Gresford News December 2025 by gresford editor

News of the communities of the Paterson and Allyn River Valleys $2.50

December 2025

The Gresford Rural Fire Brigade is transporting Santa on his travels to see children around the area. Come along, say hello to Santa and receive a treat on Sunday 14 December 2025. See Santa's schedule on page 5.

GRESFORD DISTRICT COMMUNITY GROUP & GAPS PRESENT

SATURDAY

20 DECEMBER 2025 Markets from 5.00PM

Carols from 6.30PM

GRESFORD COMMUNITY PARK & ARBORETUM (NEXT TO THE GRESFORD SPORTS COMPLEX)

Bring along a picnic and enjoy an evening of fun and Christmas carols

The Gresford News Community Diary

Mon 1 Dec Gresford & District Community Group Meeting, 6.30pm

Wed 3 Dec Trivia Night, Gresford Bowls Sport & Recreation Club, 6.30pm

Thurs 4 Dec Dungog Youth Voice Council Launch, Doug Walters Pavilion, Dungog, 5pm • 12–25 years – see page 14

Wed 10 Dec Food hamper & gift drive for locals needing a helping hand this Xmas – Closing date for donations. See p10

Fri 12 Dec Sketch Club – Still Life, Gresford Community Gallery, 1–4pm, Contact Christine Pike 0428 271 819

Sat 13 Dec Gresford Community Market, Gresford Community Park, 9–1

Sat 13 Dec Dungog Housing & Infrastructure plan Community info sessions, Paterson School of Arts, 10–12

Sat 13 Dec Dungog Housing & Infrastructure plan Community info sessions, Gresford School of Arts, 2–4

Sun 14 Dec Sketch Club – PLEIN AIR & INDOOR, Paterson Courthouse, 11.15 –3pm, Contact Christine Pike 0428 271 819

Sun 14 Dec Santa Run with Gresford Rural Fire Brigade – Santa Stops are: Lostock 2pm • Mount Rivers 2.30pm • Cnr Baerami & Burrawang Close 2.50pm • St Mary-On-Allyn Church 3.15pm • St Anne’s Church 3.45pm • Gresford Fire Station 4pm • Orana Park 4.15pm • Breckin Close 4.45pm

Fri 19 Dec CWA Craft Morning, CWA Hall, 9–12

Sat 20 Dec Sketch Club Exhibition & Gallery Christmas Party, Gresford Community Gallery, 4-6pm

Sat 20 Dec Special Twilight Market & Christmas Carols, Gresford Community Park, from 5pm

Sat 20 Dec Christmas Colouring In Competition announced at the Carols By Candlelight, 6.30pm – see pages 12&13

Sun 21 Dec Xmas gig on the deck, Hotel Beatty, 2-6pm

Wed 31 Dec NYE Karaoke, Hotel Beatty,8-late

Mon 26 Jan Australian Day – Reggie Sinclair Fun Filled Afternoon, Gresford Bowls Sport & Recreation Club

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 1 Dec 6.30pm Hotel Beatty

Dungog Youth Voice Council Launch

Tell us what you think. Kick-Off Meeting: Doug Walters Pavilion, Dungog, Wed 4 Dec, 5pm Everyone 12–25 is welcome— no experience, just enthusiasm. Contact Cheryl Royle: cheryl.royle@gmail.com

Gresford Community Market Sat 13 Dec

Gresford Community Market – second Saturday of each month at Gresford Community Park 9am–1pm gresfordcommunitymarket@outlook.com

Carols by Candlelight & special twilight Xmas Markets Sat 20 Dec from 5pm BYO Picnic, say hello to Santa & sing along with GAPS Gresford Community Park Colouring In Competition announced

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 Rural Fire Brigade's Santa Run – Sun 14 Dec Itinerary for Santa Stops: Lostock 2pm • Mount Rivers 2.30pm • Cnr Baerami & Burrawang Close 2.50pm • St Mary-OnAllyn Church 3.15pm • St Anne’s Church 3.45pm • Gresford Fire Station 4pm • Orana Park 4.15pm • Breckin Close 4.45pm. Info: Glenn Wall 0428 389 462

Creative activities at the Gresford Community Gallery

• Sketch Club Exhibition & Gallery Christmas Party Sat 20 Dec 4-6pm

•

December Sketch Club–Still Life Fri 12 Dec 1–4pm

• Sketch Club–PLEIN AIR & INDOOR Sun 14 Dec 11.15-3pm

Radio Dungog update – 107.9FM

New studio at Dungog Showground opened to fanfare – very impressive setup. You can Listen Live online 24/7. Transmission tower to Gresford area has had some teething problems. Interesting new listening projects in development. More details next edition.

Gresford Community Group AGM & Community Invitation

Gresford has a long tradition of locals stepping up, pitching in, & making things happen. From events & improvements to youth support, sports, arts & community wellbeing, much of what makes this region special comes from everyday people choosing to get involved. That spirit remains strong — & there’s room for everyone.

If you’re passionate about a local project, want to kick something off, or simply want to help your community, we need you. Grassroots ideas & willing hands make Gresford thrive — this is your chance to be part of it.

The Gresford Community Group meets on the first Monday of each month, 6.30pm, Hotel Beatty (no meeting Jan). All residents are encouraged to come along. Meetings are friendly, welcoming & a great place to share ideas or hear what’s happening.

At the AGM, the long-standing committee was acknowledged. 2025 committee: President Jim Doyle, Secretary Melinda Butler, Treasurer Bob Doyle, committee members Alexandria Carruthers, Noel Brown, Dawn Thompson, Mal Henry & Cheryl Royle.

Gresford School of Arts Update

I was recently asked about the history of the Gresford School of Arts and whether it was available for hire by members of the general public and organisations. The easy answer is that the School of Arts facility is definitely available for hire at very reasonable rates (Contact Kel Merriman (Secretary) on 0417280851) as well as being used on a regular basis by various Gresford community groups.

The Gresford School of Arts was originally located in Church Street in West Gresford. The timber frame building was relocated to Park Street at East Gresford and officially opened in December 1928. A brick School of Arts Hall was later constructed adjacent to the other building and officially opened on 20th March 1930. The title of the School of Arts transferred to Dungog Shire Council 22nd October 1970.

The facility consists of the main hall and foyer, cenotaph, kitchen, supper room (preschool) with children’s external play area, meeting room (RSL sub branch), an external storage garage, and the public toilets. Regular users include the Mobile Preschool, Gresford Historical Society, Gresford Amateur Performing Society (GAPS), and of course as a voting site for the various local, State and Federal elections.

Over the past few months the long awaited construction of the Disability Accessible Toilet and improved pathway has been completed. In addition the sliding door to the Supper Room (preschool) has been replaced along with repairs to windows. A large number of window panes have also been replaced in the main hall.

The Gresford School of Arts Management Committee is a Section 355 Committee of Dungog Shire Council. The membership and executive positions are Gresford and surrounds residents nominated at the AGM.

At the last meeting, the committee discussed the need for new members and the benefits of having new people to be nominated at the next AGM for executive positions (eg President, Secretary or Treasurer). It is very important that this facility is maintained for the benefit of Gresford and it is our residents that can do this best.

The next Gresford School of Arts Committee meeting will be held 7pm Tuesday April 17th 2026 in the main hall. [The next Annual General Meeting is scheduled for 17/3/26] All are welcome to attend.

Kel Merriman, Secretary, Gresford School of Arts Management Committee

NEED IRRIGATION WATER?

Regulated Paterson River Water to Trade. Please contact Peter on 0401393974

BOOK YOUR 'BUSINESS CARD' COLOUR AD

Contact: gresfordnews@iinet.net.au $28 for a repeat ad or $34 for a single issue

Are you in need of an Electrician?

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

Lic No: 296114c ABN: 96 611 109 972

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

Gresford’s market stallholders are getting behind the Great Christmas Challenge by encouraging their customers, and the whole community, to “buy local” this festive season. “Shop Gresford – ’Tis the season to buy local” is a promotion encouraging the community to back itself by supporting local shops, market stallholders and services when buying Christmas gifts for family and friends. And with the Gresford Community Market planning a bumper Christmas event between 9am and 1pm on Saturday, December 13, there will be plenty of local gifts, artwork, craft and produce to share with the whole family. There will also be live music and children’s activities.

Gresford Community Market

Complementing the friendly market atmosphere, Gresford Community Gallery will also be open with the works of local and visiting artisans providing a huge range of buy-local options.

Stallholders will have one last Christmas market on December 20 when they set up alongside the Gresford Carols by Candlelight event run by GAPS. The market will be in its usual place at Gresford Community Park between 5pm and 8pm.

There were a few new faces behind the stalls at November’s Gresford Community Market and they brought a whole new variety of hand-crafted items and homegrown produce. Making her first appearance at the market was Fairy Sophie,

DECEMBER AT THE BEATTY

Sunday 21 November

a 13-year-old with a big heart. Sophie delighted younger children with her face painting abilities and her collection of restored Barbie dolls. “I used to have regular spa days for my own Barbies and then I started restoring Barbies for a women’s refuge and Lifeline so all little girls could share the magic,” Sophie said.

Another new addition to the November market was a children’s activity stall that saw kids creating their own puppets and sparkly wands, and live music from Lisa Wiseman, of Main Creek.

Fairy Sophie paints the face of young visitor Edwin, 5, of Largs.

Harry shows off the puppet and wand he made at the children’s activity stall.

Gresford District Landcare Group

For its November meeting, Gresford Landcare met on a beautiful spring day at Russell Brown's property on the banks of the Allen River for a field day on riverbank restoration after the last flood event.

The meeting brought together Landcare members as well as members of the Alan River Landholders Group and Local Land Services. Russell gave a short history of the property which his family acquired some 120 years ago. The property was run as a dairy operation until 1984 and since has been operated as a beef cattle enterprise.

Representatives of Local Land Services spoke about how to remove exotic weeds such as Giant Reed from the river bank and provided advice on alternative planting to protect the riverbanks from erosion.

Those assembled then assisted with the planting of more than 100 tube stock of appropriate plants such as Lomandra, Callistamon, River Oaks and Forest Red Gum after which they enjoyed a sausage sandwich for lunch provided by the Landcare committee.

Paterson/Vacy/Gresford

Paterson/Vacy/Gresford Food Hamper & Gift Drive for locals needing a helping hand this Xmas

Paterson/Vacy/Gresford Food Hamper & Gift Drive

You can help by donating nonperishable and Christmas themed food items and/or new, unwrapped toys and gifts.

Drop off points:

Paterson Community Hub (Wednesdays 3:30-6:30pm)

Drop off points:

St. Paul’s Church Paterson (foyer)

Paterson Community Hub (Wednesdays 3:30-6:30pm)

Vacy General Store

St. Paul’s Church Paterson (foyer)

Vacy General Store

East Gresford FoodWorks

St. Anne’s Church Gresford (foyer)

East Gresford FoodWorks

St. Anne’s Church Gresford (foyer)

Closing date for donations is 10 December th

Will be discreetly distributed by Revd Mary Horn through trusted connections that help identify community members most in need. Her number is 0418 611 778.

For more details see www.twinrivers.au

Collab between local community groups, businesses and the Anglican Church :)

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 7th 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 – Specialising 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, organise, and conduct successful clearings

Livestock Management – Expert support tailored to optimise 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 2026 season!

CHRISTMAS COLOURING IN COMPETITION

Everyone loves a colouring competition! With Christmas just around the corner, it’s time to pull out the pencils, crayons and paintbrushes and get creative with the Gresford District Community Groups Children’s Christmas Colouring in Competition.

All you need to do is pull out the appropriate age group picture from the Gresford News, get your children to add their magic touch and drop it in at the collection points:

Gresford Rural & Garage or Vacy General Store

All the entries will be judged and there will be one winner for each age group. The winners will be announced at the Carols by Candlelight and will receive a prize on the night, you have to be there on the night to collect the prize.

Not long now!

Carols By Candlelight

Saturday, 20 December 2025 from 6.30pm

Get ready for an unforgettable evening at Carols in the Park! Pack your picnic, grab your chairs and rugs and a torch and join the Gresford District Community Group and the Gresford Amateur Performing Society (GAPS) for a night of festive fun.

There will be market stalls from 5.00pm. Come early and grab the last minutes gifts and claim a good picnic spot. The GAPS choir will be performing live, all your favourite traditional carols and some new musical numbers that you can join in on plus a few songs for the children and some activities for the young (and young at heart) to participate in.

Song sheets will be available on the Gresford District Community Group’s Facebook page and there will be some hard copies available on the night.

A big thank you goes to Gresford District Community Group for providing the funding to make this event possible for our community.

Name

Dungog Youth Voice Council Launch –It’s Your Turn to Speak Up

Something big is kicking off in the Dungog region: the launch of the brand-new Youth Voice Council—a space created for young people and led by young people. Backed by the Community Builders Program (and the idea that it really does take a whole village to raise a legend), this council is all about backing you –the next generation.

Over the past few months, locals have been talking—parents, teachers, businesses, community groups and heaps of young people. Everyone agreed on one thing: young people want to be heard, and the community is ready to listen.

The Youth Voice Council will bring together ages 12–25 from all around the region—Gresford, East Gresford, Dungog, Clarence Town, Vacy, Stroud, Paterson & beyond. You’ll get to throw ideas on the table, talk about what matters most, dream up new project, & build real leadership skills with a few friendly adult mentors cheering you on.

It’s all about giving you a real say—whether that’s designing cool events, improving youth hangout spaces, boosting wellbeing, or finding better training & job opportunities.

Kick-Off Meeting:

Doug Walters Pavilion, Dungog, Wed 4 Dec, 5pm Free pizza. Enough said. Everyone 12–25 is welcome—no experience, just enthusiasm. Contact Cheryl Royle: cheryl.royle@gmail.com Remember: Free pizza for everyone who comes along

'It Takes a Village' project

Gresford’s Strength Lies in Its People — & Now, More Than Ever, It Takes a Village. Gresford is a community with a strong heart. People come for the scenery but stay because of the kindness, the teamwork & the way neighbours look after each other. At a time when young people across Australia are facing unprecedented challenges, our region is proving something timeless: It takes a village to raise a child.

Young Australians are dealing with rising anxiety, loneliness, social media pressures & school disengagement. Many come from separated or struggling families & the old support networks — church groups, scouts, big family circles — are not as strong as they once were. These challenges are felt everywhere, including here.

And while climate change remains a major global challenge, the wellbeing of young people is equally a major issue for Australia’s future. History shows civilisations thrive when their young people are supported — & falter when they are not. Gresford understands this well.

We are already doing so much right. As the old saying goes: 'Tough times create strong people, strong people create good times, good times create weak people, & weak people create tough times'. Our community is choosing strength — stepping up, supporting clubs & helping young people every day.

JOIN OUR AMAZING TEAM!

A Community Already Leading the Way

Look around & you can see why Gresford is so strong: • Pony Club building confidence & connection • Cricket Clubs offering teamwork & positive culture • Gresford Vacy Football Club a safe, welcoming home for families • Vacy’s fishing day where around 100 people signed up, showing the hunger for community • Gresford Art Gallery nurturing creative young minds. These aren’t just clubs — they’re places of belonging.

Major Youth Initiatives Across the Dungog Region

1 Regional Youth Council Young people aged 12–25 are invited to help guide the region’s future. Contact Cheryl Royal — cherylroyal@live.com.au.

2 Regional Youth Roundtable Local leaders meeting regularly to coordinate youth support.

3 Regional Youth Camp — Wangat Lodge (July holidays) Focused on connection & resilience, open to all young people, with quiet financial support available.

4 Supporting Isolated Youth Finding & including the kids who feel disconnected.

5 Community Foundation Being Established Providing long-term support for local clubs, arts & youth programs.

Have Your Say Make a Difference Shape the Future

A Community Effort — Let’s Be Proactive & Make a Difference

This is a community effort, & now is the moment to be proactive. You don’t have to solve everything — just help create a community where young people feel welcome, safe & supported. Here are safe, simple ways to make a difference:

• Say hello when you see young people around town.

• Support youth organisations like the Pony Club, Cricket Clubs, Football Club & Art Gallery.

• Volunteer in group settings at community events, canteens & fundraisers.

• Help clubs stay strong through small practical contributions.

• Encourage young people you already know in safe, group-based environments.

• Share information about local activities & events.

• Be welcoming at community gatherings.

• Look out for the quieter kids & help connect them safely to community activities.

Small, positive actions multiply • Small actions change lives • Small actions build the future • Strong communities create strong young people • Strong young people create strong futures • & Gresford has everything it needs to keep shining — together.

More info: Jim Doyle 0407307800

High Tea for our ‘Grandes Dames’ – (or Great Ladies). Our branch celebrated the birthdays of five of our long-term members with a high tea before our November meeting. Three of them are attaining 90 this year, and two 88. They were Joyce Byron; Valarie Smith; Elaine Mayo; Dottie Hilliard and Betty Kelehear. They are inspiring in their lifestyles, commitment, loyalty and wisdom. They are certainly good advertisements for the benefits of belonging to the CWA! Members brought dainty morsels, flowers, and fine china, and they were presented with personalised gifts and cards by our new members Dot and Sharon.

November Market – this month was quieter at the market in general, perhaps because of competition from the Dungog Show or the previous weekend’s festivities at Vacy. However, our president Lyn enhanced our sales by taking some of our cakes, biscuits and slices to the customers in a basket. We will also be participating in the December market with items for Christmas.

CWA Donations – the CWA Group Conference Minutes reported on some impressive donations by CWA NSW$5,827 to the Spacim Pikini Hospital in PNG; $5,000 from the International

CWA NEWS

Educational Fund to Uganda; and $20,000 towards a new labour suite on Tanna Island, Vanuatu; and $100,000 to India for eye care. Our local branch contributes to the International Fund every year.

Craft Morning – the last Craft Morning of the year will be held on 19 December. Everyone is welcome to join us for morning tea, craft and chat from 9-12. Members $5 and non-members $3.

Book Club – we finished our formal sessions for the year with a lively discussion of James by Percival Everett. This novel challenges the prevailing view of slaves at the time of writing The

Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by suggesting that the slaves themselves assumed a mode of speech and behaviour that suited the submission required by white society, but had a much more sophisticated manner when isolated in their own company.

French Conversation – French will continue next year on the first and third Mondays of the month. Please ring Glenda Smith (4938 9456 or 0400 108 079) if you are interested in joining us as dates occasionally change. There are three meetings remaining for the year, where we will continue to explore the French Riviera.

High Tea for our Great Ladies: Joyce, Valarie, Dottie, Betty and Elaine.

CULTURE VULTURE

Greetings to Culture Vulture readers

Gresford Community Gallery and Culture Vulture wish everyone a lovely Christmas and great New Year 2026.

Gresford Community Gallery Updates: Everybody enjoyed the interesting and informative talk - Trash or Treasure? - the Pro Hart Enigma, by Gavin Fry recently hosted by Gresford Community Gallery.

Gresford Community Gallery, 12 Park St. East Gresford. Open weekends 10am–4pm

Enquiries:

gallerygresfordcommunity@gmail.com

Visit & like our Facebook page for news of exhibitions, workshops & features on artists.

DECEMBER SKETCH CLUB DAYS

The gallery holds Sketch Club each month. Everyone enjoys the creative, friendly atmosphere. Please join us at the next event, SKETCH CLUB – STILL LIFE on Friday 12 December, all welcome, beginners and professionals. We will be taking inspiration from Australian artist Thea Proctor – Hosted by artist Christine Pike. Please bring your own art supplies. Cost $10. This event will be at Gresford Community Gallery, 12 Park St. East Gresford. Enquiries: Ph: 0428 271 819 Christine Pike.

The next SKETCH CLUB – PLEIN AIR & INDOOR will be on Sunday 14 December, 11.15 –3pm at the Paterson Courthouse Hosted by artist Christine Pike taking inspiration from Australian artist Grace Cossington Smith. Meet at the Court House

Robyn Werkhoven

at 11.15pm. King Street, Paterson. Please bring your own art supplies. Cost $10. BYO own lunch. Afternoon tea provided. Enquiries: Ph: 0428 271 819 Christine Pike.

DECEMBER 20th SKETCH CLUB

EXHIBITION & GALLERY

CHRISTMAS PARTY.

Please join us from 4–6 pm at Gresford Community Gallery, all are welcome. The Gresford Market and Christmas carols follow in the evening in the Park / Arboretum next to the gallery.

STUDIO LA PRIMITIVE – ARTS ZINE FINAL ISSUE

Sadly, November was our final issue after twelve years of successful publication.

The November magazine presents a tribute, looking back at all the issues and a special poetry section and a final article from our fabulous resident contributors. (Link: https://issuu.com/robynwerkhoven/docs/ arts_zine_november_2025)

Based in East Gresford, on the 1st of October 2013 we launched the first issue of STUDIO LA PRIMITIVE ARTS ZINE, an independent art and literary online magazine. Arts Zine has been a voice for the artists and writersnot only from the Hunter Region NSW, but

Ross Staines and Gavin Fry. Ross won the door prize.

nationally and internationally. In 2017 Arts Zine was selected by the NSW State Library to be preserved as a digital publication of lasting cultural value for long-term access by the Australian community.

What began with 50 pages grew to over 200 pages and reached 64 issues. The magazine has featured 400 artists and writers including many emerging and high profile Australian & international artists. It has been a privilege to work with all the fabulous artists and writers.

We believe art and culture are extremely important for a healthy society. Your editors will keep in touch as they have other art projects in the pipeline. Please if you wish to download articles from online - do so by the 1st March 2026.

Contact with Art News for Culture Vulture or enquiries about Gresford Community Gallery: Robyn Werkhoven Ph: 0417 686 816 Email: werkhovenr@bigpond.com

What's On the Shelves?

by Glenda Smith Libertie Kaitlyn Greenidge

This novel, coincidentally, like James, the CWA Book Club’s choice for November, is set in the time of the American Civil War and told from a Black perspective. Libertie the heroine is not a slave, but she and her mother are part of the Underground Railroad which helps escaped slaves. After the war they establish a hospital to help the poor and newly freed, concentrating mostly on women and children.

The central tension in the book is the conflict between Libertie and her mother Cathy. The latter is the first African-American female doctor in the United States, and is possibly modelled on Rebecca Lee Crumpler, who had that distinction. Cathy is a very strong, talented and noble person who wants her daughter to follow in her footsteps. She has ironically named her Libertie, but does not consider giving her the freedom of choice to reject her plans. Libertie sees herself as never being able to measure up to her mother’s ideals and takes the chance to move to Haiti where she hopes to be able to be her own person.

Many issues are dealt with in the narrative, in a deft and illuminating way. Racism; sexism; colourism and colonialism all impact on Libertie’s attempts to find her own way in the world, but she leaves the reader optimistic because of her strength of character.

All books reviewed are in the CWA library–see separate shelf so they are easy to find. Find reviews in a folder. Also visit our street library.

www.service.nsw.gov.au/campaign/savings-finder

This month’s meeting was a little out of the ordinary as we were invited to visit Closebourne Village, an Over 55s / Retirement village in Morpeth with a remarkable history dating back to the early 1820s, when Lt Edward Close was granted 2,560 acres of land in recognition of his military service in the Peninsular Wars, when Napolean Bonaparte invaded Portugal. He was named as the Chief Engineer for the city of Newcastle. He was also a Magistrate & Member of the Legislative Council. After retiring from military service, Edward Close was responsible for the establishment of the Morpeth township & most importantly, the development of Morpeth as a major port, linking the Hunter with Newcastle & Sydney.

Close built a number of houses on the property, the first, ‘Closebourne’ highlighted the English lack of understanding of their new environment, putting most of the windows facing to the west. His second home, ‘Morpeth House’ reflected a more Mediterranean influence, that he would have picked up from his military service in Spain, much more suitable for the Australian climate. Both houses have had multiple uses over the ensuing years including the Bishop of Newcastle’s residence, with other buildings being constructed to

Paterson Allyn Garden Group

accommodate a seminary, boys home & various training & housing purposes.

The Village, as it stands now, was created by Lend Lease & while much of the existing tree plantings go back through the years, a loyal & productive group of ‘resident volunteers’ continue to develop the gardens with different groups tackling various areas, from the Garden Group, looking after the Formal Garden areas & a separate group taking responsibility for the amazing Vegetable Gardens. Barbara’s group includes Cliff Johnson & others to maintain & expand the other gardens around the site.

The Village & gardens are beautifully maintained & show the dedication & love of the residents for their adopted neighbourhood & it wouldn’t surprise anyone if some of the PAGG members make the move to Village life.

Jillian opened the meeting & introduced residents, Trevor, Barbara & Clifford who gave us some great historical information & very interesting gardening advice involving mulch & horse poo.

Once again we were very fortunate with the weather however, the Village provided us with a very nice, air conditioned meeting room that everyone appreciated. Another bumper crowd was in attendance with a good contingent of members & a number of visitors. Everyone provided so much information that this newsletter could become a treatise, however, I feel that I should mention the transplanted Magnolia tree, the Jonquils from a dairy at Jerry’s Plains & the Bunya Pines that were used as a means of communications between townships & properties in the early days.

Jillian presented gifts to Barbara & Clifford in thanks for their generous support of our group. We were all then able to wander around the impressive grounds & beautiful old buildings before heading for home.

Our next meeting will be our Christmas Lunch for members only, to be held on the 9th December (2nd Tuesday) at St Mary’s on Allyn, Anglican Church, Allynbrook. Check the website - pagardengroup.org for further details.

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Have Your Say On Key Strategic Planning Strategies

Dungog Shire Council has endorsed a suite of major strategic planning documents to be placed on public exhibition marking a significant opportunity for the community to shape the future of the Shire. The draft documents form the foundation of Council’s long-term growth management framework and have been developed to guide how the Shire will meet the NSW Government's Housing 2041 strategy and Hunter Regional Plan 2041, which aims to address housing needs across the state and the region over the next 20 years. Dungog Shire has been earmarked to deliver an additional 2400 homes.

Dungog Shire Council Mayor Digby Rayward said the plans will guide our Shire for decades to come, while preserving what the community values most. “Our Councillors and Council staff have been working incredibly hard to engage with the community to develop these strategies. I hope the community takes this opportunity to review them and provide their feedback while they are on public exhibition,” Mayor Rayward said.

The draft documents include:

1. Draft Local Strategic Planning Statement (LSPS) Council’s 15-year vision for land use planning across the Shire. It sets clear priorities for how and where Dungog will grow, ensuring housing, infrastructure, environment, economic development, and community values are aligned in an integrated framework.

2. Draft Dungog Shire Local Housing Strategy

This draft Local Housing Strategy identifies the types of housing needed to support a growing and ageing population, strengthen affordability, and ensure housing growth occurs in the right locations.

Dungog Shire Council News RICHARD

It provides a roadmap for housing diversity such as dual occupancies, secondary dwellings, seniors housing, and appropriately scaled infill housing - focusing growth in existing towns and villages while protecting rural landscapes.

3. Draft Rural Lands Strategy

The draft Rural Lands Strategy provides a contemporary approach to managing the Shire’s agricultural and rural landscapes. It responds to community feedback about protecting rural character, enabling diversification for farmers, supporting agritourism and small-scale enterprises, and balancing opportunities for rural living, while protecting high-value farmland and biodiversity.

Draft Infrastructure Capacity and Prioritisation Plan

The draft Infrastructure Capacity and Prioritisation Plan identifies the infrastructure required to support future growth, including water, sewer, transport, open space, community facilities, and utilities. It outlines priorities for staged investment and ensures growth is aligned with servicing capacity so that infrastructure leads development rather than lags behind it.

5. Draft Dungog Strategic Centre Structure Plan & Streetscape Masterplan

The draft Structure Plan sets out the longterm vision for the Dungog Strategic Centre, guiding where new housing, community facilities, employment land, and transport connections will be located. The draft Streetscape Masterplan provides detailed designs for a greener, safer and more walkable town centre, featuring treelined streets, wider footpaths, safer crossings, improved cycling links, and beautified public spaces that reflect Dungog’s unique character and heritage.

The major outcomes include:

• Dungog and Clarence Town are the primary focus for urban growth due to their proximity to shops, transport, services and schools

• Paterson, Vacy, Gresford, East Gresford and Martins Creek to experience incremental growth while respecting village character

• diverse housing achieved by applying new zone types (including R2 Low Density) to support appropriate densities

• reducing minimum lot sizes for RU1 (Primary Production) blocks from 60ha to 40ha

• RU2 (Rural Landscape) will have a 40ha

minimum lot size to suit larger, extensive rural and community uses, while protecting working agricultural land

• introducing a new zoning category, RU4 for Primary Production Small Lots, with a 20ha minimum lot size in key ‘soil-rich’ areas in Vacy, Paterson and Martins Creek

• enabling farming-plus diversification which supports agritourism, small-scale processing, farm stays and short-stay accommodation

The documents can be viewed on Council’s website, with submissions accepted online, via email, or in writing before public exhibition closes at 5pm on 21 December 2025. More info go to www.dungog.nsw. gov.au/Home and scroll down to the bottom of the page then click on the Housing and Infrastructure Master Plan link.

Council has worked with Mecone to provide an online mapping tool that allows you to view the existing planning controls across Dungog Shire and the proposed changes identified in the draft strategies. The interactive map and the feedback form are both available from the Housing and Infrastructure Master Plan page.

Council will also be holding a series of drop-in information sessions – details available on the Council’s website.

This is our last news for 2025. It has been a pleasure to bring you our news. It has been a challenging year with everyone “counting their pennies” but, we are grateful for the continued support for “Margie’s Rug Appeal”, food & essentials for the less fortunate than ourselves. All these things bring happiness & many thanks from those who receive them. I see this every week. Thank you all for your kindness.• Gresford/Vacy/ Paterson Community Group have a “Christmas Giving Tree”, where anyone can leave a gift for children/ adults. Leave your gift at: St. Paul’s Church Hall Wed 3.30 & 6.30pm; entry to St. Paul’s Church; or entry to Anne’s Church.• Fr. Peter’s next Men’s Breakfast Sat 13 Dec St. Paul’s Hall 8am. All men most welcome. • Next service with Paul O’Keefe is on Sun 14 Dec St. Paul’s Paterson 8.30am. Topic “The Radical Jesus”. Come along & join discussions. • Bible study continues at Vacy Cafe on Thurs 9.30am with coffee & chat before the study. We are a group of ladies who are most welcoming to all, regardless of denominations. Church times for December: 7, 14, 21, 28 St. Paul’s Paterson 8.30am & St. Anne’s Gresford 10.30am.• Wed, Christmas Eve Services: 6.30pm St. Mary’s Allynbrook & 9pm St. Paul’s Paterson. Christmas Day: Gresford at 9am.• For Emergency food relief: Rev. Mary 0418 611 778 or Beverley 4938 5223.• Stay safe, look after each other & a Very Merry Christmas to everyone. Blessings Beverley

Gresford

Congregational Church

30 Durham Rd Gresford

Services Each Sunday 10.30am ALL WELCOME

Catholic Parish of Gresford

Mass at St. Helen's, East Gresford

Saturday – 5:30 pm (except 2nd Sat. of month)

Thursday – 9.30am

Mass at Sacred Heart, Summer Hill

Sunday – 11:30 am (2nd Sunday of month)

All enquiries to Fr. Andrew Doohan, Parish Priest, on 4992 1477 or dungog.parish@mn.catholic.org.au

Gresford News December Crossword

December 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.