Gresford News September 2021

resford News G

The

September 2021

News of the communities of the Paterson and Allyn River Valleys

The Arboretum 5 yeats on is a place to rest and appreciate the bounty of this place we share

Five years on...

Friends of the Arboretum are delighted after 5 years to see a thriving Arboretum featuring precious and fast disappearing rainforest species found in our valley.

The Arboretum has become a reference tool, somewhere for you to wander, meditate and gain knowledge.

Work has started on children’s nature playground and future plans for a Gazebo. ...story page 14

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

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Gresford News Notices Council meetings onine

Sculpture on the Farm 2021 ONLINE

Congratulations & Happy Birthday to Carolyn Addison & Robyn Thornton on their 80th birthdays this month.

COVID-19 Check-In Cards

This event is going exclusively ONLINE from mid-September until 10 October – www.sculptureonthefarm.com A lot of exciting ONLINE activities are being developed alongside the sculptures.

Go to the online 2021 catalogue to view the 150 Australian sculptures: intimate indoor works, garden & outdoor works.

Take advantage of the new ONLINE sales site from 1 Oct. But get in quick to get the work you want.

If you know someone who has been having trouble using their smartphone to check-in when visiting businesses in our shire, Service NSW has a new solution. To find out how to create a card go to the Service NSW website.

Follow Sculpture of the Farm in social media to find out details about a number of ONLINE EVENTS that are an exciting new part of this great event for our region. Sculptor Talks, Science+Trivia+Art+Party, Prizes.

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

The new COVID-19 check-in card can Each day of the 10 day ONLINE exhibition be presented at supermarkets and other at 5.30pm a different prize winner will be essential retail businesses to be scanned, announced. Make sure to vote in the so that your visit can be appropriately People’s Choice Awards ONLINE, so you electronically recorded. are eligible to win a prize. Winners will be announced on Sun 10 Oct at 5.30pm.

Dungog celebrates Olympic Gold Congratulations Dungog native Spencer Turrin and the Australian Men’s Fours rowing team on their gold medal win at the Tokyo Olympics.

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Going ONLINE also means bringing country life to so many more people via their computer & phone. Instagram & Facebook posts will transport them to the farm at “Fosterton” & our region.

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 To contact Gresford News: 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.

Gresford Landcare Group Goes Zoom The Gresford Landcare Group’s July ‘Mapping’ meeting was sadly cancelled

by Covid. We didn’t want to cancel August too. So we Zoomed. President Julia Wokes, a first time Zoomer, coordinated the meeting in fine style, keeping the questions focussed and the presenters to their allotted time.

Nothing like an eye in the sky to know whats going on.

Stacy Mail, Local Landcare Coordinator for the Lower and Mid-Hunter, did a flythrough of the Hunter Region Landcare Network website (www. hunterlandcare.org.au). The various landcare groups are listed and there is a grants section for groups that need cash Peter Dreyer presented free internet mapping applications: NSW Six Maps, (don’t we all?) among other interesting and informative content.

Dungog Shire mapping and Google offerings – the Earth Pro app and the David Hyde walked us through the web applications, Google Maps and group’s Facebook page. Also a goldmine Google Earth. While each have strong of information it can be found at points, Peter noted that the Earth https://www.facebook.com/GresfordWeb application can be used to design District-Landcare-Groupfarm layouts and designs can be saved Inc-101609731768457. as projects.

The world premiere of the brilliant Brent Mail, professional photographer, Gresford Landcare Video by Brent Mail stepped things up a notch describing was a feature of the meeting. Its a must how drones can be used to create photo see and you can find it on our mosaics of farms quickly and with Facebook page. amazing clarity and detail. Distances and areas can be calculated with high Yes, it was a most successful first accuracy. So too elevations. The Zoom outing for the group and a technology is evolving where we see great alternative meeting tool for artificial intelligence, not just visual ‘rainy days’. analysis, help diagnose weeds and pests Peter Dreyer, and provide crop and pasture quality VP Gresford Landcare Group information among other useful tools.

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Water transfer from Lostock to Glennies Dam Community zoom meeting will be held on Thursday 29 September at 10am.

State Minister Belinda Pavey, Minister for Water, Property, and Housing and David Layzell State Member for Upper Hunter will attend to discuss the draft plan of water transfer from Lostock Dam to Glennies Dam. The draft plan is available – pages of interest 72-74, 94 at www.industry.nsw.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0019/401626/ draft-lower-hunter-water-security-plan.pdf Please register your interest and questions by email to: gcg@gresford.com.au by 10 September 2021 All updates please check Facebook wwwFacebook.com/Gresforddistrictcommunity Noel Brown President Gresford and District Community Group

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Lostock Dam to Glennies Dam Pipeline Project Water Infrastructure NSW held an online information session on 5 August outlining the Lostock Dam to Glennies Dam Pipeline project. This project is a key part of the overall Greater Hunter Region Water Strategy.

Lostock Dam at 20GL capacity is much smaller than Glennies at 283GL. However, the average inflows to Lostock at 114GL/year are greater than Glennies at 45GL/year. This makes it appealing to divert water from the Paterson River to the unreliable Glennies system which feeds into the Hunter River and supplies Singleton and areas downstream.

The design is for a two-way transfer pipeline where up to 150ML/day could be pumped from Lostock to Glennies and up to 50ML/day in the opposite direction. There are options for off-takes at Gostwyck Bridge on the Paterson River to Maitland and Grahamstown Dam. The project will impact the Paterson River from Lostock Dam to the confluence with the Hunter River.

The project commenced in August and

comprises development of a business case over two years followed by government approval in an unknown timeframe and the build over an estimated further two years. The business case comprises ‘Community and Stakeholder Engagement’, ‘Hydrology Modelling’ and ‘Environmental Investigation and Planning Approval Process’ as significant components.

security for Paterson River users and the ecological health of the Paterson River.

Other concerns include the silted condition of Lostock Dam which may have a significantly lower capacity than stated; the availability of energy as power stations are being shut down; and water price rises to provide returns on capital and cover on-going running costs.

A monthly project update will be published in the Department of Planning, Industry and Environment website.

More detailed information go to https://www.industry.nsw.gov.au/water/ plans-programs/regional-water-strategies/ accredited/greater-hunter-region where a pdf titled ‘Greater Hunter Regional Water Strategy’ can be found.

The NSW Government allocated $24.7million in its 2021/22 budget (including $11.1million from the Federal Sources: 1) Slides from the information session; 2) Hunter Valley News article, 24 Government) for detailed planning and June 2021 (https://www.huntervalleynews. site assessments. net.au/story/7309855/more-funding-forThe information session was well water-pipeline-pipeline/) attended by Gresford District residents.

Peter Dreyer, Vice President GDCG The main concerns were about water

DUNGOG SHIRE COUNCIL – ­NOTICE OF EXHIBITION

DRAFT RURAL LANDS STRATEGY Council has endorsed the Draft Rural Lands Strategy for public exhibition for a period of 6 weeks, commencing Monday 23 August 2021 and closing Monday 4 October 2021.

The Draft Rural Lands Strategy is a critical policy document for the Dungog Shire, proposing a number of amendments to the Dungog Local Environmental Plan 2014 and the Dungog Development Control Plan No.1.

The Draft Rural Lands Strategy will be available for viewing: • On Councils website: https://www.dungog.nsw.gov.au/rural-landsstrategy/draft-rural-lands-strategy

Have your say.

Make a submission.

Submissions must be addressed to the General Manager and received by Monday 4 October 2021.

Email: shirecouncil@dungog.nsw.gov.au • Post: Dungog Shire Council, PO Box 95, Dungog 2420 For further information, please contact Councils Strategic planner on 4995 7777.

Key actions include:

• Introduction of two (2) new rural land use zones and one (1) environmental land use zone into the Dungog Local Environmental Plan 2014

• Variations to the existing 60ha

minimum lot size for subdivision – Increasing the minimum lot size in the north of the LGA to 300ha and reducing the minimum lot size in other locations in the south of the LGA based on a precinct level analysis.

• Phasing out of the existing

holding provision for rural dwelling entitlements

• Investigation areas for rezoning

from R5 Large Lot Residential to E3 Environmental Management, E4 Environmental Living, RU1 Primary Production or RU4 Primary Production Small Lots

• Investigation areas for rezoning

from RU1 Primary Production to E3 Environmental Management in select locations.

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Party with a difference! Everybody dance NOW! In August the Paterson Allyn William Science Hub (PAWSH) demonstrated how you could have a party with nearly 200 people that is safe, legal and lots of fun at the SCIENCE + DANCE online ZOOM party with the plague theme.

Across 96 screens, families, couples and singles joined us not just to watch but also participate in a Zoom dance party, showing off their moves on the dance floor in a covid safe way.

through the night. There were interviews with special guests Dr Karl Kruszelnicki with interesting plague and science facts, Dr Mark Temple on sonifying the corona DNA code and our science hubber Dr The PAWSH science hub crew really Ruth Dircks was one of our DJs. Other pulled together and experimented with the zoom medium. We can now say that activities slotted in included cooking + it is scientifically proven that Zoom CAN science demonstrations by Michael Kelly, how to do CPR to a dance track by John BE FUN! The event was bright, colourful and lively and there were science snippets O’Brien and a fabulous dance lesson with

COVID specific moves by Jane Richens. Glen William Public School via the Dungog Reconciliation Group provided a video acknowledgment of country.

There were also creative contributions from artists around the state including visual artist Virginia Hilyard and Barbara Campbell and local Tina Tiedeman did a hilarious voice over for a film segment. Co-hosts Jane Richens, John O’Brien and Michael Kelly were supported by Brian Doherty and several other science hubbers in the ether.

So many people rose to the challenge, getting dressed up and dancing the night away; especially those who had experienced previous masked balls in

Just rolling with the times…

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Dungog. Science hubber Toby Solomon did a cracker job as judge giving out prizes for best costumes, best background, best dancers, best use of a puppet, most energetic, best decorations, most sparkles, most partying family, best mask, best covid dance, longest covid dance, best choreography, best special effects, best macabre duo. It was a very hard task choosing.

As well as guests from the Dungog Shire there were hellos from the UK, Amsterdam, India, Cooloolabin QLD, Newcastle, the Mid North Coast and some from very locked down Sydney. It was great to see people getting involved and joining in the conversation via the chat, managed by nimble fingered science hubber David Smith.

as reconnecting with friends by phone, text and email. It was a great way for us all to catch up, have fun and break out of the lockdown blues.

Many many thank yous to so many people for helping pull it all together, coming Partygoers shared photos on social media along, dressing up and partying. It was a and kept the conversation going, as well National Science Week event and was

supported by Inspiring Australia. Like us to find out about other events coming up.

Stop press: You can see some of the action. There is now a YouTube channel – PAW Science Hub. As the Gresford News is going to print videos of highlights, outtakes and interview segments from the night are going up.

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Dr David Gillespie MP FEDERAL MEMBER FOR LYNE

The COVID-19 health pandemic is continuing to disrupt our lives and our community, recently the delta outbreak reached the Hunter to protect lives the difficult decision was made to introduce lockdowns across our region.

I know that for many the isolation felt during lockdown is difficult, I encourage you to check in on a friend or a neighbour, particularly the elderly and ask R U OK. For more support visit: www.headtohealth.gov.au The NSW Government and the Australian Government provide financial assistance and support if you have been impacted by COVID-19 and you are experiencing financial difficulty. www.nsw.gov.au/covid-19/financial-support You still can have one visitor at one time to fulfill carers’ responsibilities or provide care or assistance, or for compassionate reasons, including where two people are in a relationship but do not live together.

VACCINE ROLLOUT RAMPING UP • Over 14.4 million doses have been administered.

• Vaccinations are increasing with over 1.4 million Australians vaccinated last week.

Dr David Gillespie MP FEDERAL MEMBER FOR LYNE

He Listens. He Cares. He Delivers.

If you are experiencing any symptoms I encourage you to please get tested.

Symptoms of COVID-19 include: • fever (37.5° or higher) • cough • sore throat • shortness of breath (difficulty breathing) • runny nose • loss of taste • loss of smell Testing facilities will be opened and closed as required for details of your closest clinic visit peoplebank.hneccphn.com.au/covid-testing-hne • More than 82% of those aged over 70 are protected by a first dose • Over 70% of all Australians aged over 50 are protected by a first dose.

• More than 46% of all Australians aged over 16 are protected by a first dose.

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Gresford Vacy Colts Junior Cricket Club At the Maitland Junior Cricket Association (MDJCA) AGM in July, it was your Gresford Vacy Colts Junior Cricket Club who took home the biggest gong of all – the inaugural MDJCA Club of the Year! Of particular note, the Club’s kids were credited almost every week of the season by other teams for their sportsmanship and club culture. This is an exceptional reward on top of a great season and for which we could not be more proud.

Many kids ranked top scores across the district, other kids were selected for representative teams, we doubled female participation, but it was the attitudinal strength of Fox Nicholson (u14s) who was celebrated at our Presentation Day on the 28 th March as Colts Player of the Year and defined the Colts spirit of cricket. We were ECSTATIC to be able to celebrate as a Club the cumulative efforts of players and the U12s team

We raised money for a defibrillator to be permanently located 24/7 at Vacy Store, with the Paterson Pony Club and Gresford Public Schools we co-hosted the Tea Rooms event for the Gresford Agricultural Show, on behalf of the CWA who due to COVID-19 and vulnerability of photo: Clare Oliver their members, were who took home the Premiership – the unable to host the Tea Rooms Club’s very first! themselves. But it has been the increasingly important role of the The Club fulfilled its promise to match relationship between the Colts and the voluntary hours with government Gresford Vacy Scorpions Football Club to grants, philanthropic donations, and apply for grants for infrastructure, for corporate sponsorship. Events such as equipment to propel our Clubs and kids the inaugural Big Bash in January will be the legacy of the Colt’s season rounded out an exceptional season of fundraising through the Toyota Good for that was.

Cricket Raffle which saw our Club Be a part of Club history – visit Gresford ranked 4th in Australia, and No. 1 in Vacy Colts on Facebook or register your NSW Clubs. The total monies raised this child to play https://play.cricket.com.au/ season – some $25,000 is a true club/gresford-vacy-colts-cricket-club/ reflection of the extraordinary community in which we call home.

Brigette Uren, Colts President

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Preparing for the fire season

• the fire is completely extinguished before leaving.

There’s plenty of activity in the region at present with pile burns, clearing for fire breaks and undergrowth being reduced in preparation for the fire danger period.

The statutory Bush Fire Danger Period runs from 1 October to 31 March, however it may vary due to local conditions. If you are planning to light a fire in the open during this time, you will need a Fire Permit.

Before the permit period begins remember to notify the RFS notification site using the QR code (pictured) or go online at www.rfs.nsw. gov.au/fire-information/BFDP/burn. If you don’t have tech ability notify Lower Hunter RFS (4015 0000) at least 24 hours prior to lighting of your proposed burn.

You need to let the RFS know before you light up as this can help reduce unnecessary emergency calls. Don’t forget to let your neighbours know at least one day ahead!

Depending on the type of fire, a permit may be required all year round. For example, a Fire Permit is required at all

What else do I need to do?

Before lighting the fire ensure that: • it can be contained and controlled within the specified area • it does not contain toxic materials, such as rubber tyres, plastics, paint etc.; and • it must not cause an air pollution problem by producing excessive amounts of smoke.

times if a fire is likely to be dangerous to a building.

When are permits not required?

Fire Permits are not required for fires that are lit for the purpose of land clearance or the creation of a fire break during the Non Bush Fire Danger Period.

Additionally, Fire Permits are not required for fires for the purpose of cooking food, provided that: • the fire is in a permanently constructed fireplace; • at a site surrounded by ground that is cleared of all combustible materials for a distance of at least two metres all around;

If you have a permit, it is your responsibility to: • check whether a Total Fire Ban is in force on our Fire Danger Ratings and Total Fire Ban page. If there is, your permit is automatically suspended.

• check whether a No Burn day has been declared on the EPA website • check the expected weather conditions • notify and check with your local NSW RFS Fire Control Centre prior to lighting.

• follow any conditions restrictions listed in your permit.

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Arbor Day and the re-opening of the Halton School – 30 July 1927 The Maitland Weekly Mercury, Sat 13 Aug 1927, Page 6 The recent renovation of the Halton School, having been completed, the P. and C. Association celebrated the re-opening by an Arbor Day. The opening ceremony was performed by Mr. E.W. Culbert, who congratulated the residents and teacher on obtaining such excellent improvements.

He exhorted the children to have pride in themselves, in their school, country, and district. He reminded them of the opportunities they had and the responsibilities they had to live up to, and advised them to determine with all the force and fire of their children to shoulder those responsibilities bravely and worthily.

This photograph/postcard by RJE Marceau, sole teacher at Halton School at the time, was likely to have been sent to Stan Hancock, who was a student of Luncheon over, Mr. T. E. Scott delivered an During the afternoon, Mr. R. Nancarrow, an Mr Marceau. The Halton School stood at address, in the course of which he entered Anzac, unveiled a picture of the landing of the corner of Allyn River Road and a plea for the fraternising of the children the Anzacs, with some very appropriate Chads Creek Road. of the various schools, conference of P. words on the glory won by those men who The image features at page 83 in Allan and C. Association, and a district display landed, fought, and died there.

Hancock’s book “Edgar Marceau the Man of school work. Mr. J. Hopson followed, and His Photography: a 1920's with an interesting lecture on 'Arbor Day.' The arrangements for the day were in the hands of Councillor G. Lawrie, Photographic Legacy of the Barrington Mr. Hopson, whose knowledge of plant, assisted by other members of the animal, bird, and insect life is profound, Tops, the Allyn Valley and Its People” was most interesting.

P. and C. Association. published in 2016. Pages 83-86 cover The visitors, of whom there were a large number, were entertained, at an excellent lunch.

The remainder of the day was spent in the planting of trees in the school ground by the residents and pupils.

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Marceau's time at Halton School and provide background for this story.

The book provides further insights into Marceau's photographic legacy and is available from the Gresford District Historical Society for $20 (please contact Delma Lawrence on 4938 9589.

The Gresford Museum remains closed (as does the Paterson Museum) and the Gresford District Historical Society is not meeting until COVID restrictions are lifted. Meetings are usually 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, Member Gresford District and Paterson Historical Societies and Co-administrator, Lost Paterson and Allyn Valleys Facebook group.

• September 2021, p 13

Food chat with Fiona...

I use food or cooking to travel the world, everywhere has its special aroma and flavours.

When I lived in India the freshness of her vegetables was amazing. Without refrigeration vegies are locally grown and sold quickly before they wilt. Exploring regionality of Indian flavours was an exciting study but some days I wanted a taste of home and that was a challenge. The most beautiful cauliflowers call out for cheese sometimes but no ‘real’ cheese was to be had.

I am back and have a garden and my first rhubarb is ready. So excited. It has taken me back in time. I have always stewed in a little water, with sugar and a pinch of ginger powder like my Nana taught me. My mate Dawn suggested laying them on a tray barely touching with a sprinkle of sugar etc and isolation, the distance from family and I would baking at a low heat. Oh my gosh all the extra guess limited flavours or things remembered flavours it brings out. Do try, a bit of spice, and not available in this far away valley? maybe apples – delicious.

I have a picture of Great-Great Grandma Thinking of my Nana made me wonder where Brooker, sitting with her sister-in-law doing she learnt her recipes? Our family lore stretches hand work and having a chat. They look back to Great-Great Grandma Brooker (Fred content. I try and follow that example, her husband can be found in St Anne’s especially at the moment, keep busy, chat and Cemetery) They would have been recent pass the time as our world moves forward and arrivals when they set up home here, I guess, we are able to connect up again in person. and Gresford would have been very remote in What is happening in your garden? It is so those days. How did they cope with the exciting and busy as it wakes up from winter.

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Gresford Arboretum August 2021 Update

The beginning: Penny Kater and Jane Chandler start making out the Arboretum July 2016

Friends of the Arboretum are delighted after 5 years to see a thriving Arboretum featuring precious and fast disappearing rainforest species found in our valley.

The Arboretum has become a reference tool, somewhere for you to wander, meditate and gain knowledge. Work has started on children’s nature playground and future plans for a Gazebo.

or soccer? We all have at some time.

Friends of the Arboretum toured nature playgrounds in the area, hoping to get away from the modern metal and plastic concept. Research indicates the benefits of natural play areas in stimulating the imagination of young children. With a plan in place, helping hands have sourced materials and the playground is well on the way to completion. Timber logs have been dragged onto the site, huge rocks rolled off trucks, loads of sand have been tipped into a dry creek bed, saplings debarked for a tepee.

Machinery has been gratefully donated, imposing on the goodwill of some of our locals and we have made the most of our talented volunteers. Stepping stumps

has been the steady and enthusiastic help every week from dedicated ‘Friends of the Arboretum’. Volunteers come from Bolwarra, Paterson, Hilldale, Vacy, Dungog, and Gresford and offer their expertise and time in helping to develop facilities for all visitors. Local artist, Christine Pike, is currently working on four large fauna and flora murals depicting the local bird life and animals.

The Arboretum itself has been a rewarding project coping with three years Who hasn’t wondered what to do with of drought. One of the greatest highlights the littlies while the big kids play cricket

Beginning of the Nature Playground

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Noel Jupp and Penny Kater sitting on the seat donated by Steve Wright from Natural Furniture Works Gresford

Beginning of Friends of the Arboretum Julia Wokes, Chris Wokes, Janie Chandler, Liz Jones, Penny Kater

have just been positioned and on the ‘to do’ list a grassy mound will be constructed and equipped with tunnel and climbing rocks. A rustic climbing frame will also be built on site. The littlies will have a wonderful time.

the Friends of the Arboretum for an updated visit on the progress of the Arboretum. Both were delighted with the growth we have achieved in 5 difficult years. Noel presented us with 2 precious Yam Daisy plants to be included in the collection.

Last month Noel Jupp and Bill Dowling were special guests at a morning tea held by

The Friends of the Arboretum are happy to see how the arboretum area is

developing into a meeting place for all.

If you would like to be part of this community project, or just hear about what we are doing, members meet on Fridays 10am during the cooler months and 3pm during the warmer months please contact Penny on 4938 9365 or email pennykater@gmail.com

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CWA News AGM To be held on Thursday, October 7th at 9.30am if Covid restrictions allow. Elections can be postponed until later in the year.

FRENCH CONVERSATION: suspended until further notice.

Glenda will keep in touch re starting up again.

BOOK CLUB: Honey Bee by Craig Silver. Glenda Smith is reviewing all our set readings. If you would like to read her review of Honey Bee, plus other member’s comments email Glenda: gingosan3@gmail.com.

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

Medical Research project to be supported by CWA of NSW for the next 3 years – Ovarian Cancer.

GRESFORD CWA – GUESS THE NUMBERS RESULTS. 1st prize to a Dungog resident.

2nd prize to an Allynbrook resident.

3rd prize to a Mayfield resident.

Thank you to all who participated, helping us to raise much needed funds. The winning numbers were drawn using the Gresford Bowling Club machine with their scrutineer present.

The citrus fruit has been prolific, many lovely recipes.

CITRUS SELF SAUCING PUDDING – INGREDIENTS

 

1¼ cups self- raising flour • 60g butter, melted • 1¼ cups raw sugar • 1 egg • ½ cup ground almonds • ½ cup milk • 2 lemons, rind finely grated • 1 table-spoon cornflour • 4 large oranges, rind finely grated • cream or ice-cream to serve

METHOD: Preheat oven to 170C. Place a (1 litre) 4 cup oven proof dish onto a baking tray lined with baking paper.

Graeme Ferguson

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G resford News

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Sift flour into a large mixing bowl.

Stir in ½ cup sugar, ground almonds and half the lemon and orange rind.

Whisk melted butter, egg and milk in a jug to combine. Add to flour mixture and stir until just combined. Spoon batter into the dish.

To make the sauce, juice the lemons and oranges. Combine ½ cup lemon juice, 1 cup orange juice and remaining orange and lemon rind in a small saucepan. Cook, stirring occasionally, over high heat for 3-4 minutes or until mixture just comes to the boil.

Meanwhile, combine remaining ¾ cup sugar and cornflour and sprinkle over batter in the dish.

Carefully pour hot juice mixture over sugar mixture. Bake 40-45 minutes or until golden.

Remove from oven and stand for 5 mins. Spoon into serving bowls and serve with cream or ice cream.

Serves 6.

Gresford CWA Cook Book, page 29.

Stay safe… Robyn Thornton, Secretary

On the Shelves...

Calling all you creatives living in and around Gresford New exhibiting member applications for Dungog by Design are now open and we encourage you to apply.

Dungog by Design gallery is a dynamic, innovative and contemporary collective of artisans situated at 224 Dowling St Dungog (opp the IGA).

Do you live or have a strong connection to the Dungog region?

Are you available for gallery roster just one day per month?

We welcome original, handmade work such as sculpture/leather work/ceramics/ textiles/knitting & spinning & soapmaking and the like.

Please email your interest to membership co-ordinator Liz Hughes: thisislizhughes@gmail.com

• September 2021, p 17

by Glenda Smith The Glass Room

by Ann Cleeves Fans of the TV series Vera and Shetland will know the work of Ann Cleeves, who is a prolific crime fiction writer. In The Glass Room we see the irascible Vera at work on a case that involves one of her valued neighbours as an initial suspect. The book seems more heavy-handed than the television work, perhaps because it has to establish the thoughts and appearances of the characters. Time is also given to description of the physical settings, which are easily established by visual means in television.

A murder has been committed at a writers’ retreat, and Vera’s neighbour is one of the participants in the workshops, and an early suspect. In true ‘countryhouse’ style murder mysteries, a second murder is committed and the tension ramps up. Vera orchestrates a reunion of the house guests (à la Agatha Christie) in an attempt to catch the killer.

One of the interesting aspects is Vera’s evaluation of the relative skills of her subordinate officers, as well as the demonstration of her psychological tactics.

The denouement involves both intuition and research, and is satisfyingly climactic.

All books reviewed are from the CWA library on a separate shelf in the library so they are easy to find plus the reviews are in a folder. Also have a look in the street library.

Dungog

KELZ carpet cleaning Domestic and Commercial carpets, lounges and rugs Friendly Service Call: Kelly Richardson Mobile 0437 395 585

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

HiCaps and eftpos facility is available so patients can claim direct from their healthfund and just pay the gap.

Located at Dungog Community Hospital on Hospital Road in Dungog phone no: 4992 3766

Shane Moss B.Sc. M.Chiro.

HANLEY’S CREEK RD DUNGOG

COME ALONG & JOIN THE CLUB Pro rata membership fees are now available.

All classes of membership are open Full, pensioner, intermediate & junior Special introductory rates For new lady members DUNGOG LADIES OPEN DAY is on the 6th of September Ring Brian - 0401 951 864 Check us out on facebook www.facebook.com/ dungoganddistrictgolfclub

G resford News • September 2021

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, p 18

Council Happenings

KERBSIDE WASTE AUDIT Dungog Shire Council has received a report providing details of the kerbside waste audit, which will assist in the development of council’s future Waste Strategy.

Key findings include: • On average, each household generated a total of 16.5 kilograms of total domestic kerbside waste per week, composed of 12.6kg residual waste and 3.9kg commingled recycling material.

• Organics comprised the largest proportion of domestic kerbside waste (35%), followed by paper (24%), and glass (17%) • The overall resource recovery rate (the number of materials recovered or recycled as a percentage of overall generation) was 75%.

Recommendations from the audit include implementation of education and monitoring programs, and the introduction of a Food Organics and Waste Organics (FOGO) Service to potentially divert 361kg of organic material per household per year away from landfill. Council is investigating the feasibility of this option for the Dungog Shire community.

DUNGOG COMMON Dungog Shire Council has endorsed the previously exhibited Planning Proposal for the Dungog Common to support the growth of tourism in the Dungog Shire and provide certainty to all user groups of this popular sporting, cultural and recreational asset. The Planning Proposal enables: • An additional permitted use in the E3 Environmental Management Zone (Outdoor Recreation) to support the development of a mountain bike park at the Dungog Common Recreation Reserve (The Common); • A new clause that permits temporary events on council land without development consent; • The current Development Assessment (DA) for the mountain biking facility (Outdoor Recreation) to be determined once the assessment is completed and consent received; and • Progression of the planning framework to ensure permitted uses are consistent with the Crown Reserve’s purpose under the Crown Lands Management Act, as per the request from Crown Lands NSW. 10 submissions were received during the Planning Proposal’s public exhibition period in February/March this year, all in support of the Proposal.

All key stakeholders including the NSW Department Planning, Industry and Environment (DPIE) – Crown Lands, DPIE Biodiversity Conservation Division (BCD), the Karuah Local Aboriginal Land Council, Dungog Common Land Managers and key user groups, have been involved in the consultation process.

Council will now forward the final Planning Proposal to the Minister for Planning and Public Spaces, with a request that the amendment to the Dungog Local Environmental Plan (LEP) 2014 be made to accommodate these changes.

CHANGES TO COUNCIL'S ORDINARY MEETING SCHEDULE Due to the postponement of Local Government elections across NSW as a result of state-wide COVID-19 concerns, Dungog Shire Council has amended its adopted meeting schedule to include: • Ordinary Meetings on 15 September and 22 December and

• Removal of Council’s Ordinary Meeting on 15 December.

With the NSW Local Government elections rescheduled to 4 December 2021, council’s December meeting has been rescheduled to ensure enough time for the official declaration of council’s election result. This has been advised by the NSW Office Local Government (OLG) to be unlikely to occur before 21 December. Should a result still not be declared by council’s new meeting date of 22 December, the first meeting of the newly elected council will be rescheduled to January 2022; however, this is not the preferred option.

At its meeting on 15 September, Council will now need to elect a Mayor, and may also elect a Deputy Mayor, for the 3-month period leading up to the Local Government election on 4 December 2021.

Draft Rural Lands Strategy The Draft Rural Lands Strategy is on public exhibition now and closing 5pm Monday 4th October 2021.

The Dungog Rural Lands Strategy can be found on Councils Website at:. https://www.dungog.nsw.gov.au/dungog-shirerural-lands-strategy This is an opportunity to have your say! Submissions are encouraged. If you would like to discuss the Draft Rural Lands Strategy or your property is directly affected, please contact Em Tischner, Strategic Planner, Dungog Shire Council.

Appointments will be offered by phone and ZOOM given the current COVID 19 restrictions. T: 02 4995 7777 E: emilyt@dungog.nsw.gov.au

BR

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• September 2021, p 19

Gresford News September 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.

August 2021 crossword answers

Crossword kindly provided by Russel Jessop.

Building better together Hunter Construction Group is proud to be locally owned and part of your community.

We have been operating in the Hunter Valley for over 20 years, making the members of Hunter Construction Group an integral part of the local construction industry.

We are a group of local construction companies and trades, supporting each other through our vertically integrated supply chain model. Our six disciplines work together to offer tranparency, trust and confidence, enabling project completion to a high spec and on time for our clients.

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