Gresford News August 2018

resford News G

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News of the communities of the Paterson and Allyn River Valleys August 2018

First substantial frost for the year Mid July saw early morning temperatures fall below 0°C with many locals waking up to a frosty reception. Photo kindly provided by Ivan Skaines.

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

The Gresford News Community Diary Sun 5 Aug Scorps ladies last home Sunday game and BBQ, SunScorp Stadium East Gresford, 10.00am Mon 6 Aug CWA International Day, St. Anne's Church Hall Fri 10 Aug Koalas in the Pub – Find out about our local Koalas – A talk with Q+A, Hotel Beatty, 6.00pm Fri 10 Aug Gresford Community Dinner, Hotel Beatty, 6.30pm Sat 11 Aug Community Owned Renewable Energy–Expert panel discussion with Q+A, James Theatre Dungog, 3.00pm Sat 11 Aug The BEST of SCINEMA: Int Science Film Festival + special guests, James Theatre Dungog, 7.00pm Sat 11 Aug Public meeting: the future of St John’s Anglican Church Lostock, St John’s Anglican Church Hall, 7.00pm Sun 12 Aug BLUE the Film, Q&A panel + drinks & nibbles, James Theatre Dungog, 3.00pm Mon 13 Aug Gresford Amateur Performing Society AGM, Main Hall Gresford School of Arts, 7.30pm Fri-Sat 17-18 Aug AGOG! A Feast of Foreign Films, James Theatre, Dungog Sat-Sun 18-19 Aug Koala Count – Surveyors needed for Community Koala survey, Upper Allyn River area Sun 19 Aug Community Markets, Hotel Beatty, 9.00am Sun 19 Aug Live music, Hotel Beatty, 1.00pm Tues 21 Aug Gresford School of Arts AGM, Main Hall Gresford School of Arts, 7.30pm Fri-Sat 24-25 Aug Gresford Campdraft and Rodeo, Gresford Showground Sun 26 Aug Paterson Car Boot Sale & Spring Fair, 8.00am Tues 28 Aug Annual Mission Lunch, St Anne’s Church Hall, Gresford, 11.30am Sun 9 Sep Vacy Village Country Carnival, 9.00am Sat 15 Sep Presentation day – Scorpions juniors and seniors, SunScorp Stadium East Gresford, 10.00am Sat-Sun 15-16 Sep Pryde's EasiFeed Hunter Polo Challenge, Wirragulla Polo Club ground, Tabbil Creek, Dungog Sat 22 Sep Gresford Public School 150th birthday Mon 8 Oct Gresford District Community Group AGM (not the usual date due to long w'end), Hotel Beatty, 6.30pm Mon/Tues Social ladies tennis starts, Mon or Tues mornings, Gresford Tennis Courts, 9.30–11.00am Tuesdays Spring/summer mixed Tuesday nights tennis, 7.30–9.30pm Mon & Wed Vacy and Gresford Dance Centre at Vacy School of Arts Hall Tuesdays Vacy and Gresford Dance Centre at Gresford School of Arts Hall Friday afternoons Junior tennis coaching, Gresford Tennis Courts 1st Sun each month Fresh Home Grown Produce Day at Vacy General Store. Money goes back to grower.

1st Mon each month Gresford District Community Group Meeting, 6.30pm, 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) 1st & 2nd Sun each month Gresford Historical Centre (Therese Doyle Hall) 10am-2pm & by appt. Ph George Sales 4938 9639 2nd Mon each month Gresford Historical Society Meeting, Therese Doyle Hall, 10.30am (not Dec, Jan or June) 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 & Thur (school terms) Hunter Mobile Preschool, Vacy School of Arts Hall, 9.00am 49346725 Every Tue & Fri (school terms) Hunter Mobile Preschool, Gresford School of Arts, 9.00am 49346725 Every Thur Happy hour and free pool and jukebox at the Hotel Beatty Every Fri Cricket Club Raffles at the Hotel Beatty Every Wed & Fri (school terms) Yoga with Donna Cavanough, Wed–gentle, Fri–general, Vacy School of Arts Hall, 9.15am Every Wed Gresford PlayTime, children 0-5 & carers, Gresford School of Arts, 10.00am Every Sunday The Gresford Congregational Church welcomes you, 10.30am

To contact Gresford News: email gresfordnews@iinet.net.au • Brian Doherty 0412 372 687 • Jane Richens 0425 339 856

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• August 2018, p 5

Gresford News Notices Koalas in the Pub

Friday 10 August, 6.30pm, Hotel Beatty Find out about our local Koalas – A talk with Q+A Local ecologist, John Simpson, and Martin Fallding from the National Parks Association will talk about local koalas, their upcoming koala survey and answer questions.

Then stay on for the Gresford Community Dinner and meet some other locals!

Gresford Community Dinner Friday 10 August, 6.30pm, Hotel Beatty Bookings Bernie 4938 9451

PUBLIC MEETING

Discussing The future of St John’s Anglican Church Lostock To be held on Saturday 11th August, 2018 at 7.00pm At St John’s Anglican Church Hall.

Gresford District Community Group AGM

Wirragulla Polo

Gresford Public School is celebrating its 150th anniversary in September.

If you are able to volunteer for this event please contact the school.

15-16 September The Pryde's EasiFeed Hunter Polo Challenge is a great family day out at the Wirragulla Polo Club ground, Tabbil Creek, Dungog. It will be fast and exciting polo, with top players competing and over 200 horses. Watch picnic polo at its best in a picturesque setting. Canteen and bar will be available. Dinner function at the Ground on Saturday night.

Visit wirragullapoloclub.com.au for more information.

Helpful Hints

Koala Count

Monday 8 October, 6.30pm, Hotel Beatty Note: this date is different to our usual meeting date due to the October long weekend.

Help wanted

Sat 18 & Sun 19 Aug, Upper Allyn River provided by Delma Lawrence Surveyors needed for Community Koala • Clean artificial flowers by survey – You don’t need to be an expert shaking them in a plastic bag with a learn from professional ecologists. generous dash of salt.

The survey is being conducted by the • Your white cutting boards will come up National Parks Association of NSW beautifully if you scrub them with (Hunter Branch) in association with the toothpaste then wash as usual.

Paterson Allyn Williams Science Hub. • Clean and polish shoes quickly by The weekend provides an opportunity to spraying with hair spray then visit and learn about this beautiful area, wiping off with a soft cloth. generate important scientific data and • To repel cockroaches mix equal parts have fun in the bush. Come for one day of borax and sugar and place in a or the whole weekend. cockroach infested area. Easy!

See ad for registration details.

Vacy General Store Looking for something different why not check out Vacy General Store – Beautiful little Country Store now Serving Breakfast on weekends.

A little bit of what you can get at our country Store: NUNDLE Smoked Trout • Frozen Salmon portions Hunter Belle Cheese • Beautiful gift lines Rawleigh Products • Great Coffee & Cakes Cards & Wrapping • Convenience Grocery Lines Great range of Magazines & Newspapers Wallarobba Free Range eggs • Local Honey Hot BBQ Chooks on Saturday or Sunday Clarencetown Bread • Fresh sliced meat Olives • Oils • Chutneys and sauces Premium fuel Why not drop in for morning tea or lunch.

Sandwiches fresh or toasted focaccia's quiche or lasagna, home made pies & family Pie.

Fresh Home Grown Produce Day is on 1st Sunday of Each Month at Vacy General Store.

Money goes back to grower. Should you have produce, home made pickles or plants please contact us.

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Community Owned Renewable Energy panel discussion – an opportunity There is a bumper program of events happening in the Dungog region during National Science Week 11–19 August 2018. Paterson Allyn Williams Science Hub and supporting groups are presenting 5 FREE public events – 3 at the James Theatre Dungog, 2 in the Gresford/Upper Allyn area.

SAT 11 AUG, 3–5PM, JAMES THEATRE C.O.R.E! Community Owned Renewable Energy – Expert panel discussion with Q+A – What is it, Why now and Could this be Our Energy future?

like us on Facebook for updates Paterson Allyn Williams Science Hub.

initiate, develop, operate, own and/or benefit from a project.

C.O.R.E! Community Owned Renewable Energy – Expert panel discussion with Q+A Many communities around Australia are taking the lead and realising the opportunities of localised power generation and distribution to benefit their communities.

CORE presents an opportunity for communities across Australia, particularly in regional areas, to create a steady income stream to fund community development projects over the next 25+ years. The panel will use examples of existing projects to discuss the concept, the environmental, social, economic, technological and political benefits that can result. They will explore the hurdles that may need to be overcome, and share information on where additional help can be sourced should communities in the Dungog region wish to undertake such a project.

A panel of experts has been invited to present to the community at this event: Jarra Hicks of Community Power SAT 11 AUG, 7PM, JAMES THEATRE The BEST Agency, David Marston of Energise of SCINEMA: International Science Film Gloucester and Sandi Middleton of Festival 2018 + special guests Enova Community Energy will explain what it is, why now and could it SUN 12 AUG, 3PM, JAMES THEATRE BLUE the Film + Q&A panel + drinks & nibbles + Meet be part of Gresford and the Dungog region’s energy future. The MC for the scientists/conservationists + celebrate Dungog event will be Christopher Saunders the Boomerang Bags 2nd Birthday! general manager of Renew Newcastle.

FRI 10 AUG, 6PM, Hotel Beatty, East Gresford Community Power Agency define Koalas in the Pub – Find out about our local Community Owned Renewable Energy Koalas – A talk with Q+A (CORE) as being developed in response SAT 18 & SUN 19 AUG, Upper Allyn River area to the fundamental challenges of climate Koala Count – Surveyors needed for Community change, regional economic development, Koala survey energy access and affordability. CORE involves creating community owned and Visit our new website for more community run renewable energy information www.pawsciencehub.com or projects. It allows a group of people to

Some of the community benefits that have been attributed to CORE projects: • Local ownership and decision making • Community building and empowerment • Renewable energy education and training • Renewable energy industry development • Energy self sufficiency • Regional development and income diversification • Community assets

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for Gresford + other local events during National Science Week in August • Local jobs • Shareholder income • Community income • GHG emissions reduction • Increase in environmental values and behaviour

BLUE the Film + Q&A panel + drinks & nibbles + Meet scientists/conservationists + celebrate Dungog Boomerang Bags 2nd Birthday!

“BLUE is a cinematic song for our oceans; beautiful, intimate and grand. Fearlessly truth-telling, yet passionately hopeful.

This event is supported by Sustaining the See this film and you will want to rise up Williams Valley Inc. with the waves.” Greenpeace Australia The BEST of SCINEMA: International Science Film Festival 2018 + special guests - filmmakers and agronomist from the ‘Grassroots’ documentary.

The program is Rated (M) contains films with nudity and mild sex scenes.

This is a great program for film and science lovers. SCINEMA is the largest science film festival in the southern hemisphere and showcases the best in science cinema from around the world.

The program features nine winning films selected by the festival jury from 1,539 entries.

Filmmakers Frank Oly and Tegan Nock who produced the ‘Grassroots ‘ documentary, and Agronomist Guy Webb who features in it will form a Q&A panel alongside the Dungog SCINEMA screening.

Our ocean has been the guardian of life on earth but half of all marine life has been lost in the last 40 years. The tide has come for change. Now it is our turn to be guardians for the ocean. BLUE is a provocative journey into the ocean realm, witnessing this critical moment in time when the marine world is on a precipice.

There will be a Q&A panel with scientists/conservationists from our region – Maddison Carbery, Melissa McCabe and Mitch Burrows – following the screening with drinks and nibblies provided.

We invite all in the community to this free event as we celebrate working together for Reduce ReUse Recycle.

This event is supported by Dungog Boomerang Bags.

FRI 10 AUG, 6PM, Hotel Beatty, East Gresford Koalas in the Pub – Find out about our local Koalas – A talk with Q+A + stay for the Community Dinner. If staying for dinner give Bernie a ring on 49389451 to make catering easier.

SAT 18 & SUN 19 AUG, Upper Allyn River area Koala Count – Surveyors needed for Community Koala survey For more information and contact details for the two koala events, see the full page ad in this edition of the Gresford News. The two koala events are supported by National Parks Association (Hunter Region).

About Paterson Allyn Williams Science Hub (PAWSH) Paterson Allyn Williams Science Hub is a voluntary collaboration between community organisations and individuals presenting science based events that are relevant to communities in the Dungog region. PAWSH has presented 25 events since 2016 and is supported by Inspiring Australia and the NSW Government.

Contact for PAWSH information: Brian Doherty or Jane Richens 0412 372 687

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Community Group supports fairer road funding

by Brian Doherty

services. The proposed rat increase would be: year 1&2 at 15% each year, years 3–5 at 10% each year and years 6&7 at 6% each year. Council is interested in feedback and there is information on Council's website – www.dungog.nsw. gov.au/council/special-rate-variation.

At the July meeting of the Gresford Community Group another option was At the special rate variation meeting, Gresford School of Arts, Thursday 12 July discussed. Since State Government policies influence many of these Community meetings to review special up with the cost of delivering services. problems the meeting felt it would be an The State Government also shifted rate variation proposals were held around opportune time to start a letter writing responsibility and costs for roads in a the shire in July. The meeting held at campaign. The next State election is restructure of road funding and many Gresford School of Arts on Thurs 12 July scheduled for March 2019. After the last grants from both tiers of Government was attended by councillors, local residents, and council staff who outlined require $ for $ funding. Dungog Shire is election our seat was in the marginal category with a 2.2% margin and the where we are, how we got there and what not alone in this regard. Rural councils with smaller populations and large road Labor shadow roads minister, Jodi options are being considered to improve networks are generally disadvantaged in McKay, has already raised Dungog roads the sustainability of Dungog Shire. funding as an election issue. current road grant arrangements.

Where we are. Dungog Shire currently If you think we deserve fairer road does not meet 6 of the 7 benchmarks set What are the options? At the funding now is a good time to write to consultation meeting two options were in the 'Fit for the Future' review. the sitting Nationals member and tell put forward. 1) A 'Base case' where rates him so. Letters should be addressed to:How did we get here? Most of the increase by the NSW Government's rate factors leading to the current situation peg of aprox 2.5% per year which would Michael Johnsen MP, Member Upper Hunter, 20 Bridge Street, Muswellbrook, have been external to council. The State lead to continuing debit and the loss of NSW 2333. To make sure the letter gets Government introduced 'rate pegging' services. 2) A rate increase over 7 years to Michael, write 'Attention Jackie' in the limits on Local Councils in the 1970s that would meet the asset maintenance top left hand corner of the envelope. renewal costs and retain existing which has meant revenue has not kept

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• August 2018, p 9

DUNGOG Fri 10 August 2018, 6pm, Hotel Beatty, East Gresford

Koalas in the Pub Find out about our local koalas

+

Followed by the

Gresford Community Dinner

Sat 18 & Sun 19 August 2018, Upper Allyn River area

Koala Count Surveyors needed

You don’t need to be an expert – learn from professional ecologists.

2 events coming up • Koalas in the Pub – local koalas talk...

Local ecologist John Simpson and Martin Fallding from the National Parks Association will be at the Hotel Beatty to talk about koalas, their upcoming koala survey and to answer your koala questions. Then stay on for the Gresford Community Dinner and meet some other locals! This will be an entertaining night at the Beatty. If staying for dinner give Bernie a ring on 49389451 to make catering easier.

National Parks Association of NSW www.npansw.org

(Hunter Branch) in association with

• Community Koala Survey – in the Upper

Allyn River area on the weekend of 18/19 August.

The survey is being conducted by the National Parks Association of NSW (Hunter Branch) in association with the Paterson Allyn Williams Science Hub. The weekend provides an opportunity to visit and learn about this beautiful area, generate important scientific data, have fun in the bush, and help with the campaign to have the area protected as part of the adjacent Barrington Tops National Park. Come for one day or the whole weekend. Free camping at the Allyn River.

To register for the survey: John Simpson 0400 364 080 or Martin Fallding 6571 1208 before Mon 13 August.

To find out more details visit the Paterson Allyn Williams Science Hub Facebook page This initiative is supported by Inspiring Australia and the NSW Government

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CWA News

Jennifer Waterman, Teena Inkster, Linda Jackson, Andrew Inkster

Early July saw us host the Hunter River Group Agriculture and Environment Day. About 60 attendees heard speakers

On Monday, August 6 our Branch will hold an International Morning Tea in St. Anne’s Parish Hall, 9.30am for a 10.00am start. Our country of study this Melanie Collingwood-Boots, Tar10; Eric Huber, Earthcare Park and Julie Nicholas, year is the Republic of Poland. There will be a poster display and presentation by Maitland Orchid Society speak. the Gresford school children. All are Attendees learned much about welcome to attend and entry is $5.

Pomegranates, the Environment and Orchids and were later served a lunch of RSVP by Monday, July 30 to hot soup, sandwiches and wraps and an Jill Hancock 4938 9718 or email array of scones and slices. gresfordcwa@gmail.com.

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 Email yatta2@bigpond.com

Would you love to earn some Brownie Points with your mum this Mother's Day? Why not book her in for a Pamper or buy her a gift voucher so she can have a complete pamper when it suits her.

We have an Indulgent Mother's Day Package available just for her.

Looking forward to being able to pamper you for your Hair & Beauty in the salon soon.

The Quaint Team Andrea, Josie, Annette, Demee, Kelly & Prue 803A Gresford Rd Vacy.

Ph: 49 388 386

Sharyn Buck, HRG Treasurer; Mary Wingent, HRG Ag & Environment Officer; Joyce Byron, Gresford Member

The Country Women’s Association of NSW has announced $100,000 will be released from its Disaster Relief fund to help farm families in NSW struggling with worsening drought conditions. CWA of NSW President Annette Turner said, “Releasing this money from the Disaster Relief Fund is something tangible we can do for these families in need. We can’t make it rain but we can try to ease a little of their short-term financial pain. We appreciate it’s only a small

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amount compared with the level of hardship out there, but this funding is designed to help people with the household needs and expenses they have right now.” Since the fund was established in 2006\2007 more than $1.37 million has been given to victims of fire, flood, drought and other natural disasters across the state. For application information and criteria related to the drought relief grants go to www. cwaofnsw.org.au/droughtaid.

or would you just like to meet new people? Why not come and join us. We meet the 1st Thursday of the month at 9.30am in the CWA rooms, 12 Durham Rd, East Gresford. We are a great bunch of ladies and would love to have you join us. For more information contact the Secretary on 4938 9718, email gresfordcwa@gmail.com or check-out our web site www.gresfordcwa@ wordpress.com We welcome new member Christine Andrews.

Book Club meets the 2nd Saturday of Members please note: Our Annual each month in the CWA rooms. Our General Meeting will be held September 6 and it would be good to next meeting is Saturday, August 11 at see as many members as possible at the meeting.

3.00pm and the book for discussion is “The Distant Hours” by Kate Morton.

Have you availed yourself of the CWA Street Library? It is an initiative of the Book Club, sits on the front fence of our building and is available to anyone who is interested in reading. Books are changed on a regular basis and are free to take, return or replace and should be of an acceptable standard to the general public.

French classes are held on the 1st

New Members Are you new to the

and 3rd Wednesday of each month.

Classes commence at 11.00am. Give Glenda Smith a call on 49389456 if you would like to join the group or would like more details. Everyone welcome. A gold coin donation for printing costs is appreciated.

Our next meeting is Thursday, August 2 hope to see you there.

area, do you have time on your hands

Jill Hancock, Secretary

• August 2018, p 11

On the Shelves

by Glenda Smith My Sister’s Keeper

Jodi Picoult

In many ways this is a story of our times, where a genetically matched baby, Anna, is created to become her sister’s medical donor; but it is also a story of a family with stress fractures created by the older Kate’s leukaemia. The book is harder edged than the film released in 2009 because of a major twist, and the different narrative viewpoints give insight into the characters that shows the family dynamic very well. A side-plot involves Anna’s lawyer and his own health issues that have skewed his life, which adds to the drama.

Picoult is a practised writer, and the narrative progresses in a slick, sometimes wise-cracking kind of way, which is probably designed to stop it being maudlin, but there are also issues of life and death; the joys and griefs of parenting; and the right to selfdetermination that are dealt with convincingly and movingly. Overall, this is an absorbing novel.

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.

Caring for the families of the Hunter since 1889

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Landcare weed of the month – Mother-of-millions (Bryophyllum spp.)

Mother-of millions (Bryophyllum spp.)

MORE INFORMATION Poisonous Plants

A native plant of Madagascar whose flowers have made it a popular garden plant. Unfortunately, mother-of-millions is highly toxic to stock!

Handbook for Farmers & Graziers by EJ McBarron, Inkata Press. NSW Department of Primary Industries has on its weeds website a Primefact on this weed.

The plant’s ability to reproduce in large numbers and to withstand droughts explains why it has escaped from gardens and rubbish tips to become a serious problem in many rural areas.

CONTROL METHODS

Mother-of millions is well named. Each plant produces thousands of plantlets which detach to form new plants. A succulent, and drought-tolerant, most of these plant parts will survive.

Non-Chemical Options: Plants can be removed and burnt or stored in black plastic bags until completely destroyed.

Encourage a strong pasture competition.

Biological control: “South African citrus thrips” are present in southern Two species of Mother-of-millions Qld and northern NSW. The thrips are are two responses to poisoning; acute, having a significant impact on large where cattle die within a day, and chronic, mother-of-millions infestations and where cattle may take up to 5 days to die. flowering (the most dangerous feature Mother-of millions, particularly the Cattle can slowly recover if insufficient of the plant) has generally been reduced flowers, can be VERY POISONOUS. In plant material was eaten. Vet’s treatment of significantly. More information is one case 125 head of cattle died after poisoned stock must occur within 24 hours available on the Queensland Dept of feeding on mother-of-millions on a Agriculture & Fisheries (website) travelling stock reserve, Moree area, 1997. of plant material consumption. The treatment is intense and needs to be given factsheet P33 Jun 2013.

Greatest risk is when the plant is in by or under the direction of a veterinarian.”

Chemical Options: Winter is the best flower, and especially during dry times time to treat mother-of-millions. The when feed is scarce. And, when cattle are IDENTIFICATION The plants grow plants are then in flower and easier to upright (to 1m) thin “stems”, each stressed or in unfamiliar territory.

To quote from the Queensland Department of containing numerous small “branches” or find. See NSW DPI’s booklet “Noxious and Environmental Weed Control Handbook Agriculture & Fisheries Fact Sheet on mother- leaves. There are also hybrid versions 4th Edition”, for chemical treatments or which have similar flowers but serrated of-millions, “POISONING SYMPTOMS in visit www.northwestweeds.com.au/ “branches”. Each leaf produces many cattle include signs of dullness, loss of plantlets. The plant flowers in the winter. sample-page/mother-of-millions appetite, diarrhea and heart failure. There

Thursday Cricket Club Raffle: Throughout August the proceeds of the cricket club raffle will go to drought relief. The raffle is drawn at 7pm on thursday evening.

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• August 2018, p 13

AUGUST NEWSLETTER ‘ALLYNDALE', 3108 Allyn River Rd, Upper Allyn. Stunning 267 acres.

STILL A SELLERS MARKET! BRAND NEW SALE

“Allyndale”, Listed $1.55 Million.

SOLD to Buyers from Central Coast for $1.53 Million plus farm equipment, plus stock etc.

LIST NOW AND SELL. DON’T WAIT FOR SPRING, BUYERS ARE LOOKING NOW!

There are more Buyers than Listings currently on the market.

You can list quietly now, and you may sell without any major advertising from my very active Data Base.

Phone Pamela Munson 0427207542.

Always Happy to talk about Property.

Free advice on property styling and presentation.

Selling all types of Country, Houses in Villages, Luxury Properties, Small Acres to large Productive Farms.

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Culture Vulture

by Robyn Werkhoven

Greetings Culture Vulture readers.

Great news and congratulations to Dungog textile artist Gerdi Schumacher, who was awarded first in the Sustainable Wearable Art section at the Fleece to Fashion Awards 2018, held at Armidale NSW. Gerdi designs and makes elegant garments and accessories from felted fabric, they are available at Dungog by Design, 224 Dowling Street, Dungog, in the Hunter Valley, NSW. Congratulations to local Dungog artist Sarah Turrin who was one of the 42 finalists selected for the prestigious Royal Art Society of N.S.W. Young Artist Prize for ages 18-30.

Sarah Turrin studied fine arts at the Australian National University, ACT. Her painting “Rainbow Mountains” in oil was inspired by a hike she took in Peru.

Judged by Kon Gouriotis, (Editor of Artist Profile magazine), the art prize showcased amazing talent with the first prize of $5,000 awarded to Michael Simms for his portrait “Professor Roberta Shepherd”.

CONCERNING PEACE at Maitland

The Young Artist Prize is a new initiative of the Royal Art Society of N.S.W. 25-27 Walker Street North Sydney.

A ‘must see’ art exhibition - twenty five visual artists were invited to express and explore their belief for world peace.

Gallery hours: Mon to Fri 10–4 pm, Sat and Sun 11–4.

Regional Art Gallery.

Exhibition dates 25th August to 25th November. The official opening will be 8th September, 3pm. all welcome.

Private Kill Welcome

Packed and labeled ready for the freezer and your convenience.

Aged for 7–10 days to develop the best flavour your beef has to offer.

Ph 4938 9710

Sarah Turrin

Eric and Robyn Werkhoven created the idea for the exhibition Concerning Peace in response to the present hostile world events. They have always been passionate supporters against war and the injustices perpetrated by greed. Has humanity learnt from it’s past? No, but through all dark times there is Hope.

Nationally recognised artists such as George Gittoes, Kathrin Longhurst,

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Carlos Barrios and Mertim Gokalp will be exhibiting, alongside of some of Newcastle’s leading artists – Peter Gardiner, Peter Tilley and Michael Garth and more. From the Dungog Shire works

by Christine Pike, Shirley CameronRoberts, Helene Leanne, Natalie Duncan and Eric & Robyn Werkhoven.

Concerning Peace is an exhibition not to be missed, powerful works expressing the plight of the human condition and the strength of the human spirit.

ART NEWS: Studio La Primitive ARTS ZINE – July issue is online. https://issuu.com/ robynwerkhoven/docs/arts_zine_ july_2018 The July magazine includes a preview of the forthcoming exhibition Concerning Peace at Maitland Regional Art Gallery 25 August—25 November 2018. Other interviews with Sydney artists include: the dynamic Textile artist Denise Lithgow.

Artist and photographer Bernadette Meyers writes about her work. Realist portrait / figurative painter Vicki Sullivan writes about the exhibition ‘Women Painting Women 2018’

Maggie Hall, artist, writer and photographer features a fascinating in depth interview with Newcastle based photographer Joerg Lehmann. Lorraine Fildes, our resident travel photographer and writer visits Palace of Knossos and the Archaeological Museum of Heraklion on the island of Crete. Glimpses into the past – ancient ruins, pottery, jewellery, Natalie Duncan weapons and ‘the world of the dead.’

• August 2018, p 15

The Anglican Parish of Gresford Paterson invites you to our

ANNUAL MISSION LUNCH Tuesday 28 August 2018 11.30am for 12 noon St Anne’s Church Hall Church Street, Gresford

Guest Speaker Rev Les Forester “A Trip to the Holy Land” Lunch: $15 Raffle: $1 RSVP by 22 August M. Capp 4938 9386 B. Owen 4938 5223

Stewart Everett Mitsubishi Your local Fuel Caltex Service Station

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G resford News • August 2018

The

, p 16

Paterson Allyn Garden Group

Emeritus Professor Tony Smith has devoted his life to the study of plants and their uses in medicines. Our garden club spent an invaluable morning with him, learning about helpful medicinal plants through the ages, those that have been proven to work and those that have no proven efficiacy.

50% of prescription medications originate from plants.

Our medicines fall into three categories: 1. Prescription medicines which must be supervised by a professional.

2. Complementary medicines which are often derived from plants and are available over the counter.

3. Indigenous remedies. Because there is no written culture, it is not easy to get information.

All new complementary or herbal products are reviewed by the Therapeutic Goods Administration for safety and quality but efficacy is NOT assessed.

These are labelled with AUST-L i.e. listed.

All others are labelled AUST-R i.e. registered and have been tested for efficacy.

Complementary medicines Use of these has exploded over the last few years for ”non serious conditions”.

Knowledge for the use of these is often historical.

Prescription medicines Communities have turned to plants for treatments for centuries, until last century when medications started to be synthesised chemically. All early monasteries had their own herbariums and knowledge of medicinal herbs evolved over time. Some early examples of these are: • Heart medication distilled from the leaves of foxglove (Digitalis purpurea) found to reduce fluid accumulation due to heart failure and still used in

Some examples of complementary medicines are: • Valerian. Some evidence of help with sleep.

• St John’s Wort (Hypericum). Can be effective for anxiety or mild depression.

• Echinacea. Reputed to help with Emeritus Professor Tony Smith infection and the immune system different forms today.

BUT Tony is not impressed with • Quinine plant. The bark was found to the evidence. be used by Peruvians for prevention Some of our most toxic substances come of Malaria. from plants e.g. Oleander and Castor • Willow bark (Salix Alba) was used to Oil Plant. make salicylic acid or asprin.

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G resford News

The

Indigenous Remedies With no documentary record it is difficult for researchers to gather information but some work has been done by people such as Dr Peter O’Mara at the University of Newcastle.

Another source of information is Aunty Frances Bodkin of the University of Western Sydney who is a ”holder of knowledge” and an educator at Mt Annan Botanical Gardens.

Historically there have been about 40,000 years of learning about native medicinal plants. In Indigenous communities knowledge was critical for survival and therefore became “sacred”. Each clan has/had it’s own cultivation and custodians, meaning limited people had the knowledge, which helped to guard against it becoming corrupted.

One text called “Traditional Bush Medicine” was published in 1988 by Indigenous people from Northern Territory with the Dept of Health.

Some examples of these plant remedies are: • Duboisia hopwoodii or Pitjun (indig.)

It is chewed and absorbed from the inside of the mouth. After many years

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study the active ingredient was found to be nicotine! It is still grown and used widely by indigenous people today to prevent motion sickness.

• Eucalyptus and Tea Tree oil have become mainstream and there is good evidence for their efficacy.

• Ipomoea pes-caprae (beach morning glory or goats foot vine) Widely used by indigenous people for pain and swelling, bites, stings and stone fish injuries. It is boiled with water and a compress made, then applied to the affected part.

More research continues into the chemistry and effects of traditional medicines. Tony believes that many more discoveries are likely.

CAUTION Patients MUST notify their Doctor if they are taking any complementary medicines because they can interact negatively with prescription medicines.

• August 2018, p 17

We finished our meeting on a good note raising $500 that will go to “Buy a Bale’ for our desperate farmers west of the divide. One of our members sent in a heart felt email.

Dear PAGG members, Liz has told me of your wonderfully generous donation to the 'Buy a Bale' campaign – PAGG raised $500. I know the hay will be gratefully received by farmers affected by this dreadful drought.

Our farm is at Nevertire on the central western plains and has had no rain for over a year with increasing summer temperatures.

We were well prepared for drought with vast amounts of hay and silage stored. However all this is gone and we are sourcing with increasing difficulty feed from as far away as South Australia.

Driving west, the country looks terrible from Dunedoo onwards. The harsh reality of this drought is hard to deal with. People affected by the St Ivan’s fires of last summer have not had rain to help recovery.

Tony willingly answered questions and one that interested everyone was the use So thank you all for your thoughts and of cannabis in medicine. He said generosity, I know it will be put to amazing researchers were still trying to put together use where it is needed most. hard evidence for it’s use in pain relief.

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G resford News • August 2018

The

Mayoral Update 23 July 2018 Special Rates Variation (SRV) The current round of community conversations for the SRV have now been undertaken, with the final of six sessions around the Shire being completed in Vacy last Thursday. If you couldn’t make any of the meetings, there is still the opportunity to have your say. You will find information about the SRV on Council’s website, https://www.dungog. nsw.gov.au/council/special-rate-variation.

We have an email address set up for comment: SRV@dungog.nsw.gov.au. An information sheet and survey will also be sent out with the rates notice. I would like to take this opportunity to sincerely thank all those that gave up their time to attend these meetings and provide feedback and ideas that will help both the Council and the Shire to move forward. I personally enjoyed the conversations.

Temporary Events Council has resolved to have a zero charge for not-for profit organisations who are required to submit Development Applications (DA) for temporary events.

While it has been a practice of Council to consider requests to waive these fees, a new policy was presented for Council’s consideration at last week’s Ordinary Meeting of Council to streamline the process and makes it simpler for both Council officers and applicants alike. The policy is currently on public exhibition and awaiting your feedback – please take a look. If you are not sure whether your temporary event needs a DA, please contact Council’s Planning Department on 49957777.

, p 18

Tracy Precinct Committee Meeting. These meetings are a great opportunity to inform the police of concerns we may have around community safety and to keep them informed of any issues that have been brought to our attention. We are also briefed on policing activities and any issues the police may be having in our community. Please let Digby know if you want matters raised at this meeting.

Digby will also attend a briefing to update Upper Hunter Councils on the Greater Hunter Water Strategy, and a meeting to discuss the progress of the newly formed Upper Hunter Development Corporation. Dungog Shire has been invited to be an associate member of this organisation, with the ability to opt into projects that may benefit us.

From Local State Member, Michael Johnsen The 2019 NSW Seniors Festival events and activities provides opportunities for older people to not only enjoy entertainment, but to get involved and share their talents with our community.

Local organisations in the Upper Hunter (can) apply for a share of $200,000 to host events that encourage older generations to join in or feature in the Festival. Applications are now open for Seniors Festival grants with local councils, volunteer groups and community organisations to apply to show their appreciation for seniors.

The Festival will run from February 13-24 and organisations are encouraged to plan events now, with 3 funding categories available, including Tier 1 grants of up to $1000 for small-scale local events or Meetings It has been terrific having members of the activities targeted at community organisations and schools; and Tier 2 community come along to our Ordinary grants from $1001-$5000 for local events Meetings. On Wednesday evening, a number of people joined us in the gallery targeted at larger organisations. for the July Ordinary Meeting and Grant applications close at 5pm on Friday watched Council in action. A number of 10 August. important decisions were made including Council resolving to support a unique Mobile Office environmentally important approach to a Here is my August itinerary for my sawmill business here in Dungog. It was mobile office: good to receive reports from Committees Monday 6 August: John Tucker Park, that manage important facilities for the Paterson 9am – midday community on behalf of Council and to Monday 13 August: Clarence Town adopt the Dungog Shire Emergency School of Arts: 10 am – midday and Management Plan. outside Bandon Grove School of Arts Deputy Mayor, Digby Rayward, will be 1pm-3pm attending a number of important Monday 20 August: Outside of Gresford meetings on my behalf over the next School of Arts 9am-midday then outside couple of weeks while I am away. Digby of Vacy School of arts 1pm-3pm will be attending the next Port Stephens Monday 27 August: Clarence Town Hunter Police District Community Safety School of Arts, 10am-midday and outside

Norman, Mayor Dungog Shire Council Bandon Grove School of Arts 1pm-3pm.

Apart from when I’m in Clarence Town sharing a space with the Boomerang Bag Ladies and Dungog Shire Community Centre’s Nourish, I will be hanging out in my mobile office, AKA my RV, so look out for that.

I’ll provide further dates closer to September.

9 July 2018 Rotary Changeover Dinner General Manager (GM), Coralie Nichols, and I attended a Rotary dinner meeting and the GM spoke about the warm welcome she has had from the Dungog Shire Community, and about Dave Sands Memorial Project to be undertaken jointly

by Rotary and Council.

Bob Curtin took over the reins from Bev Irwin at Rotary on Saturday evening and I wish him well. I would like to congratulate Bev for all that Rotary has achieved during her year as President and for her fantastic efforts in trying to attract new members to the organisation. Jim Olsen recognised the sheer quantum of Bev’s undertakings for Rotary in his speech and I’m pleased that her efforts have been recognised in Jim’s kind words.

Bev will continue her hard work for Rotary as Secretary.

Bev’s latest vision has been the restoration of the Dave Sands Memorial, which, as mentioned above, is to be undertaken in partnership with Council.

Rotary’s motto for this year is Be Inspiring and Bev has certainly been that as, no doubt, Bob will be in the coming year.

Gresford RFS Celebrates 60 Years Saturday marked the 60th birthday of the Gresford RFS, and I was honoured to attend the celebration and to help hand out awards for years of service to the brigade. Congratulations to all the award recipients and thank you for all you do to keep us safe and to provide services to other community groups.

Community Meetings The GM and Ward Councillors have met with some residents north of Dungog, who have expressed their concerns about their dealings with Hunter Water Corporation over water supply.

Councillors and key staff have also met with landholders affected by the access road between Clements and Torryburn Rds. Council is listening to residents and working towards finding solutions that are acceptable to all concerned.

Regional Infrastructure NSW

G resford News

The

Deputy Mayor, Digby Rayward, the GM and I met with Ken Gillespie, Don Murray and Phil Anderson from the Office of the Regional Infrastructure Coordinator, Department of Premier and Cabinet. Ken has been appointed by the Premier to review critical/complex issues with the aim of moving regional infrastructure projects forward in regional NSW. We covered many pertinent issues, including the Brig’O Johnson Bridge in Clarence Town, other bridge issues and the inequity of the Government’s roads funding models. We also discussed broadband connectivity and telecommunication black spots across the Shire and Council’s ability to be ready to capitalise on projects and funding opportunities as they arise.

One of the most positive take outs from this meeting is the agreement we reached on the exorbitant cost of the Brig’O Johnson Bridge situation, with the Roads and Maritime Services (RMS) to spend somewhere in the vicinity of $14-16 million on maintaining the bridge as a heritage item, while Council needs to build a new bridge at a cost of around $11 million. They promised to go into bat for us on this one. I’m sure we could find a better use for $27 million to help

solve our backlog issues.

Another positive was our discussion around the RMS’s investigation into road classifications. Over the coming two years, the RMS will be reassessing the three road classifications of local, regional and state roads and we have been invited to put forward our issues around the methodologies used.

• August 2018, p 19

royalty for the water extracted from Dungog Shire, but that won’t stop me trying and I will keep up the pressure.

9 July 2018 Meeting with Worimi Local Aboriginal Land Council

Dungog Shire General Manager (GM), Coralie Nichols has made contact with CEO of the Worimi Local Aboriginal Hunter Water Corporation (HWC) Land Council, Andrew Smith, to see how We also met with HWC Managing we may engage with and better Director, Jim Bentley and Assets Manager, understand the Worimi culture and the Darren Cleary. We updated them on the unique connection to land here in the concerns expressed by the residents north Dungog Shire. of Dungog, mentioned above. We also discussed ways that Hunter Water can be From State Local Member, Michael a good neighbour and ways in which we Johnsen Councils and arts, screen and culture can work together as partners. One organisations in the Upper Hunter are suggestion is to provide each other with invited to apply for funding through Part our capital works program each year, so 2 of the NSW Government’s Regional that if there is an opportunity to share resources or equipment, it can be quickly Cultural Fund. realised. We also discussed the possibility Applications close on 21 September 2018. of HWC building a cycle and walking For further details, see track alongside the pipeline. They have www.nsw.gov.au/regionalculturalfund promised to consider this as they relocate sections of the pipeline underground in * If you want to be kept updated the coming years. via email on council & I have yet to convince Jim to join me in community matters, email me at: my representations to State Government tracy.norman@dungog.nsw.gov.au arguing that Dungog Shire should be paid

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G resford News • August 2018

The

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Gresford Vacy Football Club GVFC attains Level 1 Club accreditation The mighty Scorpions have recently attained a Level 1 club accreditation from NNSW and FFA, reflecting the great efforts our club administration, coaches, support staff and volunteers provide our community club. Well done all !

2018 Club Social Function – Karaoke Night – Saturday 28th July – Beatty Hotel Gresford Its nearly here. Time again to warm up the vocal cords, rehearse the dance routines and plan your attire as you wish. Kris and Damo from Dads Army O35s will host the Biennial Scorpion Karaoke night at the Beatty. Dinner is optional, $5 a song, Junior parents and seniors all welcome from 6:30pm.

No dress code but song related outfits strongly encouraged. A bus may well be available for those wanting a Plan B option.

Ladies Last Home Sunday Game and BBQ – 5th August – 10am Kick off

GAPS Still Going!

progression of the new squad. Our Ladies team has really stepped up and have come a long way from the start of the season and would love for the local community and club members to support them on the day and share a BBQ meal post game.

Presentation Day – Juniors and Seniors The Scorpions Junior presentation day is on Saturday 15th Sept from 9am at SunScorp Stadium East Gresford, with lunch and buckets of fun provided.

The Scorpions Senior presentation is the same evening at the Beatty Hotel from 6pm. Meal provided for registered senior players. Partners and others $25 each additional.

Any questions or information please contact Fritz Woller on M: 0419 275 760 Email: gresfordvacyfc@outlook.com Web: gresfordvacyfc.teamapp.com OR scorps.com.au Go the Scorps !

The Lady Scorpettes team would like all their supporters to attend this last home game to come and watch their

I was recently approached by some local people asking what GAPS “was doing and even if GAPS was still going?”.

Well the answer is a definite YES! GAPS members are currently in the throes of writing a new comedy script and selecting the music for our next production. What is the theme you may ask? Sorry…no spoilers.

GAPS normally present an original musical comedy every two years. After we were made aware of how many major local events were already planned for 2018, we decided to defer the play until May 2019 so as to not overload our local community with events and financial commitments.

As we all know, GAPS members are very friendly and welcoming of new members. So, if you would like to join this merry band, feel free to contact the GAPS secretary (Kel on 0417 280 851) or any of the other members for more information.

A reminder to all: GAPS AGM is scheduled for 7.30pm Monday 13th August at the Gresford School of Arts Hall.

Kel Merriman, Secretary

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G resford News

The

Trivia night success It was a fun filled night with something for everybody – a diverse range of questions presented with a focus on the history of our local area.

Many thanks to the Gresford Bowling Club and staff, always a great venue for holding any fundraising event.

The Gresford District Historical Society made a little over $1000 to assist with rent.

A special thank you goes out to Jackie Baines, of Dungog Antiques, who had a lot of input in arranging the night. Mr Dennis Bourke was the Trivia Host along with Pauline Cambourne to assist. Both being from the Dungog area also. Dennis incorporated some of his classical guitar playing talent which was most entertaining. Many thanks are extended to those who helped sponsor prizes for the night.

great prize – a weekend for two at Yeranda Getaway Cabins at Main Creek. Thank you to Mrs Penny Kater for purchasing this for $350.

Other fun activities took place on the night. This included the making and flying of paper aeroplanes and jets.

Some were made strategically while others were quite simple in design. A great variation in flying abilities also.

Belinda Jolliffe (nee Chesworth) blitzed it with her special 'Benny and the Jets' plane. This is now proudly suspended from the ceiling within the Hotel Beatty bar room.

Trivia team 'Brains of the Beatty' with the inclusion of Belinda came in second with 1001/2 points. A large glass jar of mixed sweets was favourably consumed by this team's members. The winning team was Sponsors include: Daniel and Jane named 'Ivagroinstrain' (Russian) with Maroulis / Boydell's wine, Bernie / the 1031/2 points. This team is members Beatty Hotel, the Crossroads Corner each received deservedly a bottle of Store and Cafe, Tar10 and Riverdene local wine. Well done!

Nursery. Dungog Newsagency, the Lorraine Ashard Longroom Cafe and Dungog Beauty GDHSI secretary and Pedicure Centre. Mr Keith Litchfield assisted in auctioning off a

• August 2018, p 21

Newcastle airport goes international Parliamentary Secretary for the Hunter Scot MacDonald MLC has congratulated Newcastle Airport's announcement that international flights from Newcastle to Auckland will run from 22nd November 2018 to 17th February 2019.

“Commencement of seasonal flights to Auckland for the upcoming summer holidays is great news for the tourism industry in Newcastle and the growing strength and regional importance of Newcastle Airport,” Mr MacDonald said.

In 2017, Newcastle Airport handled a record throughput of 1.276 million passengers, a 4.9% increase from the previous financial year.

Forecasts suggest that, as a minimum, Newcastle Airport will need to be able to handle 2.6 million passengers by 2036.

Newcastle Airport is identified as a Global Gateway in the Hunter Regional Plan 2036 and as a growth strategy in the Draft Greater Newcastle Metropolitan Plan.

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G resford News • August 2018

The

, p 22

If you hit a pole, remain calm and stay put Essential Energy is reminding motorists to remain vigilant on icy and wet roads this winter to minimise the risk of colliding with roadside electrical infrastructure.

Acting Regional Manager North Coast, Ross Berry, said if a vehicle accidentally hits a power pole, streetlight or pillar box, the safest option is to remain in a vehicle – unless the situation is life threatening.

“While the first instinct may be to get out of the vehicle, fallen powerlines can pose a serious risk to drivers and passengers,” Mr Berry said.

“The vehicle may become live as well as anything else in contact with the powerlines, such as fences or trees.”

Bystanders must stay at least eight metres away from fallen powerlines and anything in contact with them and call Essential Energy immediately on 13 20 80. If the situation is life threatening, call emergency services on 000 (triple zero).

“Try not to panic, remain calm and stay in the vehicle until the power has been turned off and powerlines or electricity cables removed,” Mr Berry said. “An emergency evacuation is extremely dangerous and should only be attempted as a last resort such as if the vehicle is on fire.”

If an emergency exit is necessary, jump well clear of the vehicle, land with your feet together, and don’t touch the vehicle, fall forward or backward, or allow your feet to step apart. Jump or shuffle with your feet together until you

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“Fog, snow and ice are added risks for drivers during winter so exercise extreme caution in cold weather conditions.

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• August 2018, p 23 Gresford News August Crossword The

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