Gresford News October 2020 by gresford editor

resford News G

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October 2020

News of the communities of the Paterson and Allyn River Valleys

“Trevallyn" homestead (image courtesy State Library of NSW). Located on the Paterson River between West Gresford and Vacy and demolished around 1948.

Lost Paterson and Allyn Valleys The Lost Paterson and Allyn Valleys Facebook group celebrates the history of the Paterson and Allyn Valleys. The current group photo on Facebook shows the first “Trevallyn” homestead built on the Paterson River between Gresford and Vacy. It is one of a number of photographs of Trevallyn in the State Library of NSW collection. Dating from the early 1860s, these images were taken prior to the Townshends' departure for Wales in 1862 and the collection may have been compiled by Elizabeth Bottrell Townshend's father, John Edye Manning. But why is the photograph titled Hunter’s River and not Paterson River? Any suggestions from readers would be appreciated. Read more inside...

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

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Gresford News Notices Bush Fire Danger Period and Fire Permit Requirements The Rural Fires Act 1997 provides for a statutory Bush Fire Danger Period (BFDP) for this year commencing 1 October & ending 31 March 2021. During the Bush Fire Danger Period, land owners are required to obtain permits before lighting any fires. Permits can be arranged by contacting the Gresford Rural Fire Brigade Permit Officers as listed below: Neville Lawrence – 0429 830 554 Rick Cannon – 0428 389 332 Allan Horn – 0448 484 598

Community access defibrilator is located outside the East Gresford Police Station. Sudden Cardiac Arrest is one of the leading causes of death in Australia. A defibrillator can make the difference between life and death and can save a life prior to the ambulance arriving.

Green Waste Clean-Up Add it to your calendars: the upcoming annual Green Waste Bulky Clean-Up will be held from 12 to 16 October 2020. The clean-up will be available to residential premises within the 50km signposted town areas of Dungog, Clarence Town, Gresford, East Gresford, Paterson, Vacy and Martins Creek. The collections will commence on Monday 12 October, so please place your green waste at your normal weekly collection point just prior to this date. Please also note that a maximum of two cubic metres can be collected from any one property.

Household hints by Delma Lawrence

• Have you swallowed a fish bone? Try swallowing a raw egg or some lemon juice • Whipping Cream – sweeten with honey instead of sugar

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The Gresford News is a great way to reach out to our community. Our content is created by members of the community just like you. To contact Gresford News: email gresfordnews@iinet.net.au • Brian Doherty 0412 372 687 • Jane Richens 0425 339 856 • PO Box 73 East Gresford 2311. Deadline for stories & ads 20th of the month. Visit www.gresfordnsw.com.au for local information & the ‘Gresford News’ online.

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Release of 'Steamships on the Paterson River 1832–1950' by Wayne Patfield for spreading the virus. Can you image the headlines about a Paterson Historical Society book launch cluster?

Paterson Historical Society likes to gather in a hall or elsewhere to launch books but COVID-19 has compelled us to adapt our approach. To release and celebrate the success of Wayne Patfield's new book "Steamships on the Paterson River 1832-1950", we will setup shop in Tucker Park, Paterson, so people can drift in anytime over three hours to talk to Wayne and buy his book while maintaining social distancing.

We like our history – but not to that extent. We are therefore setting up a small desk and stall in Tucker Park under the poplar trees for an afternoon when anyone can call by and see Wayne and purchase the book. This will be from 1-4pm on Sunday 18th October 2020 The books are an important source of revenue for the Society and it is essential to make them available before Christmas. Wayne’s book Steamships on the Paterson River will retail for $20. It is a treasure trove of information that you will never find on Google. You will only find it in this great book by Wayne.

No speeches, no launch, no one time to be there – just Wayne and his incredible new book based on decades of painstaking research and a love of ships that's in his DNA from the time his forebears such as Captain Herb Patfield, a highly respected river boat master, navigated steamships along the Paterson River. The river trade endured for more than 100 years and the steam ships that Wayne has recorded in his book were the life blood of the Valley, part of the pulse of daily life as they puffed and splashed their way along the river.

st as ill t no rad rm in al g

So, who could be better than Wayne to research and write about the Paterson River boats? Last year Wayne wrote his first book about those vessels which were

powered by wind and sail. Then he turned his attention to the steam powered vessels. After much research and a little agony, the book is ready for release.

A book by Alison Pitkin, Portraits of Paterson, will be released in the same manner on Sunday 15 November. We will have more details about Alison’s book next month.

We are having what is sometimes called We look forward to you calling by on a "soft launch". We cannot hold an event Sunday 18 October. due to social distancing rules and we Cameron Archer AM certainly do not wish to be responsible President, Paterson Historical Society

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Start of Bush Fire Danger Period 1st October is the official start of the statutory Bush Fire Danger Period (BFDP) for 2020 and the NSW Rural Fire Service (NSW RFS) is urging Lower Hunter residents to prepare for the fire season now. NSW RFS Superintendent Martin Siemsen is urging residents to complete a Bush Fire Survival Plan and ensure all members of the household know what to do on days of increased fire danger and if their home is threatened by fire. Residents should prepare their property by removing flammable materials from their yards, clearing gutters of leaves, checking hoses and, where appropriate, conducting hazard reduction activities. “While it is important to continue hazard reduction we have all seen the devastation that bush fires can bring to a community, so I strongly urge people to exercise caution when carrying out these activities,” Superintendent Siemsen said.

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advice about whether they need a Bush Fire Hazard Reduction Certificate.” “With summer conditions becoming more conducive to the spread of fire, people need to be extremely careful when using fire.” “Never leave a fire unattended and if a fire does escape, it is essential to call Triple Zero (000) immediately so that emergency services can respond accordingly and minimise the damage.” During the Bush Fire Danger Period any person wishing to light a fire will require a permit in the following local government areas: • Port Stephens • Maitland • Dungog • Cessnock On days of Total Fire Ban all permits for burning in the open are automatically revoked. To check the Fire Danger Ratings for your area visit www.rfs.nsw. gov.au or contact your local Fire Control Centre on 4015 0000 during business hours.

For more information, contact the Lower “Residents can ask their local Fire Hunter Fire Control Centre on 4015 0000. Control Centre for assistance in carrying For current incidents or major fire updates visit www.rfs.nsw.gov.au out safe hazard reductions and for

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Lost Paterson and Allyn Valleys – Facebook group The popular Facebook group Lost Paterson and Allyn Valleys is similar to other “Lost” groups such as Lost Sydney, Lost Maitland and Lost Dungog which give an insight into the history of an area …. long ago and more recent lost buildings, places, events, transport and people that are all now just a memory. Lost Paterson and Allyn Valleys celebrates the history of the Paterson and Allyn Valleys and covers the area between the Barrington Tops, Upper Allyn and Carrabolla in the north, and Woodville and Hinton in the south. The group started in September 2013 and the number of members currently stands at 690 people which includes locals and people living in other parts of Australia and overseas, and is growing steadily. The current group photo on Facebook shows "Trevallyn", which is also reproduced on the cover of this edition of the Gresford News. The first “Trevallyn” homestead was built on the Paterson River between Gresford and Vacy and this image and other photographs of “Trevallyn” are in the State Library of NSW collection and may

one of the most influential but hitherto mysterious pioneers of the Paterson and Allyn Rivers, and chronicles details of his personal and professional life, together with a history of the post Townshend Trevallyn to the present day. The book is liberally illustrated with maps, newspaper items and photos and is available from the Paterson Museum at a cost of $25. The book and many other local history books are also Photo of Trevallyn from the State Library of NSW collection available for loan from Dungog have been compiled by Elizabeth Bottrell Library, and because the library is Townshend's father, John Edye Manning. part of the Newcastle Region Library Dating from the early 1860s, these network it also facilitates easy access to images were taken prior to the local history publications held by other Townshends' departure for Wales in libraries in the network. 1862. It seems the homestead was And to remind everyone – we have two demolished around 1948. Historical Societies/Museums in the valley However, we are wondering why the at Paterson and Gresford that are only photograph is titled “Hunter’s River” and too happy to help with any questions. not “Paterson River” and would The url for Paterson Museum/Historical appreciate any suggestions from readers. Society is www.patersonhistory.org.au/ The Paterson Historical Society has and email patersonmuseum@gmail.com. published a book about George The Paterson Court House Museum is Townshend 1798-1872 and Trevallyn, open from 11am to 3pm on Sundays Paterson River, by Jack Sullivan. The (closed Sunday 20 December 2020, book provides an account of the life of reopens Sunday 10 January 2021).

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FLYING FOXES – NOMADS OF THE SKIES

View from Trevallyn, State Library of NSW

The Museum also has a Flickr photobank with great images at www.flickr.com/ people/patersonmuseum/ The best contact for the Gresford District Historical Society/Museum is via their President Paul: paulwright.1@bigpond.com Also, Brian Walsh is a member of the Paterson Historical Society and also an Admin of the Lost Paterson and Allyn Valleys Facebook group, and has developed a great local history website that would be of interest to readers at www.patersonriver.com.au/index.html There are also Museums/Historical Societies at Dungog and Clarence Town. Ivan Skaines

The Flying Fox is a nomad in every sense of the word and many travel the same flight path along the east coast of Australia from Victoria to Queensland every year. Travelling is quite exhausting and these native animals have been the focus of a lot of attention over the past few years as they have chosen rest stops and set up camps in highly populated areas. Their sudden arrival in our cities has fostered the need to provide advice on what you should and should not do and also what you can and cannot do. Councils throughout NSW have been preparing Management Plans for Flying Fox camps to provide their ratepayers with an easy to understand and locally relevant document. The Flying-fox Management Advisory Committee for Dungog Shire will provide strategic guidance and input into the preparation of a shire-wide Flying-fox Management Plan for the identified camps within the Dungog LGA. Part of the process will be to find out what public concerns are regarding these native animals visiting our Shire so from time to time information will be shared and feedback and comment are always welcome. My part on the committee will be to provide observational experience based on living next to the camp at the Camyr Allyn Bridge and to

share information between members of the public and the committee.

DID YOU EVER WONDER … why they are called Flying Foxes?? Well it seems the early settlers had only ever seen small bats with flat noses and leathery faces in their countries of origin so when they came across these quite large flying creatures in Australia that had long furry noses like the foxes back home so they called them Flying Foxes! Australia’s Flying Foxes are actually called “mega bats” and are among the largest bats in the world. Locally, we have 3 species that fly in and fly out every year – the Grey Headed Flying Fox, the Black headed Flying Fox and the Little Red Flying Fox and there will be more information to share next time but in the meantime, feel free to contact me on 0488 139 054 if you have any comments or insights that you think the committee would benefit from in developing a locally relevant Management Plan. The community will also have the opportunity to provide input into the development of the flying-fox management plan through an on-line survey and other engagement activities. Rosemary Wall

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Newcastle Coastal Geotrail

how the amazing geology has influenced natural features as well as cultural heritage along the coastline. It goes back in time to discover major volcanic eruptions, river floodplains and swamps that were covered by ancient forests more than 250 million years ago. The Paterson Allyn Williams Science Hub is always on the lookout for science relevant to Dungog Shire communities. This year the need to be 'Covid-safe' has limited our event program but we have recently found a great new way to explore the region's geology in a Covid-safe way.

Hear the story about the opening of the Tasman Sea during the age of the dinosaurs and the (recent) changing sea level over the past 100,000 years.

You can access the Newcastle Coastal Geotrail in a number of ways. You can go on a virtual field trip by watching a 1 hour video launched for the 2020 The Newcastle Coastal Geotrail provides a National Science Week. Go to https:// unique blend of science and history. It vimeo.com/448797638. explores the prominent rock platforms If you are more adventurous you can and cliffs of the coastline from Nobbys Beach to Merewether headland, revealing take yourself on the physical tour by downloading the free NSW GeoTours

app on your smartphone or tablet (Android and Apple). Key points of interest on each of the tours have been geo-tagged to pop up when you reach the site. There is also a brochure including a map of the Newcastle Coastal Geotrail that tells the story of how the area was formed and highlights the geology along the way so visitors can identify various rock formations and learn how they came to be formed. You can download the brochure (https:// www.resourcesandgeoscience.nsw.gov. au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0009/1250568/ Newcastle-Geotrail-brochure-access.pdf) or collect a free copy from the Newcastle Visitor Information Centre at 430 Hunter Street or the Department of Regional NSW at 516 High Street, Maitland. The Newcastle Coastal Geotrail mostly follows Bathers Way and is about 10 kilometres walking one-way. You can also drive to key stops, which are mostly accessible from nearby carparks. Paterson Allyn Williams Science Hub is supported by Inspiring Australia and the NSW Government

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The Great Hall project at the Showground with Grahame, Rosalie and Rosemary travelled to Stroud Showground to meet with Stroud Show President James Harris for a tour of the soon to be completed multipurpose centre. The features in the As the condition of what we call of the Stroud building are very similar to the Main Pavilion deteriorates, especially the ones we are aiming for at Gresford floors, replacement is rapidly becoming a however there are a few basic differences necessity rather than an option and the as follows. first place we need to start is where to • Stroud lost their bar in the 2015 April put that replacement? superstorm so their facility includes a full bar, kiosk and cool room, whereas The concept of the proposed Great Hall our bar area is still okay so all we need is to create a function centre with a is a small bar for function use. higher seating capacity than existing • Stroud demolished one of their local options like the Club, Pub or existing amenity blocks to build the School of Arts. By aiming for a higher new function centre so their facility sitting target, we hope to attract has a much larger toilet capacity, additional functions to the area that will whereas our existing toilets will source catering supplies and hospitality remain and be complimented by services locally. additional toilets in the new facility. The precise design has not been chosen • Stroud is retaining the buildings they yet but Show Secretary Rosalie Lawrence use for exhibits during the Show so and Park Manager Secretary Rosemary their building is an additional function Wall met with Grahame Chevalley a while space, whereas we have only considered back and were very grateful for his advice, replacing the Main pavilion. expertise and direction on sizes and design What might be in the Gresford Great options including all the fun things like how many toilets we would need in the Hall building? building to support the seating capacity! • Tables and chairs for at least 200 Following on from the initial meeting people, possibly 250 The Gresford Park Land Managers would like feedback about possible locations for a proposed new 'Great Hall' at the Showground.

• Additional toilets that can be accessed from inside or outside the building so they are available to people attending events that do not need to use the Great Hall. • A commercial kitchen including crockery and cutlery and a small bar area to support functions. • A large storage area along the back of the building so exhibition cases and stands can be rolled in and out easily at Show time and swapped With the tables and chairs. • Enough floor space to display Main pavilion exhibits, Produce and Art exhibits, and maybe even the children’s exhibits. • Inbuilt connections for PA systems and visual displays • A veranda on the front to sit and relax in the fresh air and watch the world go by. • (Eventually), air conditioning. There are four site options currently suggested (on the map provided) and each has different implications. We would like to here from you about your ideas and if you have alternate suggestions then feel free to mark them as well. When you are done take your suggestions and comments to the East

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Gresford Post Office and they will find their way to us. Pink – this site would also allow us to connect the electrical supply servicing the arena however it would require the demolition of the grandstand and therefore other seating options would need to be investigated. This option could also include Provision for an undercover stage at the end and a great view of the arena.

Green – this site would require relocation of the access road, removal of a large gum tree and relocation of the existing underground electrical supply and would also put additional demand on the existing northern power supply but it would provide continuity from the existing function centre. Red – this site would simply replace the Main pavilion and Produce complex but the width of the building will be

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constrained by the access road and the Goat pavilion and it will put additional demand on the existing northern electrical supply. Blue – this site would allow connection to the higher capacity electrical supply servicing the arena BUT the larger rides at the show would need to relocate to the area above the road. There may also be scope to include an undercover stage on the end of the building.

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A rewarding way of life

This is the fifth in a series of articles that Dr Jamie Derkenne is writing for the Gresford News. We can only speculate as to what daily life for the Gringai was like before colonisation. There are however detailed accounts of their domestic customs and routines from the 1800s which suggest they had a complex and rewarding way of life. For example, the Gringai would never hit or slap their children – European ideas of child rearing would, to the Gringai, have seemed nothing short of barbaric. William Scott’s The Port Stephens Blacks, a work written from Scott’s memories of growing up with the Gringai from the 1840s through to the 1860s (the work was published by Gordon Bennett in the 1920s) offers the best account of family life. Scott writes that marriages were arranged by parents and relatives, and a wife was chosen from a neighbouring tribe. For example, a man living at Gresford would marry a wife from the Hunter River. The woman about to be married made a camp and a fire, to which the man was led by his father or any old man of the tribe. After they had camped together the ceremony was complete. If a man and

woman of the same totem eloped, they would be punished by death if captured. Like many Indigenous Australians, the Gringai had a strict rule that the husband could not speak to his mother-in-law. If he had to communicate with her, or viseversa, it had to be done through a third party. The penalty for breaking that law was temporary banishment from the camp. Scott insists that colonisation had softened the law: he writes that before colonisation, that transgression could also result in death.

the habits of their quarry. “They were a happy lot, the children, tumbling about with little regard to cleanliness as we knew it, and as healthy as could be,” Scott writes. One toy with which they delighted to play was an instrument that gave out a deep booming din like the bull-roarers the elders used in ceremonies. It was made of a flat piece of wood, a few inches in length, in which two holes were bored. Through these holes two cords were threaded. By working the cords the wood was made to revolve rapidly.

Children were brought up with no corporal discipline, and were not weaned until six or seven years old. The children were fond of pets. Scott recalls seeing a Gringai camp “alive” with tame parrots, koalas, possums, kangaroo rats and bandicoots that had been caught in the bush and tamed. Such pets were usually well trained, and children would amuse themselves for hours at the antics of their pets.

The bull-roarers themselves were always used by the clever men – giraadji – and made a noise that various colonists have described as eerie or terrifying. A demonstration of how a bull roarer sounds is available on YouTube at shorturl.at/ sEGI4. Bull-roarers are known throughout Australia and Papua New Guinea: they are not instruments that were unique to the Gringai, but had a special place in Gringai theology. I have been asked to not comment on that aspect of Gringai life, as it is sacred and secret mens’ business.

Children played mainly by imitating in miniature the daily routines of their parents. They played at warlike games with toy spears and boomerangs. Even though their spears were toys, they could use them “with deadly accuracy”. During their play they would learn to track animals and learn

The Gringai lived in quasi permanent “villages” dotted along the Paterson, Allyn, Williams and Karuah rivers, each village about 12 kilometres from the next. Their

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huts were just sheets of bark leaning against a pole and beam construction. After a few months the entire village would relocate to somewhere else because of sanitary reasons, but would return to their original site when time had dealt with the unsanitary conditions. The semi nomadic lifestyle meant that the Gringai had a radically different philosophy of property to the colonists. Although there was communal ownership of everything in Modern-day Gringai weapons by Bob Syron, a camp, there was a distinct proprietary inscribed with traditional Gringai designs. interest by individuals in certain things, Photo courtesy of Bob Syron. particularly weapons. Each man “owned” the blacks to steal anything from our his favourite spears (gamay); clubs (gutjarr); premises except water-melons, of which shield (gurill); throwing-stick (muru); and they were extremely fond.” boomerangs (duuri). Stealing as such, was almost an unknown Scott recounts that sometimes a man phenomenon. If something was available, “would feel the urge to make something, and no one else was using it, then it was becoming suddenly industrious in the ripe for the taking. To steal something manufacture of a large number of weapons one had to have malicious intent. To take intended to be exchanged with members something because it was there and it was of one of the neighbouring tribes. When needed, was not considered in any way he had finished the required number, he stealing. The cultural difference led to would cache them in the bush, either in a misunderstandings between the Gringai hollow log or cave, until needed. And, no and the colonists that had horrific matter where he deposited his store, nor consequences. how many knew of its existence, the The Gringai only had their hands, their weapons were never touched again until tomahawks – baybay – and their resin ball the owner removed them. I never knew

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• October 2020, p 13

as tools, but were master crafts people. I have already mentioned the exquisite possum skin cloaks, beautifully sewn and decorated. The men were expert in painstakingly shaping boomerangs and throwing sticks as well as the making of spears. Boomerangs would be roughly hacked into shape using a tomahawk, and then painstakingly sculpted by scraping with sharp stones and shells. Grass tree resin – described by Gringai elder Bob Syron as “better than superglue” – was an essential component for the making of stone tomahawks and spears. Every adult male would carry a tomahawk and a lump of resin. The women were adept at making fishing-line from Kurrajong tree bark. The bark would be stripped carefully from the tree and soaked in water until the outer portions could be readily scraped off with a shell. This left a white, flax- like fibre, very tough and strong. The women twisted this fibre to the required thickness and length by rolling it on the front part of the thigh with the hands. These fibre strings were also used to make dilly-bags in which young children were carried in as well as articles of food, and puppies. The bags were carried by slinging them across one’s forehead. Other ropes were made from platting certain grasses together.

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CWA News AGM The Annual General Meeting will be moved to November 5th. Subscriptions for 2020-21 are now due ($45) Those paying cash can pay on the day. We hope to set up in the garden. Please come along and enjoy the company.

FRENCH CONVERSATION 1st and 3rd Wednesday 11am a lot of fun, all levels catered for. Men, women, high school Students and uni students come along when you are in the village.

THANK YOU, THANK YOU to the “Sandra” who dropped in the most amazing bags of wool for our charity knitters and Crocheters.

THANK YOU also to the Community Group for providing 2 more trees and the volunteers who planted them. In the years to come, Durham Road will look amazing. BOOK CLUB A new list is out for 2021. See our web site. Next meeting Saturday

COUNTRY OF STUDY – ECUADOR

10th October, 3pm. the book for discussion “Khaki Town” by Judy Nunn. Come and join us, Covid-19 distancing observed. The street library has been in constant use. Glenda Smith is replacing books regularly.

PLANT HIRE & EQUIPMENT

Voucher Raffles:

COMMERCIAL INDUSTRIAL RESIDENTIAL RURAL

An extensive range of machines and earthmoving equipment to suit every aspect of the Building & Construction Industry Supply all forms of quarry product Contact:

Paul Mastin 0418 499 471 Head Office 02 4938 8135 DIVISION OF DREEGAN BUILDING & CONSTRUCTION BASED IN THE HUNTER VALLEY ABN: 56137525494

We have learnt so much via the CWA magazine “The Country Woman”. Ecuador is located between Peru and Columbia in western South America. Religion – main religion is Roman Catholic for 95%. Population – Ecuador has approximately 15,654,000 people. The national tree of Ecuador is the cinchona tree which produces Quinine, the first drug used to prevent malaria.

Wednesday, Friday & Sunday Tickets on sale 6.30 4938 9368 Monday open 4 – 7pm Tuesday open 4 – 7pm Wednesday open 4 – 9pm Thursday open 4 – 8pm Friday open 4 – 10pm Saturday open 4 – 9pm Sunday open 4 – 9pm

LITTLE PAN ASIAN RESTAURANT Open Wednesday – Sunday from 5.30pm

4938 9166 Like us on Facebook

G resford News

The

• October 2020, p 15

On the Shelves DROUGHT AID DONATIONS Over $18 million has been distributed for drought donations through CWA. MEDICAL RESEARCH Funding for 2020 will be given to the University of NSW to assist with the teams research into endometriosis.

COVID-19 COOKING Each year The Land Newspaper sponsors The Land Cookery competition. Gresford will hold its judging on February 4th 2021. One of the recipes is: BANANA, ORANGE AND DATE HEALTH LOAF Ingredients 990gm butter softened 2 teaspoons finely grated orange zest 110 g (1 cup) raw sugar 2 eggs 240g (1 cup) mashed ripe banana 120g (3/4 cup) chopped dates 300g (2 cups) wholemeal self raising flour 125ml (1/2 cup) orange juice

Method Preheat oven 180C 160 fan forced. Grease 9x19 cm loaf tin. Cream butter, orange zest and sugar. Beat in eggs one at a time, add banana. Stir in dates. In separate bowl sift flour. Add half the flour to mixture, the half orannge juice. Mix until smooth. Pour into tin. Bake for about 1 hour. Stand 10 mins. Turn out and cool.

NEXT MEETING Thursday 5th November, 9.30am CWA rooms, 12 Durham Road, East Gresford. Robyn Thornton, Secretary

by Glenda Smith

A Small Place in Italy by Eric Newby This account of reclaiming a rural ruin in another country differs from most in that Newby and his wife Wanda, an Italian woman who was one of many who helped him as an escaped POW, are not complete outsiders, as so many are who write in this genre. Although they need to adapt to their local circumstances in a village near the foothills of the Alps, they have long familiarity with the area and speak the language. The writer has a special interest in revisiting the woods, mountains, villages and people he encountered before being recaptured and sent to a German camp, which gives this memoir an extra level of meaning. There are enough peculiarities in the house to entertain readers, such as ancient facilities which need replacing with sometimes disastrous results and a cockroach plague, but the most intriguing is a sitting tenant who simply belongs to the house they buy and shares it with them very circumspectly. Grape and olive harvests; mushrooming with neighbours and participation in religious festivals are examples of the exploration and enjoyment of their part-time home of twenty-five years. There is also an account of a long-running feud with a neighbour who hopes to establish a non-existent right of way. Newby has a wry sense of humour and a deep appreciation of the people he has come to share this region with, which makes this book a pleasure to read. All books reviewed are from the CWA library on a separate shelf in the library so they are easy to find plus the reviews are in a folder. There has been a recent donation of mysteries and thrillers to the library in addition to the Lee Child donation, and some of the donated romance novels are now available in the street library.

 

 

G resford News • October 2020

The

, p 16

Regional collaboration gives Dungog bonus payments Dungog Shire Council has received $14,271.06 in bonus payments for being a part of the Regional Procurement Initiative – a division of Strategic Services Australia. Mayor of Dungog, Cr John Connors, says the bonus payment will be invested back into the community through future works programs. “Dungog Shire Council is extremely pleased to receive this bonus payment based on our use of Regional Procurement Initiative contracts over the 2020/2021 financial year,” says Cr Connors. “These funds will now be held in a reserve to contribute to future works programs throughout the shire, which is just one of the many benefits our community enjoys as a result of our focus on regional collaboration with other councils across the Hunter.” CEO Strategic Services Australia, Mr Joe James, says working together to bring about local and regional community benefit is key to the ongoing success of the entire Hunter region. “Regional procurement is one of the many regional initiatives of the Hunter Joint Organisation that offers broad sweeping advantages to our member councils and

payment to its client councils,” says Mr Salafia. “Over the past five years, Dungog Shire Council has earned over $57,500 through its involvement with the Regional Procurement Initiative, all of which has been reinvested to the benefit of the local community. We also offer the lowest management fees on average in NSW and our clients benefit from standardised procurement processes, lower costs across the board Regional Procurement Initiative Manager Peter and access to a broader talent pool for all Salafia, Mayor of Dungog Shire, Cr John Connors, tender services.” DSC Executive Manager Infrastructure & Assets

Steve Hitchens and DSC General Manager Gareth Curtis. Photo Credit: Aithyn Grove

Dungog Shire Council General Manager, Mr Gareth Curtis, says being a part of their respective communities here in the the Regional Procurement Initiative has greater Hunter Valley,” says Mr James. enabled council to deliver the best “Together we are a stronger voice to service standards to its community. advocate for funding at all levels of “There is no doubt about the cost government for community priorities savings and financial benefit we receive including infrastructure, tourism, and by using regional procurement improved access and safety. Collaboration practices,” says Mr Curtis. is key in achieving better outcomes for “When we participate in tenders at a our individual communities.” regional level, we are able to attract the Regional Procurement Manager, Mr Peter highest standards in quality and delivery Salafia, says the Regional Procurement for every essential service from traffic Initiative offers value benefits to its control to tree maintenance and client councils. “Regional Procurement everything between – we get better value prides itself on being a procurement for our money and that is a real win for aggregator that remits a 30% bonus our local community.”

Vacy General Store will continue to be open for all. We will be doing takeaway food, Pizza, and coffee. Australia post will be open as normal. We will have fresh bread and milk and your essential grocery needs and fuel are all available from 7am to 7pm. We ask if you would like take away food, pizza or coffee please ring your order through and we will have it ready. Also we ask if you drop in to shop we would appreciate you keeping in mind everyone's personal space. Thank you for your support – Jo & Ian

NEW Phone Number: 4938 8425

G resford News

The

Council Happenings 25 September Ride Dungog Following a recent presentation from Ride Dungog regarding the extremely successful flow tracks on the Dungog Common and their plans for future development, council coordinated an onsite meeting at the Common for all primary stakeholders.

• October 2020, p 17

John Connors – Mayor

Brig O'Johnston Bridge Closure From Saturday 26 September, Transport for NSW will begin carrying out essential repairs on Brig O’Johnston Bridge to ensure its continued safe operation, including the replacement of damaged bridge support trusses.

throughout NSW would be returned to state government management, to help better manage and maintain the rural road network.

Council Supports Critical Medical Services

Council is lending its support for a full The work is being completed over the Medicare licence for three MRI systems September/October school holiday to be installed at the new Maitland period to minimise the impact on school Hospital being built at Metford. This meeting formed part of the buses and school traffic. collaborative process required for a The MRI Unit will be a critical service review of land zoning at the Common It's anticipated that the works will take 16 provided for patients across the region, as requested by landowners Crown days to complete (weather permitting). including becoming the main referral Lands NSW - to further support the Residents and visitors should be aware centre for the 9,300 residents in existing and potential future land uses that a full bridge closure and detours will Dungog Shire. required at the site. be in place for the duration of the project. Council will be writing to all relevant For full details and detour routes, please This meeting provided all stakeholders Ministers and Members of Parliament to visit the Transport for NSW project page. with the opportunity to understand the garner further endorsement for a full comprehensive requirements involved in 18 September Medicare licence – without which the rezoning review process, and to outpatients who need to use the service Roads review discuss how we can best work together Council’s continuing focus on improving will be subject to excessive medical fees to support the future development of and charges. the safety and functionality of Dungog this popular recreational asset. Shire’s 700km+ road network, has seen Rural Lands Strategy Policy Directions We understand the significant economic us nominate several roads across our Paper Adopted benefit the influx of mountain bike shire for submission to the NSW Council has adopted the revised draft riders brings for our community, and we Government’s road classification review. Rural Lands Strategy Policy Directions are doing everything in our power to Paper, including amendments made as a accommodate not only the existing and The review comes following an result of feedback received during its announcement in February 2019 that proposed development on the Dungog public exhibition period. 15,000 kms of council- owned roads Common, but also across the shire.

Vacy Village Motel business as usual until further notice Conveniently located next to Flying Duck Restaurant, Farmers Hotel and opposite the Vacy General Store Spacious, clean, affordable accommodation with modern ensuites, great views, air conditioning and comfortable beds. See us at www.vacyvillagemotel.com.au For bookings and inspections phone 0428 111 680

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G resford News â€˘ October 2020

The

, p 18

Gresford News October Crossword

Anglican Parish of Gresford Paterson Weekly Services 10.30am Sundays at St Annes COVID safe practices in place CONTACT Fr Peter Rothnie 0438 413 007, email priest@gpanglican.com.au

St Helenâ€™s Catholic Parish of Gresford and Sacred Heart Summer Hill Saturday Vigil Mass at St. Helen's church Sat. evening at 5:30 pm ( except 2nd Sat. of month). Sunday Morning Mass at Summer Hill on the 2nd Sun. of each month at 11:30 am. All enquiries to Fr. Derek Garner, Parish Priest, on 4992 1477.

September 2020 crossword answers

Crossword kindly provided by Russel Jessop.

G resford News

The

• October 2020, p 19

Dr David Gillespie MP FEDERAL MEMBER FOR LYNE

THE STATE OF OUR NATIONAL ECONOMY I recently met with Treasurer Josh Frydenberg to discuss the National Accounts, which confirm the devastating blow COVID-19 has had on the Australian economy. Real GDP fell in the June quarter by 7%, which is the largest fall on record. Behind the numbers are heartbreaking stories of hardship felt by everyday Australians. The Government is doing everything possible to cushion the blow. Our strong economic position going into this crisis gave us the financial firepower to respond. JobKeeper was introduced in March, with a flat payment of $1,500 per fortnight for eligible employees for six months. This meant money could be distributed quickly using existing mechanisms. These measures have saved around 700,000 jobs.

Recently the Parliament passed the Governments extension to JobKeeper – from September until March 2021 – there will be a two-tiered payment: • For the December quarter, payments will be $1,200 per fortnight per employee, or $750 for workers who were employed for less than 20 hours a week. • For the March quarter, payments will be $1,000 per fortnight per employee, or $650 for workers who were employed for less than 20 hours a week. We are also supporting jobs and boosting the economy with several other measures, including: • Payments to more than 785,000 businesses to boost cash flow. • A 50% wage subsidy, supporting around 180,000 apprentices and trainees. • Up to 340,700 JobTrainer places for school leavers and job seekers to upskill. • The HomeBuilder program, supporting the residential construction industry. • JobSeeker and the Coronavirus Supplement. • $750 payments in April and July to millions of Australians, including pensioners. This crisis is like no other. Globally we are fairing better than most our GDP fall of 7%, compares to a 9.1% fall in the USA, 9.7% fall in Germany, 11.5% fall in Canada, 13.8% fall in France and a 20.4% fall in the UK. Of the 1.3 million people who either lost their job or were stood down on zero hours following the crisis, more than half were back at work by July. This gives us confidence; the road out will take time and there will be bumps along the way. But there is hope and there is a road out. As we work to help the economic recovery, the Nationals in Government will have Australians’ backs.

Dr David Gillespie MP FEDERAL MEMBER FOR LYNE

He Listens. He Cares. He Delivers.

Wauchope Office

Taree Office

02 6586 4462

02 6557 8910

Corner of High and Hastings Streets, Wauchope, NSW 2446

144 Victoria Street, Taree, NSW 2430

david.gillespie.mp@aph.gov.au

DavidGillespieMP david_gillespie_mp davegillespiemp

Authorised by Dr David Gillespie MP, Corner of High and Hastings Streets, Wauchope, NSW 2446.

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