Gresford News September 2023

TheG resford

DorotheaMACKELLAR OBE (1885-1968)

These words have echoed across school classrooms and the minds of generations of Australians since they were written by Dorothea Mackellar in 1908. She wrote them in England while yearning for her Australian homeland, the words reflecting her childhood experiences on her family’s country properties at Gunnedah, and here in Gresford. Her father, a Sydney physician and member of the Legislative Council, owned Torryburn, just to the south of Gresford, from 1898 to 1901. Dorothea holidayed on these properties and recorded her observations of nature in her journal. Her experiences on the western plains at Gunnedah and the steep mountainous lands of the Paterson Valley, with pockets of rainforest and rushing rivers, inspired her to write “I Love A Sunburnt Country”. Dorothea’s references to drought-breaking reflect her experiences at Torryburn when the rains finally came.

I love a sunburnt country, A land of sweeping plains, Of ragged mountain ranges, Of drought and flooding rains, I love her far horizons, I

ATTENTION: FARMERS, GRAZIERS AND HOBBY FARMERS

ARE YOU GETTING THE MOST FROM YOUR ACREAGE?

Direct Drilling

Cultivating and Discing Fertilizer Spreading

Slashing and Mulching

Tabletop Truck Hire Boomspraying

Round Baling: Hay and Silage

Small Square Bales

Mowing and Raking

Whatever the job, get it done right and on time by your local bloke!

Your Local Rural Services Specialist. Competitive Rates!

RICHARD WELLS UPHOLSTERY

Gresford News Notices

Gresford Campdraft

Fri 22, Sat 23 & Sun 24 September Gresford Showground

Catch September's issue of Gresford News for a report on the recent Gresford Rodeo. ........

Emergency & Evacuation Planning for Horses in the Hunter Region dinner & workshop

Gresford News CLASSIFIEDS

MASSIVE GARAGE SALE

S At 16, Sun 17 S E pt EM b E R 'Yelverton'

138 Dog trap Creek Rd.

Lounges

Automotive

Antique Restoration

French Polishing

Canvas Annexes

Horse Rug Repairs

For all your upholstery needs ring Richard on 4938 9324

GUARANTEED QUALITY &

SERVICE

Pick up and delivery

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

Mon 4 Sept, 6-8.30pm, Gresford, Bowls, Sport & Recreation Club The workshop will focus on community-led emergency preparedness & resilience, providing opportunities for the community to share ideas, engage with other owners of horses/livestock, & have a better understanding of how to prepare for emergencies under adverse disaster situations. LLS district vets & others will support the workshop & be available to answer questions.

Vacy Country Carnival

Sunday 10 September

Fun-filled family carnival – live music, iconic dog races, classic cars, wood chopping, showbags, camel & pony rides, working dog demonstrations, whip-cracking, gumboot tossing, tractors, blacksmith, auctions, raffles, & the famous scone competition, the Vacy Scone-Off. Any dog can enter the dog races on the day for $5, & anyone can bring their scones in to be judged by the secret celebrity judge.

Cricket season registration

Join Colts Gresford Vacy Junior Cricket Club – we are pitching for kids & teens Early bird discount closes 18 Sept –discount code 06656B73. Junior comp girls play free –discount code 8ABBCE0D. Register online www.playcricket.com.au Info: gresfordvacyjc@gmail.com or Facebook: GVCJC

AGOG! – feast of foreign Films

Fri 15 & Sat 16 Sept, James Theatre

Local Kitchen Table Conversations

Sept 14 & 15, Oct 12 & 13

Would you like to know more about what is meant by A Voice to Parliament? Email caldonn63@gmail.com

Household furniture, garden furniture and equipment. Warehouse shelving. China, glassware and paintings, childrens toys, travel cots and much more

Please bring shopping bags or boxes. Cash in $2 coins and notes. Anything over $50, card is available

Advertise in the GRESFORD nEWS CLASSIFIEDS

Classified Ad Rates are: Standard line listing $2.75 a line or $11 for 5 lines

Dungog Tea Party

Tues 5 to Sun 10 Sept, 10 – 4 daily James Theatre Dungog, FREE entry Tea Cosy Challenge & Trivet Challenge. Tea cosies & trivets available for sale along with themed market stalls.

Thank you for your contribution to the Gresford News

Contributions $2 per month or an annual donation of $22 (11 editions) can be made to Gresford Community Group Inc BSB 932000

Acc No 500039698.

If you can sponsor some of our monthly publication expenses contact our Secretary Penny Kater on 0488 371 589 or pennykater@gmail.com

Gresford News online link Gresford News is available online at www.issuu.com/gresford-news.

Email us to recieve a monthly reminder: gresfordnews@iinet.net.au

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.

Fifty people attended the follow-up session of the future of Gresford workshop on Thursday 17 August at the Bowling Club.

The session was organised to discuss the Draft Gresford Community Development Action Plan that had been formulated by Peter Kenyon after a four day community engagement process. The meeting started with an acknowledgement of the can-do spirit of the local community, and in particular an acknowledgement of the work of the Gresford Show, Rodeo, and

Gresford Community Vision

Gresford and District Community Group. Robert Richardson was invited to talk about the beginnings of the Gresford Community Group back in 1994 "from conversations that had started on the verandah of the Beatty Hotel" which took on more definition with the development of a constitution and charter. Current Community Group member, Vanessa Barwick, was then asked to provide details of some of the successes of the Group such as community dinners, skateboard park, arboretum, playgroup and Gresford News.

Jim Doyle then went through the Draft Plan and highlighted the necessity to have "shovel ready" plans for funding opportunities.

Jim explained the vision and overall intended outcome of the plan is: “A welcoming, friendly and connected community that is proactive, creating future lifestyle and economic opportunities and caring for our unique environment and culture.” This was agreed to by all present.

Jim then proceeded through the identified Guiding Values, Community Goals, Challenges and Assets and

ended with a list of actions grouped into 6 themes:

– Strengthening Local Leadership and Community Capacity

– Enhancing Tourism Potential

Developing Community WOW Factor and Appeal

Building Social and Physical Connection

Improving local Infrastructure

Creating Family-Friendly Appeal

There was an average of 4 to 5 projects in each of the themes which were discussed and organisations or individuals identified who would be interested in developing the proposals.

Over all the document showed that a lot of effort had already gone into the preparation and it was very well received. The dynamic now needs to be carried forward by local individuals and organisations. The evening ended with a general invitation to consider joining the Gresford and District Community Group to help with realising some of the proposals.

To receive a copy of the Draft Gresford Community Development Action Plan or for further information please contact Jim Doyle at jdoyle500@bigpond.com

Saturday 12 August – Paint & Sip Start at 1.00pm-4.00pm $60.50

Sunday 3 September -Father’s day Free raffle

Friday 15 September – Trivia With Nathan Wall starting at 7.30

Sunday 5th November – Kids Disco from 4pm

Sunday 5th November -$1500 Toy Raffle Tickets on sale 6.30

Sunday 5th November – Melbourne Cup Calcutta draw

Friday 24th November – Xmas Raffles $1500 Ham & Porks

Friday 8thDecember - $1500 Pork & Ham Raffle

Friday 22nd December- $1500 Prawn & Oyster Raffle

Every Week at the Bowlo!!

Wednesday Night HAPPY HOUR WEDNESDAY 4.30 - 6.00

Last Wednesday of the month $200.00, Schooner Card Draw 1st Wednesday of the month

Drawn after the raffles must be here to win!

Friday Night Gift Voucher Raffles

Members Draw going up $50.00 every week, must be here to WIN!

Sunday Night Raffles

Like us on Facebook

“Support your Club, It’s your club” Best In our town ,

DAVE

Driveways

Landscape

D6

wisemansexcavation@gmail.com

COMING UP

Sun 3 September

Peter Stefferson 1-5pm

Sun 17 September

Smokestack 1-5pm

Sun 1 October

TNR Band 2-6pm

Football Grand Final on the big screen

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

SOLD AND SETTLED

Yarra Glen Allyn Riverfront farm, 202 Torryburn rd, Vacy

FOR SALE

“Oakley” 370 Torryburn Rd, Torryburn $3.25 M 137 ac. Stunning 5 bedroom, 3 bath luxury home

EARLY NOTICE, New Listing

"Hill of Clouds" Bingelburra. Magic retreat on mountain top. Inspiring lifestyle location

EARLY NOTICE, New Listing

“Breckin Park” 221 acres , 1443 Gresford Rd, Vacy.

INSPECTION BY PRIOR APPOINTMENT. PHONE EXCLUSIVE AGENT 0427 207542

History Information Boards

Dungog Regional Tourism is about to install 12 history information boards across the Dungog Shire in each of its four villages and Dungog. Final details of some locations are still being finalised. This initiative follows on from the successful renewal of the village directory boards earlier this year.

The Region has a long and fascinating history with its share of national figures who are or were in their time household names. A long-forgotten champion boxer was Paddy Slavin born near Vacy in 1863 who eventually was an international champion in the heavyweight class of boxing.

In other cases, the community minded actions of John Tucker a farmer, naturalist and historian are recorded recognising his generosity in purchasing land and donating to the Council leading to the establishment of Tucker Park in Paterson. Visitors and also locals often ask about how certain things come about and these signs will provide some answers.

Frank Robinson Park in Dungog is known to all but few really know who Frank Robinson was. The new sign will describe his WW1 survival and his subsequent contribution to the Dungog community – a story of sacrifice but tremendous achievement through his lifetime. The project is complementary to a wider initiative by DRT to improve information available for tourists and visitors to our valleys. This has involved researching and writing brochures about Dungog and each of the villages.

The project is funded by the NSW Government’s Regional Growth, Environment and Tourism Fund. DRT has been using this grant to support outdoor recreation and tourism across the Dungog Region.

Cameron Archer AM, Chair, Dungog Regional Tourism

Book launch – "Morpeth's Steam Ships"

The launch of Wayne Patfield's latest book "Morpeth's Steam Ships" will be held on Sunday 17 September in the Largs School of Arts Hall, beginning at 2pm. It will be launched by Hon John Price AM. Mr Price has had a long association with the maritime industry and was a former Member for Maitland. Afternoon tea will follow.

"Morpeth Steam Ships" provides details of the 72 ocean-going steamers that operated to and from Morpeth between 1831 and 1946. Incredibly, Wayne has managed to find a photo for most of the vessels, along with their service history, technical details and other interesting information about their use and ultimate demise.

The book includes a comprehensive index and list of references, along with addendums on Morpeth's sailing vessels, punts, steam tugs and dredges. The book will be on sale at the launch for $30, or after launch at MacDonald's book store in Maitland, Paterson’s Servo, Paterson Country Café and Paterson Court House Museum. It will also join the long list of books available online through the Society’s website.

In addition to details on individual vessels, the book explains the evolution of Morpeth

and its ships, beginning in 1831 when Sophia Jane became the first steamship to ply the waters from Sydney to Morpeth. In 1832 she was joined by the locally-built William the Fourth and over the next few decades competing steamship companies formed and constructed steamer facilities at Morpeth. By the early 1840s Morpeth boasted four wharves for steamships.

Wayne explains the progression from wooden to larger iron-hulled paddle steamers, to singe and twin propeller vessels. On the Hunter River in the early 1880s a major step in the evolution of steamer technology came with the introduction of steel-hulled vessels. This followed the discovery of the Bessemer process that allowed steel to be made in commercial quantities from about 1855.

The earliest steel-hulled steamship known to have served Morpeth, the PS Namoi, was built in 1883. She was also the heaviest of the Morpeth paddle steamers, weighing 1,416 tons gross. The steel-hulled PS Newcastle was the longest, measuring 264 feet (80m). Today it is hard to imagine ships of that size berthed at Morpeth.

River siltation combined with road and rail transport eventually killed the river boats. In 1946 TSS Doepel became the last ocean-going ship to travel to Morpeth. Paterson Historical Society invites all interested to attend the launch, chat to Wayne and purchase a copy of his book.

Cameron Archer

Recently two of our long time volunteers passed away and we recognise their efforts to make a difference in our community.

We thank both of these ladies, and their families, for their lifetime of contribution to the Gresford District Community.

and kept records of the ones that she had hand reared on the bucket. She was still able to recall their names in her later years and spoke with fondness about them.

For Delma, Church and faith were in her life and her sense of family was always strong too.

Darrell & Delma finally gave up the dairy and moved to Gresford after

local farmer, Jim Dooley, in 1963 and arrived at Summerhill to the worst drought in 70 years.

From the moment Nola moved to the farm she threw herself into country life and community involvement. In her first year of marriage, she trained debutants for the Gresford Catholic Ball. This started her devotion to community service that endured for over 50 years.

Some of the many things that Nola was involved in included the Gresford Parish Council, the Gresford Show Ladies Committee, the Gresford Historical Society, the Paterson Golf Club, the Gresford Primary School P&C, Meals on Wheels, the Community Health Centre Auxiliary, the Dungog Visitors Centre, organising the Gresford Show Girl, judging regional Show Girl competitions, teaching scripture at Gresford Primary School and church cleaning.

But the longest and arguably the most enjoyable of her volunteering was with the Maitland Black & White Committee (raising money for Vision Australia), which she did for over 50 years without a break. Over the years she served as President, Vice President and Secretary. The bunch of ladies who Nola met with on the first Tuesday of every month for all those years provided long lasting friendship and support.

While Nola was doing all this, Jim was by her side making his own huge contribution to the community. They really were a great team. Fittingly they both received separate Order of Australia Medals for this selfless work, Jim in 2004 and Nola in 2015. Their service to the community over so many years is a great example and inspiration to her family and the Gresford District.

Nola loved her sport and her children were known to excel in either cricket, Rugby League or golf and as many know their son, Paul, is a valued volunteer behind the microphone at a number of local events.

Nola was laid to rest in the Gresford Catholic Cemetery beside her husband, Jim, on his birthday.

Delma Lawrence Nola Dooley

Before you burn

If you are planning a burn on your property, you need to notify the RFS and your neighbours at least 24 hours before you light up.

Rick Cannon, Gresford RFS Captain, said "Notifying the RFS and neighbours before a planned burn, avoids unnecessary emergency calls to burns which do not require our assistance". It is also important for property owners to follow the guidelines and have adequate firefighting resources on hand.

Over the last month, the NSW RFS has also noted an increase in planned burns escaping control. Property owners are being urged to check weather and ensure conditions are suitable prior to lighting up, and monitoring possible changes in wind.

Fire permits will be required in Dungog LGA from 1 October 2023.

You can notify NSW RFS of a planned burn at: rfs.nsw.gov.au/fire-information/ BFDP/burn-notifications.

From 1 October you can request a fire permit by contacting Gresford RFS Captain Rick Cannon on 0428 389 332.

An update from tar10

Melanie & Harvey Collingwood Boots started producing tar10 on a very, very small scale when they came to Gresford some 15 years ago.

Their background was not in food but importing European ladies clothing, however they were both interested in food.

They started off just going to local food markets in the Hunter district. These were limited to only one a month. Then they broadened their field to Food and Wine Fairs in Sydney and a “distributor” spotted them at one of these events and wanted to take on the label for NSW distribution. At that time they only had about 12 items which grew to thirty within 5 years. People were hungry for locally made, gluten and preservative free products. The market was much smaller then but now there are numerous Food and Wine Fairs available in Sydney, Newcastle and the Hunter area.

tar10 now exports through an agent to Singapore for the expats, and Queensland, SA and WA. They supply numerous hamper companies, which during Covid, when people couldn’t see their family or friends, became popular

as people sent hampers to cheer others up and say ”hello”.

To be able to produce tar10, the Collingwood Boots' applied for a permit through Dungog Council and of course put in a commercial kitchen and purchased a large cool room for the fresh produce.

All of this 15 year journey has been fun, says Melanie, despite pitfalls, either due to the weather cancelling events or fresh produce not being available due to floods.

Melanie would encourage anyone to go into their own production business as it is very rewarding and there are companies out there now who can help people navigate the pit falls.

Whilst Melanie has sold “Yelverton” and is moving to North Rothbury, tar10 is NOT closing down, but just not produced here on the farm. Shops will still order and of course one can buy online.

Melanie continues to, and will still be, involved in the Gresford Community.

Quarry Action Group Update

Martin’s Creek Quarry Action Group has been advised that Daracon has lodged a class 1 merit based appeal against the Independent Planning Commission’s decision to refuse their application to expand Martins Creek Quarry.

The proceedings will firstly involve the parties (Daracon and the IPC) holding conciliation conferencing. If no agreement can be made on the issues during the conferencing then the appeal will be heard in the Land and Environment Court before a Judge or Commissioner. The court hearing will essentially be a re-determination of the proposal where the impacts and benefits of the proposal are re-assessed. The Court's decision will be final and there will be no other avenues for appeal.

MCQAG is currently obtaining legal advice as to whether the group can be joined to the proceedings as a 2nd respondent to fight the appeal. Furthermore MCQAG is of the understanding that all residents who objected to the proposal will be entitled to "be heard by the court" during the hearing.

MCQAG understands this process will take between 2 and 6 months and may involve expert witnesses and residents being called as lay witnesses.

MCQAG will provide further updates via the Psst, Gresford News, Facebook and our web page in the coming days and weeks.

Please reach out if you have any questions or concerns at our email info@mcqag.org

What's On the Shelves?

by Glenda Smith

Persuasion

Jane Austen

This is the last of Jane Austen’s novels and was published posthumously. It has a pervasive sense of time passing and sadness, with autumnal notes, as Anne Elliot contemplates the reappearance of a former fiancé, whom she had been persuaded to renounce by a well-meaning but misguided friend.

Anne’s self-effacing and accommodating character makes her almost invisible in her posturing family’s eyes. Her older sister is as vain and snobbish as their contemptible father, and her younger sister is self-seeking and petulant. When the family is forced to let the Elliot estate because of their spendthrift ways, Anne’s former suitor is brought back into her orbit. She finds his presence very painful, because it is clear he has not forgiven her, and is in obvious quest of a wife, having made his fortune.

Austen’s characterisation is delicately skewering of snobbery and pretension, and there are many targets here. However, the main theme is the effect of maturity on decision-making, constancy and self-determination. Anne Elliot is a sympathetic and touching heroine, who lacks the youthful bravado of some of Austen’s other well-loved creations.

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.

The DA-approved, 22-storey ONE precinct is superbly located in Newcastle’s CBD, o ering 193 one, two and three-bedroom luxury apartments and a selection of scenic vistas. This stunning urban oasis sets the region’s new benchmark in luxurious liveability with unparalleled premium residential facilities to promote wellness and social connection.