oven until cooked.

Beat egg, sugar and coconut together, spread over base.

This recipe is on page 56 of the Gresford CWA Cookbook.

Robyn Thornton, Secretary Gresford CWA

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* Identification Survey Reports * House Setouts

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

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Tel 4938 9448 Email yatta2@bigpond.com

Michael Horn Ph 0429 388 055

fixit@valleymachinery.com.au Machinery servicing & repairs Welding, Hydraulics, Mechanical Tractors & all farming implements

Machinery • 4WDs • Trucks Onsite or in workshop Pick up & delivery available

We'll Fix It 598 Gresford Rd Vacy MVRL51660

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On the Shelves...

• November 2021, p 15

by Glenda Smith Death Among the Vines

by Richard Young

With so many books set in other countries, big cities or fictional small towns, a frisson of pleasure is provided by mention of familiar settings. This murder mystery is set among the wineries of Pokolbin, though it’s spoken of as the Hunter Valley in general. Specific locations are mentioned (Broke; Wollombi markets; Cessnock Police Station) but the positioning of the adjacent vineyards of concern is less explicit.

A trail-blazing vigneron has been found murdered in his own vineyard, and his son, who has a small advertising firm in New York, comes home to sort out the family legacy. The Ashcombe family has an ongoing feud with the Clements next door. They are related, but Col Ashcombe changed the family name as a result of their falling out. Col’s domineering ways, the competition between the two families, and an offer to buy both vineyards combine to create an atmosphere of distrust, which Tim Ashcombe must try to cut through. The police efforts are thorough but Tim’s knowledge of family history gives him an advantage in solving the crime, though there are secrets that shock him.

This is a very neat whodunit, with enough layers of mystery to keep the reader interested. Extra tension is provided by a onesided love interest; Tim’s own need for money to sustain his burgeoning business; and some personal revelations. Richard Young has written an engrossing first novel.

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.

KELL EARTHMOVING SCRAP METAL & TRANSPORT SERVICES Free pick up of scrap, servicing all areas.

Transport all over NSW. CALL ME 0432 191 821

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Lost Paterson and Allyn Valleys

A book recently launched and published by the Gresford District Historical Society should be of interest to many in the Paterson and Allyn Valleys. Titled Gresford Connections Vol. 3, the book is sub-titled stories and photographs with a special meaning for those with family ties or who retain fond memories of the Gresford District. The chapters of the book are as follows:

I know Allan and other members of the Gresford District Historical Society took great care over the various chapters and I witnessed several conversations at Society meetings to ensure that the locations of the photographs and names and sequences are correct. Allan also made mention of the number of fires in Gresford over the years and the fact that we should be celebrating our bi-centenary of European settlement in 2026 and not 2029!

Ch1: A Short History of Gresford Ch2: The Gringai: from living in paradise to near extinction in 80 years Ch3: Call the Doctor: Gresford district health care 1826- 2020 Ch4: George Muddle: a working man at Camyr Allyn 1847-1857 Ch5: Gresford's daily bread The highlight of the book for me was the fantastic photographs, many of which I had never seen before, snippets from newspapers, covers from show catalogues and other memorabilia, and information about various businesses which have operated in Gresford and East Gresford.

There is a great comment on p.20 describing the Beatty Hotel …. “few hotels can match this sort of history: operating theatre, court house, refuge from bushrangers and surgery for visiting dentists.“

The book of 131 pages is available from the Gresford District Historical Society for $25. Please contact Delma Lawrence on 4938 9589 for more information and for payment and collection.

The Society, along with the Gresford CWA, will have a stall coinciding with the NSW Local Government Elections at the Polling Booth at the This 4th and latest book by Allan Gresford School of Arts on Saturday Hancock makes good use of photographs morning, 4 December and this and other and drawings from a number of other Society publications will be available. The sources including the State Library of book would make a perfect Christmas gift NSW and the Museum of Applied Arts for that “hard to buy for” friend or and Sciences, especially in the chapter relative with an interest in the history of on the Gringai Nation. the area.

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G resford News

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• November 2021, p 17

Arts Upper Hunter funding uplift The Gresford District Historical Society/ Museum also has the following other books for sale: − Gresford Connections: Stories and Photographs with a Special Meaning for Those with Family Ties or Who Retain Fond Memories of the Gresford District – Volumes 1 (2014) and 2 (2015) by Allan Hancock - $15 each volume − Edgar Marceau; the man and his photography. A 1920s photographic legacy of the Barrington Tops, The Allyn Valley and its people by Allan Hancock - $20 − Gresford - on the Paterson River, East Gresford - on the Allyn River and Surrounding District History 1829-1999

by Hazel Hancock and Freda Collison (2005) - $30 Meetings of the Gresford District Historical Society will commence again in November and are held the second Saturday of each month, commencing at 6 pm at the Therese Doyle Hall, Park Street, East Gresford and new members are always welcome.

By Ivan Skaines, Gresford District Historical Society and Co-administrator, Lost Paterson and Allyn Valleys Facebook page

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Audiences and creatives in the Upper Hunter will benefit from an increase to Arts Upper Hunter’s core funding as a result of a funding boost from the NSW Government. Through Create NSW the state government will invest over $3.4 million in the Regional Arts Network in 2021/22 that includes $200,000 per annum Taken at the “Motown with the Groovehunters” concert at the to each Regional Arts Development Upper Hunter Conservatorium of Music. Photo: Anna Rankmore.

Organisation (RADO) across the funding uplift from the NSW state. That’s an increase from $168,000 Government is proof that we are serious in core operational funds in 2020/21. about investing in our local talent.”

One of those RADOs is Arts Upper “Which is music to my ears,” says John Hunter. Says AUH Executive Director O’Brien. “Local talent also means John O’Brien, “This is a great sign of the opportunities for local audiences, value that the state government puts on opportunities for excellence that doesn’t the creative industries in the bush. This leave the area, and the chance for artists extra funding will be put to a range of to move to the next stage of their uses, including some employment, and a career.” new round of our very popular Microgrants, for a start.”

The Regional Arts Network has been developed over the past 30 years with Minister for the Arts Don Harwin said, core funding from the NSW Government “We know that regional communities do and through local Council support, to well when they run their own show, and assist RADOs to inform and promote arts I am delighted the NSW Government is and cultural activity within the local delivering an additional $32,000 per community including opportunities for annum in core funding to each member creative professionals in the regions. of the Regional Arts Network. This

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Council Happenings DUNGOG SHIRE COUNCIL MEETING Wednesday 20 October 2021 Dungog Shire Council meets on the third Wednesday of every month from February – December.

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

contemporary library hub. It is important to note that the parameters of the original NSW State Library grant stipulate the existing available floor space for the facility must be retained and the design has been developed within these parameters.

12.3 $25M SPECIAL PURPOSE GRANT - DRAFT PROGRAM

As a result of Dungog Shire Council’s extensive lobbying during this year’s Upper Hunter by-election, council received a $25M Special Purpose Grant 12.2 DUNGOG LIBRARY ALTERATIONS from the NSW Government to improve AND ADDITIONS - DESIGN AND the condition of the shire’s local road FUNDING APPROVAL network. Council has adopted a draft Dungog Shire Council has endorsed program of rehabilitation works across updated Concept Design B for alterations its local rural, regional and urban road and additions to the Dungog Library. As network under this funding, and will this design involves removal of the now present this to Transport for NSW existing public amenities, council has for review and approval. also approved additional funding for a new amenities facility in the Bruyn Park/ 14.2 SCULPTURE ON THE FARM Jubilee Park precinct, with an exact ACQUISITIVE PRIZE 2021 location to be determined following Sculpture on the Farm’s Acquisitive Prize further community consultation. for 2021 to be donated to Dungog Shire The Dungog Library project aims to Council is ‘Kelpie’ by Jimmy Rix. expand and modernise the existing Council congratulates the artist on this library facility to provide a broader range successful submission and thanks SOTF of services and programs, creating a for this generous donation.

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This news was especially disappointing given that Dungog Shire was advised as a ‘priority application’, being the only local government area in NSW not to have any of its 700km+ road network without any state-managed roads. This impacts significantly on council’s ability to fund and maintain this extensive road network, particularly given its comparatively small ratepayer base.

Dungog Shire will now work with adjoining councils to resubmit applications for consideration in the full round of the NSW Government’s Road Classification Review: Regional Roads. Council will also urgently write to Member for Upper Hunter, David Layzell MP, seeking his written support for council’s road classification applications and reconfirming the previous local member’s election commitment on this issue.

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G resford News

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• November 2021, p 19

Gresford News November 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

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).

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.

October 2021 crossword answers

Crossword kindly provided by Russel Jessop.

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