August 2025
News of the communities of the Paterson and Allyn River Valleys
Tracking Kokoda
During July a group of 16 Dungog region locals, ranging in age from 12 to 71, set off to walk the Kokoda Track.
" Our goal was not simply to follow in the footsteps of history, but to truly feel the weight and meaning of what took place there."
Read the full story p8...
Are you in need of an Electrician?
BOOK YOUR 'BUSINESS CARD' COLOUR AD
Contact: gresfordnews@iinet.net.au
$28 for a repeat ad or $34 for a single issue
Maybe you need some Excavation work done, Even just a load of soil or gravel. Please call Gregg, local reliable and trustworthy Ph. 0429389473
www.merchantindustries.com.au
DO YOU WORK FROM HOME AND WANTING TO SUPPLEMENT YOUR INCOME OR PAY FOR THOSE HOLIDAYS YOU’VE BEEN LOOKING FORWARD TO?
GAIN SOME EXTRA INCOME AND STILL HAVE 3 MONTHS OFF A YEAR?
COME AND DRIVE A SCHOOL BUS SERVICE IN ONE OF THE NICEST ENVIRONMENTS IN THE COUNTRY, 20 – 25Hrs PER WEEK SCHOOL TERM ONLY (7.00 – 9.00am and 2.45 – 4.15pm).
*****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
The Gresford News Community Diary
Sun 3 Aug Info sessions – Dungog Housing & Infrastructure Master Plan strategy for our shire – VACY Vacy School of Arts, 10–12pm + PATERSON Paterson School of Arts, 2–4pm
Mon 4 Aug
Gresford & District Community Group Meeting, 6.30pm
Wed 6 Aug Laughable Leigh Trivia Night, Gresford Bowls Sport & Recreation Club, 6.30pm
Thurs 7 Aug Workshop: Share Your Story, Grow Your Audience for event organisers, community groups, artists, agri-tourism operators, small businesses, accommodation providers, & tourism services Dungog Library, 10-1.30
Sat 9 Aug Gresford Community Market – winter market, Gresford Community Park, 9–1
Sat 9 Aug CWA book club, CWA Hall, 2pm
Sat 9 Aug Gresford District Landcare Group Meet up, contact Penny Kater for details 0488 371 589
Sat-Sun 9-10 Aug Last home round – Scorpions’ weekend teams, Gresford Vacy Football Club, Gresford Sporting Complex
Thurs 14 Aug CWA Working Bee – tidy up from storm damage, CWA Hall
Fri 15 Aug CWA Craft Morning, CWA Hall, 9–12
Fri 15 Aug Last home games – Friday night seniors, Gresford Vacy Football Club, Gresford Sporting Complex
Fri-Sun 15-17 Aug Final competition matches – Gresford Vacy Football Club's teams
Sun 17 Aug FREE Art Sunday for chiildren (primary school age), Gresford Community Gallery, 10-2
Sun 17 Aug Live music – Norm Bakker doing Elvis & friends, Hotel Beatty, 1–5pm
Fri 22 Aug AGM, Gresford Bowls Sport & Recreation Club, 7.30pm
Sat 23 Aug Naughty Numbers Bingo with a twist, Gresford Bowls Sport & Recreation Club
Tues 26 Aug Circle Dancing, Gresford Community Gallery, 4.30pm
Fri 29 Aug Sketch Club, Gresford Community Gallery, 1–4pm
Fri 29 Aug Red Dirt Country Band – Live music on the deck, Hotel Beatty, 8pm til late
Fri 29 Aug Gala opening, Sculpture on the Farm, James Theatre, Dungog
Fri-Sun 29-31 Aug Sculpture on the Farm, Dungog Common + other events around the shire incl Gresford – see www.sculptureonthefarm.com
Sat 30 Aug Gresford Rodeo
Sat 6 Sep Liptember High Tea – fundraiser for women's mental health, Gresford Bowls Sport & Recreation Club, 12 noon
Every Mon Fitness A GoGo with Donna! class, Gresford Community Gallery, 3.30pm
Every Wed Happy hour + Gift Voucher Raffles, Gresford Bowls Sport & Recreation Club, 4.30–6pm
Every Thurs Mass, St Helen's Catholic Church, East Gresford, 9.30am
Every Thur Happy hour, free pool & jukebox, Hotel Beatty, 5.30–7pm
Every Fri (school terms) Yoga with Donna Cavanough, Vacy School of Arts Hall, 9.30–11am & live zoom online Tues, Wed, Fri, 7.30am
Every Fri Twilight Bowls, Gresford Bowls Sport & Recreation Club, 5.30pm
Most Fri afternoons Friends of the Arboretum activities, times vary seasonally, contact Penny Kater for details 0488 371 589
Every Fri Cricket Club Raffles, Hotel Beatty
Sat-Sun Gresford Community Gallery open, 12 Park St, East Gresford, 10-4 or by appt phone Robyn 0417 686 816
Sat Mass, St Helen's Catholic Church, East Gresford, 5.30pm (except 2nd Sat of month)
Every Sun Anglican Church services, dates & locations vary–see ad, St Paul’s Paterson, 8.30am • St Anne’s Gresford, 10.30am
Every Sun The Gresford Congregational Church welcomes you, 10.30am
Every Sun Social Bowls +, Gresford Bowls Sport & Recreation Club, from 4pm
1st Mon each month
Gresford District Community Group Meeting, 6.30pm, all welcome! (not Jan)
1st & 3rd Mon each month French conversation, CWA Hall, 10–11.30
1st Wed each month Laughable Leigh Trivia Night, Gresford Bowls Sport & Recreation Club, 6.30pm
2nd Mon each month
Gresford District Landcare Group Meeting, 5pm (not Jan), contact Penny Kater for details 0488 371 589
2nd Thurs each month Pool Comp with prizes at the Hotel Beatty 6.30pm
2nd Sat each month Gresford Community Market, Gresford Community Park, 9–1
2nd Sat each month CWA Book Club, CWA Hall, 3pm
2nd Sun each month Mass, Sacred Heart, Summer Hill, 11.30am
3rd Tues each month Paterson Allyn Garden Group meet, 10am (not Jan), contact Chris Walker for details 0401 566 180
3rd Thurs each month Trivia Night at the Hotel Beatty 6.30pm
3rd Fri each month
CWA Craft Morning, CWA Hall, 9–12
3rd Sun each month Vacy & Surrounds Crop Swap, alongside Vacy General Store, 9.30am
3rd Sun each month Entertainment at the Hotel Beatty
4th Tues each month Circle Dancing, 4.30pm – to book in & check location phone Pip on 0493 388 889
PUT YOUR EVENT IN THE COMMUNITY DIARY:
Contact Gresford News: email gresfordnews@iinet.net.au • Brian Doherty 0412 372 687 • Jane Richens 0425 339 856 has always been created by the community for the community. The content is provided by individuals and community organisations to keep the community informed about activities in the area. Your contributions are always welcome! Deadline for stories & ads 20th of the month. For text – Word format preferred. For pictures – .jpg format preferred (not in word).
Gresford News Notices
Gresford & District Community Group Meeting • Mon 4 Aug 6.30pm
Free workshop: Share Your Story, Grow Your Audience
Thurs 7 Aug 10-1.30, Dungog Library
For event organisers, community groups, artists, agri-tourism operators, small businesses, accommodation providers, & tourism services. Guides you to create Australian Tourism Data Warehouse (ATDW) listings using effective content writing, visuals, & strategic promotion. Explore ways to develop visitor-friendly experiences showcasing regional diversity— from farm tours & markets to open studios & cultural events. Presented by Arts Upper Hunter & Dungog Shire Council.
Contact: Suzannah Jones 0457 303 106
Creative activities at the Gresford Community Gallery •
Free Art Sunday for children Sun 17 Aug 10-2pm
• August Sketch Club Fri 29 Aug 1–4pm
THE GRESFORD NEWS
Gresford News: News of the communities of the Paterson & Allyn River Valleys, has been published by the Gresford & District Community Group since 2002.
As a not-for-profit community association any profits go towards supporting community projects.
IT'S YOUR NEWS
The Gresford News has always been created by the community for the community. The content is provided by individuals and community organisations – Your contributions are always welcome!
IS YOUR NEWS BEING DELIVERED?
Gresford News is delivered to letterboxes on the main road north of Paterson and roadside in the Vacy and Gresford postal districts to the top of the Paterson and Allyn Rivers. PLEASE let us now if you do not recieve your NEWS – we will see if there is a problem we can fix.
Gresford Rodeo Sat 30 Aug
Community Market
Restarts Saturday August 9
After a two-month cold weather hiatus, Gresford Community Market is scheduled to see out winter with a bumper market on Sat 9 Aug. “We’ll have some very enthusiastic stallholders who have been busy either fashioning or growing their offerings - or doing both,” said market co-ordinator Pip Woods. “The weather is looking kind and we have our back-by-popular-demand singer, Pearl Ropata, booked in and ready to roll.” Some of the market’s most popular stalls are back for the end-of-winter market & new stallholders have also signed on to showcase their wares. “We’re really looking forward to a fun day sharing amazing creations and the camaraderie of our local community and visitors,” Pip said.
Gresford Community Market – second Saturday of each month at Gresford Community Park 9am–1pm. 2025 Market dates: Aug 9, Sep 13, Oct 11, Nov 8 & Dec 13. Info: gresfordcommunitymarket@outlook.com
Sculpture on the Farm Fri-Sun 29-31 Aug, Dungog Common + other events around the shire incl Gresford as part of the Dungog Arts Biennial – see www.sculptureonthefarm.com
BRETT PRATTEN TURNS 60
His family plan to have a sausage sizzle to celebrate @ Lucky Pastures 145 Torryburn Road Torryburn. If you’d like to pop in to say Hi’ wish him Happy Birthday on Saturday 23rd August from 11am. You’re most welcome. BYO & chair
The Pratten Family
ADVERTISE IN THE GRESFORD NEWS CLASSIFIEDS
Classified Ad Rates are: $2.75 per line or $11 for 5 lines
Paterson Historical Society News
What a great relief it was to receive the news that the New South Wales Land and Environment Court had dismissed the appeal from Buttai Gravel for the expansion of Martins Creek Quarry.
It has been a long, hard battle, and one has to wonder whether it is over yet, but it was great news. It demonstrates how a community can come together and have such a destructive proposal like the expansion of the quarry dismissed by the court.
How many meetings has it taken? How much grief and anxiety has it taken to get to where we are? But we have been successful, and credit goes to those who provided leadership to the community during these really dark times.
I must mention James Ashton, who led the charge early on and continued to support the Paterson community despite having moved from Paterson some time ago. James was in the Land and Environment Court back in March when I presented, and this was all in his own time to support the Paterson community.
It is most unusual when a proposal for development is generally opposed by both sides of the political spectrum, local government, and the community. It tells
you something about the scale of the proposal and the deleterious impact that it would have inflicted on our community.
One of the key messages for me is that we must have faith in our systems of governance and control, and this outcome demonstrates that we are fortunate to have such robust systems within this state. Unfortunately, many other countries have nothing like this to protect citizens from rapacious development and the subsequent consequences.
As President of the Paterson Historical Society and Chair of Dungog Tourism, I have been most grateful for the unwavering support of the members of both organisations. They provided great encouragement throughout the process and maintained a strong interest in every move that was made. This is why we have community organisations that can come together and collaborate across the district.
Fortunately, Dungog Shire and the Paterson Valley are blessed to have such strong community organisations and support. We must not take them for granted but support them wherever we can.
Cameron Archer AM, President, Paterson Historical Society
Hotel Beatty 2025 charity fundraiser
The Hotel Beatty 2025 charity fundraiser collected $5,600 for John Hunter Hospital Stroke and Brain Injury Research. Thanks to all the locals and tourists alike who managed to throw money on the ceiling of the bar with the pub bolstering the figure to $2,500. Adding to this the very successful 'Pub Dog' calendar total was $3,100. There
were 155 calendars sold at $20 each. Thanks to Tony and Stacey Maher and Bernie Lawler who paid for the production of the calendars so the charity received 100% of the donations. Once again, the Gresford community has shown its generosity and helping to fund worthwhile research into Stroke and Brain Injury.
Gresford Vacy Football Club
It’s the tail end of the season for Gresford Vacy Football Club’s teams, with the final competition matches due to be played on the weekend of August 15-17.
That will mark the end of the season for the junior Scorpions (under-5s to under-11s) but the club’s interdistrict and seniors Scorps are vying to extend their seasons by booking places in the finals series.
At this stage, nine Scorps teams are expected to secure finals berths and another two are in with a chance of making it through. It marks another successful year for the Scorpions and shows the growth in players as they progress through the ranks.
The last home games for the Scorpions’ weekend teams will be at Gresford Sporting Complex on August 9 and 10 and the last home round for the Friday night seniors is scheduled for August 15. Players would love to see the community come and support their teams as they wrap up another full season of sporting fun, fitness and camaraderie.
COMING UP IN AUGUST
Sunday 17 August
Norm Bakker performing Elvis and friends
1–5 pm on the deck
Rodeo Friday 29 August
Red Dirt Country Band
8 till late on the deck
The Hotel Bistro is OPEN!
Breakfast + Lunch 7 Days 7am –2pm Dinner
6 Days (closed Wed night) 6pm – 9pm
The Hotel Beatty's Becky Roper removing donated money from the bar ceiling.
Courage, Endurance, Mateship and Sacrifice: Lessons from Kokoda
A Journey of Remembrance, Community, and Ongoing Inspiration
Over eight demanding days in July, and 132 kilometres of gruelling jungle, our group of 16 trekkers—ranging in age from 12 to 71—embarked on the Kokoda Track. Our goal was not simply to follow in the footsteps of history, but to truly feel the weight and meaning of what took place there. Each day tested our limits, yet with every muddy ascent and river crossing, we uncovered deeper reserves of resilience within ourselves and each other.
At every step, we were reminded of the extraordinary sacrifices made by the soldiers who defended the Kokoda Track against overwhelming odds. In 1942, these young Australians endured unimaginable hardship—disease, exhaustion, and constant danger—as they fought to protect our homeland. Many gave everything, and their courage and willingness to make the ultimate sacrifice turned the tide of history. Today, the trail stands as sacred ground, its soil etched with memory and the legacy of those who fell and those who returned forever changed.
The unwavering support from our Papua New Guinean carriers was nothing short of
remarkable. Their guidance, patience, and steady encouragement made the journey possible, and their quiet strength echoed the compassion of the Fuzzy Wuzzy Angels who aided Australian soldiers in WWII.
Our journey was made possible by the remarkable generosity and spirit of our community. Fundraising efforts—like the Gresford Billy Cart Derby and the steadfast support from the Dungog
District Business Chamber— showcased a genuine commitment to local causes. Trivia nights and countless contributions from businesses and individuals provided not just financial backing but also words of encouragement and belief in our mission. This outpouring of support ensured that every young person eager to walk in the diggers’ footsteps had the chance to be part of our journey. At the heart of it all was our dedication to sponsoring youth, building lasting connections, and uniting us in a shared sense of purpose.
Upon returning home, we spoke with friends, family, and newcomers about our experiences—and the response was overwhelming. The spirit of Kokoda and the story of sacrifice resonated deeply, prompting many to ask how they might join the next trek. So, we are excited to announce that we will be returning to Kokoda in July 2027, this time inviting new faces from across our community to share
in this transformative journey. Once again, all are welcome, and we will be sponsoring the young ones, ensuring that the lessons of Kokoda are passed on to the next generation—those who will carry these values forward.
Crossing the final stretch of the Kokoda Trail filled us with immense pride—not only for completing the trek, but for having honoured the memory of those who went before us. The example set on Kokoda
remains a beacon, reminding us that through endurance and mateship, we can rise to any challenge.
As we look ahead to the next trek, we do so with a renewed sense of purpose. The sacrifices of the soldiers who fought and died along Kokoda inspire us not only to walk in their footsteps, but to live lives of greater meaning, courage, and impact. We hope that, by revisiting the trail and welcoming new participants—especially the young—we will not only keep their legacy alive, but also find the motivation to do something even greater with our own lives. Just as the diggers’ courage shaped our nation, so too can their example shape our futures, urging us to act with integrity, compassion, and the determination to make a positive difference.
The call is out: Kokoda 2027 awaits. Join us as we honour the past, support our youth, and strive—together—to build a better future inspired by the extraordinary sacrifices of those who came before.
Contact Jim Doyle Ph 0407 307 800; email jdoyle500@bigpond.com
PO Box 36 Branxton NSW 2335 Office: 0427 383 388 Email: Admin@HunterSL com au HUNTERSL COM AU
Kickstart the New Year with Hunter Stock & Land!
We’re excited to welcome everyone back for our weekly HRLX Prime Sale at Singleton, held every Wednesday starting at 8:30 am, beginning with our first sale on Wednesday, January 8th At Hunter Stock & Land, we’re dedicated to supporting our clients with comprehensive services that cover all your property and livestock needs Our team is here to assist with:
Property Sales – Specializing in rural properties to help you buy or sell with confidence
Weekly Prime Sales at HRLX Singleton – Join us every Wednesday for a reliable market platform
Direct Sales – Simplifying transactions for efficient and direct buyer-seller connections
Clearing Sales – Helping you manage, organize, and conduct successful clearings
Livestock Management – Expert support tailored to optimize your livestock operations
We’re committed to providing hands-on support, industry insights, and a trusted team ready to meet your needs Here’s to a successful 2025 season!
CULTURE VULTURE
Greetings to Culture Vulture readers.
The Gresford Community Gallery presented artist and writer Gavin Fry talking about The Women's War - The Official War Art of Nora Heysen, Stella Bowen & Sybil Craig. Everyone enjoyed the afternoon, the interesting talk by Gavin and friendly atmosphere.
The gallery has a new selection of beautiful ceramics by Sandra Lee Brown and textiles and jewellery by Giselle Penn and landscape paintings by Kristen Lethem.
Please drop by to view a stunning showcase of Hunter Valley artists. The exhibition includes a great variety of quality art and craft, featuring painting, drawing, sculptures, ceramics, photography, fibre art and jewellery.
AUGUST FEATURED ARTIST at Gresford Community Gallery
Sydney based artist Kristen Lethem holds a Bachelor of Art in Visual Communication and Design from Sydney College of the Arts (Uni of Sydney) and a Master of Fine Art with a painting major from the Uni of NSWArt & Design. She has been a finalist and award winner in numerous Australian art prizes since 2007 including the
Robyn Werkhoven
Paddington, Muswellbrook, Hunters Hill, Mosman, Waverley and Norvill Art Prizes.
“Most of my work is based around the Hunter region and my family home. The house is perched on a hill, looking down towards the river and across to distant
hills. It’s this perspective that I am particularly drawn to and which I predominantly try to seek out. Many of my works take names from local properties located close by, and also from local creeks, rivers and roads leading up to or traversing the view.” – Kristen Lethem.
AUGUST SKETCH CLUB
Please join us at the next monthly Sketch Club. Enjoy the creative, friendly atmosphere. All welcome – beginners and professionals. Next Sketch Club – Friday 29 August, 1 – 4pm will take inspiration from Australian artist Nora Heysen, AM (11 Jan 1911 – 30 Dec 2003). Nora established her own reputation as a distinguished portrait and still-life painter. The first woman to win the Archibald Prize in 1938 for portraiture and the first Australian woman appointed as an official war artist.
This month we will have a model for figurative studies and some beautiful still
life arrangements. Hosted by artist Christine Pike. Please bring your own art supplies. Cost $10. Info : 0428 271 819
Free Art Sunday for children at Gresford Community Gallery. On the third Sunday of the month between 10am and 2pm. During these hours children of primary school age accompanied by an adult will be able to use the art equipment supplied to create their own art. Our friendly Gallery helpers will be on hand to assist. Enquiries: Dawn Thompson 0428 924 800
Gresford Community Gallery open weekends 10am - 4pm. 12 Park Street East Gresford.
NOW IS THE TIME TO FORWARD PLAN TO LIST IN EARLY SPRING
D4H Dozer
Paterson Allyn Garden Group
JANE & JAMES - ECCLESTON. While it is well known in certain circles that Jane has an uncanny ability to make it rain, just by organising an event, (2 wet weddings & numerous washed out social cricket matches attest to this) we are happy to report that the curse has been broken & we were blessed with a very pleasant morning to enjoy the Eccleston country side.
It was very pleasing to see such a good roll up again, with 35 members, including 2 new members & 3 visitors who made the trek up the Allyn River Rd.
Jillian welcomed everyone & introduced Jane to provide a little history of the property & to talk about her garden.
Jane moved to Eccleston with her family in the 70s & due to this connection, she & James bought into the area in 2006 & established their cattle farming interests.
Their house dated back at least 100 years & needed a bit of renovation to make it functional for their family. They were able to increase their landholding over the years, including the old family property, now known as ‘Bobby’s.
In 2019 they carried out major renovations to their home & established the gardens, just when the drought hit, so it was obviously a rocky start & set the scene for Jane’s ‘hit & miss, see what works’ strategy, which is also governed by the winter frosts & summer westerlies.
Jane says that the garden can best be described as a country, cottage garden with a mix of natives, perennials & fruit trees. There is a very productive vegie patch & a few a chickens for eggs – all that’s missing is a dairy cow.
All this with the stunning backdrop of the surrounding hills & views to the Barrington’s.
By necessity, the gardens are generally low maintenance, while Jane & James share the duties of running their farming operation, the daily management & maintenance of the properties means that the gardens aren’t top of the priority list. However, with all things
considered, they have managed to create a beautiful sanctuary for their family & friends to enjoy.
Jillian presented Jane with a gift for hosting our group & asked what the most successful plants were it seems that the Indian Hawthorn & Gardenias seeming to thrive here. There is also a very healthy Crepe Myrtle that is one of the original trees from the previous owners, which hosts an amazing fern that in turn, hosts a Red Bellied Black Snake that keeps an eye on Jane when she is working in the garden.
The subject of pruning came up & there was some helpful information provided & it was decided, due to the complex nature of the topic that Penny would hold a workshop with more in-depth discussion at our next meeting. So bring your questions & ideas along.
As usual, we were able to wander around the grounds to get a closer look at the property & to admire the beautiful country that it sits in.
Our next meeting will be advised through the website– pagardengroup.org so check it out for all the latest information.
Gresford District Landcare Group
Gresford Landcare met at the Vacy riverbank for its July meeting, to inspect the changes to the area since the recent flooding event. Over the last few years, members of the local community, including Landcare members, Janet Piper and Ron Andrews, have worked tirelessly to improve the riverbank area.
Before they started the restoration, the area was overgrown with giant reed and other weeds. They have gradually worked to remove the unwanted vegetation and replace it with many lomandras and trees, native to the area.
The recent flooding has dramatically changed the riverbank, washing away large areas of land and installing a sandy beach. Many lomandras have survived, proving their worth in river bank stabilization, together with a number of trees which were well enough established for their roots to withstand the enormous force of the water.
Much of the other restoration work has been destroyed by the force of the water but the optimistic members of Landcare saw those that have survived as the basis for further regeneration.
The photos attached show our delightful “Vacy beach” which has emerged from the devastation, as well some parts of the area that have been cleared of vegetation while others have survived.
Following the meeting, the members enjoyed scones with jam and cream at The Vacy Cafe. The next meeting will, as usual be held on the second Saturday in August being 9 August.
High Tea – our members and guests enjoyed the High Tea Thank-You for our volunteers and supporters after our July meeting. There was a wonderful array of delicacies, and a sense of the camaraderie we enjoyed during the Show experience. Lyn Tunin thanked the volunteers for their efforts, and also the representatives of the Show and Billy Cart Derby committees who joined us, and Glenda Smith read a poem derived from The Man from Snowy River which started – There was movement at the Showground as the Volunteers rolled in….
CWA NEWS
International Day Lunch – this year our Branch will enjoy a Korean lunch at Beud in Maitland on the day of our August meeting. Generally any funds raised at the International Lunch go towards the CWA’s international fund to help with dire situations in the rest of the world, so this time members will make a donation in addition to enjoying a lunch cooked by others.
Working Bee – the Branch will hold a working bee on 14th August to tidy up storm damage; mow the lawns (if the ground is dry enough!) and make further plans for garden improvement. The trees planted at last year’s
working bee have suffered attrition from the heat in December/January and rain in the last few months, but there have been some survivors. Hopefully we will benefit again this year from Council tree offers.
Craft Mornings - July’s craft gathering was small but very productive. The date of the next meeting will be Friday 15th August. Anyone is welcome to join us for craft, chat and morning tea from 9-12 on the third Friday of the month. Members $5 and nonmembers $3, with a door prize for the lucky.
Defibrillator – our last meeting was informed that every Fire Truck now has a defibrillator, and as the current ones in
Gresford are nearing the requirement of being replaced, this is very good to know. Dialling 000 will put you in touch with the appropriate people for access.
Book Club – July’s meeting was cancelled because of the number of absences, so Tim Winton’s apocalyptic novel Juice will be discussed alongside Crow Trap at the August meeting. All are welcome to attend on the second Saturday of the month at 3pm, but please ring Glenda Smith (numbers below) in case there are unexpected variations.
French Conversation – the French group enjoyed a celebratory mood with a Bastille Day lunch of Boeuf Bourguignon, potato galette, and ratatouille, followed by individual crème caramels and choc brownies, with bread, cheeses, appetisers and appropriate beverages. Before the meal, we shared stories of our best French meals – in French, of course. The French meetings take place on the first and third Mondays of the month, from 10am to 11:30. Please ring Glenda Smith (4938 9456 or 0400 108 079) if you are interested in joining us, as dates occasionally change.
CWA thanked volunteers and supporters with a High Tea.
What's On the Shelves? by Glenda Smith
Started Early, Took My Dog Kate Atkinson
The title of this book, from an Emily Dickinson poem, hints at one of the threads of this detective novel, and the prose is interspersed with references to other poems, as well as other literary and artistic works. Atkinson is erudite, ironic, accomplished and intriguing in her writing, and a lot of fun. She creates complex and interweaving plot lines that may not always satisfy some readers, but leave others delighted.
Her endearing private detective, Jackson Brodie, rescues an abused dog by simply taking it, just as another character rescues an abused child by buying her. The dog situation brings its own risks, but the child one is tantamount to kidnapping, and the purchaser, Tracy Waterhouse (security guard and ex-policewoman) immediately goes on the run with her new charge. Twisted through these incidental plot lines are an investigation Brodie is pursuing of the original identity of an adopted woman, and a very old murder Tracy was called to as a green policewoman.
The complexity and rich prose of Atkinson’s novels mean that they are ripe for rereading – if only for spotting missed clues and the sheer pleasure her work provides.
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 Shire Council News
SURVEY TO INFORM OUR SHIRE'S FUTURE
The Dungog Housing & Infrastructure Master Plan is an important long-term strategy that will help guide our Shire's growth over the next 20 years. Right now, we’re in the early “visioning” stage – which means we’re seeking your input on what’s important to you as our Shire continues to grow.
We’d love you to share with us:
• What you like about where you live
• What you want your town to look like in 20 years
• What your thoughts are on housing, infrastructure, transport and employment
• What matters most to you and your family
Help us shape the future of Dungog by sharing your views. Your feedback will directly inform the development of the Dungog Housing & Infrastructure Master Plan — a long-term strategy for a thriving, sustainable Shire.
The survey only takes 5 minutes and can be found here: https://www.surveymonkey. com/r/QPBKQCM
There’s no need to have attended an information session to take the survey but if you would like to provide your ideas in
person, please come and say hi, have a chat, and ask any questions you might have. Here’s where you can find us in August:
VACY
Sunday 3 August | 10–12pm
Vacy School of Arts
Register your interest HERE
https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/housingand-infrastructure-master-planinformation-session-vacytickets-1451244704979
PATERSON
Sunday 3 August | 2–4pm
Paterson School of Arts
Register your interest HERE
https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/housingand-infrastructure-master-planinformation-session-patersontickets-1451252578529
MAJOR INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECT UNDERWAY IN CLARENCE TOWN
Construction work is now underway on the new Clarence Town Bridge, marking a major step forward in one of Dungog Shire Council's most significant infrastructure projects in recent history. Council’s Infrastructure & Assets team worked with
Bridgeworks (Aust) Pty Ltd to finalise the detailed design and delivery program of the project, which is being jointly funded by the Australian and NSW Governments. Once completed, the new Clarence Town Bridge will be a dual-lane structure approximately 135 metres in length and 14.4 metres wide. It will include a pedestrian walkway, upgraded road approaches, and approach footpaths. The new bridge will enhance access over the Williams River to Clarence Town, in addition to the heritage-listed Brig O’Johnston timber truss bridge.
During construction, traffic flow on Durham Street and Limeburners Creek Road will be affected, with speed limits reduced to 40km/h and traffic reduced to one lane at times. Council appreciates the community's understanding and patience with traffic restrictions necessitated by the construction of the new bridge.
Outside of essential maintenance works by Transport for NSW, the existing Brig O’Johnston Bridge will remain open to traffic during construction to minimise commuter disruptions.
The new bridge is anticipated to be completed in late 2026.
To all the people who continue to support the needy by dropping off food and warm rugs etc at the churches – big thank you. • Our Family Friendly Service for August is on Sun 3 Aug at St.Paul’s Paterson commencing at 8.30am. Paul’s topic is “Pray your fears”. Come along & listen to his words – you are most welcome. • Gresford Men’s Breakfast is on Sat 6 Sep at 8.15am at the Twin Rivers Cafe Gresford, everyone welcome. • Fr. Peter’s Men’s Breakfast is at St.Paul’s Hall on Sat 9 Aug ar 8am. Come along & bring a friend or two .Good food & companionship. • Bishop Sonia will be in the Parish on Sun 24 Aug & will be presiding & preaching at both St. Paul’s and St. Anne’s. • Rev. Mary holds a service at Lara Aged Care Home at Dungog each 2nd & 4th Thursday afternoons each month. • Bible study resumes on Thursdays at Vacy Cafe commencing at 9.30am, with coffee and chat to start. Our topic is Mission-this is a most interesting study – come along – you are very welcome.
Church times for August: 3,10, 17, 24 & 31
St. Paul’s Paterson 8.30am & St. Anne’s Gresford 10.30am. Stay safe & warm. Look after each other. Blessings Beverley
Rev. Mary 0418 611 778, Beverley 4938 5223 if anyone needs help with food or support.
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
Gresford News August Crossword
August 2025 crossword answers
Crossword kindly provided by Russel Jessop.
Gresford Meat Co., a newly established butcher shop in East Gresford, is proud to bring premium, locally sourced meats to the community. Under new local ownership, the store is committed to delivering the finest locally grown beef and a variety of quality meats and produce. The owners of Gresford Meat Co. have deep roots in the Gresford area, and strong ties within the
Mon-Fri: 8am-5:30pm Saturday: 8am-1pm
community. Their Angus beef is sourced from local producer Glenroy Cattle Co., ensuring that customers receive the freshest and most flavorful meats available. Visit Gresford Meat Co. today to experience the best in local butchery and support a business that truly values its community connections.
