Gresford News October-2025 by gresford editor

October 2025

News of the communities of the Paterson and Allyn River Valleys

A Night Beneath the Stars

On 21st September, a clear evening in Gresford, the local community gathered for an unforgettable astronomy night at the sportsground, where 48 children and youths, accompanied by their families, came together to explore the wonders of the night sky. The event created a buzz of excitement, drawing everyone to the oval for a night filled with discovery and awe.

The Gresford News Community Diary

Wed 1 Oct Trivia Night, Gresford Bowls Sport & Recreation Club, 6.30pm

Sun 5 Oct Live music – Loose Change, Hotel Beatty, 2-6

Mon 6 Oct

Sat 11 Oct

Gresford & District Community Group Meeting, 6.30pm

Gresford Community Market, Gresford Community Park, 9–1

CWA AGM, CWA Hall

Sat 11 Oct CWA book club, CWA Hall, 2pm

Sat 11 Oct Naughty Numbers Bingo with a Twist, Gresford Bowls Sport & Recreation Club, 6.30pm

Sun 12 Oct "Blessing of the animals" service, St Mary-on-Allyn, 10.30am

Sun 12 Oct Sketch Club, Gresford Community Gallery, 1–4pm

Mon 13 Oct Gresford District Landcare Group Meet up, contact Penny Kater for details 0488 371 589

Fri 17 Oct CWA Craft Morning, CWA Hall, 9–12

Sat 18 Oct

Sun 19 Oct

Frocktober – Op Shop Ball fundraiser for Ovarian Cancer with live music – Full Throttle band, Hotel Beatty, 6pm

M.C.M.A. Show & Shine – Classic cars & bikes, live music – Anaya 10am – Merkins 2-6pm, Hotel Beatty

Sun 19 Oct FREE Art Sunday for chiildren (primary school age), Gresford Community Gallery, 10-2

Sun 19 Oct The Barbarians concert, St Mary-on-Allyn, The Friends of St Mary-on-Allyn, 10.30am - 2pm

Tues 21 Oct Gresford School of Arts Committee meeting, in the main hall, 7pm

Fri 24 Oct Gresford Community Dinner, Hotel Beatty, 6pm (RSVP: Vanessa 0411 409 525)

Tues 28 Oct Circle Dancing, Gresford Community Gallery, 4.30pm

Fri 31 Oct Halloween, Gresford Bowls Sport & Recreation Club

Sun 2 Nov Rescheduled 2025 Vacy Country Carnival

Sat 8 Nov Gresford Community Market, Gresford Community Park, 9–1

Tues 11 Nov Remembrance Day Service, Gresford Memorial, School of Arts, 10.35am

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

Sat 20 Dec Special Twilight Market & Christmas Carols

Every Mon Fitness A GoGo with Donna! class, Gresford Community Gallery, 3.30pm

Every Wed Happy hour + Gift Voucher Raffles, Gresford Bowls Sport & Recreation Club, 4.30–6pm

Every Thurs Mass, St Helen's Catholic Church, East Gresford, 9.30am

Every Thur Happy hour, free pool & jukebox, Hotel Beatty, 5.30–7pm

Every Fri (school terms) Yoga with Donna Cavanough, Vacy School of Arts Hall, 9.30–11am & live zoom online Tues, Wed, Fri, 7.30am

Every Fri Twilight Bowls, Gresford Bowls Sport & Recreation Club, 5.30pm

Most Fri afternoons Friends of the Arboretum activities, times vary seasonally, contact Penny Kater for details 0488 371 589

Every Fri Cricket Club Raffles, Hotel Beatty

Sat-Sun

Gresford Community Gallery open, 12 Park St, East Gresford, 10-4 or by appt phone Robyn 0417 686 816

Sat Mass, St Helen's Catholic Church, East Gresford, 5.30pm (except 2nd Sat of month)

Every Sun Anglican Church services, dates & locations vary–see ad, St Paul’s Paterson, 8.30am • St Anne’s Gresford, 10.30am

Every Sun The Gresford Congregational Church welcomes you, 10.30am

Every Sun Social Bowls +, Gresford Bowls Sport & Recreation Club, from 4pm

1st Mon each month

Gresford District Community Group Meeting, 6.30pm, all welcome! (not Jan)

1st & 3rd Mon each month French conversation, CWA Hall, 10–11.30

1st Wed each month Laughable Leigh Trivia Night, Gresford Bowls Sport & Recreation Club, 6.30pm

2nd Mon each month

Gresford District Landcare Group Meeting, 5pm (not Jan), contact Penny Kater for details 0488 371 589

2nd Thurs each month Pool Comp with prizes at the Hotel Beatty 6.30pm

2nd Sat each month

Gresford Community Market, Gresford Community Park, 9–1

2nd Sat each month CWA Book Club, CWA Hall, 3pm

2nd Sun each month Mass, Sacred Heart, Summer Hill, 11.30am

3rd Tues each month Paterson Allyn Garden Group meet, 10am (not Jan), contact Chris Walker for details 0401 566 180

3rd Thurs each month Trivia Night at the Hotel Beatty 6.30pm

3rd Fri each month CWA Craft Morning, CWA Hall, 9–12

3rd Sun each month Vacy & Surrounds Crop Swap, alongside Vacy General Store, 9.30am

3rd Sun each month Entertainment at the Hotel Beatty

4th Tues each month Circle Dancing, 4.30pm – to book in & check location phone Pip on 0493 388 889

PUT YOUR EVENT IN THE COMMUNITY DIARY:

Contact Gresford News: email gresfordnews@iinet.net.au • Brian Doherty 0412 372

• 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).

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Gresford News Notices

Gresford & District Community Group Meeting • Mon 6 Oct 6.30pm

Gresford Community Market Sat 11 Oct

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

"Blessing of the animals" service

Sun 12 Oct 10.30am, St Mary-on-Allyn Bring along your furry, feathered or scaley friends to celebrate God's creatures.

The Barbarians Concert Sun 19 Oct, 10.30am–2pm St Mary-on-Allyn

Creative activities at the Gresford Community Gallery

• Current exhibition – Spring Exhibition – First Birthday Celebration

• October Sketch Club Sun 12 Oct 1–4pm

THE GRESFORD NEWS

Gresford News: News of the communities of the Paterson & Allyn River Valleys, has been published by the Gresford & District Community Group since 2002. As a not-for-profit community association any profits go towards supporting community projects.

IT'S YOUR NEWS

The Gresford News has always been created by the community for the community. The content is provided by individuals and community organisations – Your contributions are always welcome!

IS YOUR NEWS BEING DELIVERED?

Gresford News is delivered to letterboxes on the main road north of Paterson and roadside in the Vacy and Gresford postal districts to the top of the Paterson and Allyn Rivers. PLEASE let us now if you do not recieve your NEWS – we will see if there is a problem we can fix.

• Free Art Sunday for children Sun 19 Oct 10-2pm

Gresford School of Arts Committee meeting Tues 21 Oct, 7pm, in the main hall

Remembrance Day Service Tues 11 Nov 10.35am

The Gresford RSL Sub Branch in conjunction with the Gresford Community Group will be conducting a Remembrance Day Service on the 11th November 2025 commencing at 10.35am sharp at the Gresford Memorial in front of the School of Arts. All are invited to attend the Ceremony. For further information contact Secretary Glenn Wall on 0428 389 462

2025 Vacy Country Carnival Postponed to Sun 2 Nov due to extreme wet conditions

To find out more about events visit www.twinrivers.au/event-calendar

What is the “Community Dinner”? Fri 24 Oct, 6pm Hotel Beatty

You may have seen The Gresford News advertise the quarterly Community Dinners, but perhaps you’ve never stopped to consider what they’re truly about. More than just a meal, the Community Dinners have been a valued event in our district for over 20 years providing an opportunity for all members of our community to come together, share conversation and strengthen the social bonds that makes our district so unique.

The evenings are a wonderful chance to meet new faces, reconnect with neighbours, and form friendships that extend well beyond the dinner table. They offer an opportunity to share knowledge, ask questions, and learn from one another about the unique experiences of living in our beautiful rural community. Gathered around communal tables, the dinners provide a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere, while supporting our local businesses. Whether you've lived here all your life or have just moved to the area, whether you come with family, friends, or on your own—you’re warmly invited to join us for the next Community Dinner on 24 October and become part of this ongoing tradition.

Community Market

The emergence of perfect Spring weather created a wonderful atmosphere for Gresford Community Market’s out-ofhibernation September event.

Stallholders offered their range of homegrown, home-baked and home-crafted wares, while customers enjoyed the creativity on show and the friendly, community feel being shared.

“What a wonderful sunny market day we had,” market co-organiser Pip Wood said. “We thank our stallholders for bringing their creativity, cheer and community spirit. “It was so nice to finally have the sun shining and, with soccer semi-finals on, we had some extra visitors through the gates.”

Gresford Community Market is a small, volunteer-run, not-for-profit market. The small amount of money raised from stallholder fees goes towards covering general costs, including insurance, with any leftovers donated to Gresford Community Group to fund local community activities and projects.

The next Gresford Community Market on October 11 is extra special – it will celebrate the first anniversary of the market. “We’re planning a bright and festive day to kick off the Christmas season

and we’d love everyone to be part of it,” Pip said. “In fact, some customers have told us they’ve already started their Christmas shopping.”

Upcoming markets are on October 11, November 8 and December 13 and there will be a special twilight market at the community Christmas carols event on December 20.

Stallholder inquiries can be made via email: gresfordcommunitymarket@ outlook.com

In response to the broader CWA Awareness Week, which highlights issues of food waste and the importance of eating seasonal products, local members were asked what the CWA means to them. There was a range of responses, which can be largely synthesised under the following headings.

Friendship – The CWA provides a welcoming space for socialising and giving a sense of belonging. This was particularly valuable to some members in the past if they were isolated on farms or as newcomers to the village, but continues to be a place where women can come together for friendship and enjoyment. Gresford’s craft mornings welcome everyone – not just members.

Connection – Connection to the community and beyond is an important aspect of the CWA. Fundraising for worthy causes such as medical research; the Careflight service; domestic crises such as flood and bushfire, and international crises are all part of the CWA’s charter. Catering at the Gresford Show provides a valuable service which is appreciated and supported by the community and we are also involved with the Billy Cart Derby and the Community Markets, which are important

CWA NEWS

aspects of our community life and profile. Our branch also supports cultural activities such as Book Club and French Conversation, which are valuable forms of interaction and communication.

Confidence and Learning – Several current members have been involved in Hunter Group and State conferences, which have given them confidence in public speaking and learning about a wide range of subjects. The CWA features a country of study every year, and focuses on agricultural and environmental concerns. Travel to different parts of the state has also been an enjoyable aspect for these members. Growing confidence in taking on

different roles was also very important as well as participation in Land Cookery, Photography and Craft.

Advocacy – The CWA’s relevance today in rural communities is demonstrated when it actively promotes, supports and engages in the provision of services and cultural activities for women and the community in general. The CWA’s role also extends to using its influence to support its members, and our community, by addressing wider issues that impact us all such as social justice, climate change and access to and quality of health services.

Legacy – Our local branch recognises the contribution past and present members have made in establishing the CWA Hall and Branch as well as providing a framework for continuing the contribution of the organisation in our midst.

Latest News in Brief – We have successfully completed the planting of the trees provided by Dungog Council, which we combined with a Korean lunch and the September meeting. The next Craft morning will take place on 17th October from 9-12 am and the October AGM has been postponed to the 11th October (at 1pm) because of the long weekend.

D4H Dozer

CWA members enjoying a Korean lunch.

What's On the Shelves? by Glenda Smith

Wild Horses

Dick Francis

The late Dick Francis is an excellent story-teller, even though you can often be aware of the strings of the narrative. His main characters are always bright, modest and made of stern stuff physically and mentally. In this case the protagonist is Thomas Lyon, a film director making a film based on a local tragedy in Newmarket, where a trainer’s wife was found hanged and the trainer lost his livelihood because of the scandal/mystery.

Lyon renews the acquaintance of a friend of his grandfather’s, who tantalises him with a deathbed confession of murder, thinking he is a priest. Ultimately it becomes clear that the confession is linked with the subject of the film he is making, and he inadvertently begins to stir up trouble in different ways from people who do not want the past revisited.

Francis mixes his knowledge of racing with an examination of the process of making a film. He gives an insider’s view of one, and a well-researched view of the other. Some may question the sexual politics at play, but he writes a resounding yarn.

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

Gresford District Landcare Group

On Sat 13 September we were treated to a fascinating discussion at the Tocal Bee Research Centre. The talk was presented by Liz Frost and was most enlightening and entertaining.

Having lost all our bees in the Varroa mite eradication program, there were lots of issues we were keen to hear about. Liz made the following points.

• Pollination – bees 30%, other insects, birds and wind 70%

• Varroa Mite is now present worldwide.

• But Tasmania and WA are still mite free.

• Varroa does not affect the many species of native stingless bees, as they are too small to carry the mite and have a different hive structure.

• The adult mite infests the brood in the hive.

• Miticides which are now compulsory, are 98% effective.

• Wild European honeybee nests are affected by the mite.

As we were listening to this great talk, a swarm was forming outside which Liz captured at the end of the discussion.

Tocal is hosting an annual Bee Field Day on 11 October to which anyone interested is invited. The next Landcare meeting is Monday 13 October

PLENTY ON THIS MONTH

Sunday 5 (long w/end) "Loose Change" 2– 6 pm

Saturday 18 October

The "Op Shop" Ball "Full Throttle" band from 8 pm

Sunday 19 October

M.C.M.A. Show & Shine in the Beatty grounds Classic cars and bikes "Anaya" performs from 10 am followed by the "Merkins" on the deck 2– 6 pm

The Hotel Bistro is OPEN! Breakfast + Lunch 7 Days 7am –2pm Dinner 6 Days (closed Wed night) 6pm – 9pm

Liz Frost with Landcare members..

CULTURE VULTURE

Greetings to Culture Vulture readers.

On the Saturday 27th of September Gresford Community Gallery launched the Spring Exhibition – First Birthday Celebration. Everyone thoroughly enjoyed the afternoon. Four new fabulous artists are exhibiting with the gallery – Gavin Fry, Michele Heibel, Pearl Moon and Ros Elkin. The exhibition includes a great variety of quality art and craft, featuring painting, drawing, sculptures, ceramics, photography, fibre art, glass work, clothing and jewellery. Please drop by to view a stunning showcase of Hunter Valley artists.

October Featured Artist at Gresford Community Gallery - Michèle Heibel. Born into an artistic Swiss-German family in 1972, Michèle Heibel spent most of her childhood years in Switzerland's Bernese countryside. In 1983, after extensive travels, her family made the decision to settle permanently in Australia.

Throughout her schooling, Michèle's interest in art never wavered and in 1991 she attained her Diploma of Graphic Design at North Sydney's Billy Blue School of Graphic Arts. Upon graduating she found her first full-time position in Sydney's CBD, as a designer in Kerry Packer's publishing empire and went on to work in the industry as a Designer and

Art Director for close to two decades. In 2009 Michèle’s need to return to her artistic roots and the rural lifestyle she had known as a child became overwhelming. Within the space of a year she left her job, became a mother, relocated to the Hunter Valley Wine Country and began creating her unique artworks by hand.

These delicate pieces are created using only a needle or pin and possess a whimsical quality that will often belie the serious message within. "I've found that the subjects I feel most deeply about, that I might find overwhelming to discuss or debate, become somehow more manageable when focused into the point of a pin and contained in a miniature space." Present day Michèle is an award-winning artist and has been a finalist in major art prizes.

Robyn Werkhoven

October Sketch Club Enjoy the creative, friendly atmosphere at the monthly Sketch Club. All welcome – beginners & professionals. Next Sketch Club – Sunday 12th October 1–4pm LANDSCAPE / PLEIN AIR – inspirated by Australian artist Lloyd Rees. Hosted by artist Christine Pike. Please bring your own art supplies. Cost $10. Meet at the gallery 12.30pm. Outdoor venue –Gresford Valley (weather permitting). Ph: 0428 271 819

Free Art Sunday for children at Gresford Community Gallery. On the third Sunday of the month 10-2 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

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

Gresford Community Gallery • open weekends 10am–4pm • 12 Park St East Gresford • gallerygresfordcommunity@ gmail.com • Visit the Facebook page for regular news / updates of the Gallery’s exhibitions, workshops & features on artists.

Connecting People, Property & Livestock

Detail of work by Michèle Heibel

Stargazing with Dusty's Telescope Views of The Night Sky

... Continued from front cover

The highlight of the night was undoubtedly the opportunity to view the cosmos through Dustin Bradford’s telescopes. Participants took turns peering through the lenses, their eyes widening as Saturn’s iconic rings came into focus. The Milky Way stretched across the sky in a shimmering band, and countless other starry marvels dotted the heavens, inviting curious questions and animated discussions among attendees.

Gresford PS P&C catered for the crowd with delicious food and drinks, ensuring a tasty and easy meal while star gazing.

The Gresford Astronomy Night was more than just an educational event—it was a celebration of community spirit and curiosity. With every gaze skyward, friendships were strengthened and imaginations sparked. As the evening ended, many left with a newfound appreciation for the universe, eager to return for the next adventure.

The Gresford Community Gallery and Gresford District Community Group intend to run more gatherings for the families of our community.

Bowlo News

'Oh the wonders of modern telecommunications as I sit here on the edge of the Namib desert in a place called Sesriem in Namibia! Lorne Park hosted the annual Farmer's Day bowls this year. There was an excellent turnout and a fun morning's bowls was had by all. Thank you Lorne Park. Danny Ross, he of the consistent action and super smooth delivery, beat a gallant and tenacious Don Chesworth in the Gresford Consistency final. A close fought match. Congratulations Danny. Peter Dreyer

Three grand finals. Three trophies. Gresford Vacy Football Club ended the 2025 season with a triple sting that saw all three of the Scorpions’ grand final teams secure impressive wins on the weekend of September 19-20.

The over-35s set the bar high with a fiery 2-0 Friday night win over minor premiers South Wallsend at Bowthorne Park. Some undisciplined play from the opposition gifted the Scorps a free kick, which John Montgomery coolly buried to open the scoring in the first half. Standout player John Krick doubled the advantage in the second half with a thunderous strike from the penalty spot to seal a statement victory for the Scorpions.

On Saturday, the club’s only minor-premier side—the mighty 13/01s—faced a determined Fletcher outfit at Beryl Humble Oval. After a season of near-perfect form, they were made to fight for every metre before edging a 1–0 win. Classy combination play opened the door midway through the first half, with striker Bodhi Nicholson slotting the decisive goal. From there the Scorps’ backline worked overtime, shutting down repeated raids while the attack searched for a second strike to put the game beyond doubt.

Scorps Grand Final

The tense battle stayed locked until the final whistle, sealing a hard-earned championship for the young Scorpions. With two grand final trophies already on their way back to the clubhouse, the under17s were feeling the pressure as they took to the field against Cooks Hill at Beryl Humble Oval on Saturday afternoon. Despite both teams going to the half-time break scoreless, the hard-working Scorps looked strong and seemed to have the edge over their higherranked opponents. The break-through came early in the second half when cool-headed powerhouse Deegan Holding took advantage of some chaotic play in front of goals to slot home the winner.

The tussle continued but the Scorpions held the advantage to claim the 1-0 win amid excited celebrations on the field and the sidelines.

The weekend marked the official end of the playing season and another show of excellence from a small club that punches well above its weight.

The achievements of players, coaches, managers and the committee were celebrated a week later at official presentation events for juniors and seniors.

The under-17s celebrate their win.

Max Wood powered the Scorpions' attack in the under-17 grand final.

Jake Osmond worked hard in defence to ensure the opposition did not score in the under-13s grand final.

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Church in the Arboretum at Gresford

The focus of Sunday worship, last Sunday 7th September, the beginning of the Season of Creation, the Parish took church outside to the Arboretum at Gresford, where God was acknowledged as the Creator and humankind tasked by God as its custodian.

Blessed with the best weather possible, parishioners from all over the Parish came to give thanks for our wonderful world and acknowledge that humanity, instead of caring for creation, rather is at war with it.

Until there is peace and justice and respect for all human life and the creatures that we share our home with, until humanity sees itself as part of nature and not separate from, creation will keep groaning.

However, there was left a message of hope. From Isaiah 32: 18, ‘My people will abide in a peaceful habitation, in secure dwellings, and in quiet resting places.’

After the service, a lunch of sandwiches,

slice and bbq sausages, followed by delicious sweets was enjoyed by all.

Special thanks to Penny Kater for her wonderful hospitality and time with us in this beautiful place, made for the community to enjoy and be engaged in. Watch this space for a bigger celebration next year!

Rev Mary Horn (right) planting a native fern in the arboretum with Penny Kater.

Paterson Allyn Garden Group

PATERSON NURSERY So, second time lucky for our visit to the Paterson Nursery with our hosts, Mark & Nick. After being washed out for our August meeting, it was a complete turnaround, with a beautiful sunny day & the temperature nudging 27 degrees, probably the warmest day so far this season.

The weather obviously had a positive impact on attendance, with 35 members plus 5 visitors, enjoying the amazing venue, tucked quietly away at the back of Paterson cemetery, with an amazing array of beautiful, healthy plants on display.

Unfortunately, being a wholesale nursery, the public is not generally able to call in to pick up any plants for their garden & the members were very lucky to have the opportunity to purchase some items to take home. Just one more good reason to join up to PAGG.

Christine took over the reins in Jillian’s absence, welcoming everyone to the month’s venue & introduced Penny who then conducted a Q&A with our host Mark, who is incredibly knowledgeable about plants & has the happy ability to communicate his knowledge & passion to his audience.

Mark gave the group a great deal of information on some of the best plants to

grow in our area & some of the pitfalls of planting to follow the latest designer fashions. There was too much information to capture here but, our resident experts, Penny, Jenny & Pip are always on hand to help out with tips & advice, so put them to use.

A couple of little known items that Mark passed on were the fact that most Kangaroo Paws are actually grown in Sri Lanka & a lot of the commercially available roses are shipped from Kenya & the stems dipped in Round Up to eliminate regrowth from cuttings. A more positive tip is if you want blue hydrangeas, treat them with aluminium phosphate.

Being a wholesaler, they supply most of the major retailers, who all specify that plants should be delivered in nice new shiny

1 October- Trivia 6.30

11 October - Naughty Numbers Bingo with a twist $20.00

31st October - Halloween

31st October - $1500 Toy Raffle

2nd November – Calcutta

4th November – Melbourne Cup Luncheon

5th November – Trivia 6.30

8th November – Day on the Green 4pm Ryan Hemsworth

7.30pm Mick Fetch & Red Dirt Band

21st November – Pork, Ham & Turkey Raffle

3rd December – Trivia 6.30 12th December – Hamper Raffle 19th December – Prawn & Oyster Raffle

Every Week at the Bowlo!!

HAPPY HOUR WEDNESDAY 4.30 - 6.00

First Wednesday of the month

The Laughable Leigh Trivia Night from 6.30

Wednesday Night – Gift Voucher Raffles tickets on sale 5.30 drawn at 6.00

Friday Night – Meat Tray Raffles, Members Draw

Sunday Night - Happy Hour from 4.30 – 6.00

Meat Raffles Tickets on sale 5.30 Drawn 6.00Members Draw

Members Draw - if not won goes up $25.00 a night, must be here to WIN!

Like us on Facebook “Support your Club, It’s your club” Best In our town,

plastic pots, so the old, used, pots are turned into plastic chips & recycled – you can only imagine how many old & single use pots, have to be dealt with around the country, so check with your local nursery to see if they can reuse your discarded pots.

An interesting bit of news for the future, regards Scott Bevan from ABC Radio, who conducts a Saturday Morning Garden Ramble & is always looking for new gardens so if you are interested in having Scott Bevan do a ramble around your place, contact Christine for details.

The Friends of St. Mary’s on Allyn are presenting ‘The Barbarians’, a chamber orchestra made up of doctors from Newcastle, who will be performing in the historic church at Allynbrook on Sunday 19th October, to raise funds to help carry out works on the site. The Friends are a local community interest group who maintain the church grounds & buildings to ensure their ongoing viability & enjoyment by everyone in the area & further afield.

The next meeting is scheduled for Tuesday 21st October & will be hosted by Kath McDonald. It will be held in conjunction with our Spring Plant Sale so bring your cash & boxes along.

Christine (PAGG) & Mark (Paterson Plants).

Dungog Shire Council News

From Dungog Shire Council’s ordinary Council meeting on Wednesday, 17-09-25: Advocacy -Consideration Of Motions For LGNSW Conference 23-25 Nov 2025

A workshop held with Councillors discussed a number of draft regional motions prepared by the Hunter Joint Organisation on behalf of the 10 HJO member Councils.

The supported regional motions developed by the HJO and supported by Dungog Shire Council include "That Local Government NSW calls on the NSW and Federal Governments to:"

1. Provide funding support directly to Local Government to guide a coordinated approach to land use and economic opportunities for post mining-related land to support communities impacted by historical and future mine closures.

2. Immediately recommence previously funded initiatives that deliver employment and skills programs locally to transitioning industries.

3. Release uncontested funding for local government to support the development of regionally significant place strategies, specifically for industrial (employment)

land, identified in Regional Plans.

4. Embed Net Zero government support services and infrastructure delivery agencies, including (but not limited to) the Net Zero Economy Authority, EnergyCo, Department of Employment and Workplace Relations, Future Jobs and Investment Authority, Department of Transport & Department of Planning within regional communities directly affected by the transition to meet NSW Net Zero targets.

5. Provide uncontested funding to Councils to deliver local infrastructure needed to unlock development-ready land in regional NSW to meet NSW housing targets.

6. Urgently re-categorise roads that meet criteria, or will meet relevant criteria in the short term, and to prioritise recategorisation of Local and Regional roads to State Roads where the road services significant assets to the state including housing, water and energy infrastructure assets and facilities.

7. Provide an ongoing disaster resilience program to provide betterment funding for prioritised infrastructure such as road networks, drainage, bridge and coastal structures that are vulnerable to natural disasters.

Cr Steve Low presented an additional Dungog Shire Council-specific motion

regarding the funding of regional roads and how the NSW Government’s Block Grants formula – which determines the distribution of funds to councils for regional road repairs, is biased in relation to Councils like Dungog Shire.

Cr Low noted the Block Grant only provides Dungog Council with about half of what is needed for whole-of-life maintenance, and that the funding formula considers the obvious maintenance aspects such as road length and traffic factors, which correctly relate to the function of any particular road.

In his motion, Cr Low highlighted that Dungog receives $11,048 per kilometre for its 122 kilometres of Regional Roads, Port Stephens receives $19,071 per kilometre for its 56 kilometres, and Maitland receives $36,450 per kilometre for its 19 kilometres of roads.

Election Of The Deputy Mayor

Cr Liam Ley was voted by Councillors to become Dungog Shire Council’s next Deputy Mayor following Cr Alexandria Carruthers’ tenure in the position for the past 12 months.

Cr Ley will commence his 12-month role as Deputy Mayor on 16 October 2025.

Many thanks to all who think of our neighbours with gifts of food & toiletries. Gresford Paterson Parish have a great team of ladies who sew, knit & supply us with goods for those in need. Heart felt thanks for your work, generosity & thoughtfulness, it is so greatly appreciated by all who receive them.• Some dates to remember: Fr.Peter’s Men’s breakfast Sat 11 Oct, St.Paul’s Hall, 8am. • Sun 12 Oct 8.30am Paul O’Keefe will be at Family Friendly Service St. Paul’s Paterson - theme “Commonly asked questions about Christianity”. • Then we are off to St. Mary on Allyn Allynbrook for 10.30am Service of Blessings of the Animals with a BBQ lunch to follow. Bring your pets. • Bible Study is at Vacy Cafe at 9.30am with coffee & chat to enjoy fellowship together. Come along & be part of this group of ladies. • Rev. Mary attends Lara Nursing Home in Dungog on 2nd & 4th Thurs at 2.30pm for a short service for the residents, staff & relatives. • Remember: Vacy Carnival Sun 2 Nov – we are holding a Cake/collectables stall in the grounds of Vacy Church. Buy some homemade goodies & early Christmas gifts. Church times for October: 5, 12, 19, 26 St. Paul’s Paterson 8.30am & St. Anne’s Gresford 10.30am 5, 19, 26 St. Mary on Allyn Allynbrook 10.30am 12 Oct with Blessing of the Animals. Rev. Mary 0418 611 778, Beverley 4938 5223 if anyone needs help with food or support..

Gresford

Congregational Church

30 Durham Rd Gresford

Services Each Sunday 10.30am ALL WELCOME

Catholic Parish of Gresford

Mass at St. Helen's, East Gresford

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

Thursday – 9.30am

Mass at Sacred Heart, Summer Hill

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

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

Gresford News October Crossword

October 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.