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Gresford News April 2021

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resford News G

The

April 2021

News of the communities of the Paterson and Allyn River Valleys

Photos: Clare Oliver

Wow! What an Amazing Show. Gresford Show continues to be a marvellous small country show that has an agricultural basis and endeavours to keep that family friendly country atmosphere. This year's show had large numbers of both competitors and spectators out for a good time – Story inside

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Gresford News Notices ANZAC DAY Dawn Service, Paterson Due to the current NSW Public Health requirements (March 2021); the Gresford RSL Sub Branch have regretfully determined to cancel both the Paterson Dawn Service March and Commemorative Service.

ANZAC DAY Commemoration Service, Gresford

Due to the current NSW Public Health requirements (March 2021); the Gresford RSL Sub Branch have regretfully determined to cancel both the Gresford ANZAC Day March and Commemorative Service. The decision to cancel these events was not taken lightly with the overriding factors being the current COVID-19 restrictions and requirements; and the ongoing concerns to public safety.

BR

The Gresford RSL Sub Branch would remind all residents that whilst the official ANZAC day formalities are not being held, as individuals and family groups you are welcome to join several Sub Branch Members at 10.30am to commemorate ANZAC day observing all social distancing requirements. Also any time during the day we welcome all to lay wreaths and flowers to pay respect to our Veterans.

Change to French classes In future, the French class will be on the first and third Mondays from 10-11:30. Glenda Smith, CWA

The Gresford News is keen to get the listing of regular meetings and activities going again. Please let us know when your event or meeting is on – gresfordnews@iinet.net.au

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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.

The Gresford News is a great way to reach out to our community. Our content is created by members of the community – people just like you. If you have something to say please send in your contribution 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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Out and About in April

School holiday activities: Creating Habitat – workshop Thurs 15 April 10-12noon Dungog Common Ecological Learning Activity for primary aged children 5-11 years presented by Alex King, Ecologist, Biological Preservation Australia. The activities will include questions to engage their attention, collecting materials to build habitat and “hide & seek” to imaginekeeping animals and birds safe. Morning Tea provided by Dungog Commoners Landcare Inc. Children MUST be accompanied by a guardian in attendance. Early Booking Essential – numbers limited 0438 906 769 or dungogcommonerslandcare@gmail.com

Guided walks in Mt Royal National Park Bookings essential: www.trybooking.com/BOACS

Half-day school holiday family walk Thurs 15 April 9,30-12noon Easymedium grade 2hr return walk suitable for families with children. Walk through and learn about the tall, moist forests and amazing animals that live in the southern limit of the Gondwana Rainforests World Heritage Area.

Guided walk in Mt Royal National Park – Sun 18 April 9.30-12.30 Half-day school holiday introductory/ family walk. Easy to medium grade. 2-3 hour walk explaining bushwalking basics, including what to take, navigation, wildlife, and what to do if you get lost.

Register for the talk via Eventbrite. You don’t need to go on the survey to attend the talk – www.eventbrite.com.au/e/fungiforay-talk-with-paterson-allyn-williamsscience-hub-tickets-148116521503

Fungi Foray – the walk & survey Sun 11 April 9am-1pm Upper Allyn – The same guides also has some interesting Peach Tree Picnic Area in Chichester walks coming up in May following in the State Forest You are invited to join us footsteps of explorer Ludwig Leichhardt who visited Mt Royal in 1843.

Fungi Foray – talk Sat 10 April 5pm Dungog CWA Hall Learn about the fascinating world of Fungi with visiting mycologist Pam O’Sullivan (who co-authored a field guide to common fungi of the Hunter region) & Jamie Derkenne. Presented by Paterson Allyn Williams Science Hub & National Parks Association (HunterBranch). Note: there is also a walk and survey Sunday morning that you are invited to attend. At the talk you will learn about the fascinating and sometimes bizarre world of fungi and find out how these often overlooked organisms are a vital part of our natural ecosystems.

on a guided walk the next morning to survey the Fungi at the Upper Allyn River. Fungi are at their best in Autumn. Recent rains and warm weather promise to make this an ideal time to see and learn about them. This will be the third Fungi Foray in the area. A follow-up survey is important to document variations. There will be experienced and knowledgeable guides very familiar with the area. Anyone with an interest is invited to attend, and the day is suitable for people of all ages and abilities. Participants need to bring suitable clothing, footwear and food, and be prepared for some walking off tracks. To attend the walk: 6571 1208 or info@ calli.com.au by Wed 7 April.

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Also on in April: Guitar concert – Michael Fix, with songs by Mark Cryle Sun 24 April 7pm James Theatre ‘Time Lines’: Australian Stories in Song Live at the James welcomes multi-instrumentalists and seasoned performers Michael Fix and Mark Cryle. This talented duo join forces on stage to create a unique musical perspective on Australian history. Tickets available online at www.jamestheatre. com.au or at the theatre on the night.

• April 2021, p 5

On the Shelves... of the museum by Glenda Smith Wood of the Cranes

by Christopher Fibbens Fibbens’ account of ‘The Story of St Mary on Allyn and Caergwrle, Allynbrook and the gentlefolk of the district’ as it is summarised on the front cover, is a beautifully presented and extensively researched history of the area. The influence of Bishop Broughton and the Boydell family permeates the book, but the pioneering families are also given their due in establishing the rich past of the region. The romantic story of St Mary’s origins is well-known, and it is borne out here by extracts from diaries and letters, as well as anecdotal evidence: It would seem that in 1843 William and Mary Phoebe became officially engaged, not before William undertook to build a church, a local place of worship for the Bishop’s daughter….The Bishop insisted, William could only concur…

In March – floods across the shire. Photo from Janie Stevenson of the Paterson River low level crossing on Summerhill Rd.

This book is not only a tribute to St Mary’s and Caergwrle, (the Welsh rendering of Wood of the Cranes), but also to Fibbens’ expertise and scholarship. Many local identities are recognised in the later chapters, and while they do not all still live in the area, they still belong to it. The photos of houses and people are numerous, interesting and welllabelled. This valuable book is available at Gresford Museum, Twin Rivers Café, and also from Delma Lawrence at 72 Park St East Gresford.

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• April 2021, p 7

CWA Book Event A small crowd of booklovers gathered at the Gresford CWA hall recently to listen to local author Jane Hartley speak engagingly about the process of writing. Jane, who lives at Hilldale, has written three books – A Murder in Fiji; Martha and William; and The Lost Tunnel of Samos. She described the trajectory of her writing, which started on a personal note with investigation of the death of her grandfather in Fiji. He was murdered while conveying a payroll through a rural area, and although a perpetrator was arrested and executed, there remains some doubt about the judicial process. The second book came about when she was entrusted with a cache of letters – the one-sided correspondence between William Dove, who established the Anglican Church at Jerry’s Plains, and his fiancée Martha. Because she only had William’s letters to work from, Jane’s creativity came into play in writing Martha’s letters, thereby forming her character. She also had to establish

Martha’s ‘voice’, which was an important aspect of her talk. Her latest book works on a very broad canvas of time and geography, and was stimulated by a visit to the Greek island of Samos, which has the remains of a tunnel through a mountain built in the Sixth Century BC. (Images of the tunnel can be seen on Wikipedia under the heading The Tunnel of Eupalinos.) At the time of her visit it was an opening in the mountain filled with rubble, but has now Above: Glenda Smith and Jane Hartley. Below: Lyn Richards, Brenda Hogg and Jane Hartley. been restored. Jane’s research for this was extensive, but her imagination was also a driving force. The audience was very appreciative of this stimulating presentation and continued with questions and ruminations over an ample afternoon tea. Former residents of the area, Margie Dent and Judy Daly, were welcomed back by the book club and other community members. Glenda Smith

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• April 2021, p 9

Gresford Arboretum local flora – Plum pine – Podocarpus elatus Although a well know tree commonly found in parks, on farms, and large gardens, I was surprised how many common names the Australian Tropical Rainforest Plants Fact Sheet (http://www.canbr.gov.au/ cpbr/cdkeys/RFK7/key/RFK7/Media/ Html/entities/Podocarpus_elatus. htm) lists as Common names for the Plum Pine “White Plum; Brown Pine; Goongum; Native Deal; Pencil Cedar; Pine; Pine, Plum; Pine, She; Pine, Yellow; Plum Pine; Plum, White; She Pine; White Pine; Yellow Pine; Pine, Brown”. Other sites also called it the Illawarra Plum and Daalgaal. This attractive conifer native which unlike most conifers it doesn’t have cones, instead it has single fruits attached to the branch. When ripe the fruits are purple black in colour and about 2.5cm in diameter with a hard inedible seed. Leaves are shiny, narrow, tough, and are dark green with sharp tips. The mild flavour of the juicy fruit has grape-like texture which is sweetish, mild pine flavour that will be enhanced when cooked.

Plum Pine trees are easy to grow from cutting or seeds and they usually will germinate in approximately 34 days. But to enhance the process grow and raise the seedling in a greenhouse. They are relatively drought tolerant and while young trees are more susceptible to frost damage, mature trees can usually withstand light frost. Fertilizing: usually in summer and early autumn. Pruning: Generally not required although a light prune is ok if the tree is looking shaggy. Image by Rosita Choque Trimming side branches will result cheesecake, and fruit compotes. The fruit in bushier shrubs/trees. Interesting Fact: can also be used in marinades and sauces Plum pine is great as a carving timber with chilli and garlic. It is suggested to use stainless steel utensils when cooking Belonging to the genus Podocarpus and seen at the Gresford swimming hole is a to prevent bitterness which sometimes group of South African Podocarpus occurs with the use of aluminium. falcatus, (Common name Outeniqua Plum Pines grow in full sun and/or part yellowwood) which must be at least 90 shade, while preferring a rich, moist, soil years old. The Outeniqua yellowwood is as long as they have good drainage, they South Africa’s national tree. will grow in a range of non-alkaline soils. Best planting is with a group (3 or more) If you would like to know more about the Arboretum or come along with other to increase pollination. While initially a volunteers who meet generally each Friday slow growing tree eventually reaching 8 around 5pm please ring Penny 4938 9365. -12 metres in approximately 10 years.

Plum Pine ripen between March and July and once ripened they may be eaten raw, They are good as hedges, maybe grown in pots and pruned to shape. can be made into jam, used in muffins,

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Wow! What an Amazing Show

Photo: Clare Oliver

Paterson River Pony Clubs. Photo: Clare Oliver

The 2021 Gresford Show has been a record breaker! We were overwhelmed by the number of entries in the horse classes over the two days of the show. Competitors were so keen to compete in a show after having no events for almost twelve months that many classes contained large numbers. It was totally incredible the amount of people wanting to take part in many aspects of the Show. This enthusiasm carried over to the spectators as gate numbers also hit record breaking numbers with a large crowd attending on the Saturday.

Matia Hopwood won both the David Cains and Halls trophy. Photo: Janie Stevenson

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• April 2021, p 11

Photo: Clare Oliver

Photo: Clare Oliver

Attendees were entertained in the Main Ring by the regular activities of Post Splitting, Ag bike demonstration and later in the evening the Bullock rides. This year we had a special event in a 6 bar Show jumping mini competition by a team of 12 riders including ex-olympians Ron Easey and Vicki Roycroft. This proved very popular with the audience who cheered them over every jump. The day concluded with the kids disco with DJ Nathan and the perennial outstanding fireworks display.

Six Bar Showjumping. Photo: Clare Oliver

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List your property in Autumn

Country buyers are always out and about exploring over Autumn into Winter.

Country Buyers love Autumn gardens, and after the recent rains, properties will be lush and green, dams full, rivers running. Productive Farms also present at their best in Autumn. Buyers are more relaxed than in Summer heat with easier exploring and walking around farms to allow buyers to really unwind, relax and appreciate what each farm offers.

With the softer light of Autumn, properties photograph to their best advantage.

Selling is always all about best presentation on the internet, including drone, photos and video. Showcasing your property on Domain.com.au and Real Estate.com.au, Pamela Munson Country Estates Facebook Commercial page and Instagram puts your property out in front of the buyers.

Pamela has a large Data Base of Buyers wanting Country properties of all sizes.

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• April 2021, p 13

Gresford Show ....continued Although the pavilion displays were closed this year due to COVID requirements we were lucky to have a photographic exhibition from renown local photographers, David and Clare Oliver and a display of local school children’s work giving the attendees something to look at during the day as well as the Oakvale Farm animal nursery. Committee member, Emily Pease, was awarded the 'Securing The Future of Ag Shows' ribbon. The ribbon is an initiative of the ASC of NSW Next Generation aiming to encourage further youth engagement, contribution and excellence. This was the first time Gresford Show has presented this ribbon. Emily was presented the ribbon during the Grand Parade by Mick Kealy (GDAS President), Taylor McKenzie (GDAS and Next Gen committee member) and Carl Schubert (Next Gen Delegate) for her contribution to the agricultural show movement and for all her years of service in the cattle section of Gresford Show. The winner of the Open Draft was Grant Whatham and keeping it in the family his wife, Michelle Whatham, won the Novice draft. Congratulations also went to our Junior Showgirl for 2021 Emily Layzell, and runner up Audrey McPherson.

Photo: Clare Oliver

We were very fortunate with the weather as both days were hot and humid, once again escaping the wet weather which set in on the Sunday. Many thanks must go to the fantastic volunteers and members of GDAS that worked tirelessly before, during and after the Show which make it run smoothly and successfully. Gresford Show continues to be a marvellous small country show that has an agricultural basis and endeavours to keep that family friendly country atmosphere. After so many records have been broken this year we can only wonder what 2022 will bring, but regardless it is bound to be wonderful. Rosalie Lawrence, Secretary, GDAS

Sofia Leonard on Tilly Photo: Janie Stevenson

Cas Addison and Margie Dent. Photo: Janie Stevenson

We are fully stocked up with Husqvarna stock, produce, farming supplies, animal products, Swap & Go gas and many other goodies 26 Durham Rd, East Gresford 4938 9204. Mon-Fri 7.30am to 5.30pm, Sat 8am to 12pm, Sun closed


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Stories from Lost Paterson and Allyn Valleys

John Beatty moved to the Junction Inn around 1872 from the “Half-way House” hotel at Vacy. The site is now the Hotel Beatty carpark and was on land owned by James Boydell (son of Charles Boydell from “Camyr Allyn”). James later built and moved to the present hotel, which was originally named the Victoria Hotel, in 1901.

night. This is very uncomfortable for travellers, but it has the advantage of enabling the residents of Paterson, Vacy, Trevallyn, Gresford, the Allyn River, Colstoun, Lostock, &c., to receive their letters and papers before the morning meal, and even long before the people of Maitland are in The Royal Mail Coach outside the Junction Inn at East Gresford in the late 1800s. possession of theirs. The plan is And thinking of the Royal Mail Coach to take the mails from Maitland each here is a description of the overnight The Junction Inn served as hotel, night after their arrival by the mail train journey of one of Fry’s Mail Coaches pharmacy, saddlery, joinery works, at 10.20, and as soon as they are sorted from Maitland to Gresford from the temporary hospital, public meeting Maitland Weekly Mercury, Saturday 6 Nov the man leaves. Paterson is reached venue and a Court of Petty Sessions from about one o'clock, and after a stay of 1897, Page 16. 1883 until the dedicated court house about an hour the passengers for Upper and lockup was completed. It may have "The journey, unless by private Paterson change to the Gresford coach, also been used as a refuge during the conveyance, is made in one of Fry's while those for Dungog take another Governor Bros rampage in the area coaches, leaving West Maitland at the vehicle. In spite of cold, wind, rain, or during September 1900. Few other hotels rather inconvenient hour of eleven any other of the uncomfortable accompaniments of night travelling the o'clock in the evening, travelling all could match this for diversity!

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Trevallyn, and as day breaks in these mountainous regions the coach rumbles — a coach always rumbles — through Lower (i.e. East) Gresford, where bread is distributed, and on to Gresford proper. A short stay takes places at Vacy, where Here at the post office the coach is the driver alights, and after vigorously further lightened, and after proceeding knocking up the postal official, proceeds another half mile and again crossing the to deliver one and take possession of river it pulls up at its destination — the another mail bag. He had taken in a load residence of Mr. George Fry." of fresh bread at Paterson, and as the coach goes on its journey he occasionally stops and places a loaf, or The Gresford District Historical two or three loaves, as the case may be, Society/Museum has the following in a box on the side of the roadway put books for sale: there for the purpose of receiving this School Centenary Publications from staff of life. They are honest folk in the Paterson to Eccleston – $5 Paterson district, and if a householder Gresford Centenary Pamphlet – 1829 to wakes in the morning, rubs his eyes to 1929 (1929) – $5 make sure, and find his loaf missing, — Gresford Centenary Book – 1829 to 1979 – $15 well, it is one of the unfortunate Gresford – on the Paterson River, East circumstances of fate, and he, with true Gresford – on the Allyn River and philosophy, consoles himself with the Surrounding District History 1829-1999 by reflection that it has gone to fill up a vacuum in the region of the leather belt Hazel Hancock and Freda Collison (2005) – $30 of some early swagman. He will, Gresfordian leaflet – May 1822 – $2 however, probably question 'coachy' as Wood of the Cranes: the Story of St Mary on to whether or not he left the loaf. After Allyn and Caergwrle, Allynbrook and the fording the Paterson near its junction Gentlefolk of the District by Christopher with the Allyn the journey proceeds, Fibbens (2005) – $30 with the mail process repeated at coach is usually so littered with baggage, mail bags, parcels, and even cream cans, that inside travelling, as was the case as far as Paterson, is out of the question.

Graeme Ferguson

• April 2021, p 15

Edgar Marceau the Man and His Photography: a 1920's Photographic Legacy of the Barrington Tops, the Allyn Valley and Its People by Allan Hancock (2016) – $20 Gresford Connections: Stories and Photographs with a Special Meaning for Those with Family Ties or Who Retain Fond Memories of the Gresford District – Vol 1 (2014) and 2 (2015) by Allan Hancock – $15 each volume Lookin' Back – the autobiography of Gerald Capararo by Diane Gallagan (2001) – $25 Memories of the Allyn River by Delma Lawrence, George Sales and Lorraine Ashard – $20 Please contact Delma Lawrence on 4938 9589 for more information and for payment and collection. Meetings of the Gresford District Historical Society are held the second Saturday of each month, at 6 pm at the Therese Doyle Hall, Park Street, East Gresford and new members are always welcome. The Museum is open the first and second Sundays of each month from 10 am to 2 pm. By Ivan Skaines and Allan Hancock, Gresford District Historical Society

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Gresford and District Landcare – Last Autumn Twilight Meeting Twenty-five enthusiastic landcarers met for their monthly meeting at the Addison property “The Falls”, the entrance to which is at the intersection of the Allyn River and Bingleburra Roads. To a backdrop of a bit of lightning, a bit of thunder, some rain drops and heavy clouds clearing later to a beautiful pink twilight sky, the group gathered on the broad deck overlooking the Allyn River and the falls, after which the property is named. Martin Addison treated us to an engaging family history of his treasured farm. The patriarch of the Addison family, Martin’s great grandfather, arrived in Australia in 1838. As Gold Commissioner he covered a vast area and was well acquainted with the Maitland area and some of its oldest families, including the Lindemanns, the Boydells and the Champains. Martin’s grandfather graduated in commerce from Sydney University and joined the CBC Bank, spending some of his career in the Maitland area and marrying a girl from Paterson. It was Martin’s grandfather who acquired The Falls from a Mr. Hudson, but in those days things moved slowly and it took

from 1932 to 1942 for the sale to be finalised. Hard to imagine in these rushed days of instant gratification. Martin’s father, Dr Addison, spent some time at Royal Newcastle Hospital before going into private practice. Martin first remembers coming to The Falls at age 6 from Sydney, when the journey took an eye-watering 8 hours. No freeways, no Hawkesbury bridge back in those days

and “weekenders” were not even thought of. Martin fell in love with The Falls from that moment, a love affair that has continued and sustained him throughout his life. In 1965 Martin’s father asked him to take over management of the property and in 1971 Martin and Carolyn bought out the rest of the family and became the sole owners of The Falls.

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• April 2021, p 17

Gresford District Community Group News At first the property was run as a dairy with share farmers and Martin paid special tribute to his wife for stepping up and taking on the dairying with him when the share farmers had their annual holidays. He noted that the one thing she refused to do was the actual milking of the cows, thus ensuring that she could never be left to manage the milking on her own. As Martin would be the first to acknowledge: a case of brains as well as beauty. Under Martin’s stewardship the farm increased in size, peaking at about 2,000 acres. Martin also embarked on a major program of pasture improvement. The dairy closed in 1999, dairy cows being replaced by a beef cattle herd. Martin gradually reduced his holding to the 250 acres he holds today. The property consists of 74 largely irrigated acres on one side of the Allyn River and 176 on the other side. In his retirement Martin has found great satisfaction in trying out new practices and improving his use of the land. Above all, in his twilight years, Martin is just enjoying his small jewel of a property and what he considers to be an idyllic lifestyle.

The Gresford and District Community Group did not meet this month, too many away enjoying themselves, so shorten newsletter this month and different things to write about.

• St Mary-on-Allyn, 844 Allyn River Road, Allynbrook • Jupps Cemetery, Park St, East Gresford • St Anne’s Anglican Cemetery, Church Street, Gresford Congratulations to the President • St Helen’s Catholic Cemetery, Park Mick Kealy and the Gresford Show Street East Gresford Committee and volunteers for a fabulous • Sacred Heart Summerhill Church and and enormously successful 89th Show. Cemetery, 506 Summerhill Road, Summerhill via Vacy Your hard work and new ideas were • St Paul’s Anglican Church Cemetery, instrumental in making the show Duke St, Paterson possible. Even the weather was brilliant. • Paterson Cemetery, Webbers Creek Interested in tracing your family history, Road, Paterson wishing to know more about local Columbarium – a memorial wall history, have you often had visitors and • St Johns Anglican Church at 783 not sure where to take them and would Gresford Road Vacy like something different to do. • St Mary-on-Allyn, 844 Allyn River Road, Allynbrook Why not visit our local cemeteries. • St Anne’s Anglican Cemetery, Church Following are some cemeteries and Street, Gresford columbariums in the Gresford district, included on this list are the two in Remember the next edition of the Paterson, are there anymore? Gresford News will be available online from the 1 April. Visit https://www.gresfordnsw.com.au/ category/church-cemeteries/cemetries/, The Gresford and District Community this site will give you the listing for Group next meeting is scheduled for some and also the list and inscriptions 6pm on Tuesday 6 April, at the CWA at each. rooms in Durham Street.

Dungog

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Shane Moss B.Sc. M.Chiro.


G resford News • April 2021

The

, p 18

Dungog Shire Council Focus in and around Gresford The Federal blackspot funding received by the Council for sections of Bingleburra Road has now been spent and the works completed, including a new section of road heading uphill from Turnbulls’ Dairy. The sections of road widening and road barricades have made this very scenic but challenging road much safer for both locals and tourists to lobby Government to take action on to traverse. climate, which the Council believes is a Flying foxes are a topic that often expose win-win. It can create new jobs, unlock some passionate opinions. The Shire has economic opportunities and avoid 9 flying-fox camps, 4 on public land and worsening climate impacts. 5 on private land. One of the Shire’s current camps is located at East Gresford At its March meeting the Council beside the bridge over the Allyn River. A approved what has been a most contentious development application for perfect location for a flying fox, with 4 chicken sheds at Torryburn. On the dense vegetation, a closed canopy and strength of expert planning advice, that near a water source. At its March the development was permissible on meeting the Council resolved to place land zoned agricultural, and that all on public exhibition the draft Dungog issues of concern had been addressed, it Shire Flying Fox Management Plan. A would have been difficult for the copy is available on Council’s website Council to otherwise. However residents and the community are encouraged to are assured that all of their submissions make submissions. were carefully considered and that the The Council joined the Cities Power development will be required to comply Partnership late last year, and is now with all of the large number of part of Australia’s largest network of conditions imposed on it. local governments acting on climate Mayor John Connors change. This Partnership will continue

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

Bingleburra Road Landslip Steve Hitchens Executive Manager - Infrastructure & Assets, Dungog Shire Council Thurs 25 March 2021 There has been a number of significant and minor landslips on Bingleburra Rd. Council engaged a geotechnical engineer who attended the site on Tuesday this week. Regrettably, the site conditions, vegetation and water still coming out of the rock face prevented a more in depth inspection at that time. The geotechnical engineer advised that the road should remain closed until a further inspection can be undertaken. Council is currently seeking suitably qualified contractors to remove vegetation from the affected areas to allow for that more comprehensive inspection to be undertaken. Council is expecting this will occur next week and will have further information regarding the works required and timeframes following that inspection and report.


G resford News

The

• April 2021, p 19

Gresford News April 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 Helen’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.

March 2021 crossword answers

Crossword kindly provided by Russel Jessop.


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