July 2025
News of the communities of the Paterson and Allyn River Valleys
Cartoon Capers
Artist and cartoonist Ric Woods led the first cartooning workshop with a keen group of Gresford children, mums and grandma's. If you would like to join in, the workshops are free and held monthly on the 4th Wednesday of the month at 4pm at the Gresford Congregational Church hall. Read the full story p7 ...
The Gresford News is a Gresford District Community Group project.– Donations appreciated and most welcome.
D4H Dozer
COMING UP IN JULY
Sunday 13 & 27 July
LIVE MUSIC on the deck 1–5 pm GUINNESS on tap
Winter Menu serving NOW at the Bistro
The Hotel Bistro is OPEN! Breakfast + Lunch 7 Days 7am –2pm Dinner 6 Days (closed Wed night) 6pm – 9pm
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
Thurs 3 Jul
The Gresford News Community Diary
Dungog Council Housing & Infrastructure Master Plan – Information session, online, 6.30-7.30pm
Fri-Sun 4-6 Jul Home games – Gresford Vacy Football Club, Gresford Sporting Complex
Sat 5 Jul Thank you volunteers + CWA meeting, CWA Hall, 2pm
Mon 7 Jul
Wed 9 Jul
Gresford & District Community Group Meeting, Hotel Beatty, 6.30pm
Dungog Council Housing & Infrastructure Master Plan – Information session, online, 6.30-7.30pm
Sat 12 Jul Dungog Council Housing & Infrastructure Master Plan – Information session, Gresford School of Arts Hall, 2-5pm
Sat 12 Jul CWA book club, CWA Hall, 2pm
Special note July Winter break – no Gresford Community Market
Sun 13 Jul Live music on the deck, Hotel Beatty, 1–5pm
Tues 15 Jul Gresford School of Arts committee meeting, Main hall, 7pm
Wed 16 Jul Community Meeting Vacy to address river bank issues on the Paterson & Allyn rivers, Vacy Hall, 10.30am
Thurs 17 Jul Dungog District Chamber of Commerce Networking Dinner Meeting Vacy, Zabb Thai, 6.30pm
Fri 18 Jul CWA Craft Morning, CWA Hall, 9–12
Fri 18 Jul Talk: Gillian Calvert AO – “A Journey of Collective Strength”, James Theatre, Dungog 5.30-7.30 + soup & chat
Sun 20 Jul FREE Art Sunday for chiildren (primary school age), Gresford Community Gallery, 10-2
Tues 22 Jul Circle Dancing, Gresford Community Gallery, 4.30pm
Wed 23 Jul Cartooning & Drawing for Kids, Gresford Congregational Church, 4-5pm (adult to attend with child no cost)
Fri 25 Jul Sketch Club, Gresford Community Gallery, 1–4pm
Sun 27 Jul Special event – Gavin Fry in conversation, Gresford Community Gallery, 2.30pm
Sun 27 Jul Live music on the deck, Hotel Beatty, 1–5pm
Wed 6 Aug Laughable Leigh Trivia Night, Gresford Bowls Sport & Recreation Club, 6.30pm
Sat 9 Aug Gresford Community Market – winter market, Gresford Community Park, 9–1
Fri 22 Aug AGM, 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 The 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
4th Wed each month Cartooning & Drawing for Kids, Gresford Congregational Church, 4-5pm (adult to attend
PUT YOUR EVENT IN THE COMMUNITY DIARY:
gresfordnews@iinet.net.au
Gresford News Notices
Home games
Gresford Vacy Football Club, Fri-Sun 4-6 July
Gresford Sporting Complex
Thank you volunteers + CWA meeting Sat 5 July, CWA Hall, 2pm
Gresford & District Community Group Meeting Mon 7 Jul 6.30pm Hotel Beatty. All welcome.
Dungog Council:
Dungog Housing & Infrastructure
Master Plan Information session Sat 12 July, 2-5pm, Gresford School of Arts Hall
Online information sesions: Thurs 3 & Wed 9 July, 6.30-7.30 Other sessions in Dungog ........
Gresford School of Arts Committee meeting Tues 15 July, 7pm, Main hall
Secretary
Wanted
–
Community Meeting Vacy
Wed 16 July, Vacy Hall, 10.30am
To address issues surrounding river banks on the Paterson & Allyn rivers – incl erosion, landslips, restoration, water flow. Contact Dianne Rapson 0428 388 103
Dungog District Chamber of Commerce Networking Dinner Meeting Vacy
Thurs 17 July, Zabb Thai, 6.30pm Guest speaker local dairy farming identity David Williams
Illuminating Local Women Series: Talk #2 – “A Journey of Collective Strength” by Gillian Calvert AO Fri 18 July, 5.30-7.30pm, James Theatre, Dungog FREE (+ soup & chat)
Cartooning & Drawing for Kids 4th Wed of month, 4-5pm Gresford Congregational Church
Adult to attend with child no cost
Contact Ric 0493 248 301
Gresford District Community Group
Are you organised, community-minded, and keen to get involved locally?
The Gresford District Community Group (GDCG) is looking for a Secretary to join our committee and support the work we do in our passionate and inclusive community.
We meet on the first Monday of every month and are committed to creating opportunities and driving progress in the Gresford community. We do this by connecting local skills and influence to advocate for positive outcomes at all levels of government, identifying needs in our community and supporting existing local community groups and initiatives.
Recent achievements include working with Dungog Shire Council to gain the Durham Road footpath, the establishment of the Gresford Art Gallery, Gresford Community Builders Strategic Plan, supporting the Gresford Billy Cart Derby, the LED speed warning signs and much more.
Our mission: Responsible community development via a non-political group.
About the Role: Taking minutes at monthly meetings Managing email and postal correspondence
Assisting with meeting agendas and maintaining records Supporting communication within the group
We’re looking for someone with: Good communication and organisational skills
Basic computer literacy
A passion for community engagement No prior experience necessary—just enthusiasm and a willingness to help. There’s plenty of support and guidance available to help you settle into the role.
• Time Commitment: Approximately 3–5 hours per month
• Be part of a group of dedicated locals working to make a real difference in Gresford.
Interested?
Contact GDCG President Jim Doyle 0407 307 800 or jdoyle500@bigpond.com, or come along to our next meeting on the first Monday in July to learn more!
This is a rewarding volunteer role. A great way to support and get involved with local community, meet new people and use existing or develop new skills.
Gresford Community Market
Gresford Community Market might be having a winter hiatus, but stallholders are very busy behind the scenes. The incredible range of stallholders who regularly display at the markets are putting their creative minds (and hands) to use to ensure stalls are fully stocked when the market resumes for its winter sale on August 9.
The market will then resume its regular schedule on the second Saturday of each month leading up to its major Christmas market on December 13.
Creative activities at the Gresford Community Gallery Gavin Fry in Conversation Sun 27 July, 2.30pm
Australian art & history writer, artist Entry $5 – includes afternoon tea.
• Free Art Sunday for children Sun 20 July 10-2pm
• June Sketch Club Fri 25 July 1–4pm
Still Life – inspiration from Australian artist and sculptor Robert Klippel.
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.
DAVE LAYZELL MP
Member for Upper Hunter
HOW I CAN HELP YOU
As your State MP I can make enquiries and representations on your behalf for matters involving NSW Government departments and agencies.
Gloucester
Dungog
Singleton
Muswellbrook
Merriwa
Murrurundi
Gresford
East Gresford
Vacy
Paterson
Lorn
Bolwarra
Upper Hunter Electorate Office
94 John Street, Singleton NSW 2330
Phone 02 6543 1065
upperhunter@parliament.nsw.gov.au
Authorised by Dave Layzell MP, 94 John Street, Singleton NSW 2330 Funded using Parliamentary entitlements.
Circle Dancing Cartoon Capers
Exploring our individuality is an exciting pursuit but connecting with others and awakening our sense of oneness is magical. In circle dancing we are not just learning, then performing, the ancient or modern dance or traditional folk dance. World famous circle dancer June Watts informs us " its the consciousness brought to Sacred/ Circle Dance... awareness of the dynamic of the still centre... awareness of the meaning of the steps and the dimensions beyond them; awareness of the energy generated".
Circle dancing is sacred, it really is the unity and shared vibrations of joy and mastery and the dreamlike meditative state of oneness. In many countries circles are full of men and children old enough to follow the instructions are also very welcome.
Gresford has a "circle" and we would love you to join us. We meet monthly on the 4th Tuesday of the month at the Gresford Community Art Gallery at 4.30pm. No knowledge of dance is required, as each simple dance is shown and taught, before we dance them together. There are no wrong steps , only variations. Cost is by small donation for hall hire and comfortable shoes, attire and a drink bottle are recommended.
Enquiries contact Pip 0493 388 889
Can you draw a pig? Or a sheep in hot water? Well a small but keen group of Gresford children, mums and grandma's have now mastered their first lesson in eyes, noses and snouts as well as glamourous, edgy and enormous chickens. Artist and cartoonist Ric Woods led the group of very talented artists and all were keen to learn some tips from a master. No drawing skills are required, but these will be acquired.
If you would like to join in, the workshops are free and held monthly the 4th Wednesday of the month at 4pm at the Gresford Congregational Church hall. The next one is Wednesday July 23. The church kindly provide the hall free of charge or you can make a small donation if you like. All equipment is provided but you can bring your own art or scrap book and pens if you prefer.
Enquiries contact Ric 0493 248 301
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!
Gresford Vacy Football Club
The 2025 soccer season is finally gathering some momentum with all of Gresford Vacy Football Club’s teams finally registering some game time.
After a very wet start to the season, with washout after washout, drying winds and sunny days are making for excellent conditions for scheduled weekend games and mid-week make-up matches. The fields at Gresford Sporting Complex have held up well thanks to the care of groundsman Dave Crouch. They have handled up to four days’ play in a single week as the club aims to get the season back on track.
Behind the scenes, the committee and
volunteers are playing their part in ensuring game days run smoothly, with canteen and barbecue facilities, grounds staff and referees, and support for players, visiting teams and spectators.
The club’s major sponsor, Microprose, has again shown its commitment to our junior Scorpions with all players receiving specially-branded training balls in the past few weeks. The balls are in the club’s standout red and yellow colours and feature the logos of both the club and Microprose.
The next full round of home games is on July 4, 5 and 6. The regular season is due to be completed in mid-August, followed by a finals series for competition teams.
DUNGOG HOUSING
& INFRASTRUCTURE MASTER PLAN Help us shape the future of our shire
Dungog Shire is at a turning point, with more people discovering our lifestyle and the new opportunities our region offers. To ensure growth stays true to the charm and character we all value, Dungog Shire Council is developing a Housing and Infrastructure Master Plan to shape the future of our rural lands and guide housing, jobs and infrastructure developments over the next 20 years.
We’re inviting the community to share their ideas and aspirations with us — because we believe the future of the Dungog Shire should be guided by the people who call it home.
Whether you live in town or in the country, whether you’re a farmer, a young person, a business owner, or just someone who cares about your community — your voice matters.
Register now to come along to a Community Information Session, or drop in and ask any questions at our market pop-up stalls:
CLARENCE TOWN - Saturday 28 June:
9am - 12pm: Clarence Town Markets pop-up stall
2pm - 5pm: Information Session: Clarence Town School of Arts Hall
DUNGOG - Saturday 5 July:
8am to 12pm: Dungog Community Markets (Anglican Church) pop-up stall
- Sunday 6 July
2pm to 5pm: Information Session: Doug Walters Pavillion
GRESFORD - Saturday 12 July: 2pm - 5pm: Information Session: Gresford School of Arts Hall
ONLINE INFORMATION SESSIONS - Thursday 3 July 6:30pm to 7:30pm - Wednesday 9 July 6:30pm to 7:30pm Please keep an eye on our website for more information
Additional events will be held across the Dungog Shire. Keep an eye on our website for more information on upcoming opportunities to have your say.
For more information, please visit our website: Dungog.nsw.gov.au
Youngsters
Story and Pics by Julie Hartigan
U9 Girls
Otaki Ropata
Evie Crouch
Paterson Allyn Garden Group
Our June meeting was conducted at Valentia Lodge, the beautiful home of Mal & Judy in Paterson, which was postponed from last month due to the rain.
The meeting was held in conjunction with our AGM & Annual Plant Sale, even though not all of the plants were annuals. It was an amazing turnout of 60 members, plus 2 new members & 4 guests with a higher than usual proportion of men coming along. Maybe the word is spreading that our meetings are a ‘must do’ occasion, or Valentia Lodge has a special mystique, hidden behind the trees, that draws people to it out of curiosity –probably both. Whatever the attraction, it was great to catch up with old friends & make some new ones.
Mal & Judy have lived in Valentia Lodge for the past 34 years, all of which the couple seems to have spent in the garden & in particular, their rainforest, of which they are justly proud. When not in the garden, Judy is a gifted artist who has an inspirational studio, overlooking the neighbouring property’s mandarin orchard & on to Paterson.
Valentia Lodge is a very historic site, dating back to the 1830 – 1840’s when Paterson was a major shipping port, linking the area
to Newcastle & beyond. While the current house was constructed some time later, it incorporates some of the original building’s kitchen. The current curators have done a magnificent job of, not only maintaining the essence of the residence, but have seamlessly added their own contemporary touches. There is much more detailed information about Valentia Lodge available on the internet.
Mal took over the mic to give us a run down on the development of the property. When
they moved in they decided to take a 12 month hiatus to get a feeling of what was what, before deciding that they wanted to have an environmentally friendly garden to provide a welcoming habitat for local animals & birds. The rainforest skirts the beautiful lagoon & was started 30 years ago & after a great deal of effort to establish, is now able to self-regenerate & has developed a life of its own, with other interesting plants finding a home there. Also finding a home are a large number of birds & small
Mal Henry, Jillian Stibbard (PAGG President) and Judy Henry.
animals, including a family of swans, who took up residence on the lagoon only to suffer a setback thanks to the recent floods, hopefully they will return soon.
We were advised about a Birdlife Aust program to eliminate second generation anti-coagulant rat poisons that have a devastating effect on raptors & lizards that feed on the infected carrion. So, be aware & do what you can to minimise the damage to our wildlife.
Segueing nicely with this information, we
found out about a new ‘better mouse trap’. ‘The Good Nature’ trap from NZ, attracts the mouse / rat into its mechanism with a tasty smelling lure before banging it on the head. There is a basic model with some clever technology but it is also available with blue tooth connectivity to your phone & other bells & whistles too numerous to detail here.
Our next meeting will be on 15th July with details to be advised closer to the date. Don’t forget to check the website for all the latest news & updates.
CULTURE VULTURE
Greetings Culture Vulture readers.
The Gresford Community Gallery held the event Gavin Fry in Conversation in June. The afternoon was a great success with Gavin talking about his life and work as a writer and book publisher, with the many books he has written about some of Australia’s iconic artists such as Donald Friend, George Gittoes, Margaret Woodward and Pro Hart.
Gavin Fry in Conversation
Gavin Fry will present another talk at the Gallery on Sunday 27th July, starts at 2.30pm. Entry $5 –includes afternoon tea.
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.
JULY FEATURED ARTIST at Gresford Community Gallery. Benjamin Broinowski is an award-winning abstract photographer based in Sydney. Benjamin
regularly visits Gresford, where he has family members living.
His work explores light, movement, and form, blurring the boundaries between photography, painting, and printmaking. Holding a Degree in Design (majoring in Photography) from UTS and a Diploma of Graphic Design from Billy Blue, Benjamin’s innovative approach earned
Robyn Werkhoven
him the Into the Light Prize in 2022, completed through White Wall Art Projects. He specializes in abstract landscapes, seascapes, and streetscapes, using long exposure and experimental techniques to transform familiar scenes into immersive, atmospheric compositions. Through his unique vision, Benjamin captures fleeting moments where light and time converge, inviting viewers to see the world differently.
JULY SKETCH CLUB 2025
The gallery holds Sketch Club once a month, everyone enjoys the creative, friendly atmosphere. Please join us at the next event, all welcome – beginners and professionals.
Next Sketch Club date – FRIDAY 25th JULY, 1 – 4pm
Still Life – inspiration from Australian artist and sculptor Robert Klippel. Hosted by artist Christine Pike. Please bring your own art supplies. Cost $10. Venue: Gresford Community Gallery Phone: 0428 271 819 Christine Pike
Gavin Fry and Robyn Werkhoven
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 Sat-Sun 10–4, 12 Park St East Gresford. Like and follow our Facebook page for regular news / updates of the Gallery’s forthcoming exhibitions, workshops and features on the artists. Enquiries: gallerygresfordcommunity@gmail.com
Don’t miss reading the locally published, independent art and literary online magazine Studio La Primitive Arts Zine July issue goes online. The issue includes Hunter Valley ceramic and installation artist Kara Wood. Renowned artist and award-winning film maker George Gittoes features an article – Humanity in Danger and the Kyiv, Ukraine Art Scene.
Contact with Art News or enquiries about Gresford Community Gallery: Robyn Werkhoven Ph: 0417 686 816 Email: werkhovenr@bigpond.com
Gillian Calvert Talk
Join us for a talk by Gillian Calvert AO, Australia’s first Children’s Commissioner. This is the second talk in the Illuminating Local Women Series
In 'A Journey of Collective Strength' Gillian will reflect on her extraordinary journey from a rural upbringing rooted in strong female bonds to a career marked by leadership in feminist action and child advocacy. Through personal anecdotes and lived experiences, she will highlight the transformative power of women supporting one another and how this collective strength has a ripple effect across families, communities, and generations.
This compelling talk will explore the importance of valuing care work, and the critical need to amplify children’s voices in decision-making processes. Gillian’s insights are a call to action to empower women, protect children, and foster environments where both can thrive together.
Gillian’s FREE talk will be at the James Theatre, Dungog, Friday, July 18, 5.30 –7.30pm and will include Q&A with the audience and an opportunity to connect with community members over complimentary soup and conversation after the talk.
EARTHMOVING CONTRACTOR
The Illuminating Local Women Series of community events spotlight the achievements of local women and highlight the power of collaboration in driving change. The talks are organised by Paterson Allyn Williams Science & Ideas Hub & Dungog-Clarence Town CWA branch.
02 6586 4462 Cnr High & Hastings Streets, (PO Box 244) Wauchope NSW 2446
alison.penfold.mp@aph.gov.au www.alisonpenfold.com.au /AlisonPenfoldMPforLyne @alison_penfold_for_lyne
Authorised by Alison Penfold MP, 144 Victoria Street, Taree NSW 2430
Thanking Volunteers – members are looking forward to thanking our volunteers at the Show with a High Tea, and will include other supportive members of the community who make our work and fundraising efforts worthwhile. This will happen on 5th July after an early meeting.
Craft Mornings – Anyone is welcome to join us for our monthly Craft meetings on the third Friday of the month. The next one will be on 18th July from 9-12, at a cost of $3 for members and $5 for non-members. Morning tea, a door prize and lively conversation are regular features of these get-togethers. We also learn about each other’s crafts in a very friendly atmosphere.
Show and Tell – the June meeting was made interesting by a Show and Tell session where items of interest were brought and shown. The items included a felted flower ring from Azerbaijan; photos of a balloon ride over the Cappadocia Valley in Turkey; an Olympic Torch and Uniform demonstrated by a former Torchbearer; a red cedar decorative vase carved from a branch and a French candlestick. These presentations were all appreciated by the members.
CWA NEWS
Book Club – a fulsome discussion came from the combining of two extremely different books – Stone Yard Devotional and the classic Rebecca because of a previous postponement. Stone Yard Devotional is a meditational novel set in a convent in the Monaro region during a mouse plague, while Rebecca is a Gothic romance/mystery – an intriguing juxtaposition. Next month’s book is Tim Winton’s dystopian novel Juice. 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 – is continuing 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. July’s gathering will include a Bastille Day lunch.
Lyn, Freya, Mel and Sue enjoying craft meet ups.
What's On the Shelves? by Glenda Smith Gone By Midnight Candice
Fox
This is the third in the Crimson Lake series, featuring formerly disgraced policeman Ted Conkaffey and convicted murderer Amanda Pharrell as a bizarre pair of private investigators. They both have emotional baggage and they have both spent time in jail, but Ted has since been exonerated after they found the perpetrator of the crime he was accused of. Their loyalty to each other stems partly from their past experiences of suffering.
As Ted begins to put his life back together, a child goes missing from a Cairns hotel room while a group of parents enjoy themselves downstairs, checking on them every hour. The mother of the boy asks Ted to investigate the case, which seems to have the police baffled. Ted and Amanda quickly prove their usefulness by questioning the supposedly watertight situation and ultimately solve the case, with a few red herrings on the way.
A complicating factor is the arrival of Ted’s daughter for a holiday while her mother is on a yoga retreat. This is a momentous step for Ted, because even though his wife did not believe he was guilty of any crime, their marriage fell apart and she no longer trusted his choices, such as living in a crocodile infested area. Ted is torn between winning back his semiestranged daughter and finding the missing child. Although this situation became rather strained, Fox has delivered another gripping and intricate mystery.
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.
Bowlo News
The twenty five/twenty six series of club championships is under way. Notwithstanding delays due to the huge rains we have recently faced, the Minor Singles has already been completed. Dylan Gardiner (18 years young) faced off with Mick Kealy (??? years old) in the final. Dylan raced out to an 11-0 lead but Mick, the experienced veteran, fought back and passed Dylan to lead 14-11. The match settled down to an arm wrestle with each player eeking out a point here and there. In the end Dylan managed to hold Mick out 25-23 to claim the title. This writer does not have access to the club’s historical archives but talking to those in the know it is highly likely that Dylan has become the youngest winner of a club singles title. Congratulations Dylan and may you go from strength to strength and also be an inspiration to young Gresfordians to take up and enjoy the great game of bowls.
Peter Dreyer
Dungog Shire Council News
Highlights from Dungog Shire Council’s ordinary Council meeting Wed 18 June 2025
Mayoral Minute – Rejection Of Motion Seeking
Equity In Financial Assistance Grants Distribution
Mayor Digby Rayward has expressed his disappointment in the National General Assembly (NGA) after they refused Council’s request to participate in a debate on how Financial Assistance Grants (FAG) are allocated to Councils.
Dungog Shire Council submitted a motion to the 2025 National General Assembly of Local Government, calling for reforms to ensure the equitable distribution of Financial Assistance Grants, particularly for small, rural councils. The motion, supported by the Hunter Joint Organisation and Country Mayors Association, was rejected by the NGA SubCommittee on the grounds it would benefit some councils at the expense of others.
Council expressed deep disappointment, arguing that the rejection silenced debate on a flawed funding model that currently disadvantages financially constrained rural councils. The rejection also undermines the principle of horizontal fiscal equalisation as outlined in the Local Government Act 1995.
Council endorsed for the Mayor and General Manager to seek a meeting with ALGA to raise concerns about FAG distribution, and to collaborate with the Hunter Joint Organisation and other stakeholders to develop further modelling and advocacy for a fairer distribution model.
Quarterly Planning & Development Report – January To March 2025
Councillors congratulated Council’s Planning & Environment team for results showing an increase in Development applications processed for the first quarter.
This quarterly report provides an overview of development activity across the Shire, and notes a total of 57 development applications were lodged (up from 33 in the same quarter last year), with 52 determined. The total value of approved developments was $8.3 million. DA processing times had a median of 81 days, with the average at 88.1 days.
Furthermore, Dungog outperformed other Group 10 (Large Rural) Councils in terms of DA lodgements and assessments, and met the Ministerial expectation for lodgement times. However, staff shortages continued to affect assessment capacity and building certification market share.
The private certification market remains dominant, and Council’s attempts to recruit additional building surveyors have so far been unsuccessful.
Off-Leash Dog Exercise Area
Following community consultation which resulted in 276 submissions made by the community, Council will proceed to investigate the feasibility of two primary locations for off-leash dog exercise areas.
Key findings of the survey are:
- 67.8% of respondents travel to exercise their dog;
- 37.3% of respondents use a Council park/ sportsground to exercise their dogs, with the most popular facilities being:
14.1% - Bennett & Jubilee Parks (Dungog) 13.8% - Village Green (Clarence Town)
-32.2% of respondents who travel, selected Dungog Common as their location of choice;
- 58.7% of respondents allow their dogs to play off-leash.
Council will now investigate Bennet Park and Jubilee Park as potential sites for an off-leash dog park in response to community demand.
The sites will be assessed on accessibility, safety, land use compatibility, and community impact.
Many thanks once again to everyone who have left warm items and food for the less fortunate than ourselves. These items are greatly appreciated by everyone.
• Gresford Men’s Breakfast is on at the Twin Rivers Cafe at 8.15am.on Sat 12 July
These breakfasts are well attended, so come along and enjoy breakfast with good fellowship.
Fr. Peter’s next men’s breakfast is on at St. Paul’s Hall at 8am on Sat 9 August
• On Sun 6 July, Paul’s Family Friendly Service is at St. Paul’s Church Paterson commencing at 8.30am. This is part two of “Why must people suffer?”Come along and see, listen and bring a friend. Everyone most welcome. •
Church times for July: 6, 13, 20, & 27
– 8.30am at St. Paul’s Paterson & 10.30am at St. Anne’s Gresford
• Bible study is at Vacy Cafe on each Thurs at 9.30am, with coffee and chat to start. Come and join us, we would love to have you.
If anyone or someone you know who needs support, please contact Rev. Mary on 0418 611 778 or Beverley on 4938 5223.
Stay safe, look after each other and stay warm. 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 July Crossword
July 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.
