Congratulations to all the competitors, community groups and stall holders for putting in such a wonderful day with great spirit that truly makes this a standout event on the Hunter region’s annual calendar. Read the full story pp 10/11 ... May 2025
News of the communities of the Paterson and Allyn River Valleys
A glorious Easter Saturday saw tourists and locals treated to a wonderful day for Billy Cart racing, with a huge crowd heading trackside to catch all the action.
The new community mascot, Beakin the Platypus takes on the Easter Bunny. Photo: David Oliver
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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).
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Thurs 1 May
The Gresford News Community Diary
Council information session for Community Strategic Plan 2025-35, Vacy School of Arts Hall, 4-6pm
Fri-Sun 2-4 May Tocal Field Days, Tocal Agriculture Centre
Mon 5 May Council information session for Community Strategic Plan 2025-35, Gresford School of Arts Hall, 4-6pm
Mon 5 May
Gresford & District Community Group Meeting, Hotel Beatty, 6.30pm
Wednesdays 7-28 May Drive for survival – 4 week safe new driver & families education program,SES Dungog, 6.30pm
Wed 7 May Council information session for Community Strategic Plan 2025-35, Paterson School of Arts Hall, 4-6pm
Wed 7 May Laughable Leigh Trivia Night, Gresford Bowls Sport & Recreation Club, 6.30pm
Fri 9 May FREE film ‘The Promise’ + Q&A with film director & mental health advocate, James Theatre, Dungog, 6.30pm
Sat 10 May Gresford Community Market – Mother's Day focus, Gresford Community Park, 9–1
Sat 10 May CWA book club, CWA Hall, 2pm
Fri 16 May RSA course, Gresford Bowls Sport & Recreation Club, 9am
Fri 16 May CWA Craft Morning, CWA Hall, 9–12
Sat 17 May
Gresford Men’s Breakfast, Twin Rivers Cafe, East Gresford, 8.15am
Sun 18 May FREE Art Sunday for chiildren (primary school age), Gresford Community Gallery, 10-2
Sun 18 May Live music – T.N.R Band, Hotel Beatty, 1pm
Fri 23 May RSA course, Gresford Bowls Sport & Recreation Club, 9am
Tues 27 May Circle Dancing, 4.30pm – to book in and check location phone Pip on 0493 388 889
Fri 30 May Sketch Club, Gresford Community Gallery, 1–4pm
Sun 1 Jun Winter Exhibition opening, Gresford Community Gallery, 2–4pm
Wed 4 Jun Gresford Rural Fire Brigade AGM, Gresford RFS Station, 7.30pm
Sat 14 Jun Special event – Gavin Fry in conversation, Gresford Community Gallery, 2–4pm
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
PUT YOUR EVENT IN THE COMMUNITY DIARY:
Contact Gresford News: email gresfordnews@iinet.net.au • Brian Doherty
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
Gresford Community Market
Drizzly morning skies cleared to reveal perfect weather for the Easter edition of Gresford Community Market on April12. Crowd numbers were strong as families playing trial soccer matches with Gresford Vacy Football Club wandered through, picking up some locally-made handicrafts, freshly-grown produce and tasty snacks.
Stall holders continue to be impressed with the community atmosphere associated with the markets and surrounding events. “We love coming because of the lovely people we meet and the fantastic vibe,” said Caroline and Kerry from Koora Clothing.
The next market on May 10 will have a special focus on Mother’s Day and will be the last before a two-month winter hiatus.
“This will be the perfect opportunity to grab something unique and personal for the mums and mother-figures who give so much to their families every day,” market co-ordinator Pip Woods said.
“The markets will then be having a break over the colder months of June and July before relaunching with a Winter Sale on August 9 and continuing on the second Saturday of each month for the rest of the year.”
As an added incentive for growers from the Dungog Shire, free stalls are being offered to those selling fresh produce. “It’s one of the ideas we’ve come up with as we focus on keeping the markets fresh and vibrant,” Pip said. “We’re always looking for ideas and welcome input and feedback from the community.”
Live music is another initiative, with buskers sharing their musical talents in exchange for support from market goers, and free barbecue facilities are available in the adjoining community garden. Stall inquiries can be made via email: gresfordcommunitymarket@outlook.com
Gresford News Notices
Council information session for Community Strategic Plan 2025-35
Thurs 1 May 4-6pm Vacy School of Arts Hall • Mon 5 May 4-6pm Gresford School of Arts Hall • Wed 7 May 4-6pm
4 week driver education program raises awareness of road safety for new drivers & their families. Presentation topics incl: causes & consequences of car crashes, drugs & alcohol, head & spinal injuries, strategies for safer driving & information on free keys2drive lesson funded by the Australian government.
Cost: $20 per family (incl FREE first aid certificate course for learner driver)
Booking: www.facebook.com/ drive4survival or contact Allen Shrimpton 0438 922 091
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!
Gresford & District Community Group Meeting Mon 5 May 6.30pm Hotel Beatty. All welcome.
Gresford Community Market Sat 10 May 9am–1pm
Gresford Community Park Mother's Day focus
Note: no markets in June/July –winter break. Starts again Sat 9 Aug
RSA course
Fri 16 & 23 May, Gresford Bowlo
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.
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
FREE film ‘The Promise’ + Q&A Fri 9 May 6.30pm, James Theatre
Film aims to educate, raise awareness of mental health issues, have a message of hope that recovery is always possible & to prevent suicide. Q&A with film director Jye Currie & Mental Health Advocate Craig Hamilton
Creative activities coming up at the Gresford Community Gallery
Free Art Sunday for children Sun 18 May 10-2pm
• May Sketch Club
Fri 30 May 1–4pm
Still Life – inspiration from Australian artist Margaret Olley
Hosted by artist Christine Pike.
•
Winter Exhibition Opening Sun 1 May 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
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
DAVE LAYZELL MP
Member
HOW I CAN HELP YOU
Gloucester
Dungog
Singleton
Muswellbrook
Merriwa
Murrurundi
Gresford
East
Vacy
Paterson
Lorn
Bolwarra
upperhunter@parliament.nsw.gov.au
Authorised
Gresford Local Crowned 2025 RAS Rural Achiever
Gresford’s own James Stephens has been awarded the prestigious Royal Agricultural Society (RAS) Rural Achiever Award for 2025 at the Sydney Royal Easter Show, recognised as one of the state’s top emerging leaders in agriculture.
The Rural Achiever Award celebrates individuals aged 20 to 29 who have shown exceptional commitment and potential as future leaders in Australian agriculture. As part of the program, James joined seven other outstanding finalists from across NSW for a unique eight-day leadership experience during the Show.
Throughout the week, James participated in a broad range of experiences – from stewarding cattle, woodchop and mini pumpkins, to meeting the NSW Governor and the Governor-General of Australia. The program also included professional development sessions, a harbour cruise on Sydney Harbour and a formal public speaking showcase where James delivered a compelling address on the topic “Technology – Friend or Foe?” He also took part in a formal interview with the judging panel and proudly went in the Grand Parade.
James was announced as the overall winner and will go on to represent NSW at the
National Rural Ambassador Awards in September 2026 at the Royal Adelaide Show.
Armed with a Diploma in Agriculture, James is the founder of James Stephens Rural Contracting, servicing properties across the Dungog Shire. His work supports local landholders with on-theground expertise, while also running his own growing beef cattle enterprise.
Locally, James is a familiar face at the Gresford Show as an active committee member of the Gresford District Agricultural Society (GDAS). Whether stewarding in the horse ring or lending a hand during the campdraft, he’s always ready to get involved and support community events.
The Rural Achiever Program is proudly supported by Aussie Broadband, R.M.Williams, Akubra and AgShowsNSW.
Reflecting on the experience, James said: “Feeling incredibly honoured to be named the 2025 RAS Rural Achiever Award winner at the Sydney Royal Easter Show. A huge thank you to the judges and RAS staff for what has truly been a life-changing week. I’m so grateful for the opportunity and all the memories made.
Thank you to the Gresford Show for endorsing my application. I’m proud to be part of such a passionate committee and thrilled to be representing not only NSW, but also GDAS at the National Rural Ambassador Finals in 2026.
And to my fellow 2025 Rural Achiever finalists - what a crew! It’s been an absolute blast. Thank you for the laughs, support and lifelong memories.”
The community of Gresford couldn’t be prouder - congratulations, James!
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!
James Stephens wins RAS Rural Achiever Award
Two Public EV Charging Sites now in Dungog Shire
Dungog Regional Tourism is pleased to record the establishment of two electric vehicle charging stations in the Shire. One is in Brown Street outside the Dungog Visitor Information Centre and the other is in the centre of Vacy.
This is a great step forward that will significantly enhance tourism in the region. DRT worked closely with Council and staff throughout the project, from initial scoping to completion.
The charging points were funded by the NSW Government's Destination Charging Program with works overseen by Dungog Shire Council.
While these charging stations do not offer the high charging rates found in suburban areas and along major highways, they provide visitors with the opportunity to charge their vehicles while exploring Dungog or Vacy.
Dungog Shire continues to attract strong visitor numbers, and these charging stations will further enhance the Shire's appeal as a destination.
Both charging stations are located along the Horseshoe Drive, a key tourism product recently developed by DRT. The Horseshoe
Drive takes visitors on a scenic tour around the entire Shire, beginning at Tocal and continuing through Paterson, Vacy, Gresford, across Bingleburra Road to Dungog, and then down to Clarence Town. Visitors can travel this route in either direction.
The drive is supported by a mobile app under the cya on the road banner, which can be downloaded to any smartphone.
The same portfolio also includes apps for a historic walk around Paterson.
DRT looks forward to continuing our collaboration with Dungog Shire Councillors and Council staff to further develop tourism assets in the region.
The long-term aim is to have the really fast charging points installed but they need to be adjacent to strong supply lines of electricity. That is all possible but it will take time.
Cameron
Archer AM, DRT Chair
Vacy EV Station
Dungog EV Station
Billy Cart Derby a rolling success!!
A glorious Easter Saturday saw tourists and locals treated to a wonderful day for Billy Cart racing, with a huge crowd heading trackside to catch all the action.
Gresford’s camping areas were packed out and a massive crowd came to see the Billy cart fun!
A fabulous array of 35 carts made it to pit lane, from some original local favourites, to some new highly engineered racing machines, right down to a number of old timber and rope box carts. It’s fair to say the day truly met the specs of good old
fashioned family fun. The Gresford School Gumboot Toss was a huge hit, as was the Pony Pat Lotto. The generosity of the visitors was overwhelming with the raffle ticket bucket full to the brim! The market stalls and live music in the School of Arts hall gave everyone plenty to admire, and the cricket clubs and other food vendors ensured no one went home hungry or thirsty!!
On the track there were more than 20 junior and 30 senior entrants. There was even a few feature races with the Easter Bunny versing the new community mascot,
Beakin the Platypus and local farmer NSW Rural Achiever James Stephens taking on current Gresford Young Woman Imogen Robertson - all to great applause from the huge crowd.
It was a day for the Lambert family of Newcastle though with all 5 family members making it through to the semi finals in both the senior and Junior events. A flat tyre in the second last semi final couldn’t even slow them down but it was oldest sister Ruth Lambert who took the overall crown for the day, as Champion of the final race.
Bunny and Beakin battle it out in front of a bumper crowd.
Story: Penny Evans. Photos: David Oliver
They had two very slick carts that were hardly challenged across the whole day of racing, and fittingly took home 4 of the major prizes!
A quick shout out to the Beatty Hotel pub crew who won the relay race and beat pit team for a solid effort all day!
The community groups who all pitched in with set up and pack up, especially the Gresford Vacy Scorpions can not go without mention. A huge huge effort across the whole weekend. We wouldn’t be able
to put the event on without the support and commitment of the Rotary Club of Dungog, who also provided on ground support with traffic on the day.
A huge thank you to all of the amazing sponsors too, the Beatty Hotel, Farmers Warehouse, Gasweld, Sharon Hill OneAgency, Premiair Hire, Gresford Meat Co, Doyle Fabrications, Nundah Pastoral, Shannon’s, Balloon Aloft, Gresford Foodworks, Gray’s Hot Food, Stockers & Partridge, Boydells, Dungog News of the
Sunday 11th May – Mother’s Day Free raffle all mothers get a free ticket
Friday 16th May – RSA Course by Aspire Training
Friday 23rd May – RCG Course by Aspire Training
both days are from 9.00 to book please call 0427389722 Membership is now due! Every Week at the Bowlo!! HAPPY HOUR WEDNESDAY 4.30 - 6.00 First Wednesday of
Congratulations to all the competitors, community groups and stall holders for putting in such a wonderful day with great spirit that truly makes this a standout event on the Hunter region’s annual calendar. Great days like this truly put our village on the map! In coming editions we will update the community on the profit and how it will be spent within our community.
GRESFORD BOWLS SPORT & RECREATION CLUB 38 PARK ST EAST GRESFORD
This shaggy dog needed a push when the pile stuck in the wheels
It takes a village to run a race... L-R Starter Josh Evans; Commentators Penny Evans & Paul Dooley; Committee Member James Stephens
Caleb and Ruth Lambert
Carts had stiff competition from the vintage cars
The Lambert family in action!
Even the Police joined in the fun
Ready for the land speed record
CULTURE VULTURE
Greetings to Culture Vulture readers. The Gresford Community Gallery committee would like to invite you to join them in celebrating the Winter Exhibition on Sunday 1st June 2-4pm. All are welcomed to attend the event; refreshments will be served. The exhibition includes a great variety of quality art and craft, featuring painting, drawing, sculptures, ceramics, photography, fibre art and jewellery. Please drop by to view a stunning showcase of Hunter Valley artists.
The gallery will be holding another special event – Gavin Fry in Conversation on Saturday 14th of June 2 -4pm. 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. All welcome, refreshments served.
Free Art Sunday for children at Gresford Community Gallery Gresford Community Gallery's free art for
children’s mornings were well attended and enjoyed by both the participants and their parents and grandparents. Beautiful Suncatchers were created on Tuesday morning and amazing Sun-prints emerged on Wednesday morning, despite the intermittent rain. Both the children and their families have requested more, and starting in MAY the gallery will host Free Art Sunday for children on the third Sunday of the month between 10am and 2pm. During these hours children of primary school age accompanied by an
Robyn Werkhoven
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 May Sketch Club 2025
The gallery holds Sketch Club once a month, everyone enjoys the creative, friendly atmosphere. All welcome – beginners and professionals. Next Sketch Club date – Friday 30th May, 1 – 4pm Still Life – inspiration from Australian artist Margaret Olley Hosted by artist Christine Pike. Cost $10. Bring your own art supplies. Phone: 0428 271 819 Christine Pike
Studio La Primitive ARTS ZINE
- the latest issue will be online the 1st May. Including interviews with Australian artists – Ann Cape, Lyn Hammond, Benjamin Broinowski and Cherie Platen. Arts Zine is an online independent art and literary magazine, produced and published in East Gresford. The magazine is now 12 years old and has featured over 400 interviews with artists and writers. All issues are available at www.studiolaprimitive.net
Dawn Thompson with young creatives
After a bit of a shaky start, with the weather making things a little uncertain, we were very fortunate to be hosted by Graham & Sue in their beautiful garden in Largs. The day was very well supported with 45 attendees, including 3 new members which was fantastic considering the weather situation.
Paterson Allyn Garden Group
Graham & Sue’s garden is a little different to our usual fare, being a regular suburban block of 2000s/m, but what it lacks in quantity it certainly makes for quality. The back yard has been crafted into a beautifully thought-out oasis with an amazing natural flow, accentuated by the arrangement of a large garden & hedge running across the lower fenceline that draws your eyes to the bottom corner of the garden, cleverly adding width to the yard. The house is surrounded by architectural garden beds filled with low maintenance Murraya hedges, divided by cascading stairs which add to the visual flowing effect.
Graham & Sue were previously on acreage before moving to Largs 5 years ago, starting from scratch as, although the house was 10
years old, nothing had been done in the garden at all. The couple did all the work, including digging out trenches in the local heavy clay for various services & garden beds with everything evolving in a gradual process of development over the following years. The side aspects of the property are screened from the neighbours with a variety of plants including Prunus & maples as well as the impressive Lillypilly hedge across the back. The lawn is predominantly very healthy buffalo with core ten bordering helping to keep the grass in check. There is a section of artificial turf around the pool area that adds to the manicured appearance of the yard & gardens. To keep everything looking good, Graham recommends using Eco88 slow-release fertiliser, which has obviously worked its magic here. The main expense in the garden is a magnificent
EARTHMOVING CONTRACTOR
Manchurian Pear tree that was bought as a mature tree & had to be craned in & now takes pride of place as a focal point of the property.
One of our members had a recent bout with Q Fever & there was some interesting discussion around this nasty illness that, although associated with cattle, can be caught from many other sources. There is immunisation available however, proper precautions need to be taken before this is done to avoid even more dire consequences. It was discovered that the best solution to a problem with cockatoos ravaging the fruit trees, was Bob’s Dead Parrot trick involving an empty bottle & a white plastic bag - Very ‘Monty Python’ but apparently it does the trick. Refer to Gardening Australia for details. Check out our website www.pagardengroup.org
Graham & Sue Murphy in Largs
CWA NEWS
Author’s visit – this talk by Tony Cavanaugh attracted a good-sized audience who enjoyed Tony’s energetic presentation of his wide-ranging career in television, film, and crime-fiction writing. Among other things he discussed Kingdom of the Strong, a detective novel based on a true event, which was the Book Club’s choice for this month and Through My Eyes, a TV series he co-wrote about Lindy Chamberlain. He may return next year to talk more about crime fiction, so watch this space!
Craft Mornings – after being cancelled out by Anzac Day for this month, these mornings will resume on 16th May – the third Friday of the month. Please join us to work on your chosen craft, have a chat, and enjoy morning tea among friendly faces. It takes place from 9 to12 at the CWA Hall. $5 for non-members and $3 for members.
Donation News – every CWA Branch holds an International Day which raises funds for international causes. This year $5,000 was donated by CWA NSW to a Rotary Project in PNG for water tanks, and $20,000 to Medecins Sans Frontieres. In addition, CWA NSW donated $100,000 to CWA Queensland to help with flood relief, and the Hunter Group has made significant donations for Ovarian Cancer research. The country of interest for this year is Korea.
Billy Cart Derby – once again the weather was favourable, the crowds were large, and our CWA stall benefited from the generosity of patrons. Scones, the perennial favourite, sold out and the selection of cakes, slices and sandwiches were also popular. Books, craft, bric à brac and plants also attracted some interest. This event makes Gresford come alive, and we were very pleased to be part of that, and grateful for public donations as well as purchases.
French Conversation – will continue in 2025 on the first and third Mondays of the month, from 10am to 11:30. Please ring Glenda Smith (49389456 or 0400108079) if you are interested in joining us this year, as dates occasionally change.
D4H Dozer
Writer Tony Cavanaugh and Glenda Smith
What's On the Shelves?
by Glenda Smith
Kingdom of the Strong Tony Cavanaugh
This book is not part of our library collection, but was of major interest for Book Club in Tony Cavanaugh’s recent address at the CWA Hall, and is easily available in e-book form. It is the fourth in his series of Darian Richards crime fiction novels, and is based on events that took place in Melbourne several decades ago. A young woman, caught in a web of corruption, apparently took her own life but the inquest came to an open verdict.
Cavanaugh uses the tragic situation as a springboard to a fictional investigation of police corruption. His retired detective Darian has a partner, policewoman Maria Chastain on temporary assignment, and they are aided by an IT whizz who is somewhat confounded by the lack of electronic data at the time of the death. Their brief is to examine the aspiring Police Commissioner’s involvement in the death of the young woman based on the past victim, as he was present in her flat on the night before her death. The novel is uncompromising in terms of language and some graphic detail, but it is also amusing and engaging, with a killer twist.
Book Club - Book club will resume as normal on 10th May with Stone Yard Devotional by Charlotte Wood. All are welcome to attend on the second Saturday of the month at 3pm, but please ring Glenda Smith (0400108079) in case there are unexpected variations.
Bowlo News
Good Friday saw an absolutely fantastic turnout for an afternoon of social bowls. Ably organised by Tom Everett, thanks Tom, we had six rinks in play. Experienced and novice players joined in. Much fun was had by all - good shots, bad shots, wrong shots were enjoyed with shouting and merriment. The adjoining photo would attest to casual attire and footwear (optional).
On a more serious note the Shamrocks Grade 5 team is in with a shout in their division if they keep winning and the maths works out for them. On the other hand the Grade 7’s find themselves in an unenvious position. There was a glimmer of hope over the double header weekend of the 22nd and 23rd March with two good wins to claw back in position. But following losses have put paid to any high hopes. Go the Grade 5s! And keep going the Grade 7’s.
Peter Dreyer
Scorps News
It’s been a disappointing start to the new season for Gresford Vacy Football Club with a full round of home games washed out due to soggy conditions at Gresford Sporting Complex. Persistent rain in the week leading up to the season-openers meant the eager Scorpions were forced to delay the start of the season.
The club has teams from under-5s right through to over-35s. Home rounds will see the seniors in action on Friday nights, juniors playing back-to-back all day Saturday and the under-12 girls taking to the field in the Sunday competition.
The volunteer committee is impressed with player numbers for 2025 and is looking forward to another season of fun & friendship.
Volunteers are the backbone of the club and the families of all players are encouraged to do their bit to support the smooth running of the season. This will include helping with the canteen and barbecue, setting up fields ready for play, joining the committee and generally being supportive of all club activities. Anyone keen to put their hand up to take on a specific role can reach out to club officials.
The next home games will be Round 3 on May 9, 10 and 11.
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Dungog Shire Council News
A selection of meeting highlights from Dungog Shire Council’s ordinary Council meeting on Wednesday 16 April 2025:
Public Exhibition Of Draft Community Strategic Plan 2025-35 Council will seek feedback for its most significant long-term planning document — the Draft Community Strategic Plan 20252035. It will be placed on public exhibition for 28 days alongside key supporting documents including the Delivery Program, Operational Plan, Resourcing Strategy, Budget, and Fees & Charges.
The draft Plan was developed with the help of Micromex Independent Survey Consultants who conducted community engagement activities, with 251 submissions received.
This revealed 94% of the Shire’s residents rated their lifestyle in Dungog as “good to excellent”, despite also identifying the state of the Shire’s road network as a clear sticking point, with 71% listing road maintenance and supporting infrastructure as the highest priority area of the decade. Other key themes included infrastructure and grant funding transparency, the need to effectively manage growth and development, and invest in essential
infrastructure to support a growing population.
Council will host face-to-face information sessions in Gresford, Vacy, Paterson, Clarence Town and Dungog during the exhibition period on the following dates and times:
Vacy: 1st May 4-6pm, Vacy School of Arts Hall
Gresford: 5th May 4-6pm, Gresford School of Arts Hall
Clarence Town: 6th May 4-6pm, Clarence Town School of Arts Hall
Paterson 7th May 4-6pm, Paterson School of Arts Hall
Council strongly urges the community to come along to an information session and provide input on these vital documents which will lead Council’s strategic direction for the next ten years.
The Community Strategic Plan can be viewed on Council’s website.
Sculpture On The Farm
Council has endorsed a $10,000 funding request to support a flagship event for the Shire. Previously, the three-day event has attracted around 2000 visitors to the Shire, which is expected to surpass 3000 this year and generate vital tourism and local
economy benefits. For the first time in its history the exhibition will move from its home on a private farm at Fosterton to the Dungog Common, but with the move comes increased infrastructure and logistics costs.
Mayoral Minute: Development Applications Requiring Comment From Hunter Water
A Mayoral Minute addressing ongoing delays in the development application (DA) process caused by referrals to Hunter Water Corporation was endorsed by Council. Mayor Rayward reported receiving repeated feedback from frustrated applicants about inconsistent requirements and significant delays on the agency’s side, which in-turn were negatively impacting Council’s ability to meet minimum standard DA turnaround times, as set out by the Ministerial Order of Expectations.
The Mayor highlighted that Hunter Water was currently only meeting legislative timeframes in 58% of DA referrals which is far below Sydney Water’s 92% compliance rate.
To proactively address the issue, the Council has determined a structured approach to development applications involving Hunter Water.
We hope that everyone had a Happy Easter & now look forward to the cooler months to come. Bible study resumes Thurs 1 May 9.30am, Vacy Cafe with a cup of coffee & chat. Everyone welcome. • Gresford Men’s Breakfast – 3rd Sat this month, 17 May 8.15am, Twin Rivers Cafe, Gresford. Men come along & bring a friend for a good breakfast & companionship. • Fr. Peter’s Men’s Breakfast is Sat 14 June 8am in St. Paul’s Hall Paterson. • Our Lay Preacher, Paul O’Keefe, will be presiding over the Service at St. Paul’s on Sun 11 May –Mother’s Day. An alternate, family friendly service, encompassing Bible Stories, songs & prayers. Come, see & listen. Everyone welcome. • Rev. Mary will be at Lara Nursing Home, Dungog every 2nd & 4th Thursday afternoon. These services are well attended by the residents, families & staff & you are welcome to attend. • As winter is fast approaching, we will be collecting rugs, beanies, scarves & gloves for those in need – May to July. Most people are doing it tough, but if you can support our outreach effort, everyone will be most grateful. Contact Rev. Mary on 0418611778 or Beverley on 49385223 if you or someone that you know needs help with food or support. Church times for May are as follows: 4, 11, 18, 25 – 8.30am St. Paul’s Paterson & 10.30am at St. Anne’s Gresford.
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 May Crossword
May 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.
