November 2024
The first instalment of the new Gresford Community Market on October 12 was a wonderful success. Despite cold and dreary weather, the stall holders bumped in early to set up a market full of colour and creativity. They were rewarded with lots of customers curious to see – and support - the hidden talents of our community. Story continues on page 9.
Gresford District Community Group
AGM & General Meeting
Monday 4 November, 6.30pm
The Beatty Hotel All welcome
Gresford Community Market
Saturday 9 November, 9am–1pm
Gresford Community Park 12 Park St, East Gresford
Remembrance Day Service
Monday 11 November at 10.45 am sharp
The Gresford RSL Sub Branch in conjunction with the Gresford Community Group will be conducting a Remembrance Day Service at the Gresford Memorial in front of the School of Arts. All are invited to attend the Ceremony.
CWA Craft Mornings
4th Friday of the month at the CWA Hall from 9-12
I treat most musculoskeletal complaints including back and neck pain, sciatica, headaches, migraines and limb pain and pins and needles.
HiCaps and eftpos facility is available so patients can claim direct from their healthfund and just pay the gap.
Located at Dungog Community Hospital on Hospital Road in Dungog phone no: 4992 3766
Shane Moss B.Sc. M.Chiro.
Gresford Rural Fire Brigade
Open Night, Wed 13 Nov at 6pm
Our Gresford Rural Fire Brigade was formed in 1958. The Volunteers have served the local community since then. Our Area of service is the Paterson and Allyn Valleys, covering an area of approx. 65,000 Ha. We are looking to expand our existing membership base. The RFS offer professional Training and Development. If you are interested in getting involved in and supporting your local community, please come along to our Open Night and have a chat with some of our brigade members. Alternatively, please feel free to call our Membership Officer, Phil Lawson on 0418 611344 or Our Brigade Captain, Mick Jupp on 0429 456932
Dungog District Chamber of Commerce AGM + dinner meeting
Thursday 21 November at 6.30pm Settlers Arms Hotel, Dungog
Gresford Vacy Football Club AGM November 21 at 7pm, Hotel Beatty
French Polishing Canvas Annexes Horse Rug Repairs
For all your upholstery needs ring Richard on 4938 9324
Pick up and delivery
SKETCH CLUB
Thursday 21 November, 2–4pm
Gresford Community Gallery
Hosted by artist Christine Pike.
Gresford Community Dinner #2!
Friday 22 November at 6pm
Join us for our next Community Dinner at the beautiful Arboretum. Bring your picnic dinner and enjoy the complimentary BBQ facilities. Let’s hope for clear skies so we can savor a lovely evening surrounded by the Arboretum’s stunning twilight scenery.
Vacy & Surrounds Crop Swap
Gresford Crop Swap
1st Sunday of the month, 10am Gresford Community Park
Vacy Crop Swap
3rd Sunday of the month, 10am
Alongside Vacy General Store
Follow us on Facebook – Vacy and Surrounds Crop Swap
43 Acres clear – dam and creek
Loading facilities
Lease 1 to 3 years plus Land Rates to be included in Tender submission to: info@coffssquash.com.au
Enquiries: P Saxby Tel: 02 66536523
Tenders close: Friday 16 November 2024
Gresford News is available online at www.issuu.com/gresford-news. Email us
General Plumbing & Drainage
Gas Plumbing
Drain Cleaning
New houses, renovations & extensions
Transpiration areas – upgrades & new
3 t & 5.5 t excavator with augers & rock breaker
Bobcat
6 t & 13.9 t GVM tippers
NO JOB TOO BIG OR SMALL
SERVICING AREAS BETWEEN
MAITLAND - SINGLETON - GRESFORD - VACY - PATERSON
BRIAN & JULIE REIBEL
PH: 02 4930 9047 FAX: 4930 9046 15 Lerra Road, WINDELLA NSW 2320
by Glenda Smith
Charlotte Wood is a highly acclaimed Australian writer, who was short-listed for the Booker Prize this year, for her novel Stone Yard Devotional. She is possibly best known for The Natural Way of Things, which was a searing indictment of sexist attitudes by rich and powerful men – almost an early ‘Me Too’ document. The Weekend is much gentler, but beautifully written and very funny at times.
In a familiar scenario, three ageing friends reunite at Christmas time to clear out a deceased friend’s holiday house in preparation for its sale. They have no financial stake, but years of friendship land them the job from the overseas owner. They have their own traditions associated with the house, and are very clear-sighted about each other’s strengths and foibles. There are also secrets and subterfuges, which help build towards an emotional climax.
Sylvie, who has died, was a unifying member of the group, and they feel lost without her in their different ways. The characterisation is delightful and convincing. Bossy Jude is a restaurateur, well-off because of a lover, who is also a devoted family man to his wife and children. She is very fussy and judgemental of the other friends, but has many insecurities – Jude’s life depended on an opaque acceptance of many facets of Daniel’s life. She feels superior to the other two – poor but attractive actress Adele, who is highly dependent on others financially, and unkempt but brilliant Wendy. The narrative takes turns with their perspectives.
This is a well-written elegy to friendship and survival – sad, enchanting and droll in turns.
All books reviewed are from the CWA library on a separate shelf so they are easy to find plus the reviews are in a folder. Also visit our street library.
Dungog Early Literacy has been overseeing enrolments for this Program across Dungog Shire since early 2024.
• We now have 48 babies enrolled and receiving their books monthly. This will continue until they are 5 and begin their formal schooling. This is at no cost to the families.
• These enrolments are spread across the Shire with 6 coming from Paterson and another 6 jointly from the towns of Gresford, East Gresford, Vacy and Eccleston.
• We have now connected with Baby Health Nurses from Hunter New England Health who distribute Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library Enrolment forms to mums with newborns.
• We have continued to increase our funding from groups and individuals who feel that supporting this Local Program is an importantly initiative. All money given stays in Dungog Shire.
• Dungog Early Literacy also now has a Facebook Page with lots of posts about reading with your baby or young child. A great resource!
For information about how you can support this amazing program contact Anne Higgins on 0403 029 181 or email at dungogearlyliteracy@gmail.com
Greetings to our readers
The Gresford Community Gallery – is up and running, already including new works by many of the artists. Ceramics have been very popular. Please drop by to see the exhibition which includes a great variety of quality Hunter Valley art and craft, featuring painting, drawing, sculptures, ceramics, photography, jewellery, fibre art, stained glass work, woodwork and video.
The gallery will be opened till 22nd of December. You may find the perfect Christmas gift in the gallery. Sat & Sun 10am–4pm. Or by appointment phone Robyn on 0147 686 816. We are located in the Therese Doyle Hall, next to the beautiful Arboretum and visitors’ park, 12 Park Street, East Gresford. The Gallery has a Facebook page which will give regular news/updates of the Gallery’s forthcoming exhibitions, workshops and features on the artists. Please Like and Follow our page.
This months featured Gresford Gallery artist is Giselle Penn, who has been creating and exhibiting her stunning fibre art and jewellery since the early 1990s.
Her practice began with the hand skills passed onto her by a family of makers and menders. Her strongest passions grew
in the area of textile processes which led her to do a Bachelor Degree in Education/ Art majoring in Fibre/Textiles followed by a Post Graduate Diploma 1991 at the University of Newcastle. This overriding compulsive passion of creating led to a production based practice, simultaneous to the challenge of an art practice and fulltime work as a Technical Officer at the University of Newcastle in what is now the Creative Industries.
Giselle has exhibited locally and interstate, at artist run galleries, Regional Galleries and invited to exhibit overseas at ‘Fibreart International’ North America.
Continually pushing the boundaries, her own lampworked glass beads and hand formed felt wearables are another aspect of Giselle’s creative outlet.
The Gallery’s first event is Sketch Club –Thursday 21st November at 2–4pm. Still Life – inspiration from the stunning works by the Australian artist Margaret Preston. Hosted by artist Christine Pike. Please bring own art supplies. Cost $10. Venue: At Gallery 12 Park St East Gresford. Enquiries: gallerygresfordcommunity@gmail.com or phone: 0147 686 816 – Robyn.
Studio La Primitive ARTS ZINE – latest issue will be online the 1st November. Including interviews with some of Australia’s stellar artists, such as Del Kathryn Barton, George Gittoes, Susie Devenport and Joseph Turrin. Arts Zine is produced and published in East Gresford, the magazine is now 11 years old and has featured over 400 interviews with artists and writers. All issues are available at www.studiolaprimitive.net
Contact with art news or enquiries about Gresford Community Gallery: Robyn Werkhoven E: werkhovenr@bigpond.com
DO YOU WORK FROM HOME AND WANTING TO SUPPLEMENT YOUR INCOME OR PAY FOR THOSE HOLIDAYS YOU’VE BEEN LOOKING FORWARD TO?
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*****SUBSIDISED LICENCE UPGRADES AND TRAINING ALSO AVAILABLE*****
Linq Buslines is looking for bus drivers to join our Gresford Team.
As a Linq Buslines member you will be operating our vehicles to transport passengers including school children on specified routes including school and charter services with the highest of safety and service.
Minimum MR licence, NSW Driver Authority and Working with Children Clearance (or the ability to obtain).
We are looking for people who have:
• Good communication skills
• Good driving history
• Good customer services and dealing with people
• Happy to work a flexible roster including broken shifts
For further information or to apply please contact us on 0249 389 394 or email info@linqbuslines.com.au
Buyers are looking for their own Country property to live in a stunning location and as a retreat from the busy world...
“RIDGEVIEW” on THE ALLYN. 25 ACRES. TORRYBURN.
$2.55 Million to $2.45 Million.
Hidden down a private road in a fertile Valley. On the Allyn River with a spectacular garden setting. A property of undeniable beauty. A tranquil oasis, designed with the avid country gardener in mind. Perfumed garden rooms, hedgerows, roses, statement trees. Paths meander, myriads of birds and butterflies. Reflections on the dam, ducks swimming. Level pasture paddocks suit horses. Sparkling pool and heated spa to entertain, relax. Riverside lazy long lunches in the shade of the Tallow Wood trees. Beautiful modern weatherboard Farmhouse with traditional charm and character and modern conveniences. A dream property. www.realestate.com.au/700327556
Selling $3.95 Million
Accessed via 800 metre private road, providing a uniquely secluded location away from road noises, yet only 5 minutes to Gresford school, 7 minutes to East Gresford facilities. Kardinia is a special property. From the Paterson riverfront to rolling pasture paddocks up to grassy hilltop with awe inspiring valley views. Huge old eucalypts add character and the all-important shade to paddocks. A big Australian landscape. Modern 5 bedroom residence is set high to capture the magic of sunrises and sunsets and the inspirational valley views. Adventurous country lifestyle, running cattle and horses. www.realestate.com.au/700332848
Inspections by prior appointment • Pamela 0427 207542
“Every stallholder told me that they had made enough funds to warrant a return to our market next time,” Gresford Community Market team member Pip Woods said. “It was also heartening to hear so many experienced stallholders saying they were confident the market would definitely grow as word spread of the quality of the goods on offer.”
The market stalls were complemented by the incredible artworks on show at the Gresford Community Gallery. “A lot of the market customers were also enjoying visiting the arboretum behind the market and seeing the gorgeous bird murals now installed around the selection of local trees,” Pip said.
The market stalls covered everything from jewellery and soaps, skincare products, garden produce, jams, jellies and baked goodies to pottery, bees wax products, baby knits and handmade bucket hats and bags.
The next market at Gresford Community Park is scheduled for 9am –1pm on November 9 and is expected to offer a range of Christmas gift ideas to give visitors a headstart on their festive shopping lists.
Our visit to Laurel & Winston’s garden in Fosterton was blessed with pleasant weather, although the rain was threatening, it stayed away & we managed to keep dry.
PAGG held our Annual Plant Sale which was very well supported with donations of a huge array of plants from our members which culminated in an excellent sales result, with proceeds going to the Dolly Parton Early Literacy Program.
We had a great turn out with 41 members in attendance, enjoying the garden & the chance to mingle with like minded people, in beautiful surroundings.
Laurel & Winston’s gardens are a real delight. From the manicured lawns to Laurel’s amazing floral gardens with vast array of beautiful, vibrantly colourful blooms.
Winston’s potato patch looks primed for a bumper crop, with all plants looking very healthy. It was all a bit of a ‘potato mystery’ though, as Winston didn’t want to give any of his secrets away.
On the gardening side, we learned that
a very good plant for around the base of fruit & other trees, is Comfrey as it provides a lot of nutrients to the soil & is very easy divide & grow from root chips / fragments. It is also known for its medicinal properties when used as a poultice for the relief of swelling & other issues.
As summer approaches & Bindii start to spread, we learned that the best strategy to fight them is to encourage the grass to become more healthy & strong. So, liberal applications of fertiliser is recommended & importantly, do not mow too low as this helps to provide a foothold for the weeds. Also, the use of Weed & Feed type products should be avoided as they can have very bad consequences over time. For a more immediate fix, dig out the offending articles & replace with grass sods or seeding to fill the space.
After a quick wander around the garden, the meeting was closed just in time to beat the rain that moved in, right on schedule.
Please check the Paterson Allyn Garden Group website for membership information & details of our November garden visit.
‘Rainforest Trees and Shrubs’ ID) will share his insights into the living heart of the rainforest
A weekend of Rainforest Conversations not to be missed! Join us for an important event exploring the beauty, complexity & importance of the rainforests in our region. This is a unique opportunity to expand your understanding & appreciation for these extraordinary ecosystems.
Sat 23 & Sun 24 Nov, James Theatre Dungog + local rainforest
Sat talks:
• Rainforest plant expert Dr Bill McDonald (co-author of the ‘Red book’
Discover some key plant species and familes in our local rainforests. Short talks about local rainforest restoration activities.
Local landcarer will share his vision for the future of the Lower Hunter.
Biodiversity Conservation Trust will present biodiversity conservation options for private landholders.
is your chance to deepen your knowledge, ask questions & learn how we can all contribute to preserving these vital ecosystems. Opportunities to connect with fellow enthusiasts
Sun walk:
• Join us for a walk to look at a local remnant rainforest.
• Experience the diversity of flora & fauna & the awe of nature in an endangered ecosystem.
FREE event Reserve your spot at email pawsciencehub@gmail.com
Held jointly with Paterson Allyn Williams Science & Ideas Hub, Hunter Regional Landcare Network & the NSW Biodiversity Conservation Trust.
On Monday 14 October the Gresford Landcare group held its first daylight saving meeting at the Sugarloaf property of Lisa and John Connors. Twenty five people attended, and the topic for the evening was local rainforest species and birds.
Lisa described samples she had collected from her rainforest and others had also brought samples for identification. Experts Bill Dowling and Jane Richens discussed the habit and occurrence of the trees and shrubs identified. They also talked about the birds that occur in these rainforest remnants.
We sat in the Connors beautiful garden around a warming fire as the sun set, adding to our appreciation of the unique vegetation of our special valley.
17 November
PO Box 36 Branxton NSW 2335
Office: 0427 383 388
Email: Admin@HunterSL com au HUNTERSL COM AU
Shannon is proud to call the vibrant community of Gresford home, where he lives with his wonderful wife and two kids His passion for this community runs deep, and his commitment to serving the agricultural community is strong
With a career spanning over 20 years in agriculture and agribusiness, Shannon brings a wealth of diverse experiences to the table From working broadly in the livestock sector, including NSW feedlots to NT cattle stations, to roles in banking and rural merchandise sales, Shannon’s journey has been one of continuous learning and growth
Shannon is passionate about building relationships within our region, understanding clients goals, and working alongside them to achieve success Whether it's advising on property acquisitions and sales or livestock marketing and management strategies, Shannon is dedicated to delivering results that drive profitability
Shannon is proud to serve as your Property and Livestock Consultant for Hunter Stock and Land, and looks forward to the opportunity to work with you to build strong foundations for your agricultural ventures and help turn your dreams into reality Shannon is also an active member of the Gresford Show committee, the Gresford/Vacy soccer club and a keen campdraft competitor
Contact Shannon today:
E: Shannon@HunterSL com au M: 0488114777
Property & Livestock Consultant
Sunday 1st September – Father’s Day FREE RAFFLE
Friday 4 October – Reggie Sinclair
Sunday 3 November - Calcutta Auction
Tuesday 6th November – Melbourne Cup
Sunday 10 November – 4 pm Kids disco 6.30 Toy Raffle
Friday 6 December – Reggie Sinclair From 8pm
Friday 20th December –
$1500 Prawn & Oyster Raffle
Glen Harrison From 8pm
Every Week at the Bowlo!!
Wednesday Night
HAPPY HOUR WEDNESDAY 4.30 - 6.00
Gift Voucher Raffle
Yellow Barrel Draw
Friday Night Gift Voucher Raffles
Members Draw
Sunday Night- Gift Vouchers Raffles
Members Draw
Members Draw - if not won goes up $25.00 a night, must be here to WIN!
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“Support your Club, It’s your club” Best In our town, Are
Hello Gresford News Readers, for those who haven’t met me yet or aren’t sure where everything landed after the Local Government Elections in September, I’m the new Deputy Mayor Alexandria Carruthers and one of two new Councillors for C Ward. Cr Fred Paton was also elected in C Ward along with Cr Liam Ley and Cr Michael Dowling in A Ward, and Cr Steve Low and Cr James Campbell in B Ward. We also have a new popularly elected Mayor who many of you probably already know as he was one of the C ward Councillors in the last term, Mayor Digby Rayward.
All-in-all, we’ve ended up with a really diverse group of new and returning Councillors this term, and I’m very pleased to be working alongside them all
– the fact that we have three Councillors (one in each ward) under 35 is also a bonus! Our focus as a Council is very much on collaboration and clear communication, with each other and especially our community!
What’s been happening:
Well it has indeed been a ‘hot minute’ since the confirmation of the Council make up and we are well and truly off and running…here’s a few of the things we’ve done so far:
• Councillor training day
• Councillor IT and email set up - you can find all our contact details on the Council website.
• Council briefing sessions are well underway
• First Ordinary Meeting of the term occurred on October 16th. You can find the full agenda and minutes from the meeting here: https://www. dungog.nsw.gov.au/Council/MeetingsAgendas-and-Minutes
• Council elected our Deputy Mayor (me!)
• Councillor representation confirmed for outside organisations, council and 355 committees
• Financial Assistance Grants 2024-2025 notification received
• Our first motion has been put forward for the Local Government NSW Conference in November
• We’ve also been setting up a number of community group and committee catch-ups, and discussing ways to best engage and work with state and federal governments
I’ve also enjoyed getting out and about across the Shire in particularly C Ward! It was great to meet those I hadn’t met before in attendance at the Gresford District Community Group for the October meeting a few weeks back. The diligent and hard working Gresford School of Arts Hall 355 Committee (of which I am the Council representative) recently for their regular meeting and AGM. And I am looking forward to getting along to the other 355 Committees that I’ll be representing Council on soon, including Vacy School of Arts Hall and Paterson School of Arts Hall. I’ll also be representing Council on the Arts Upper Hunter Board and the Community Grants Advisory, Australia Day, GMs Performance Review, Access and Inclusion committees and alternate for Mayor Rayward on the Hunter Local Land Services and NSW Police committees.
AGM – At this year’s AGM, Lyn Tunin was returned as President; Glenda Smith became Secretary; Dawn Thompson Treasurer, and Valarie Smith became Assistant Secretary. Amorelle Dempster continues as Catering Officer and Mittie Osborne took on the role of Cultural Officer. Joyce Byron was nominated as Vice-President and Hannah Jones as Handicrafts Officer in their absence, but will not be voted in until they accept the nominations, which will hopefully take place at the next meeting.
faces every time. They will continue to take place on the fourth Friday of the month until November, and are very likely to be a feature of our local branch next year. Coming dates are 25th October and 22nd November. $3 for CWA members and $5 for nonmembers, with morning tea provided. All are welcome!
Allocations – Every year the CWA donates money from fundraising to worthy causes. This year our local branch made donations to Careflight; research into Ovarian Cancer; the CWA International Fund which supports international initiatives; and the Gresford Newsletter. We also contribute to the finances of the CWA in their advocacy and administrative work. We thank all the members of the Gresford community who have helped make these donations possible.
Community Markets – Our branch was very pleased to be able to take part in the re-introduction of the Community Markets. Although the weather was bleak and windy, (which meant that our homemade lemonade didn’t make many sales), there was a steady sale of scones with jam and cream and homemade slices. The water lilies were also popular. We will be returning for the Christmas markets. It is a wonderful initiative which takes advantage of proximity to the Arboretum and the Gresford Gallery and provides an excellent focus for visitors.
Craft Mornings – these are proving to be a great success, with old and new
Book Club – meetings are on the second Saturday of the month at the CWA Hall, starting at 3pm. My Cousin Rachel was very well received and stimulated keen discussion. The next book is Wifedom by Anna Funder, which gives an intriguing perspective on George Orwell through his wife’s experiences. New members are always welcome, but should let Glenda Smith know in advance in case there are changes. (4938 9456 or 0400 108 079)
French Conversation – takes place on the first and third Mondays of the month from 10 – 11:30am. Please ring Glenda Smith (numbers above) if you are interested.
Vacy, Paterson & Gresford
– we're LIVE! Our community just got more connected. Visit our new website, featuring a full community directory and more at www.twinrivers.au
Pages most relevant to the Broader Community are ‘Broader District’ and ‘Regional Connections’
The website is a platform to help us collate and share information about how we interconnect, so we can better plan for our towns and collaborate with others in the region.
If you’d also like to view the promotional video it’s here: https://youtu.be/ TkpwhVctzLQ
If anyone has any questions, comments or challenges please don’t hesitate to reach out, 0422137655 sian@ wildwoven.com.au
The Annual General Meeting held 22/10/24 saw the re-election of Rosalie Lawrence as President, Kel Merriman as Secretary and Tony Shultz as Treasurer being the executives of the Gresford School of Arts Management Committee. This committee is a Section 355 Committee of Dungog Shire Council.
The Gresford School of Arts was originally located in Church Street Gresford. The timber frame building was relocated to Park Street at East Gresford and officially opened in December 1928. A brick School of Arts Hall was later constructed adjacent to the other building and officially opened on 20th March 1930. The title of the School of Arts had transferred to Dungog Shire Council 22nd October 1970.
The facility consists of the main hall and foyer, cenotaph, kitchen, supper room (preschool) with children’s external play area, meeting room (RSL sub branch), an external storage garage, and the public toilets.
Dungog Shire Council has confirmed with the Committee that the long awaited disability accessible toilet will be constructed by the end of the year.
The Gresford School of Arts continues to be available for private functions as well as a venue for various community meetings and activities. Contact Kel Merriman, Secretary, on 0417 280 851 for more information.
Kel Merriman, Secretary, Gresford School of Arts Management Committee, 24/10/24
Gresford Vacy Football Club is holding its annual general meeting (AGM) at the Hotel Beatty, East Gresford, at 7pm on November 21.
While it seems the dust is still settling on the Scorpions’ hugely successful 2024 season, it’s time for the club to start making plans and decisions to ensure another great season in 2025.
All committee positions will be declared open at the AGM. “We expect most of our dedicated committee members will put their hands up again but it’s always great to get new members who bring enthusiasm and new ideas,” club president Jim Doyle said. “We have one of the biggest and most cohesive committees in the Hunter Valley and we are so proud of that.” For those keen to be part of the committee without the responsibility of a defined role, general committee members are also welcome. “We encourage those who are interested to still come along, see how things are done and maybe work up to taking on committee roles in the future.”
For further information about the AGM contact Jim Doyle on 0407 307 800.
PETER EVANS & ASSOCIATES SOLICITORS
‘Looking after people is our business’
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 …
Call us on 02 4926 4788 www.evanslaw.com.au
Level 3/97 Scott Street, Newcastle NSW 2300 reception@evanslaw.com.au
Selection of meeting highlights from Dungog Shire Council’s ordinary Council meeting on Wednesday 16 October 2024:
&
Newly elected Mayor Cr Digby Rayward congratulated and welcomed a new-look Dungog Shire Council at the first Council meeting since the NSW Local Government elections.
He took the opportunity to thank the previous Council for their work and contributions to the Dungog shire, and expressed his goals for this term of council, which he hopes will be accomplished with a ‘Can Do’ attitude and the collaboration of all Councillors.
ELECTION OF DEPUTY MAYOR
Councillors have voted for Cr Alexandria Carruthers as Deputy Mayor for the next twelve months. Mayor Rayward is looking to give all Councillors the opportunity to share this role if they desire.
FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE GRANTS
Dungog Shire Council has been advised we will receive an estimated entitlement of $3,643,071 for the 2024/25 financial year, which is a 5.2% increase from Council’s entitlement for the previous financial year. Council will hold a workshop to discuss the potential impact to Council’s FAG entitlements, given the report indicates the return of a negative floor in 2025-2026.
DRAFT MOTION FOR LOCAL GOVERNMENT NSW CONFERENCE, NOVEMBER 2024
Council has endorsed a motion to be submitted to Local Government NSW’s Annual Conference in support of the
Grattan Report: Potholes and Pitfalls: How to fix local roads (the Grattan Report), which was published in November 2023. The Grattan Report details the current process of allocating Financial Assistance Grants (FAGs) and the significant impacts on regional Councils that should be reviewed.
The next men’s breakfast is on Sat 7 Dec at 8am in St. Paul’s hall, Paterson. Everyone is welcome. Come along to St. Paul’s on Sun 24 Nov for Counterpoint’s Christmas Concert at 2.30pm, $20 per person with afternoon tea incl. The concert will have Christmas music, plus the audience can participate in some of the songs as well. It sounds like a good fun time. Christmas is fast approaching and we are collecting items for those less fortunate than ourselves, especially children. Toys and clothing will be greatly appreciated. These items will be distributed along with Christmas hampers from Telarah/Rutherford Anglican Parish. Many thanks to all who help with this outreach to those in need.
Bible study continues on Thurs mornings at Vacy Cafe at 9.30am. We have grown in number, which is wonderful. Everyone is welcome to come along and enjoy this time of reflection and companionship.
Service dates for November services are: 3, 10, 17 & 24 – 8.30am St. Paul’s Paterson & 10.30am at St. Anne’s Gresford. Also remember our Family Country Service at Vacy School of Arts starting at 5pm. Short service, pizza tea & fellowship. No cost involved. Blessings Beverley
Gresford
Congregational Church
30 Durham Rd Gresford
Services Each Sunday 10.30am ALL WELCOME
Catholic Parish of Gresford
Mass at St. Helen's, East Gresford
Saturday – 5:30 pm (except 2nd Sat. of month)
Thursday – 9.30am
Mass at Sacred Heart, Summer Hill
Sunday – 11:30 am (2nd Sunday of month)
All enquiries to Fr. Andrew Doohan, Parish Priest, on 4992 1477 or dungog.parish@mn.catholic.org.au
Crossword kindly provided by Russel Jessop.
November 2024 crossword answers
The NSW Government has programs to assist with cost of living expenses.
Book a free appointment with a Savings Finder specialist call 13 77 88 or visit your local Service Centre.
Check the Service NSW Savings Finder: www.service.nsw.gov.au/campaign/savings-finder
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