Gresford News March 2015

resford News G

The

News of the communities of the Paterson and Allyn River Valleys March 2015

State election – local issues

F

our of the five candidates running in the State electoral district of Upper Hunter responded to our invitation to comment on a range of questions we thought would be of interest to our community.

Pictured above clockwise from top left: John Kaye/Greens; Lee Watts/Independent; Martin Rush/Country Labor; Michael Johnsen/National Party.

Read more in the Community feature inside.

The Gresford News is a Gresford Community Group project. Circulation 800 – Donations appreciated and most welcome. Thank you!

The Gresford News Community Diary Sat

7 Mar CWA Book Club, Gresford CWA Rooms, 9.30am (change of date due to the show)

Sat

7 Mar Flickerfest 2015, James Theatre Dungog

Fri-Sat 13-14 Mar Gresford Show, Gresford Showground Mon

16 Mar Markets planning meeting, Twin Rivers Cafe, 10.00am

Tues

17 Mar Paterson Allyn Garden Group meet, 10.00am

Wed & Thurs 18 & 19 Mar Meet & greets, Gresford Vacy Football Club, Gresford Sporting Complex Thurs

19 Mar Barefoot Coaching Course, Gresford Vacy Football Club, Gresford Sporting Complex

Sat-Sun 21-22 Mar Relay for Life, Dungog, from 2.00pm Sat 21 Sat

28 Mar Gala day, Gresford Vacy Football Club, Gresford Sporting Complex

Sun

29 Mar Live music – Geoff Kendall, Hotel Beatty, 1.00pm

Sat

4 Apr

2015 Gresford Billy Cart Derby, Park Street, East Gresford – hold onto your hats!!!

Sat

4 Apr

Live music – Plastic Spurs, Hotel Beatty, after the last race

Tues-Wed 14-15 Apr FREE Sports Gala Event during the school holidays, Gresford Sports Fields, 9.00am Sat

25 Apr

ANZAC day commemorations, East Gresford, from 10.30am

Sat-Sun 16-17 May Gresford Working Hourse Competition & Team Penning, Gresford Showground Sun

17 May Gresford Community Markets begin again

Sat

24 Oct

(Claim the date) Youth off the Streets charity dinner and auction

Tuesdays 12 May, 11 Aug & 10 Nov

Gresford School of Arts Meeting, Gresford School of Arts Hall, 7.30pm

Tuesdays

Spring/summer mixed Tuesday nights tennis, 7.30–9.30pm

Mon/Tues

Social ladies tennis starts, Mon or Tues mornings, Gresford Tennis Courts, 9.30–11.00am

Friday afternoons Junior tennis coaching, Gresford Tennis Courts 1st Mon each month

Gresford Community Group Meeting, 5.30pm, Hotel Beatty, all welcome! (not Jan)

1st Wed each month

Gresford Rural Fire Brigade meeting, station, 7.30pm

1st Thurs each month

CWA Gresford Branch Meeting, CWA rooms, East Gresford, 9.30am (not Jan)

2nd Mon each month

Gresford Historical Society Meeting, RSL Rooms, 10.3 0am (not Dec, Jan or June)

2nd & 4th Mon each month Family & Child Health Clinic, Paterson school of Arts Hall, 4932 9768 for appt’s 2nd Tues each month

Gresford District Landcare Group Meeting, Hotel Beatty, 7.30pm (not Jan)

2nd Sat each month

Book Club, CWA rooms, East Gresford, 3.00pm (not Dec or Jan)

3rd Tues each month

Paterson Allyn Garden Group meet, 10.00am (not Jan)

3rd Fri each month

Gresford Public School P&C Meeting, school library, 10.00am

3rd Sun each month

gresford Community Market, Therese Doyle Hall, 9 til 2 (not Dec, Christmas Fair 1st Sat)

Last Thurs each month Gresford District Agricultural Society Meeting, Showground Luncheon Pavilion, 7.30pm Every Wed, Fri & Sun

Gresford Bowls Sport & Recreation Club Raffles, from 6.30pm

Every Mon & Fri

(school terms) Gresford Pre-School, Gresford Community Hall, 4938 9288, 9.00am

Every Thur

Happy hour and free pool and jukebox at the Hotel Beatty

Every Fri

Cricket Club Raffles at the Hotel Beatty

Every Fri ( school terms) Yoga for active bodies with Donna Cavanough, Therese Doyle Youth Hall, 9.00 – 10.30am Every Wed Every Sunday

Gresford PlayTime, children 0-5 & carers, Gresford Community Hall, 4992 2401, 10.00am The Gresford Congregational Church welcomes you, 10.30am

To contact Gresford News: email gresfordnews@iinet.net.au or call Brian Doherty on 0412 372 687 or Jane Richens on 0425 339 856. Postal Address: PO Box 73 East Gresford 2311. Deadline for stories and ads 20th of the month.

Visit www.gresfordnsw.com.au for local information and the ‘Gresford News’ online.

Gresford News audio version available for visually impaired. Phone 0412 372 687 for this service.

G resford News finances

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Please support your local newsletter and contribute anonymously or use the slip below and place your donations in the boxes provided in Gresford.

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Address

GRESFORD SHOW th th 13 & 14 March * A Great Country Show!*

with * Horses * Cattle * Goats * Poultry * * Guinea Pigs & Bunnies * Pet Parade * * Animal Nursery * Post Splitting * * Ag Bikes & Quads * Horse Carriage Races * Vintage Farm Machinery * * Grand Parade (2.30pm) KAOS Bike Team – 2 shows

Saturday Night DJ Nathan – Kids Disco Fantastic Fireworks followed by music till late

Art Show Opening Night : Thursday 12th March 6pm – 8pm, $10 entry (NO ALCOHOL to be brought into the ground) For information visit our website www.gresfordshow.com.au or Ph Sec (02) 4938 9380

Gresford Notices Gresford Community Market will return in May

The Gresford market will return in May and run every 3rd Sunday of the month until November. Any new stallholder please contact Kirby Armstrong Conn 0476 692 648.

Everyone is welcome to attend a Market Planning Meeting at 10am March 16 at Twin Rivers Cafe

5 generations span 150 years in the local hotel business 2015 sees the 150th

Anniversary of the Beatty families' involvement in hotels in the local area. Gresford Historical Society and the Hotel Beatty are gathering information covering the last 150 years of the Hotel's history. If you have any photos, information and/or stories that we could add to the records we would love to hear from you. Contact: The Secretary, Gresford District Historical Society, PO ox 96 East Gresford 2311 or Bernie Lawler at the Beatty Hotel.

Gresford News CLASSIFIEDS

NSW Election day Sat 28 March Also on that day, visit Gresford Mobile Preschool's Trash & treasure market after you vote – or donate to it before hand

Gresford Working Horse Competition & Team Penning & auction & band on Saturday night

Sat 16 & Sun 17 May Gresford Showground

Proceeds to Leukaemia Foundation.

Contact Bailey Doyle 0438 274 876 or Mick Doyle 0418 503 939 Interested in doing a

Rammed Earth workshop? or Ceramics? We are after expressions of interest. Put your name down if you would like more information: education@dscc.net.au or ph 4992 1133. Also coming up in the next few months: 3 accredited certificates – Counselling; Bookkeeping and Management.

Films at the James

Thursday 5 March 'Down Memory Lane' film: How to Marry a Millionaire Saturday 7 March Flickerfest 2015

FOR SALE Outdoor Screened Entertainment Area.

Purchased from Walker Home Improvements in 2005. Is in good order & condition.

Dismantled, numbered & ready to re erect.

Original construction diagrams available.

Contact: 0409320992.

Kitchen. (3500 x 2800mm) 14 year old kitchen complete with: 20mm Granite bench top & Island Bench.

Low sheen white melamine cupboards.

Clark twin tub sink with mixer.

Dishlex Global dishwasher.

Chef Cooktop with granite splashback.

Chef Classic 600mm wall oven with marble tile splashbacks to benches.

Contact: 0409320992.

Stylus Spa Bath complete.

1800 x 1000mm. (As new) Contact: 0409320992.

Dining Table & Chairs.

2400 x 600mm 4 drawer Wall Unit.

1200 x 600mm Matching Coffee Table.

Contact: 0409320992.

resford News G

The

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Design/ $44/half hour – billed separately Enquiries Brian Doherty gresfordnews@iinet.net.au

G resford News • March

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2015, p 6

Letters To The Editor

Nurse's Rally in Muswellbrook

Lucky Python

Nurses from across the Upper Hunter gathered in Muswellbrook on 5th February to rally support for improved nurse to patient ratios in NSW rural hospitals. Candidates for the next State election were invited to attend and discuss their position on the nurses' claims.

Malcolm Leake and James Bird saved a baby diamond python after it got stuck in a bird net at Malcolm's property at Allynbrook. We were enjoying a BBQ down by the river when we spotted the little guy severely and tightly tangled up in the net. The rescue took about an hour of carefully cutting the net away from him and making sure he didn't get hurt.

Malcolm released the snake at his property in the Upper Allyn the next day.

It was great to hear positive comments from the ALP, Greens and Independent Candidate, Lee Watts. Despite the ALP's policy of supporting the nurses, Lee Watts quite rightly noted that much of the decline in rural health services in NSW happened while the ALP was in Government, so we have to take what they say with a grain of salt.

The National Party candidate, for whatever reason, chose not to attend but provided a prepared speech - which read like it was written by some faceless hack in Party headquarters. The short answer in his speech to the question "do you support nurse to patient ratios in rural hospitals the same as in Sydney", was "No!"

Zoe Locke Photos by Zoe Locke

Gresford News welcomes letters and community stories. Please send your contributions to Gresford News, PO Box 73, East Bernie Rischke, Muswellbrook Gresford, NSW 2311

The speech made it clear that to the Nationals, the major cities are more important to them than rural centres. Given this complete contempt for rural NSW, isn't it about time we told the Nationals that enough is enough and send them packing?

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G resford News • March

The

VACY AND GRESFORD DANCE CENTRE

2015, p 7

What’s on the Shelves?

by Glenda Smith

America America

Ethan Canin

Set in the Nixon era, this novel provides an entrée into the world of U.S.-style political campaigning for both the reader and the protagonist, Corey Sifter. In a plot reminiscent of the events surrounding the death of Mary-Jo Kopechne in the company of Senator Edward Kennedy, the fictional Senator Bonwiller and his major sponsor, Liam Metarey, conspire to cover up the circumstances of a young woman’s death.

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Canin uses extended flashbacks, interposed with contemporary accounts, to explore the phenomenon of Bonwiller’s candidacy. In the present day, Corey is a newspaper editor, while in the past he is an impressionable young man who is deeply grateful to Liam Metarey for mentoring him and providing him with an excellent education. Corey is torn between his admiration for Metarey and his doubts about the Senator, who despite his questionable morals, has an excellent record of liberal achievements.

As well as an absorbing political drama, this novel provides an interesting comparison between the social classes and the history of their development. The Metareys have a social conscience and vote Democrat, but there is a shocking secret in their past that helps motivate their sense of social responsibility. The character of Liam Metarey in particular is well-drawn, and the high regard of the narrator makes him a sympathetic character, in spite of some of his actions. This is a thoughtful and intricate novel.

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G resford News • March

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2015, p 8

TRASH & TREASURE MARKET! ELECTION WEEKEND SATURDAY MAR 28 Have you realised in the recent Council pick up that you have things you could sell?

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We invite you to donate them to the GRESFORD MOBILE PRESCHOOL Trash and Treasure Market at the Gresford School of Arts Hall ALL PROCEEDS TO THE PRESCHOOL

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To donate your treasures please call Cath on tel. 6577-6118

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G resford News • March

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2015, p 9

ANZAC DAY CENTENARY COMMEMORATION – 25 April A parade of horses led by marching returned service personnel and a single piper will mark the start of the commemoration in Gresford of the centenary of the Gallipoli landings in 1915 on ANZAC Day. The march starts at 10.30am at Everett’s in Durham Road, reaching the cenotaph in Park Street for the 10.45am service.

A large crowd is expected, including most students from Gresford Public School, one of whom will read the famous poem, ‘In Flanders’ Fields.’

The service this year will be in two sections: it begins at the cenotaph and at its conclusion, after the singing of the national anthem, the catafalque party of RAAF personnel will march to the new entrance of the showground where the service continues.

In this brief remembrance a plaque honouring all who enlisted in the Great War from the Gresford district will be unveiled. During this section of the service 48 un-mounted horses will parade past in a silent tribute to local WWI soldiers and nurses. The total duration of the service is no more than about one hour.

The plaque, which is being installed on one of the posts to the new entrance to the showground, describes the Grove of Remembrance being planted as a living memorial to all who served from the Gresford district.

The grove, being developed on the lefthand side just inside the showground and opposite the skateboard rink, has been funded by the ANZAC Centenary Local Grants Program, with labour and materials provided locally.

The local Landcare group and Garden Club are assisting members of the Gresford Community Group and Gresford RSL sub-branch in planting trees immediately after the annual show.

Local surveyor Graham Ferguson will first plot the site in ranks of four of 12 trees each to provide a military regularity to the grove, similar in layout to Tucker Park in Paterson.

After the service music and entertainment set within the Great War period starts at Orana Park organised by GAPS. The picnic-in-the-park extends throughout the afternoon, and everyone is invited.

A BBQ manned by the Rural Fire Service will be available.

Two-up will be on hand and the local historical society and the school are mounting displays.

G resford News • March

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2015, p 10

State Election – Local Issues

Gresford News asked Upper Hunter candidates in the coming State Election to provide their answers to 6 questions of local interest. The questions cover road funding, rail service, mobile phone and internet services, access to medical services, visitor safety at Allyn river Forest Park and shire amalgamation.

1

Rural road funding The poor

condition of local roads and bridges is a continuing issue in the area. The State Government shifted responsibility for roads to local councils in 1995 without providing adequate funding. The existing funding model is biased to urban roads. There are no ‘State

John Kaye, Greens Party It is essential that the money flows for road upgrades where they are needed because of safety issues. Cuts to Local Government Funding, by the present State government, has flowed through to roads and bridge maintenance. Cuts to Commonwealth Financial Assistance Grants for Local Government has also impacted on rural communities. The Greens' support the Roads to Recovery and black spot funding to improve safety and access on our roads.

The local context to the 6 questions was provided to each candidate. The Christian Democratic Party candidate, Richard Stretton did not reply. The context, question and reply from the other 4 candidates is provided over the following pages. The replies are printed in the order they were received.

Roads’ in Dungog Shire so the council cannot make a profit by contracting to maintain State Roads. There are also Forestry and Quarry trucks that impact on road maintenance.

Q

How will you improve the condition of local roads and bridges?

I understand there is strong local community action on the proposed increase in Martins Quarry truck movements. Businesses and residents along the route have put up with truck movements for a long time and don’t want increased traffic. The Greens support the local community arguments on this issue. There should not be any increase in Martins Creek quarry truck movements. The rail line is right there, that must be utilised.

Community feature ...by Brian Doherty

Lee Watts, Independent We need fairer funding and road funding should be based on per kilometre, not per capita. During the last 18 months of traveling over here, I am very aware of the poor state of the roads. Every area complains about their roads, but the Dungog Shire is the worst I’ve seen in the electorate and you deserve better, safer roads. I am sick of N-S-W standing for Newcastle-SydneyWollongong, but that is where the political parties send the money. Trucks are tough on the roads and we need to look at how the industries that use the trucks can help more with road funding.

There is no point in listening to how Labor will fix the roads, because they were the ones that shifted road funding away from state government and back to local councils without the funding to go with it and the Nationals are no better, they have been in government and done nothing about it. We need dramatic change, not just a few more dollars here and there; we need state funding per kilometre of road.

Martin Rush, Country Labor A properly constructed road reduces annual maintenance costs and dramatically improves road safety. It also reduces

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G resford News • March

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2015, p 11

State Election – Local Issues vehicle repair costs. As Mayor of Muswellbrook, we diverted funding from pot-holing, patching and other short-term maintenance programs to road capital funding (building roads properly in the first place, including drainage structures to keep water off the roads, and proper pavement depth). The program has seen 50% of Shire roads either reconstructed or resurfaced over the last 6 years. That has itself led to the unlocking of further road capital funding as upgraded roads require less maintenance funding. In addition, I will fight for the reclassification of those roads connecting the major communities within the Dungog Shire as State roads, which will make them the responsibility of the State Government and provide the resources needed to fix these roads forever.

2

Hunter rail service into Newcastle There are many people including the elderly in the area who rely on the rail service into Newcastle. Cutting the rail has increased the trip by 30 minutes each way and the change from train to buses is difficult for wheelchairs, prams and trolleys.

Q Will you work towards reestablishing the Hunter rail service into Newcastle?

John Kaye, Greens Party Dungog is a beautiful place to live

and it must be easily connected to Newcastle and Sydney to ensure residents have good access to services not available in Dungog. Rail services from Dungog into Newcastle and Sydney were already compromised when timetables were changed at Michael Johnsen, National Party The current State end of 2013. It is no longer possible to travel to Sydney by Government has spent record money on rural and regional train, attend an appointment and get back to Dungog in the roads in the last four years. $20m was committed and now same day. Cutting the rail at Hamilton, changing to buses has almost completed on the Clarence Town to Raymond Terrace made necessary access even more difficult. The Greens support road. It will be my role as Local Member to work closely with Dungog Shire Council and RMS to strengthen the applications total restoration of the rail line into Newcastle CBD, consultation with the community over better timetable for the many roads projects that are required and to ensure scheduling and improvement to Trainlink (previously that these applications rise to the top of the funding priority Countrylink) services. list. The Nationals have committed more than $6 billion in new funding for regional infrastructure, including expanding Lee Watts, Independent Yes. Cutting the rail line makes it the Country Roads Funding program, which is the best avenue hard for the elderly and also for our young people who travel for funding support for Dungog Shire Roads. Conversely, to Newcastle. Parents felt their children were safer going to Labor’s anti-infrastructure plan released last week cuts door to door, but having to stop and catch a bus, just adds to $1billion from existing regional infrastructure programs, the difficulty and many are saying no to their children catching including Country Roads and offers just $486 million to be the train now too. I also support what has been called the spent in the regions if they win in March.

Banyard Timetable, which is a simple plan where anyone in our

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Phone 4938 9239

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G resford News • March

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2015, p 12

State Election – Local Issues

electorate can catch a train to the major regional centres of Newcastle, Taree and Tamworth before the start of the working day and come home at the end of the working day. This is just something people in the city take for granted, but anyone who has caught our trains know the issues. People need a full day in these towns for medical appointments, work and University and they need to get home safely at a reasonable hour.

These kinds of services are the basics we deserve. They are simple things that can make a big difference to people in our communities.

Martin Rush, Country Labor Yes. Labor has committed to restoring services into Newcastle Station if it is elected into Government. I strongly support that position.

Michael Johnsen, National Party I share the concerns for elderly people having to change modes of transport. My view is that passengers travelling from say Dungog or Singleton need to have safe, convenient public transport options.

3

Mobile phone and internet Mobile phone

and internet services are critical for rural communities for safety, business and general community health. There is currently no mobile phone coverage in most of the local area and internet services are slow and unreliable.

Q

What will you do to establish mobile phone services and upgrade internet services?

John Kaye, Greens Party Communication and Broadband services are an important part of Regional Development. The Greens support a faster roll out of NBN to rural areas. The Greens have opposed the present Federal government’s watering down of the NBN with the fibre to the node model and want fibre to be rolled out ’in the last mile’ to premises. Public investment in the NBN, which the Greens have supported and strengthened, provides the opportunity for mobile providers to get competitively priced ‘backhaul’ in regional areas. This will allow them to more easily fill in mobile black spots by installing new towers that connect into that network.

I understand the NBN Co Satellite Support Scheme is available for out of town residents of Dungog shire, and that there’s a mixture of technologies available, none of which are up to Australian urban or world standards. The Greens support the business model that sees the cities subsidise the bush as rural areas should be treated equally and customers should be able to access services no matter where we live.

Lee Watts, Independent If we are serious about

attracting new industries to this area and creating new jobs, we need the basic services in place and I have often used the rail prior telecommunications is a basic service. Both political to the changes and made a point parties have ignored these regional towns and again of travelling the same route I’d say that Dungog area has some of the worst recently during peak times to see telecommunications access in the electorate, so for myself how this change is needs to be prioritised. I won’t be making grand affecting passengers. promises about attracting new industry until I have focused on us getting the basic infrastructure that The current changes only cut the we deserve. We need to get back to basics and get final 2km of the journey, where it serious about getting fairer funding for our towns. was previously the case that Because I am an independent I don’t represent a passengers then needed to catch political party and the local people are my first buses to get to where they were priority, not what a political party wants me to do. going, doctors, businesses etc. Only this terminus point has changed, Martin Rush, Country Labor At the heart of where passengers now catch buses Country Labor’s philosophy is fairness and equity of at a slightly different location. access to essential services throughout New South Wales. I will fight to ensure that communications I saw first hand the teams of infrastructure is rolled out in the area so there is staff on hand when the trains parity with metropolitan services. arrived, helping passengers onto their buses, which are Michael Johnsen, National Party Mobile phone specifically designed to provide reception is atrocious in the wider Gresford area. comfortable travel for disabled The Federal government has a $100m Mobile Black and elderly travellers.

Spot program it is rolling out. As the local Member, I would fight as hard as possible to obtain new For me, it's all about the phone towers as part of this program or any other passenger. If future light rail for program that may be focusing on this. I will also example, can take people closer undertake to bring the Telecommunications to where they are intending to Minister to the electorate as soon as possible after go, as the current buses do, then the election to hear directly from residents and I see that as a better outcome. businesses in the Upper Hunter.

4

Access to Medical Services

The local area has no resident medical practitioner and the State Government has closed down the local Community Health Psychology and Social Work clinic.

Note that poor mobile phone and internet services and disruption to rail services are compounding factors.

Q

What will you do to provide local access to medical services?

John Kaye, Greens Party The Greens support more funding for public health in all rural areas. Dungog Hospital has an excellent reputation and that must be maintained through proper funding. The Greens would do everything possible to support establishing a resident doctor in Gresford via incentive schemes. There is a thriving medical practice in Dungog. If Gresford residents can’t access a doctor local to them we would support establishing transport services to assist people getting to services in Dungog, Maitland, Raymond Terrace or Newcastle.

Lee Watts, Independent Again, all the basic services have been stripped away under both major political parties.

If you want this to change you need to stop voting for them in the elections.

They are both as bad as each other. We are not asking for major hospitals with intensive care over here, but we do need basic health services based locally so that people who need them can easily access them and not have to travel to the city all the time. Health clinics are low cost and are incredibly important for preventative health, it costs the system less in the long run when we can keep people close to home and give them the basics early.

Country people are further disadvantaged when they can’t even get to the regional centres to hospitals and appointments for the day on the train.

We need to get back to basics and those basics have been eroded under both major parties.

Martin Rush, Country Labor I will work closely with Hunter New England Local Health District to provide an incentive package to attract to the Shire medical and allied health professionals just as I worked with the community of Denman in partnership with Hunter New England Health to ensure the allocation of additional medical services into that community.

G resford News • March

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2015, p 13

State Election – Local Issues

Michael Johnsen, National Party

Having access to medical services is critical for our rural towns. In my role as Mayor of Upper Hunter, I have actively sought doctors to bring them to areas such as Murrurundi & Merriwa where services were severely lacking. Both towns now have very popular doctors and residents have local facilities to meet their needs. All levels of government also have specific programs designed to incentivise doctors to move into the regions. The role of a member is to work with councils, federal and state governments, rural doctors network etc., to attract appropriate services and I would continue this work.

5

Allyn River Forest Park Locals are concerned about visitor safety and inadequate facilities at the camping area in the State Forest in the upper Allyn River. Community members have lobbied the Forestry Corporation, Police, Local Council and provided a detailed submission to the Hunter community cabinet meeting in February 2014 with suggestions on how to improve the situation.

Q

Will you actively work with the local community to increase visitor safety and upgrade facilities at the upper Allyn river forest park?

John Kaye, Greens Party I’ve been informed of the dangerous situations that have developed at the Allyn river park.

The Greens always have and always will consult with local communities first. We would listen to the local community’s suggestions and act on them. This is a question of resource allocation and of co-ordination between NSW Forestry Corp, police & local council. Obviously more resources both financial and personnel need to be allocated to make this exquisite camping and forestry area safe for all visitors.

Lee Watts, Independent Yes. Our parks need to be safe and should be

maintained and upgraded to meet the needs of visitors. Good facilities will improve tourism and that is something we want to grow in this area.

Martin Rush, Country Labor I look forward to working with the local community to address visitor safety issues. I will seek funding for the upgrade of facilities at Upper Allyn Forest Park, to bring additional tourism and visitor economy opportunities.

Michael Johnsen, National Party Yes. Tourism is a key driver of our local economy and the more we can do to provide safe and appropriate facilities, the better. The Nationals have invested record funding in regional tourism promotion and facilities, most recently announcing a further 25 per cent increase in regional tourism spending to $190 million. As local Member I will work with both the Minister for Natural Resources, Kevin Humprhies and Minister for Tourism and Deputy Premier, Troy Grant to achieve the Upper Allyn River Forest Park facilities upgrade.

6

Shire amalgamation The Shire is currently engaged in the ‘Fit For The Future’ process and has entered preliminary discussions regarding amalgamation with Maitland City Council.

Q

Will you vote against forced amalgamations?

John Kaye, Greens Party The Greens Party and I say that a referendum should be called in each affected council area to approve proposed council amalgamations. In relation to any significant council boundary adjustment, a referendum should also be called in each of the areas affected.

Lee Watts, Independent No. I do not support forced amalgamations.

Amalgamations only work if the community want it to work. The Dungog

Council have a very large back log on infrastructure projects and have struggled for years. There are upsides and downsides to amalgamations and I have been on a Council after an amalgamation and what is most important is that the smaller communities are properly represented. Dungog Council is one of the 11 councils of Hunter Councils and there are also resources they can tap into there.

Martin Rush, Country Labor Labor opposes any forced Council amalgamations. The role of the State Government should be to have a positive economic and social plan in support of local decision making. In my view, it is critical to the future of Dungog that it retains its local Council and its identity. The answer is not in amalgamations but lies in a fair distribution of road and other essential services funding throughout the State.

There are benefits to be obtained by the sharing of resources by Councils but this can be done through Hunter Councils, the Regional Organisation of Councils based in Maitland. In my time as Chair of Hunter Councils, example, we started a specialist local government legal business which now provides shared efficient and cost effective legal services to the councils of the Hunter – greatly reducing legal costs for all member councils.

Michael Johnsen, National Party The Coalition has no policy of forced amalgamations. The Fit for the Future process is about highlighting ways to improve local government services and financial sustainability for all councils.

As local member, I will work closely with the Council, the Roads Minister Duncan Gay and Roads and Maritime Services to ensure the residents get the roads and bridges funding they need from the Regional Infrastructure budget to help address the existing infrastructure backlog and help Dungog Shire Council achieve better viability in the long term.

March SERVICE TIMES Sunday Mornings 1 8 15 22

St Anne’s, Gresford 7.30 9.30 8.30 St Paul’s, Paterson 9.30 9.30 St John’s, Vacy 9

Anglican Parish of Gresford Paterson St John’s, Lostock 11.30 Glendonbrook Road St James’, Martin’s Ck 8 Gresford NSW 2311 St Mary’s, Allynbrook 10.30 Telephone (02) 4938 9313 St Paul’s, Allynbrook gresfordparish@bigpond.com

29 9

11.30

G resford News • March

The

2015, p 14

q Gresford District Historical Society r Dairying - an industry in constant change

W

hen the first fleet arrived in 1788 they brought a bull, 4 cows and a calf. They planned to use this herd to supply milk to the new colony and to serve as breeding stock. The herd was not impressed with the poor pasture and took to the bush with 7 years passing before they were found near the Nepean river.

Meanwhile during those early years, famine, drought, poor soils and lack of farming experience meant that most of the replacement shipments which arrived were promptly slaughtered for meat. As a result milk and butter were extremely scarce and the use of milk actually became unfashionable. So much so that the man who couldn’t drink his tea without milk or eat his damper without butter was thought to be “suspect”.

consumption. A look at the dairy cabinet in a large supermarket will quickly reveal that, “milk is no longer milk” The Gresford district was once a major player in the dairy industry and during its heyday into the mid 1950’s the industry supported a lively community with farmers’ children filling the many small schools dotted along the rivers. In 1955 there were 248 dairy farms in the district many of which supported share farmers.

By 1970 the number was down to 110 and by 1980 we were down to 62 farms.

Presently the number is less than 10. These “survivors” however are large scale farms.

the UK joined the EU. Others note our erratic rainfall patterns and the preferences of younger people for a life which doesn’t involve cows. The reality is that many factors were at play. Decline was also largely inevitable as technology and market forces meant that the small dairy farmer with inadequate resources was not able to adopt the size and scale now required to be competitive with Victorian and NZ producers.

The first reference to dairying in the Gresford district is in August 1831 when Charles Boydell and George Townshend entered into a dairying partnership. By November of the same year Boydell You would wonder how an industry that seems pleased with his venture noting was once so prominent and important to that the butter produced “had fetched 14 the Gresford area could change so pence per pound”. The following year he radically and many still have strong has changed his mind and he confides to This was a poor start for an industry which views about how this happened. Some his journal, “that the dairy partnership today is characterised by intensive large blame Government intervention, others, will be dissolved – much to my joy”. scale high tech farms. Manufacturing and the introduction of bulk milk collection distribution is now dominated by Little more was heard about dairying in the late 1960’s, while some point to multinationals who process and market a the competition from vegetable oils and until the 1890’s when a number of bewildering array of milk products and technological developments enabled the margarine and the loss of exports when brands for domestic and export

G resford News • March

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2015, p 15

q “Our Stories” Feature r

Boydell, (Charles’ son) was reported to have a separator driven by a portable engine which was capable of processing 180 gallons per hour. James was planning to process milk for adjacent small holders who would take the skim milk back to feed the calves, the pigs - and the kids!

The benefits of cream production utilising a separator were becoming evident to small farmers and it has been estimated that a farmer milking 30 cows around this time could expect a net farm income of £136.

This was better than the being a farm labourer at an average annual wage of £39!

As a result creameries were established in many districts so that nearby producers could bring in their cream for Gresford butter factory- delivering cream. L -R on loading dock, Stan Duggan (butter maker), Archie processing. In the lower Hunter cream Alberts (manager), H Roberts (boiler man), Claude Pascoe (lad) was often collected from farms along the river by boat. Most of these factories farmers to produce cream efficiently on industry to move from farm subsistence used a Co-operative business structure to the farm. Previously the cream was to a commercial basis. The first of these raise capital and keep control in the skimmed off shallow settling dishes was refrigeration, the second was the hands of producers. James Boydell had replacement of native pastures with more which had been set out over night. The attempted to start a Co-operative in farmer’s wife and kids then took over to productive paspalum, rye and clover and Gresford but his efforts are reported to turn the handle of the churn until the the third was the introduction of the have “met with no encouragement”. cream became butter. By 1894 James hand operated cream separator enabling

G resford News • March

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2015, p 16

q “Our Stories” Feature r

J. Ireland and Co. however operated a creamery producing butter in Gresford and this factory later became a branch of the Bowthorne Co-operative of Hinton and later Morpeth. By the early 1900’s nearly all butter was being manufactured in these factory Co-operatives.

Fresh milk was another story and as the rail network expanded it became possible to transport fresh milk to the cities. By 1921 over 60% of the milk consumed in Sydney was sent by rail from the Illawarra and Hunter. Cream only dairying was replaced by fresh milk production and this was given a further boost as electricity networks extended into the country enabling the general use of milking machines. Until then all milking machines were of the “M&K” brand. This stood for “mum and kids”!!

An OAK tanker and milk can collection truck at the farm "cream stand"

river road. Some farmers went to Until the introduction of bulk collection all milk was conveyed to the factory in 10 considerable lengths to minimise the handling of these heavy cans and a few gallon cans. These were collected at the installed small railways so that they could farm by the Co-operative or contractor’s truck from a covered platform known as a easily transfer the milk cans to the cream “cream stand”. The cream stand made the stand. One enterprising farmer at Eccleston whose dairy was across the river pickup and return of the cans easier and on a high ridge had rigged a “flying fox” served as a large post box for the farmer. to carry his cans a considerable distance One of the last of these stands has been out to the cream stand. It was a stirring maintained at “The Falls” on the Allyn

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sight to see the cage holding the cans sizzling down the high cable to the stand at the roadside. On delivery to the factory the cans were sampled and weighed, with the milk being flash pasteurized and cooled before being sent by rail in tankers to the city.

Governments of the day were always concerned about the quality and quantity

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G resford News • March

The

2015, p 17

q “Our Stories” Feature r

of fresh milk and farmers effectively used this concern to lobby for a better deal. In 1931 the NSW Lang Government introduced the Milk Act which established a Milk Board with power to fix prices for milk and a zone system from which milk supplies for the metropolitan districts were drawn. The Gresford district was included in this. The “catch” was that it created a 2 tier system of regulated /fresh milk attracting State government support versus non-regulated/manufactured milk which had little or no Government support. By the mid 1950’s regulated milk was returning over a shilling a gallon or 25% more than non- regulated milk.

interest in the quotas held by some NSW Country party ministers was highlighted.

At the end of 1975 Bruce Cowan as Minister for Agriculture held a quota of 590 litres per day and Col Fisher the Minister for Local Government held a quota of 6665 litres a week!

In May 1976 The Wran government moved to phase out quotas but it was not until July 2000 that the industry was fully deregulated. Victorian farmers now dominate the dairy industry.

All of this Government intervention had largely shielded the many small farm units in our valley from change. With an average herd of around 48 in the Successive NSW governments modified Gresford district in 1981 the massive the scheme introducing quotas from “catch up” in size and scale required to 1955 to ensure supply during winter and achieve competitiveness after even allowed quotas to be transferable. deregulation was beyond the resources of This special treatment for the zone most farmers. These days the average farmers didn’t go down well with herd is well over 200 and even larger farmers outside the Sydney zone and sizes and scale is required to spread the also with Victorian farmers who were costs of ever more expensive farm unregulated. Further amendments by the equipment and inputs.

Askin Government led to the creation of the Dairy Industry Authority and farmers To see the face of the future you need to outside the zone were given limited visit Woolnorth Station in NW access to the Sydney market. It wasn’t a Tasmania. Here a NZ agri- business has success, especially when the conflict of developed coastal lowlands previously

covered in scrub into a dairy running 15,000 milkers through 15 rotary dairies - and with plans to take it to 20,000!.

The fleets of milk tankers taking the milk into Smithton (Tas) for processing are passed by fleets of fertiliser trucks going the other way. Is it sustainable? If it isn’t we will have to go back to keeping a house cow.

Over the years we haven’t been overwhelmed by contributions of stories and photos from the community – in spite of offering a bounty of $50 for a story that the Historical Society can publish. So I am now offering a bounty of $75 for a story (with photos) which features local characters and events that have become a part of our history.

It doesn’t have to be typed and it will be edited before it is published.

Examples would be: the Gresford police, bakeries, picture theatre and ice works or well known characters such as Billy Kelehear or Dick Russell.

Please send your contribution to the Historical Soc. PO Box 96 East Gresford – NOT to the Gresford News. If published it will be in the Gresford News later!

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G resford News • March

The

2015, p 18

They are racing at Gresford & books, craft, sweets, food & drink, preserves, traditional babies wear, nuts, fairy floss, snow cones…

Some things just get better and better and this year’s Gresford Billy Cart Derby and Easter Fair is one of them. The barriers may be hay bales and the racers lacking in the horsepower department but the enthusiasm and sheer joy of the billy cart race makes it a great family day out.

• fossick at the monster garage sale

Event committee chairman Graham Murphy says that the event this year is set to be the biggest on record with more competitors racing in more classes and with a wide range of activities to keep visitors and pit crews amused.

• Keep the kids amused with the Amazing Jonathan with magic and juggling after the racing is finished

• amuse the kids on the rides • enjoy the live entertainment at The Historic Beatty Hotel after the racing right near the starting gate

Graham says there are plans for après racing entertainment this year based at the Hotel Beatty with live entertainment from 1pm to 6pm to guarantee plenty of fun even after the last billy cart is packed It’s not too late for inventive kids and adults to build their own cart. Entries away in its transporter. close on the day but carts have to follow Major sponsors for the event this year the rules: restrictions on wheel sizes and are Glencore, Hotel Beatty and the all-important braking system to keep Blackwoods. By the way Graham has the racing both safe and fair. For the denied the rumor that Glencore might specs see the website: try and sneak a Cat 793D Off Highway gresfordbillycartderby.wordpress.com/ Truck into the event! entry-details/ . The judges may give extra points for imagination and for creativity Visitors can also enjoy the stalls run by so now is the time to hit the shed! local community groups, place a bet on the cowpat lotto, eat up at the barbecue, Billy Cart and Easter Fair highlights: pick up a bargain at one of the stalls, see • enjoy the fun of the Easter fair as well how far they can throw a gumboot and as the exciting billy cart races 9am till of course watch all the action unfold 1pm (about) from 9am.

• buy ticket in our monster raffle for a Drivers can be as young as eight or as old as Granddad. Some race for the fun and some for the trophies but it is on for young and old. The carts can range from the classy to the kooky but regardless of style and motivation there’s one extra condition – safety. Carts must comply with the design specification and for competitors the rule is “No safety gear – No ride".

chance to win a toolbox full of quality tools • get your throwing arm cranked up to toss a gum boot in the gum boot throwing competition • try your luck in the cow pat lotto • dream over the classic cars on display

TIMETABLE 8am – 2pm

Market stalls, BBQ and food stalls

9am – 1pm

Billy Cart racing down the main street

9am – 2pm

Monster raffle tickets – drawn at 2pm Cowpat lotto – behind the B eatty Hotel carpark Gumboot throwing competition – behind the Beatty Hotel carpark

1pm – 2pm

The Amazing Jonathan Magic and juggling show – near the Hotel carpark

1pm – 6pm

Live music at the Beatty Hotel – time to relax after a fun filled day If you would like to organise a stall for the Easter Fair download the stallholder registration form on the website or for further information contact Peter on 4938 8195. For all other information contact Graham Murphy on 0416116009 or email graham@gabes.com.au

• check out the many stalls – collectables We look forward to seeing you there.

G resford News • March

The

2015, p 19

Paterson Allyn Garden Group (PAGG) February meeting Dear Garden Lovers, I’ve decided that the best meetings in the world to attend are gardening meetings. Everyone is so happy to be there!!! Our first meeting for the year at Gary and Maree Fosters lovely garden near Paterson was awash with good stories because of the great rain we’ve had over the past couple of months. There was unprecedented chat about caterpillars, larvae etc and the damage to Clivias (lily caterpillar) and even our wonderful native trees by the Steelblue Sawfly). Gary even mentioned the flight of millions of Monoliptis beetles that stripped his roses in the blink of an eyelid. But you see that’s just it. Most of these pests are so seasonal and if your garden is pretty healthy, then plants will recover without any help from sprays...maybe you just need to cut off some damaged shoots.

Hosts Gary and Maree Foster, Paterson

doses of systemic sprays on crops and insecticides and our bee population has diminished to less than 50%. As Doug Purdie says in his book on bees, they were here before the dinosaurs. Only now have we worked out how to wipe them out. We Australians are very lucky.

We are the only country in the world Recently I found myself sitting across a without the Varroa mite that destroys dinner table from a novice beekeeper. colonies and so statistics are far worse in She lives in Sydney and belongs to a Europe and the USA. Many people don’t beekeepers association. I said to her, “ understand that when a bee pollinates that’s a peculiar association for you to each flower it visits, it can increase the belong to .. she is a young podiatrist”. yield of that crop by up to 60%! Nearly She then explained to me the serious all of our canola crops are either sprayed plight of bees in the world. Since the or the seed coated with a Neonicotinoid mid 1990s we have started using massive which is a systemic insecticide. These

insecticides have a half life of up to nineteen years in heavy soils and are soluble in water. It takes a miniscule amount to destroy the nervous system of a bee. Serious beekeepers are staying away from Canola crops, but where do they go to escape the sprays? Even our garden Confidor is a “Neonic” spray. I hope you read the label that says the maximum withholding period is three weeks so don’t eat the tomatoes, capsicums, eggplants, apples pears etc during this time.

The next time you think about spraying, think about this. One of every three bites of food eaten worldwide depends on pollinators, especially bees for a successful harvest. Entomologists are now studying the toxic levels in honeybee colonies... not just systemic Neonics, but also fungicides and pesticides.

On a brighter note, Peter Brecknock told us about the uses of the wonderful Bunya nut that is prolific at the moment. They are a wonderful bush tucker and when minced, can be used in casseroles and even muffins. Peter likens the flavour to roasted chestnuts.

Yours perennially, Janie Chandler

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G resford News • March

The

2015, p 20

Gresford Vacy Football Club Inc 7’s and 3 Under 8’s. We would like a few extra under 8’s to ensure that each team has at least one reserve.

We are particularly chasing some players in the 12 to 15 age bracket.

6 ALL AGE SOCCER TEAMS! WHO WOULD HAVE THOUGHT? That’s right!!

This year we will be fielding 6 All age teams: 1 Women’s team and 5 Men’s’ teams. There will be 3 men’s teams playing Friday nights and 2 in the Saturday comp, with the girls playing Sunday mornings.

We are still short of a few players for the fifth team so if you are interested please give Jim a call on 0407 307 800. One of the guys last year made his debut at 50.

So please, no excuses, get off the couch and come and have some fun. Training is at Vacy, followed by team talks next door.

There is also a record number of juniors, thanks to the success of the Socceroos winning the Asian Cup plus the club offering free registration for Under 6’s and 7’s. This is now the 3rd year that the Club has offered free regoes for the youngsters, and is proving very popular. This season we will field 4 Under 6’s teams, 2 Under

A very big thank you to all those players who have registered on time, and a reminder for those who haven’t, to do so ASAP, so that the committee can finalise team selections.

DATES TO REMEMBER Meet and Greet Wednesday 18th March – 5 to 11 years Thursday 19th March – 12 to All Age. Grassroots Coaching Course Thursday 19th March (after the meet and greet) Although this is designed for the 5 to 11 year coaches we recommend all of our Coaches and Managers and Parents. The course teaches the basic skills of coaching and a little bit on the psychology of coaching. The most important lesson is to make sure your child has fun as he or she runs around and learns new skills. The Club pays for all coaching courses and it will therefore be free to anyone interested.

First Aid course Club volunteer training course - Introductory To First Aid presented by Sports Medicine Australia next

3rd or 4th March. The club will sponsor coaches and managers to do this course.

Gala Day Our annual gala day is on the 28th of March.

Upgrade of Lights Thanks to the hard work of the Sporting Complex committee there has been a major upgrade of the lights that will allow 2 games to be played simultaneously on a Friday night.

36 Years of Success. Wow That is a lot of people helping out over the years.

This is your club and the community’s club and we should all be very proud of the past success and make sure we follow on the great work so it is still going in another 36 years.

For more information or help contact: Club President/Registrar, Damien Crouch, 0413 305 961; Club Secretary, Fritz Woller 4938 5386 ah, 0419 275 760 or email the club: gresfordvacyfc@outlook.com Like us on Facebook, and check out our website: www.gresfordvacyfc. sportingpulse.net Interesting fact from the States: “Girls who play teams sports during high school are 41% more likely to graduate from College.”

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The

2015, p 21

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G resford News • March

The

2015, p 22

Gresford Community Group February 2015 Meeting (b) Martin provided more information regarding the fence positioning once it was discovered that water and phone lines were in the way of the original position. (c) General maintenance problems – Markets Following a lengthy discussion toilets (fixed), with quotes to be obtained about the continuation of the Gresford Markets it was decided that Lorraine Ashard for fixing: screens, ceilings, sticking door, will organise a meeting between interested termites, drainage, window repairs. (d) Central entrance has been improved groups to discuss the proposal that the markets will be run by the interested local thanks to the gravel donated by Lisa and John Connors. Thankyou Graham Murphy, groups on a monthly basis and this will who spread the gravel, removed the tree include responsibility for safety, parking, stump, mowed the area as the Soccer Clubs accident procedure etc, coordinating and contact of stall holders, and development mower was broken, and generally conducted some maintenance. This effort of a manual with all procedures covered. was greatly appreciated by the GCG. It is recommended that a sub-committee (e) Historical Society Building plans be formed by these interested groups and advanced representatives attend the Gresford Community Group monthly meetings.

ANZAC Memorial The Gresford Community Group applied for and was Therese Doyle Hall (TDH) A history of successful in obtaining a $6050 grant the TDH was given by Robert Richardson, from the Federal Government to develop Martin and Carolyn Addison, who will at Gresford, an Avenue of Honour, and chronicle at the next meeting the at Paterson, a Garden of Remembrance acquisition and purpose of the TDH. The Sub-Committee report was discussed for WWI service men and women. It is planned to install commemorative at length with the key points and plaques in memory of those men and updates being: women who served in WWI. The Sub(a) At the December meeting, Peter Committee who will be working with Brecknock provided two concept plans the RSL Sub-branch is Robert Richardson for parking, with pedestrian movement and Stephen Moore who will update the being a major concern The Gresford Community Group held its first meeting for 2015 at the Beatty Hotel on Monday 2 February with 16 members attending.

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Agreement has been drawn up by Allan Hancock and sent to GCC and HS (Historical Society) solicitors to review.

Among items under consideration are: period of lease, rent, costs to set up and ongoing, parking, insurance and building ownership.

2015 Starting a new year, Noel Brown suggested there be a general discussion on the general purpose of GCG and suggested the GCG work on a ‘Project 2015’ that will be of benefit to the Gresford community.

Secretary Required: As the agreed time for the position of secretary is nearing completion, Liz Jones reminded the meeting that March will be her last meeting as Secretary. Martin would like all members to consider either themselves or someone who could carry on this important role within the Gresford Community Group. If you are interested please contact Martin Addison on 4938 9424.

Next Meetings Community Group Mon 2 March, 7.30pm at Hotel Beatty Therese Doyle Hall sub-committee Mon 30 March, 5.30pm at TDH

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G resford News • March

The

2015, p 23

Dungog Shire Relay for Life

FREE SPORTS GALA EVENT SPORTS GALA EVENT

Don’tDon’t get get bored these holidays – get active! bored theseschool school holidays – get active try, learn new skills, Come and Come try, learnand new skills, get active and make new friends get active and make new friends.

Tuesday 14th and Wednesday 15th April 2015

Tuesday 14 and Wednesday 15 Aprilvenues at the Gresford Gresford Sports Field & surrounding Both days will run from 9am to 2.30pm, Sports Field & surrounding venues.

Day registration and sign in opens at 8.30am

Both days will run from 9am to 2.30pm. Day registration and This event is FREE sign in opens at 8.30am.

Sports thewill 2 days will include: Sports over the over 2 days include: Soccer, Tennis, Soccer, Tennis, Golf, Golf, Cricket, Gymnastics, AFL, Cricket, Bowls, Boot Camp Gymnastics, AFL, Bowls, Bootwill Camp with more to be announced!!

Children try each sport withand more be announced!! offered on the day willto walk, accompanied, between each will try each sport offered on the day and will walk, sport. AChildren free sausage sizzle will be provided, plus the canteen accompanied, between each sport A free sausage sizzleother will be provided, the canteen will be open will be open to buy snacks.plus Please bring snacks, water to buy other snacks. Please bring snacks, water bottle and a hat bottle and a hat. Open to all children aged 5 to 16 yrs. Pick Open to all children aged 5 to 16 yrs. up a registration form, fill it in and drop it back to Foodworks Fill in the registration form and drop into the Foodworks at at Gresford, Paterson IGA,Dungog Dungog Community Gresford, Paterson IGA, Shire Shire Community Centre OR Centre email to:to: steven.lofts@det.nsw.edu.au, by 6/4/15 by 6th April.

OR email steven.lofts@det.nsw.edu.au, For more information find us on facebook The Gala Sports Days For more information find us on facebook The Hunter Sports Academy together with local sports associations are proud to present The Gala this uniqueSports sporting event.Days.

All volunteers at this event must satisfy the requirements of the The Hunter Sports Academy Workingtogether With Childrenwith Checks.local sports associations In the June/July 2015 holidays the Sports Gala Days will be in Stroud are proud to present this unique sporting event.

All volunteers at this event must satisfy the requirements of the Working With Children Checks.

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The volunteer organising committee for Dungog Shire “Relay For Life “is currently organising the annual Cancer Council Relay for Life to be held at Dungog Showground from 2pm 21st March 2015 to 8am 22nd March 2015. The theme this year is LIFE Relay For Life is a team event to raise money in the fight against cancer and an opportunity to educate the community about ways to reduce their risk of developing cancer. Teams camp out overnight and a festival like atmosphere is created with live entertainment, ceremonies and food. Last year the event in Dungog Shire raised over $60,000!

There are many ways people may get involved: • Recruit your friends and colleagues into a team • Walk a few laps at the event • Camp out under the stars and enjoy the entertainment • Make a donation to the event, either monetary or in-kind • Spread the word about the event • If you are a cancer survivor or carer, why not join in our special Opening ceremony which honours survivors and carers • Be part of our Candlelight Ceremony of Hope and light a candle in memory of someone you have lost to cancer or as a sign of hope for someone living with cancer • Come along and find out more about how it all works and show your support for an amazing community event More information about Relay For Life can be found on the Cancer Council website www.relayforlife.org.au If you wish to be involved in the Relay please feel free to contact lynettemoseley@dodo.com.au

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G resford News • March

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2015, p 24

Gresford Amateur Performing Society News

The AGM for GAPS was held on 23rd February, 2015. The new Committee Executive and Specific Role Members are Sharon Lawrence (President), Rosita Richardson and Allyn Litchfield (Vice Presidents), Kel Merriman (Secretary), Lyndell Osmond (Treasurer), Denise Sellens (Events Manager), Colleen Litchfield (Assistant Events Manager), Tony Schultz (Equipment Manager), and Rosita Richardson (Promotions Officer).

Community Group offering a BBQ to those attending the evening. GAPS created a fun atmosphere in Gresford with the inclusion of Santa, a reindeer food bar, decorating the Christmas tree and final letter s to Santa. Also, Alice and Layla Varley, Claire and Courtney Lawrence, Gilbert and Henry Hunt and Ella Osmond participated in the event showing just some of our young local talent. Once again, involvement with the Paterson Rotary Club Carols in the Park, was great fun with excellent feedback from the crowd.

Since the last AGM in 2013, the Gresford Amateur Performing Society has continued to function as a successful, not-for-profit community organization.

Support to the community has included: This success can be attributed to the • Gresford Public School Award night members and volunteers of the offering a prize to students in each organization that provide unconditional stage. time support and dedication.

• The hiring of the GAPS wheelchairs to Some of the achievements for GAPS over locals in need. the last 12 months include: • The 2014 Gresford Community • The 2014 production, titled “Frost in Markets, including the Gresford Space”, was another success running Historical Society celebrations. over 4 nights.

• Catering for the Youth of the Street • A $600 biennial donation back to the Dinner. school of arts to assist with the • Payment for the connection of coverage of hall hire & electricity. electricity to Orana Park.

• Continued involvement in the • The purchase and fitting of fire Gresford Carols with the Gresford

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retardant stage curtains to the School of Arts Stage.

• Involvement in the planning of the Gresford Community ANZAC Day celebrations.

The GAPS group look forward to their involvement in up and coming events and would like to thank the public for their ongoing support. An invitation is extended to anyone young at heart, talented or not in joining us. For information or enquiries contact Sharon on 0427490549 or 49389493, Kel on 49389564, Rosita on 49389552, Lyndell on 49389156 or anyone in the group.

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G resford News • March

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2015, p 25

Gresford CWA News

The Land Cookery judge and contestants

Marcia helps Angela

A very successful Land Cookery Competition was held. Regular members retreated to the Twin Rivers Café for their meeting while judging was in progress.

colour red you choose. Need any help call Judy Daly 4938 9624 or email: robnthornton@bigpond.com we can supply wool and needles.

RESULTS: Anne Marie Lole 1st

BOOK CLUB Note change of date due to Gresford Show now March 7th. The book being discussed at this meeting is “Let the Land Speak” by Jackie French.

New members very welcome a lively discussion and afternoon tea 3.00pm at the CWA Rooms.

Decorated Cake, 1st Fruit Cake, 1st Orange Cake; Betty Kelehear 1st Sultanna Cake, 1st Gluten Free Caramel Slice; Dotti Hilliard 1st Pear and Ginger Cake; Jill Hancock 1st Zebra Cake These winners now proceed to the Hunter River Group judging at Tocal.

Anne Marie’s “Noah’s Ark” wil go straight to the finals at the CWA State Conference In Muswellbrook in May.

Poppies For Rememberance: Anzac Day A “fun” workshop was held and many learnt the art of knitting and crochet. We are hoping every one of the 80 Gresford school children will wear a poppy when they march on Anzac Day. So fingers are busy! Many local knitters have been co-opted.

Sue Forbes is busy in the Post Office. We will supply patterns or go to the website http://5000poppies.wordpress.com/ any

DID YOU KNOW? CWA of NSW has 390 Branches and 10,000 members.

There are 26 Branches in the Hunter River Group.

NEXT MEETING The next meeting of the Gresford CWA will be held in the rooms 12 Durham Road East Gresford at 9.30a.m. on Thursday 5th March.

WEB For more information on our activities http://gresfordcwa.wordpress. com. We welcome visitors come in and see what it is all about.

Robyn Thornton, President

DIABETIC FRUIT CAKE Ingredients 500g mixed fruit ¼ cup sultanas ¼ cup fruit medley 440g tin mangoes or crushed pineapple 1 cup plain flour ¼ cup self raising flour 2 eggs 1 teaspoon bicarb soda

Method: Pre-heat oven, boil fruit and mangoes (or pineapple) together with a little water if needed. Add flour, eggs and bicarb soda. Bake in a greased and lined tin in a slow oven (160 degrees centigrade) approximately 1 hour.

Note: can also add spirits if desired.

This recipe was contributed to the CWA COOK BOOK by Betty Kelehear. The CWA COOK BOOK is available at Gresford Foodworks and the Gresford Store $13 per copy.

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G resford News • March

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2015, p 26

St Helen’s Catholic Parish of Gresford and Sacred Heart Summer Hill WEEKEND MASS TIMES St Helen’s Gresford Saturday Vigil 6.30pm 5th Sunday of the Month, no Mass at Gresford but Sacred Heart Church Summer Hill, time to be advised.

Enquiries Parish Priest Fr. Paul Hopper 4992 1477

February 2015 crossword answers

Gresford News March Crossword

G resford News • March

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2015, p 27