Gresford News August 2015

resford News G

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

Fireworks mark the 50th anniversary of Tocal College on Saturday 25th July 2015

A

Tocal celebrates 50

bonfire and fireworks topped off the Saturday night shindig at Tocal to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the establishment of the College and agricultural education on the property. The 'Back to Tocal' program of events ran over the weekend of July 25-26 and included guided tours of the farm and dairy, horse skills and beef cattle demonstrations. Former students returned to the College from across Australia including a group of the first 15 students.

Full story inside.

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

Book in for Father's Day

The Gresford News Community Diary Sat

1 Aug Free Arts grant workshop, Vacy School of Arts, 10.00am

Tues

11 Aug International Day Gresford CWA, Anglican Parish Hall, Church Street Gresford

Sun

16 Aug Gresford markets - put on by the Gresford District Historical Society, grounds of the Hotel Beatty, 9.00am

Mon

17 Aug 3 Village Art Festival meeting, Therese Doyle Hall, 6.00pm

Tues

18 Aug Paterson Allyn Garden Group meet, 10.00am

Thurs

20 Aug Gresford District Agricultural Society Annual General Meeting, Gresford Showground, 7.30pm

Sat

22 Aug Healthy soils and composting workshop, Limestone Permaculture Garden, Stroud Road

Fri-Sat 28-29 Aug Gresford Rodeo and Campdraft, Gresford Showground Sun

20 Sep Vacy Village Country Carnival

Sat

17 Oct

Gresford Public School P&C Association biennial fundraising ball, Las Vegas theme, Gresford School of Arts

Sat

17 Oct

Vacy Blues & Roots Ftival, The Farmers Hotel, Vacy

Sat

24 Oct

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, 10.30am (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

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, 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

Gresford PlayTime, children 0-5 & carers, Gresford Community Hall, 10.00am

Every Sunday

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.

finances resford News G

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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.

Name

Amount

Address

28TH & 29TH

AUGUST 2015

GRESFORD **HOWDY PARTNER**

Families, Friends get your boots on and head on down to Gresford Showground for the 2015 Annual Gresford Rodeo & Campdraft….

SATURDAY FEATURE EVENTS: > Richardson Bros Transport Open Bull Ride > PBOZ Over 40’s Bull Ride > Lawrence Livestock Transport Open Campdraft Licensed Facility (No BYO)

LIVE ENTERTAINMENT

9PM till Midnight Saturday Night

BBQ & KIOSK FACILITIES

Find us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/#!/gresford.rodeo.1

Gresford News Notices 3 Village Art Festival meeting

Therese Doyle Hall, Monday 17 August, 6pm. Due to the success of the 3 Village Art Festival in May last year it has been decided to run this exciting event again in May 2016. Our committee is looking for people who want to be involved in the running of the event and who may be interested in offering ideas to make the next event better this time around. For further information contact Graham Murphy 0416 116 009 or graham@gabes.com.au

Discounted Gravel for Primary Producers

Hunter Local Land Services has been working with Daracon to develop a recovery assistance package for Lower Hunter primary producers to repair or reconstruct farm roads/ laneways following the recent storm event. Daracon has generously offered to provide road base material from their Martin’s Creek Quarry at a discounted rate. Nominal 50mm road base will be made available from Martins Creek Quarry for $7.70/ tonne (inc GST).

To be eligible: you must be registered as a Primary Producer and located within Dungog Shire. At this stage there is no end date on the discounted gravel offer.

Placed orders directly with Martins Creek Gresford District Agricultural Quarry 4938 5261, min 24hrs notice prior to dispatch. Opening Hours: Society AGM August 20, Gresford Showground, 7.30pm 6am-6pm Mon–Fri and Sat by appt.

Payment: Credit card and EFTPOS only.

Interested in getting a qualification as a Barista or a CertIV in Aged Care (subsidised through Smart & Skilled and VET fee help).

Contact John O'Brien at 4992 1133 or education@dscc.net.au for more details.

Gresford Market presented by Gresford District Historical Society Inc.

Sunday 16 Aug 9am to 1.30pm at the

Beatty Hotel

...........................

Features local stalls and produce, Great music Array of local goods and treats Attactions/local classic vehicles A little bit of history ...........................

Further information contact George Sales 49389639

Burns Earthmoving are available to assist with transportation of road base if required. Contact John Styles on 0428 979 827 for any delivery requests.

Contact the LLS Flood Recovery Officer, Skye Moore for more info: 4938 4956 or 0428 048 060, skye.moore@lls.nsw.gov.au

Gresford News CLASSIFIEDS Murray Grey Bull 38 months old, taupe. Quiet, regularly handled. View calves on the ground. Son of Glenliam Yeppoon Y80. $990.00 incl. GST. Location Torryburn. 0409 658 543

Aitchison Agrispred fertiliser spreader One tonne capacity, oldish but in good working condition. New tyres. $880.00 incl. GST Location Torryburn. 0409 658 543

WANTED Quiet, reliable, mature horse for teenage girl who has a mild physical disability. Needs to be sure footed for steeper country and used to cattle work 14-15 hands - happy to pay what is required for the right horse.

Please phone 0409 315320

Advertise in the GRESFORD NEWS CLASSIFIEDS Classified Ad Rates are: Standard line listing $2.50 a line or $10 for 5 lines

G resford News • August

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2015, p 6

For war

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Project Bounce Forward Launch – help for the shire supported, connected and nurtured, with many pathways required to help in the rebuilding of the lives and homes of those affected, and the community as a whole. Project Bounce Forward offers a personalised mobile outreach service assisting you and your community with information, decision making and recovery resources.

Believe • Opportunity • Understanding • Nurture • Connect • Empower

On Wednesday 15th July the Dungog Shire Community Centre (DSCC) launched a year long project to help with the recovery from the devastations of April. The response to the launch was overwhelming, with over fifty individuals attending the informative presentation delivered by Sarah We can help you: U’Brien (DSCC Manager) and staying for a • Get the right information complimentary morning tea.

• Work out the next steps for you, Community members received your family, your property and how to information packs that included handouts get there on the steps to acquire assistance, meet • Access goods and materials to help the team profiles, a delicious chocolate as rebuild your home or create a new one part of the community renewal initiative that has been developed in conjunction with the project and an outline on what Project Bounce Forward can offer individuals needing assistance, within the Dungog Shire. These packs are still available from the community centre.

Together we will believe in ourselves and our own capacity, we will create opportunity, we will provide understanding, nurture ourselves and others, connect to information and support, and we will empower ourselves and the community to Bounce Forward.

Did someone say free chocolate! You may bump into one or two counsellors, David or Jody who will be moving around the community on a regular basis, checking in with individuals and business owners to offer a CHOCOLATE and a chat, to help keep everyone supported and connected to pathways for information and services.

Individuals and families can self-refer to this service or they can be referred by another agency. All services offered are confidential and free.

For more information or to talk to Mandy or Rae (Project Bounce Forward Case Workers) please call 49921133.

What is Project Bounce Forward all about? In order

Dungog Shire Community Centre manager, Sarah U’Brien & Project Bounce Forward case worker Mandy Gilbert

for the community to recover, individuals need to be

Gresford General Store and Post Office Home of the Crossroads Cafe 162 Durham Road Gresford (Cnr Lostock & Durham Road)

Phone 4938 9239

Mon – Wed Thurs – Sun

Trading Hours Shop Cafe

7 am – 5 pm 7 am – 7 pm

8.30 am – 3 pm 8.30 am – 4 pm

Take Away

8.30 am – 3 pm 8.30 am – 7 pm

Gourmet fresh cut sandwiches and real Milkshakes available – BBQ Chickens – Ice – DVDs – Grocery – Ice Creams – Drinks – Pizza also available from 5pm Thursday–Sunday

DVD Releases – August

• FAST AND FURIOUS 7 • INSURGENT • PITCH PERFECT 2 • • PAUL BLART: MALL COP 2 • THE LONGEST RIDE • UNFINISHED BUSINESS • • DUFF • THE GUNMAN • BLACK SEA • INTO THE GRISSLY MAZE • • MCFARLAND • THE LAZARUS EFFECT • RIDE •

G resford News • August

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Gresford CWA News

HEAD OFFICE NEWS CWA of NSW has sent $50,000 to Nepal and ACWW World President Ruth Shanks was able to provide contact details for a local member society so that the donation could be sent directly to them. The Standing Committe of the House of Representatives is still considering our petition on energy drinks. The petition states "energy drinks should not be sold to children under 18 years of age".

Pauline Graves and Bob Dunn

Agricultural and Environment Day Gresford CWA hosted the Hunter River group Agricultural and Environment Day at the beautiful Gresford Show Ground.

We had visitors from CWA branches all over the Hunter and from our local Landcare Group and the Paterson and Allyn Garden Club. Over 60 ladies and gentlemen enjoyed the speakers. Mr. Bob Dunn owner of Heritage Gardens Nursery who spoke about the many varieties of boronia and gave an overview of his history in the nursery business. He brought many varieties of boronia for people to purchase explaining which varieties were suitable to the different climates and soil, i.e. Merriwa to Nelsons Bay. The second speaker Dr Jim Frazier OAM, ACS a highly respected pioneer of wildlife cinematography who has worked closely with Densy Clyne and David Attenborough. The third speaker Mick Budden from Tocal Hunter Local Land Services gave an update on policy and then answered many questions ranging from tree removal, boundaries and weeds.

A delicious lunch served by CWA members topped off the day.

CWA BOOK CLUB/LIBRARY The book for the meeting on the 8th August is "The Luminaries" by Eleanor Catton. New members always welcome afternoon tea and lively discussion come and meet some new friends. We meet at 3.00pm in the CWA rooms.

ITALY – INTERNATIONAL DAY – TUESDAY 11th AUGUST A book to help the Gresford school children with their projects on Italy along with red, white and green cardboard has been delivered to the school. Save the date and book your attendance for the day with Jill Hancock 4938 9718 – $15.00 morning tea and lunch. GUEST SPEAKER – Chris Iacona owner of Bunna Bunnoo Olives.

NEXT MEETING The next meeting of the Gresford CWA will be held in the rooms, 12 Durham Road, East Gresford on 6th August at 9.30 am. Please come along and join us especially if you are new in town.

For further information call Jill Hancock on 4938 9718 or look us up on http://gresfordcwa.wordpress.com.

Robyn Thornton, President

2015, p 7

TOCAL GRAMMA PIE

Ingredients Pastry

4 ozs butter 2 cups self-raising flour 1/3 cup cold water 1 tablespoon caster sugar

Filling 3 cups cooked gramma (well drained) 1/4 cup sugar 1 teaspoon cinnamon 2 tablespoons lemon juice

Method: Pastry Sift flour and sugar into bowl. Rub in butter until it resembles fine breadcrumbs. Add water slowly and mix with a knife until dough forms. Refrigerate for 30 mins. Line a greased 9 inch tart dish.

Roll out pastry and line dish. Prick bottom with a fork. Bake in moderate oven until lightly cooked.

Filling Return cooked gramma to saucepan and add sugar and cinnamon. When sugar is dissolved add lemon juice. Cool. Place cooled filling into prepared pastry shell.

Bake at 180 degrees until pastry is golden – approximately 25-30 minutes.

This recipe was contributed to the CWA COOK BOOK by Val Webeck. The CWA Cook Book is available at Gresford Foodworks and the Gresford Store $13.00 per copy.

G resford News • August

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2015, p 8

KELZ carpet cleaning and cleaning services Domestic and Commercial carpets, lounges and rugs Friendly Service Call: Kelly Richardson Mobile 0437 395 585

G resford News • August

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What’s on the Shelves?

by Glenda Smith

in Strasbourg !

This month's column features books that will be out of reach of most Gresford readers, but the main point of interest is the concept, not the contents. There is a magnificent park in Strasbourg called l'Orangerie, which features many walking and cycle paths; several lakes; a mansion; a zoo; multiple ice-cream kiosks; colonnades and a free community library in what they call a 'cabanon', or a little hut. We also have this concept, in the local butcher's shop and stores in Vacy and Paterson, but this library is particularly picturesque, with park benches nearby for browsing and a lake to gaze on, not to mention a small temple-like structure on the other side of the lake.

This is a local council project, with the avowed intention of encouraging reading, and is supported by the city. Children's books are part of the collection, and parents are asked to supervise their children in handling the books. Members of the public are invited to take and leave books at their own discretion, but are reminded not to leave books of an unsavoury nature.

In late July there was quite a large number of books in English, in addition to the larger collection in French and German. These included several books by Sara Paretsky, The Witches of Eastwick

by John Updike, The Wapshot Chronicle by John Cheever, and quite a few detective stories and thrillers.

It's a brilliant concept - vive the veneration of books!

2015, p 9

Santa visits the Gresford Market After a very cold week with snow on the Barrington Tops, it only seemed right that Santa should appear at our Market Day. Misty rain hovered around after his arrival but this didn't stop Santa greeting some children and handing out nicely wrapped bags of lollies to all including the Market stall holders. Xmas in July was being celebrated with Xmas raffle prizes. 1st prize: a Xmas hamper box with most of the goodies cooked by Delma (Lawrence). The hamper being won by Delma's son-in-law Ian Bird. A set of cosy flannelette double bed sheets were won by Tony Lawler. Two of our stall holders won a basket each of Xmas treats. They were Helen Wallace and Rod Connelly. Even though stall holders were down some GDHSI organisers were happy with the number of people who made the effort to visit. Members of a Jaguar car club arrived in town so there was some great carts to look at within the main street.

Market day Sunday August 16th will comprise of a pet show.

Anyone who wishes to bring their special pet along, please do. Prizes for different categories will include: Most colourfully presented, Best behaved, Cutest and Snuggliness, Personality Plus, Special Performance, Name Choice. Bernie's dog Vinnie (Vince) plans to be there. Take some time out, drop in for a look, a chit-chat and some fun.

Lorraine Ashard, Secretary GDHSI Charlie Hill with Santa

Mobile Beauty Therapy

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G resford News • August

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2015, p 10

Tocal’s 50th Anniversary

A big weekend was held at Tocal to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the establishment of the College and agricultural education on the property.

Over 600 people visited the Campus and undertook tours and were part of the Saturday night Shindig. “Guests returned from right across the country from every state and territory”. Dr Cameron Archer, Tocal College Principal said. “We are absolutely delighted with the turnout and support for Tocal”.

A group of the first fifteen students were also present and took part in a ceremonial tree planting with the College’s first Principal, Rev. Dr Colin Ford, along with long-time farmer and supporter, Mr Eric Holiday OAM.

Cameron Archer to leave Tocal A press release on 30th July advised that Cameron Archer would be relinquishing his position as Principal, Tocal College on the 25th September.

"I would like to thank local media organisations and individuals for your support for Tocal College over the 27 years I have been principal. I have been fortunate to have a very supportive family, staff, media and community to work and grow Tocal. It is now one of the largest specialist training institutions

“Guests were treated to a large bonfire, fire drums and then a spectacular firework show at 9pm on Saturday night.

The event brought people together who had not seen each other for many years”. Dr Archer said. The Tocal property is a great attraction for students as they work and live on it for their period as full time residential students.

They enjoyed getting back across the property and seeing the changes which have occurred.

Specials ~ August 3 to 15 T-bone Steak - $18.99/kg Pork Loin Chops - $13.99/kg Marinated Chicken Wings - $5.99/kg

Ph 4938 9710

for agriculture and land management in Australia. It is now also the base for Local Land Services (Hunter), the regional office for NSW DPI, the venue for Tocal Field Days and as well, Tocal Homestead is a significant heritage site with about 15,000 visitors per year."

"Graduates of the College’s youth education programs can be found right around Australia in a range of positions in the rural and related industries. Their ongoing contribution is enormous and highly valued."

The 'Shindig' bonfire at Tocal

Cowlicks studio is a relaxing space where the staff love to pamper our clients.

Book for a cut & colour in July to receive $35 of beauty services for FREE. Call (02) 4938 8386 to book and be sure to mention the ad so you don't miss out.

803a Gresford Rd Vacy, NSW

www.cowlicksha

irstudio.com.au

G resford News • August

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2015, p 11

How To Make A Productive Vege Garden Most of us have tried but how many have had success? A productive vege patch is often an elusive prize even for those of us lucky enough to live in this wonderful rural environment. But help is at hand in the form of two local permaculture enthusiasts, Peter Brecknock of Allyn River Permaculture at Allynbrook and Brett Cooper of Limestone Permaculture at Stroud Road.

Peter and Brett got together originally to share their experiences and passion for practical gardening based around permaculture principals. Earlier this year they started to think about how they could share their enthusiasm and take both rural and urban garden lovers on a journey to realising the joy and benefits of a productive garden. The result is a comprehensive series of workshops that will hopefully provide people with the knowledge, skills and hands on training to confidently undertake the many aspects of growing ecofriendly, chemically free nutrious food.

Their first workshop 'The productive vegetable garden' held at Brett's permaculture garden at Stroud Road was over subscribed and had to be run twice, on 25th and 26th of July. Due to the

myself. The catering by Nici Cooper using produce from the garden was a hit as well.

That's the point of it after all, having some great tasting food that you have grown yourself in a sustainable way."

Peter and Brett offer a wealth of combined gardening and permaculture knowledge for both the small and large vege patch. If you are quick you can still book in to some of the upcoming workshops.

Healthy soils and composting is first up on 22nd August and looks in depth at the basic component of all good gardens and farms – healthy soil. It will cover understanding your soil and various composting techniques, including how to make fabulous compost in 21 days, together with an introduction into making ‘Biochar’ and compost teas.

Other workshops this year are: Brett Cooper (left) with workshop participants Small animal management with permaculture 26th September; demand the workshop will also be held The Productive Vegetable Garden 24th later this year on October 24.

October; Introduction to Permaculture 21st Peter was overjoyed with the result when I & 22nd November. spoke to him after the workshop. "It was a Details and dates for all the workshops great response from people and they have visit: limestonepermaculture.com or given us very encouraging feedback. The allynriverpermaculture.com.au fact that they are enthusiastic and want to Brian Doherty come back is so rewarding for Brett and

Graeme Ferguson

Registered Surveyor Consultant in surveying, planning and engineering * Portion Boundaries Remarked

* Identification Survey Reports * House Setouts

* Urban and Rural Subdivisions * Engineering Survey and Design * Topographic Surveys * Urban and Rural Road Design * Control Surveys

“Yatta” Torryburn Via Paterson 2421

Tel 4938 9448 Fax 4938 9626 Email yatta@hunterlink.net.au

G resford News • August

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2015, p 12

Getting to know the locals... by Noel Jupp OAM, Dip Hort, QP Dept Ag & Fisheries

In May this year Gresford Landcare hosted a talk by Noel Jupp at Riverdene Nursery, East Gresford. Noel spoke about some of the rare and important native plants endemic to our local area.

Gresford News will be running a series of excerps from his talk over the comming months so we can all get to know and appreciate these locals better We are also pleased to be able to include information on Aboriginal use of local plants published in 'Aboriginal land use at Tocal – the Wonnarua story', by Jennifer Laffan and Cameron Archer (enquiries CB Alexander Agricultural College Tocal) How do you start to understand our unique local plants? Well for Noel you need to understand what has happened over the last 65 million years...

INTRODUCTION About 65 million years ago Australia was still joined to Antarctica, South America and South Africa. The seas around the south-eastern coast were much warmer than today and the rain bearing winds penetrated a long way inland.

Rainforest was the major vegetation covering a great deal of Australia.

Then, about 30 million years ago, Australia moved northwards away from Antarctica and this allowed the Antarctic Ocean and its circumpolar currents to develop. This in turn produced much colder and drier conditions and as Australia moved northwards, the rainforest retreated to the more favourable areas while eucalypt forests, a host of grasses, wattles and a range of pea type plants developed elsewhere Moving forward to 2 million years ago, the rainforests had declined to 55% of their former coverage. By the time Europeans arrived in Australia the rainforest coverage had declined to 22%. In the past 200 years that figure has further reduced to 20%.

Evidence of the previous extent of our rainforest can be seen today by the presence of a few lingering rainforest species outside the current margins of designated rainforest areas. Specimens of the rainforest species, Alphitonia excelsa, commonly called Red Ash, can still be found as far west as Mount Kaputar, Boggabri and Warialda.

Similarly the rainforest species Alectryon subdentatus (Hairy Birds Eye) is still found from Gloucester to west of Narrabri and Warialda.

RARITY Several influences can contribute to making some plants rare and these same influences can also allow a single species to proliferate to the level of being a pest or weed. Examples include human interference (land clearing) and the natural decline of a species due to growth or breeding weaknesses in the species. Fire is a double edged sword – it can be devastating to some species but a necessary rejuvenation aid to other species. Occasionally a species that has been regarded as extinct will suddenly appear in the landscape after a fire. Some species are forced into the background as the natural forest or landscape evolves due to climatic or topographical changes. It must be remembered that nothing in nature is constant.

DISCERNABLE EVOLUTION If we take the time to study and record observations of the natural landscape, evolution can be observed over as small a period as ten years.

I have maintained records of the flowering times and subsequent harvest times of a wide range of species since 1989 and even when you allow for highs and lows due to drought or floods, there is a notable change in flowering times and seed ripening.

Phill Flanagan's

Earth Moving Bob cat Excavator Traxcavator Grader Roller Rockhammer Borer Truck hire + attachments

4938 5153 Mob 0418 435 429 Duns Creek

G resford News • August

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This month's SPECIES IN DEPTH: ALPHITONIA EXCELSA – Red Ash This species has many common names including Red Almond, Sarsparilla, Leather Jacket, Red Tweedie, Humbug & Coopers' Wood and it is a personal favourite of mine because it is the first tree I identified to a botanical level as a teenager and also because it ticks all the boxes as far as hardiness, attractiveness and usefulness goes. It is frost tender when young but it soon gets over this. In the enclosed confines of a forest area it can grow to 35 meters in search of light but in an open garden it usually stays a small tree. The silvery undersides of the leaves are very conspicuous in the landscape especially when the breeze is strong enough to rotate the leaves into view. The flowers are fragrant in the evening and the trees are a favoured food for the caterpillars of the Moonlight Jewel butterfly and the Small Green-Banded Blue butterfly. The timber is extremely valuable for ornamental panelling, cabinet work, flooring, tool handles and general building. Another remarkable feature of this tree is its advantage as a fodder tree. The leaves and shoots are eaten by stock and are considered good forage.

2015, p 13

Alphitonia excelsa

Red ash, leather jacket, Coopers' wood, white leaf, humbug • Aboriginal names murr-rung (Illawarra district), nonogroyinandie (Clarence river), culgeera-culgera (northern NSW) and mee-a-mee and an-na (Qld) • a few leaves could be rubbed together with a little water to produce a lather to clean and disinfect the skin • leaves applied to sore eyes The occurrence of this tree marks the limits of the early rainforests.

It grows from Mount Dromedary on the south coast of NSW, north to Torres Strait and west to Mt Kaputar, Warialda and Boggabri.

It's seed is always ripe around the 1st week in December regardless of where each specimen is located.

Thank you Thank We would like to you thank We would like to thank

the Gresford and surrounding communities who raised over the Gresford and surrounding communities $who raised over

45,000 45,000

$ Everett Benefit Day held at at the Olivia Gresford Bowling Club in April this year. at the Olivia Everett Benefit Day held at The amountBowling of support we received notyear. only Gresford Club in Aprilfrom this

the Gresford community but across the whole region was amazing.

The amount of support we received from not only ToGresford the donors of prizes for day, the whole peopleregion who the community butthe across came along and most wasimportantly amazing. of all, the people who organised theprizes fundraiser and made all possible.

To the donors of for the day, theitpeople who We thankand youmost fromimportantly the bottom of of all, our the hearts. came along people The money raised will go towards Olivia’s who organised the fundraiser and made it all possible.

We thank youongoing from thetreatment. bottom of our hearts.

The money go towards Olivia’s Scott, Kim,raised Tomwill and Olivia Everett ongoing treatment.

Scott, Kim, Tom and Olivia Everett

Olivia marlin fishing on Bob Baldwin’s boat in February.

Olivia marlin fishing on Bob Baldwin’s boat in February.

AW1717875

AW1717875

• for headache an infusion was made of leaves in warm water and then this was used for bathing • toothache. A bark and wood decoction was used as a gargle for toothache or drunk as a tonic • upset stomach. Young leaf tips used for upset stomach • fish poison From 'Aboriginal land use at Tocal – the Wonnarua story', by Jennifer Laffan and Cameron Archer

G resford News • August

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2015, p 14

q Gresford District Historical Society r Of Droughts & Flooding rains – a Torryburn connection

A

“Core of My Heart”. This poem was published in 1908 in “The Spectator” a weekly British conservative magazine. (“The Spectator” is claimed to be the oldest continuously published magazine in the English language)

ccess problems in the Torryburn valley as a result of the destruction of the bridge in the April 2015 floods are a topical issue and will remain so until and if the bridge over the Allyn river is replaced. There is however another link between Torryburn and those “droughts and flooding rains” which goes back to 1900/1901 when a dry spell gripped the Gresford area. The records (at Gresford post office) stretch back to 1896 and show that we had previously enjoyed above average rainfall in 1898/1899. By 1905 however we were back in drought with our lowest (to date) annual rainfall of 391.1mm and things didn’t get a lot better until the drought broke in 1908.

That young lady was Dorothea Mackellar who at the time of publication was aged around 23.

The poem has subsequently become universally known under the name of “My Country” and is perhaps our most loved Australian poem. Some will find the poem excessively sentimental in the Victorian style of the times but the second stanza which begins with the line “I love a sunburnt country” resonates with everyone and certainly with those who have lived in our valleys and know our “ragged mountain ranges” and cycles of “droughts and flooding rains”.

Meanwhile a young Sydney lady who visited the family property “Torryburn” in the very early 1900s was inspired by this cycle of dry spells and heavy rains to pen the lines of a poem she then called

Original page – State Library of NSW

Val Anderson of the Paterson Historical Society has researched

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G resford News • August

The

2015, p 15

q “Our Stories” Feature r

Dorothea Mackellar most thoroughly and it is now beyond doubt that Torryburn and particularly the breaking of the drought there was the inspiration for the poem. Dorothea herself confirmed this in several interviews she gave in the 1960s –just prior to her death in 1968. Val, through the Paterson Historical Society has published a booklet on Dorothea and Torryburn and

she will be re-publishing this in the near future to include new materials that have come to hand.

So who was Dorothea Mackellar?

Dorothea was born Isobel Marion Dorothea Mackellar in 1885, the third of four children in the family of well known Sydney doctor and NSW parliamentarian – Sir Charles

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Torryburn homestead c1900 Courtesy Val Anderson

Mackellar. She enjoyed a privileged private classical education during a time when travelling abroad with the family was also considered part of her education. As a result she became fluent in a number of languages and was able to act an as interpreter for her family. She was also reputed to be a

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G resford News • August

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2015, p 16

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the taking. We could indeed be the district of “droughts and flooding” rains”– Mackellar Country!

proficient horsewoman proud of her ability to ride side saddle in rough terrain. Dorothea was also an attractive young woman and her diaries support stories of several romances. Despite being twice engaged, she remained unmarried, possibly as a consequence of taking increasing responsibility for the care of her ageing parents.

The Mackellar family purchased Torryburn of 4100 acres from the Logan estate in 1898 and appear to have held the property to around 1901. They also added several properties near Gunnedah around 1905 and these were handed over to her two brothers who in due course became members of the Gunnedah community. As a result Gunnedah has gone to some trouble to “claim” Dorothea with an annual poetry competition and a life size bronze statute of her riding side saddle in the Anzac Park. Nevertheless the Gresford district has the benefit of the facts and it is clear that Torryburn (and the Gresford district) was the inspiration for the poem – later renamed “My Country”.

If Gresford is looking for a theme to raise the profile of the district and attract visitors, then the opportunity is there for

The Torryburn estate itself provides an interesting back story to all this and we need to go back to the 1820s and recount the story of John McIntyre and his brother Peter. The McIntyre brothers (Scottish highlanders) arrived in Australia in 1825 as managers for Thomas MacQueen MP a member of the British parliament. MacQueen harboured ambitions to become the first civilian governor of NSW but this position was not forthcoming. He had however used his influence to secure for himself a grant of 10,000 acres with a provisional grant for a further 10,000.

On his arrival Peter McIntyre found the civil servants in Australia did not immediately respond to the sense of urgency that he believed his employer’s influence demanded in the selection of the 10,000 acres. The surveyor general John Oxley and his assistant Henry Dangar were essentially overwhelmed by the intensity of the land acquisition activity at this time and didn't have the resources to survey and mark the grants Dorothea Mackellar – State Library of NSW already promised – much less meet the

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G resford News • August

The

2015, p 17

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needs of other free settlers who saw themselves as equally entitled.

McIntyre’s natural arrogance and assertion that his relationship with his patron McQueen gave him “first right of selection” won him no friends.

Eventually he selected 10,000 acres for McQueen near Scone at what would become Segenhoe. He also acquired 50 acres at Maitland (Pitnacree) for himself and set about seeking grants for the entire McIntyre family including 2,000 acres for his brother John. In spite of the extreme resentment at his approach the family was successful in taking up large tracts of land in the New England.

assigned convicts was no less severe and the Monitor newspaper later commented that “the late John McIntyre had been renowned for carrying discipline to his assigned servants to the verge of the law….”.

His brother Peter pursued the matter vigorously with the establishment in Sydney and the Sydney Gazette of 25/12/1830 carried an offer of a pardon and free passage to England for information leading to a conviction.

Peter McIntyre topped this up with an additional reward of £25.

Subsequently an informer came forward seeking the reward and four of John McIntyre’s assigned convicts were John McIntyre was granted 2,000 acres eventually convicted in a travesty of a on the Allyn river at what would trial on the wholly uncorroborated become Torryburn and a further 2,000 acres was subsequently added. His 4,000 evidence of the informer. acres adjoined the grants of Townshend On the day set for execution another and Park. At the time he called the convict came forward and confessed to estate “Kinghome”. the crime. The careless judiciary and legal establishment were then Almost 3 years later in Sept 1830, John sufficiently embarrassed to ensure that went missing. Foul play was suspected the confessed murderer was never and indeed John had earlier narrowly brought to trial. The four wrongfully escaped being murdered by the local convicted were pardoned and the natives who resented his harsh informer was found guilt of perjury and treatment of them. His treatment of his

sent to Norfolk Island where he was murdered. John McIntyre’s remains have never been located.

Torryburn was put up for sale in 1837 by Peter McIntyre. In 1872 John Alford who was then the owner sold the property to Robert Logan and in 1881 he commissioned the house that Dorothea Mackellar and her family would have lived in during their years at Torryburn.

The house was designed by the Maitland architectural firm (J. W. Pender) and has an Italianate influence. No photos exist but Val Anderson has obtained the drawings and her watercolour painting is as close as we will get to seeing how this elegant home would have looked in the early 1900s.

The bounty is still $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. So please hunt out these old photos and find a biro and paper. 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 • August

The

2015, p 18

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G resford News • August

The

2015, p 19

Webby's Mud Run at Gresford Once again Webby's Mud Run hit the Gresford Showgrounds. This free ‘by invitation’ event had hotrod car and bike enthusiasts racing around the grounds. Keep an eye out for more mud fun next year. Photos: Jenny Moore

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G resford News • August

The

2015, p 20

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G resford News • August

The

Gresford Community Group July 2015 Meeting not be justified as costs to maintain the hall significantly outweigh the revenue from the hall at this time.

Donna Cavanough - Yoga teacher and main hall user put forward other options Treasurer’s report regarding both the Historical Society and Submitted and accepted Yoga joint sharing the hall. The historical Society stated that they would need the Matters Arising – Therese Doyle Hall Report by the Gresford Historical Society – full use of the hall to house their museum displays. Donna said she has Vacy hall President George Sales informed the available if she has to move, the hire is meeting that the Historical Society has voted to enter into a lease arrangement to cheaper and is more centrally located for students. She requested a minimum of 6 hire the TDH for a 5 year lease with a 5 weeks to vacate the hall to get organised. year option. The hall is to be used for Peter Smith presented a costing on the storing of records and open the hall to display the artifacts now stored in various outgoings and the revenue from the hall over the past 3 financial years which locations. He also stated that a Tourist information center would also be set up in highlighted the loss of $16,277.24. the hall.

Brian Doherty presented a document sent Graham Murphy put a motion forward:That the Gresford Community Group out to GCG members outlining his lease the Therese Doyle Hall and Land to thoughts and concerns that needed to be the Gresford Historical Society for $4001 discussed before any decision could be per annum. The period of the lease is for 5 made. Brian ran through each of the years with a 5 year option. points allowing open discussion from all The lease is to include – members present.

• All outgoings are to be paid for by the A/g President Peter Smith answered all of Gresford Historical Society except for the the questions. He stated there has been building insurance which will be covered very little request for the halls use and stated that the current arrangements could by the Gresford Community Group.

• Minor repairs and maintenance to the Meeting Chaired by Treasurer Peter Smith in lieu of President Martin Addison in hospital.

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• Renegotiate the outgoings if Dungog Shire Council insist on charging for land rates in the future.

Motion was seconded by Noel Brown.

Peter called for a vote – the vote was 15 to 1 in favour of leasing the hall to the Gresford Historical Society. Donna Cavanough abstained from voting.

Graham Murphy presented some estimated cost for the repairs and maintenance cost for the hall. Estimates for drainage works, further window repairs and painting and floors bearers and joist to be repaired. Estimates for this work is approximately $8000. Quotes for the work will be presented to the GCG prior to any major works being carried out.

Noel spoke about his concern for the East Gresford Post Office being sold or closed if no buyer can be found. His concern is that we may lose another important service from the community. This is to be revisited if no buyer can be found.

Jane asked what will happen to GCG printer when the post office is sold. This to be discussed further when the building is sold.

Meeting Closed 7.40pm

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2015, p 21

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G resford News • August

The

2015, p 22

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

July 2015 crossword answers

Gresford News August Crossword

G resford News • August

The

2015, p 23

August SERVICE TIMES Sunday Mornings 2 9 16 23

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

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

30 9.30

11.30

Community Input Sought – Draft Voluntary Planning Agreement Martins Creek Quarry Project Daracon is seeking input and ideas from the local community to be considered in a proposed voluntary planning agreement for the Martins Creek Quarry Project.

A voluntary planning agreement (VPA) is an agreement entered into by a planning authority (such as the Department of Planning and Environment) and a developer. Under the agreement a developer agrees to provide or fund: Public amenities; Affordable housing; Transport or other infrastructure; Contributions can be made through: Dedication of land; monetary contributions; Construction of infrastructure; Provision of materials for public benefit and/or use (Source: Department of Planning and Environment website: http://vparegister.planning.nsw.gov.au/)

Daracon is seeking input and ideas from the community, businesses, groups and industry for consideration for inclusion in the draft VPA. Some ideas that have been received include traffic landscaping, pedestrian crossings and refuge, road repair and upgrade.

All ideas are welcome and will be acknowledged and considered.

Suggestions will be received up to 31st August 2015.

Please forward suggestions to: quarries@daracon.com.au Further information is available by contacting Daracon on 1300 663 151