News of the communities of the Paterson and Allyn River Valleys $2.50
June 2025
Market
Kind words from visitors and stallholders alike are evidence that Gresford Community Market is fast gaining a reputation as one of the friendliest markets in the Hunter Valley. Read the full story p4 ...
The Gresford News is a Gresford District Community Group project.– Donations appreciated and most welcome.
Talented Gresford singer Pearl Ropata at the Gresford Communirty Market.
THE RURAL SPECIALISTS
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*****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 1 Jun Winter Exhibition opening, Gresford Community Gallery, 2–4pm
Wed 4 Jun
Wed 4 Jun
Mon 5 Jun
Sun 8 Jun
Laughable Leigh Trivia Night, Gresford Bowls Sport & Recreation Club, 6.30pm
Gresford Rural Fire Brigade AGM, Gresford RFS Station, 7.30pm
Gresford & District Community Group Meeting, Hotel Beatty, 6.30pm
King's B'day long weekend –"Full Throtle" on the deck, Hotel Beatty, 1–5pm
Sat 14 Jun Special event – Gavin Fry in conversation, Gresford Community Gallery, 2–4pm
Sat 14 Jun CWA meeting (changed due to long weekend), CWA Hall, 2pm
Sat 14 Jun
CWA book club, CWA Hall, 2pm
Sun 15 Jun FREE Art Sunday for chiildren (primary school age), Gresford Community Gallery, 10-2
Sun 15 Jun An afternoon with Craig Hamilton – Mental Health Speaker, Gresford Bowls Sport & Recreation Club, 4pm
Sun 15 Jun Live music, Hotel Beatty, 2–6pm
Sun 15 Jun
Fri 20 Jun
Maitland Heritage Festival Family Fun Day – (Maitland Heritage Festival 13-29 June)
CWA Craft Morning, CWA Hall, 9–12
Fri 20 Jun Quarterly Community Dinner, Gresford Bowls Sport & Recreation Club, 6pm. All welcome
Tues 24 Jun Circle Dancing, 4.30pm – to book in and check location phone Pip on 0493 388 889
Wed 25 Jun Cartooning & Drawing for Kids, Gresford Congregational Church, 4-5pm (adult to attend with child no cost)
Fri 27 Jun Sketch Club, Gresford Community Gallery, 1–4pm
Fri 22 Aug AGM, Gresford Bowls Sport & Recreation Club
Special note Jun/Jul Winter break – no Gresford Community Market
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 with child no cost contact Ric 0493 248 301)
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 Community Market
Kind words from visitors and stallholders alike are evidence that Gresford Community Market is fast gaining a reputation as one of the friendliest markets in the Hunter Valley.
The special Mother’s Day market on May 10 was another success despite soggy weather earlier in the week threatening to washout the event – and the neighbouring soccer games for the hometown Scorpions.
After much deliberation both went ahead and the two community events complemented each other perfectly.
“It was great to be able to offer our soccer families and the visiting soccer teams something to extend their stay in our village, and also great for the stallholders to have new customers to appreciate their
talents and hard work,” stallholder Jules, of Sagos Designs, said.
Young musician Pearl Ropata proved a hit with visitors, with her beautiful tones attracting plenty of praise. “It’s certainly a lovely community event to socialise and enjoy our local musicians and singers,” market co-ordinator Pip Woods said. “Pearl was so popular we have rebooked her for our next market in August.”
The market is taking a break for the cold winter months of June and July before relaunching with a Winter Sale on August 9. The market will then continue on the second Saturday of each month for the rest of the year.
Stallholder inquiries can be made via email: gresfordcommunitymarket@outlook.com
Maitland Heritage Fest 2025
Maitland Heritage Fest returns to Church Street Maitland in June 2025.
This annual event is in its fifth year and promises to engage all attendees with a free family day, an opening dinner, heritage walks, house tours, heritage music recital, and even a poet’s breakfast.
The Free Family Day will be held on Sunday 15th June in the grounds of St Marys Anglican Church, Grossman and Brough Houses in the historic Church street precinct, as well as in Maitland CWA and Maitland-Rutherford Guide Halls.
Activities include: historical inspired displays, demonstrations, vintage games, free silhouette cutting and face painting, lost trades and crafts, coach rides, variety stalls and more. See how damper is made, enjoy Maitland’s local entertainers, folk groups, bush poets, and a free concert by City of Maitland Choir
Ticketed events commence with the Heritage Fest Opening Dinner on Friday 13th June. A full list of events and booking details can be found at maitlandheritagefest.com.au Or phone 02-49334450
Community Dinner Fri 20 Jun, 6pm
Gresford News Notices
Join us for our quarterly Community Dinner on 20th June, from 6pm at the Gresford Bowling Club. All welcome
Gresford & District Community Group Meeting Mon 2 Jun 6.30pm Hotel Beatty. All welcome.
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 RFS AGM Wed 4 June, 7.30, Station Elections of all Field Officers and Administration Positions will be conducted during the meeting. All welcome & encouraged to attend.
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!
An afternoon with Craig Hamilton Mental Health Speaker Sun 15 Jun 4pm
At Gresford Bowls Sport & Recreation Club. This is a FREE event open to everyone in the community. Craig is an inspiring and compassionate speaker and will be available for Q&A.
Gresford Community Market
The market will not be held during the cold winter months of June and July. It will resume on August 9
Maitland Heritage Fest 13–29 June
Free Family Day 15 June
Ticketed events include: Maitland Heritage Fest Dinner Fri 13 June
Heritage Walks Sun 22 & Sa 28 June
Poets Breakfast Sun 29 June
COMMUNITY DIARY • • • TELL EVERYONE ABOUT YOUR ACTIVITIES
We are relaunching the COMMUNITY DIARY that was stopped during COVID.
To be included send TITLE, LOCATION, TIME & DATE of your upcoming meeting / event by the 20th of January 2025 to: GresfordNews@iinet.net.au
AVAILABLE FREE ONLINE
All editions of the Gresford News since Dec 2011 are available to read FREE at issuu.com/gresford-news
NEW 'BUSINESS CARD' AD
The Gresford News is introducing a new 'Business Card' ad to provide an opportunity for smaller businesses to advertise in the News. The new ad size is approximately the size of a business card, 42mm high by 89mm wide. It will be a full colour ad and cost $28 for a repeat ad or $34 for a single issue. To book your ad email gresfordnews@iinet.net.au
Creative activities at the Gresford Community Gallery
Winter Exhibition Opening Sun 1 June 2–4pm
All welcome, refreshments served
Gavin Fry in Conversation Sat 14 June 2–4pm
Australian art & history writer, artist & professional working in museums, galleries & educational institutions
Free Art Sunday for children Sun 15 June 10-2pm
June Sketch Club Fri 26 June 1–4pm
Still Life – inspiration from Australian artist Margaret Olley. Hosted by artist Christine Pike.
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.
OTHER OUTLETS
Pick up a copy of the NEWS at:
• East Gresford Foodworks
• Gresford Garage and Rural
• Gresford Store / Crossroads Cafe
• Vacy General Store Cafe & Gifts
Introducing a local community group: Friends of St Mary-onAllyn. We are a not-for-profit community group focused on the ongoing maintenance and preservation of the St Mary-onAllyn Church, its cemetery, surrounding grounds, and church hall. Our group takes great pride in contributing to the rich history of this remarkable site, and we are committed to ensuring it remains a cherished community resource for generations to come.
Friends of St Mary-on-Allyn
Gracefully nestled along the Allyn River in Allynbrook, St Mary-on-Allyn was built in 1840 and consecrated in 1845 by Bishop William Broughton. With its sandstone walls and elegant design, the church remains a striking example of architectural beauty and dedicated craftsmanship. This story began with a voyage and a promise. William Boydell met Mary Phoebe Broughton on their journey to Australia in 1836. Her father, Bishop Broughton, agreed to their marriage on one condition: that Boydell build a church for Mary to worship in.
That promise became the heart of this sacred place. The surrounding cemetery, dating from 1852, is the resting place of
many local pioneers and contributors to the history of the church, including the Boydells. The 1904 Church Hall nearby, once used for Sunday School, now serves the community through gatherings and events. The full history of this site has been craftly retold in Wood of the Cranes by Christopher Fibbens – available for purchase through the group for $35.
As a dedicated community group, we are working to preserve the history and beauty of the church and grounds. Throughout the year, we gather for regular maintenance days to keep the church yard and surrounding areas tidy and well-kept. For larger tasks, we hold working bees, where
volunteers come together to tackle repairs and other important projects. In addition, we host fundraising events to raise money for ongoing maintenance and restoration.
There are many ways you can join in our shared vision including:
• Becoming a member –Just $20 per year to support our efforts.
• Joining our working bees –every bit of help is appreciated (and there’s always tea, cake and conversation afterward!).
• Donate to our group – Your donations help us buy tools, materials, and supplies for the ongoing care of the church and surrounds. Donations can be made in person or via bank transfer: BSB: 646 000 Account Number: 100101629
• Stay connected – Follow us on Facebook (Friends of St Mary-on-Allyn) and contact us via email ( friendsofsmoa@ yahoo.com ) for updates on events and volunteer opportunities.
We warmly welcome new members and volunteers to be part of the continuing story of this historical site.
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 District Landcare Group
The group was fortunate to visit historic ‘Wirragulla’ outside Dungog for its April meeting. Bronwyn Cooper explained some of the history of the property to us before recounting much of the work that she and her husband Bruce have undertaken since acquiring the property in 2014.
Soon after they bought the property, most of the river flats went under in a flood which took out all the fencing and caused riverbank slumping. Since then they have planted hundreds of trees and have removed enormous amounts of lantana and privet.
They now have 400 acres of productive and regeneratively managed river flats as well as a lot of hill country which they continue to improve. We walked down to the river to see the trees which are flourishing.
There was a lot of discussion over a tasty sausage sizzle with sweets and fruit provided by volunteers. Many thanks to the Coopers for such an enjoyable and informative day.
On May 10 we met at Jillian and Steven Stibbard’s property, The Shelf, at Hilldale. Their magical rainforest perched high on the hill was nestled in fog when we arrived.
We were guided through the understorey by Heather and Martin Kavanagh who
identified the trees and shrubs and explained the amazing and unique rock formations throughout the forest.
On emerging from the forest we were greeted with a sumptuous paddock morning tea and a lively discussion on
the origins and composition of this precious remnant. Jillian and Steven have spent countless hours removing lantana and other weeds to preserve this rare and unusual ecosystem and we were grateful for the opportunity to share it with them.
Gresford School Cultural Day
In the last week of term Gresford School hosted the annual cultural day on our school grounds. Students of indigenous heritage from neighbouring schools combined with all the Gresford students in a celebration of Aboriginal culture for an educational fun filled day. Justin Ridgeway of the Murook Worimi Centre, welcomed everyone in Gathang language with a powerful message of inclusion. “We are One Tribe from many nations”, he explained “, We are entrusting the responsibility of the land, water and animals to our protection, with trust that we will conserve and nurture it for the future”. Justin invited us all to walk through the rainforest and be cleansed and welcomed the “Smoking Ceremony”, accompanied respectfully by elder Aunty Sandra Griffin, a longtime passionate custodian of our school and its children.
Students then divided into groups joined by Dungog High School mentors for some action-packed cultural activities including;
Dreamtime Story Stone Painting, where symbols are arranged on stones to tell a message or meaning.
Singing in Gathang,with Kara Clements, Aboriginal Education Officer
Indigenous Sports and Games, from all around the country which emphasised skills in throwing, catching, aiming spears, nets and refining hunting techniques.
Kutturi was everyone's favourite, a skill game where you “whack your opponent with a pool noodle around the foot and sock area within a confined circle to score points”. {This is a woman's game which is fiercely contested using digging sticks! Ouch}
COMING UP IN JUNE
Sunday 8 June
from Dungog High. They sang "Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes.
Language in the Forest, with Jada Laurie a local Worimi woman and ex-student of Gresford school, who recently graduated from Newcastle University in Gathang. Under her guidance the children discovered traditional
practices, bushtucker and folklore of the plants and animals. Did you know a possum is called “Bilpi”? Sandpaper figs, Djariiibiyn, that grow along most creeks and rivers are used for food, medicine and tools. The Totem system and its
responsibilities were described, with the Wedgetailed Eagle, Gawul, a protector of the region.
A Seasonal Indigenous Calendar was constructed and taken home. It referenced all the natural elements of temperature, wind and animal movements/ breeding patterns of our area and the coast. eg The Gymea Lilly flowers when the whales move north, and Mullet run from the lakes up the coast when the hairy grubs march to the trees! Time is always relative to nature.
The most popular activity by far was listening to Justin weave his amazing stories accompanied by an impressive array of artifacts for the children to touch and experience firsthand. Weapons, animal skins, weaving giving an authentic insight into everyday tribal life.
Thanks to all the hardworking staff and volunteers of Gresford School and especially Dungog Reconciliation Group, who helped sponsor the day and tirelessly assisted in the activities. Special thanks to Justin Ridgeway, Kara Clements, Jada Laurie and Aunty Sandra Griffin for sharing their knowledge and love of culture with our local school children.
CULTURE VULTURE
Greetings to Culture Vulture readers.
The Gresford Community Gallery celebrated the Winter Exhibition 2025 on the first of June. The exhibition was officially opened by the highly regarded Newcastle artist and writer Dr. John Barnes. Everyone enjoyed a friendly afternoon and met many of the artists.
Please drop by to view an eclectic showcase of Hunter Valley artists. The new exhibition includes a great variety of quality art and craft, featuring painting, drawing, sculptures, ceramics, photography, fibre art and jewellery.
May Featured Gresford Community Gallery Artist: artist and jeweller Barbara Nanshe.
Based in Newcastle, as a sculptor and jeweller for more than three decades, Barbara’s work reflects a profound connection to nature, environmental values, and sustainability. Inspired by land, organic forms, and natural and recycled materials, she honours the past, earth, moon, trees, animals, and feminist principles through her designs.
Her aim is to connect wearers to the deep power of the natural world and a conscious
Robyn Werkhoven
connection to conservation, through representation and storytelling. Barbara exhibits her stunning jewellery internationally, the Romanian Jewellery Expo and this year in Milan, Italy.
The gallery will be holding another special event – Gavin Fry in Conversation –on Saturday 14th of June 2–4pm. All welcome, refreshments served.
Gavin Fry is a writer, artist and museum professional with fifty years’ experience working in curatorial and management positions in Australian museums, galleries and educational institutions. He is the author of twenty-five books on Australian art and history.
JUNE 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. In June there will be a model if would like to include a figure in your drawings.
Next Sketch Club Fri 26 June 1 – 4pm Still Life – inspiration from Australian artist Judy Cassab Hosted by artist Christine Pike.
Barbara Nanshe – Necklace
Please bring your own art supplies.
Cost $10. Gresford Community Gallery
12 Park St, East Gresford. (next to Arboretum/park, entrance at ramp.)
Enquiries: gallerygresfordcommunity@ gmail.com Ph: 0428 271 819 Christine Pike
The Gallery has a Facebook page which will give regular news / updates of the Gallery’s forthcoming exhibitions, workshops and features on the artists. Please Like and follow our page.
Free Art Sunday for children at Gresford Community Gallery.
On the third Sunday of the month between 10am and 2pm 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 is open weekends 10am - 4pm.
12 Park Street East Gresford NSW.
Contact with Art News or enquiries about Gresford Community Gallery: Robyn Werkhoven E: werkhovenr@bigpond.com
Bowling News
The pennants season is over. It was a tale of two teams – one good the other needing a bit of encouragement. The 5’s, in a competition comprising two sections, finished second to Maitland City in the points tally out of 8 teams. But because we were in the same section as Maitland could not participate in the playoff. The 7’s on the other hand did not fare as well and avoided the wooden spoon in their section by half a point. Not to worry, it was good fun and we’ll be back to do it all again next year.
CRAIG HAMILTON
Gresford Bowling Club is hosting this event for everyone in our community
Craig will be speaking about mental health Q&A Sessions
Moving to the ‘domestic’ arena, the ‘25/26 season commenced on Saturday 17th May with the playing of the first round of the minor singles. The photo has Del Marie Brown in delivery stride against Ken ‘Mr Trivia’ Chandler asking the questions. The Consistency final for ‘24/25 was played on the same afternoon. Ingrid Griffiths emerged victorious against a gallant Peter Lawrence. Ingrid now holds the titles of Club and Consistency Champion – a fantastic effort. Congratulations Ingrid. Peter Dreyer
GRESFORD BOWLS SPORT & RECREATION CLUB 38 PARK ST EAST GRESFORD 49389368
Gresford Vacy Football Club
While persistent rain continues to play havoc with the season’s soccer schedule, Gresford Vacy Football Club’s players are enjoying every precious minute they manage to spend on the field.
That was more than evident on the faces of the club’s U12 girls who played their Mother’s Day clash against Cooks Hill in wet and muddy conditions at Gresford Sporting Complex. There was a strong crowd to cheer on the girls who revelled in the sloppy conditions to record a 4-0 win.
The club’s O35s were the only Scorps competition team to beat the weather on the weekend of May 16-18 and they made the most of the opportunity with a 7-0 win over Barnsley.
While many teams have been frustrated by the lack of game-time this season, the club has praised players, coaches and managers for their patience as the three football associations navigate the logistical nightmare associated with washouts and rescheduling.
Local primary schools are also being thanked for making their covered outdoor learning areas available to the Scorps for training.
With many rounds of soccer to be rescheduled in the coming weeks, players are reminded to keep an eye on Squadi for all of the latest match information.
CWA NEWS
Craft Mornings – It has been a quiet month so far, with cancellation of our stall at the community markets because of rain, but the craft mornings were back on track after cancellation in April because of Anzac Day. There is always a pleasant and friendly atmosphere with morning tea, a door prize and interesting things to see. We are always happy to see both new and returning faces. The mornings take place from 9 to12 at the CWA Hall. $5 for nonmembers and $3 for members. The next one is on the 20th June.
Show Volunteers – our branch is planning a High Tea after our July meeting to thank the volunteers who made our catering for the Show possible. The work was carried out by both members and nonmembers, and the non-member volunteers were crucial to our success. We are still rebuilding as a branch, so new members are always very welcome.
June Meeting – in this month of cancellations and postponements, next month’s meeting will take place on the
CWA ...
second Saturday of the month (14th June) instead of the first, because of the long weekend. Members will meet at 12, for a shared lunch at 12.30, and will bring an item of interest to show other attendees. Book Club will then take place as usual.
Book Club – discussion of Stone Yard Devotional was postponed till June because of a funeral, so it will join Daphne du Maurier’s Rebecca as part of next month’s discussion. 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, as happened this month.
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 this year, as dates occasionally change. For example, in keeping with previous events, the third Monday was cancelled to keep people off the roads in the uncommonly rainy weather.
What's On the Shelves? by Glenda Smith
Salvation
in
Death J.D. Robb (Nora Roberts)
Roberts is probably best known for her romance novels, but she also writes detective fiction in her prolific way. It is the 27th book in the ‘In Death’ series, which features Detective Eve Dallas and is a very accomplished example of this genre.
The mystery begins at the funeral of a well-loved Catholic parishioner, when the officiating priest dies after drinking poisoned communion wine.
The murder is baffling because the priest was wellknown and liked in the community. However, of course, all is not as it seems and Detective Dallas, with support from her colleagues and her wealthy and well-connected partner manages to navigate a very twisted path to the truth.
Like any good crime fiction, this is a compelling narrative; well-sustained and cleverly executed. It deals with greed, identity theft, multiple murders and depths of secrecy. Dallas has issues of her own that complicate the trajectory, and reading this book may lead to further pursuit of the series.
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.
Flood Support
New South Wales and Australian Government support is available following flooding across the Upper Hunter Electorate.
The Australian Government Disaster Recovery Allowance (DRA) is being provided to people who live or work in the Mid-Coast and Dungog Local Government Areas (LGAs).
People who have lost income as a direct result of the latest flood may be eligible for DRA, which offers up to 13 weeks of income support for workers and sole traders, depending on their personal circumstances. Check your eligibility for DRA at: www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/ new-south-wales-natural-disaster-support
Disaster assistance has been activated under the joint Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA). Assistance measures that may be provided include grants for low-income, uninsured residents; concessional interest rate loans for small businesses and primary producers as well as livestock and fodder transport freight subsidies for primary producers.
Disaster assistance information at: https://www.nsw.gov.au/emergency/ recovery and www.disasterassist.gov.au
Dungog Shire Council News
Selection of meeting highlights from Dungog Shire Council’s ordinary Council meeting held on Wednesday, 21 May 2025:
Mayoral Minute: Review Of Council Policy C4:7 Residential Occupation Of Sheds
Mayor Digby Rayward has put forward a Mayoral Minute seeking Council to review its Policy C4:7 on the residential occupation of sheds to introduce more flexibility for both applicants and Council staff. The current policy, adopted in 2001 and re-adopted in 2003, requires applicants to have full development and construction approvals for a dwelling before permission can be granted to temporarily live in a shed. This has become increasingly restrictive given the significant changes in the construction industry, economic pressures, and delays in the planning system.
To address this, MayorRayward recommended prioritising a review of the policy and updating it to reflect current challenges. Specifically, the review should consider allowing the General Manager to approve temporary occupation of sheds under delegated authority, where applicants have clearly indicated their
intention to construct a dwelling on the property. This would involve assessing each case on its merits and applying appropriate conditions and timeframes, without needing full council escalation.
Councillors endorsed updating the policy to allow flexibility to be applied immediately under the General Manager's delegation. This aims to support residents doing the right thing by seeking approvals while easing the financial and logistical burden caused by the rigid application of the outdated policy. The change would also streamline approvals, improve housing flexibility, and ensure the policy remains relevant in the current planning and housing context.
Arts Upper Hunter Board Meeting Council acknowledged the receipt of the Arts Upper Hunter Strategic Plan 2025-28, which outlines an exciting future for the creative industries across the Shire.
Arts Upper Hunter aims to provide, support, and promote opportunities for all people in the Upper Hunter to participate creatively in the lives of the communities they live in. The new Strategic Plan addresses the critical need to secure financial sustainability while enhancing the programs and events that
encourage creative collaboration for artists and creatives in the region and visitors to the Shire.
Joint Media Statement
Dungog Shire Council and Hunter Water 1 May 2025
Dungog Shire Council and Hunter Water have reaffirmed their commitment to working together to deliver better outcomes for the Dungog community and to protect the region’s critical drinking water catchments, following a productive meeting on 28 April 2025.
The meeting focused on progressing shared priorities including faster development assessment processes, updated catchment protection guidelines, and future servicing plans to support sustainable growth, particularly around Clarence Town.
Mayor Digby Rayward said the discussions marked a positive step forward. “We are committed to building a stronger partnership with Hunter Water that recognises the unique role our community plays, and delivers fair and practical outcomes for residents and businesses. We look forward to working closely together on the opportunities identified.”
Cool & wet weather are certainly with us. Stay safe & don’t drive through flood waters. Thank you all very much for the great response to our winter appeal for rugs, gloves, beanies, socks & scarves. Every item is greatly received by those people who are doing it tough or homeless. • June dates: Sun 1 June – celebrating Margie’s Ug & Rug Sunday at St. Paul’s & St. Anne’s. Drop off points for collection: Paterson Friendly, Vacy Store, Foodworks Gresford, St.Paul’s & St. Anne’s. • Lay Preacher, Paul O’Keefe, will be taking the Service at St. Paul’s on Sun 8 June at 8.30am. Theme: Why Must We Suffer? Come along & listen to Paul & his message. Bring a friend or two. This is our Family Friendly Service with songs, prayers & Bible stories. • Fr. Peter’s Men’s Breakfast is on Sat 14 June at 8am in St. Paul’s Hall. Come along, bring a friend & have a hot cooked breakfast with good companionship. • Bible Study is at Vacy Cafe on Thursdays starting with a cuppa & chat at 9.30am. Our theme is Mission. • Rev. Mary holds a service at Lara Aged Care at Dungog on the 2nd & 4th Thursdays each month. • Service times for June as follows: 1, 8, 15, 22 & 29 – 8.30am at St. Paul’s Paterson & 10.30am at St. Anne’s Gresford. Stay safe & look after each other. Please contact Rev. Mary on 0418611778 or Beverley on 49385223 if you need 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 June Crossword
June 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.
