Gresford News August 2020

resford News G

The

August 2020

News of the communities of the Paterson and Allyn River Valleys

Eva and Tom Doyle with Sam Hartigan ready for cricket this summer!

Getting ready for summer Come join the Gresford Vacy Colts for a summer of fun on the cricket pitch!

Sign ups are starting during August. Summer is coming around so fast!

The Gresford Vacy Colts Cricket Club is hot to trot after a hugely successful season last summer, posting some great results despite the challenges of heatwaves, bushfires and COVID-19 impacts.

More cricket info on page 4 inside...

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

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Gresford News Notices Letter to the editor When I read Brian Doherty and Jane Richens’ appreciative comments in the last edition, about the support of the Gresford community for the Gresford Newsletter, my immediate thought was how lucky we are to have such a classy publication. The quality of the photos, layout and production standards is truly impressive and there is an excellent range of content.

The impact of the Newsletter goes beyond the local community, as I discovered recently with enquiries from the Maitland area about French, and donation of books to the CWA library.

It seems that the importance of the Newsletter will increase further with the suspension of the Dungog Chronicle, which will make it an even more significant contribution to the community. This publication is a monthly tribute to the professionalism of the editors.

Thank you, Brian and Jane.

Glenda Smith

Household hints

by Delma Lawrence

• A few drops of lemon juice on a bee sting will ease the pain.

Also honey is good.

• To remove a difficult splinter, mix soap into a paste and 1 teaspoon sugar. Apply and cover overnight.

The splinter will dislodge itself.

• If your shoes are rubbing, use candlewax along edge to prevent blisters.

• Soothe sunburn by applying a cold teabag to the area.

• Do you suffer suffer travel sickness?

Try putting a Band-Aid over your belly button.

• For head lice, wash hair with coconut scented shampoo.

They don’t like the smell.

Signwriter needed The Gresford District Historical Society is looking for somebody to update their Honour Roll – gold text on timber.

Contact Delma Lawrence on 4938 9589.

Livestock, Hay and General Transport

Gresford, Dungog Maitland, Singleton 12 ton capacity fully insured

Stephen Hill for friendly and personal service Home - 02 49 389 349 Mobile - 0429389349

FOR sale

1 Purebred Male Kelpie Pup Black and tan, fully vaccinated and microchipped. Can be rehomed after 5th August. Prefer to sell as a working dog, but a loving active family home may suit.

Ph: 4938 9255 and leave message.

Advertise in the GRESFORD NEWS CLASSIFIEDS Classified Ad Rates are: Standard line listing $2.75 a line or $11 for 5 lines

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Gresford News CLASSIFIEDS

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

Chiropractic Clinic I treat most musculoskeletal complaints including back and neck pain, sciatica, headaches, migraines and limb pain and pins and needles.

HiCaps and eftpos facility is available so patients can claim direct from their healthfund and just pay the gap.

Located at Dungog Community Hospital on Hospital Road in Dungog phone no: 4992 3766

Shane Moss B.Sc. M.Chiro.

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Join Gresford Vacy Colts for a summer of fun on the cricket pitch!

For the 2019/20 season the Club boasted three teams from Under 10s to Under 13s, as well as a highly successful Blasters crew – for players under 8. The teams all performed beyond expectations, with the Under 13s even making it to the grand final, which was unfortunately cut short by COVID-19 restrictions.

With some great results in the bag, huge enthusiasm on the pitch and some wonderful support on the sidelines, the Colts are reaching out to the communities of Gresford and Vacy and beyond for more local players to join in the upcoming season.

Join the Gresford Vacy Colts for a summer of fun!

“Club culture is so important at the Colts,” said President Brigette Uren, “we value inclusion and were delighted to see an increase in the number of girls joining in last season and would welcome everyone to consider joining us for the summer ahead.”

“Our games are fast paced, played in a dynamic competition and provide great camaraderie for the children and teens involved, as well as a great social opportunity for supporters on the sideline.

Vacy General Store will continue to be open for all.

“Thanks must be given to our coaches, supporters and local sponsors Sharon Hill One Agency, The Hotel Beatty, finlease, Merchant Excavation and Electrical and Dave’s Hardwood for helping the club to grow to date, we are very excited about the summer ahead.”

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.

For parents and carers of younger children, the Blasters is suitable for children aged 5 to under 8 – it’s a weekday activity, aimed at introducing kids to the skills and fun of cricket from an early age.

Children aged 8-15 are being encouraged to sign up to the Colts junior teams, the teams are assembled into age groups, and train once during the week, with games held on Saturdays – but don’t fret it’s not a full test match – the competition is friendly, well organised and will still leave you plenty of free time on your weekend!

Thank you for your support – Jo & Ian

If you would like to register your child or teen for the upcoming season please check out the sign up details via the Gresford Vacy Colts Junior Cricket Club on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ GVCJC/ or contact gresfordvacyjc@gmail.com

NEW Phone Number: 4938 8425

Contribute To The Gresford News - It's your News The Gresford News is a great way to reach out to our community. Our content is created by members of the community just like you. If you have an event coming up or something interesting to say let us know. If you are part of a group organise a Publicity Officer to send in an occasional update of your activities. It can be as simple as photo and a paragraph to go with it.

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

Postal Address: PO Box 73 East Gresford 2311. Deadline for stories & ads 20th of the month. Pictures – .jpg (not in word).

Visit

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

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

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RECORD SALES

• August 2020, p 5

Huge Buyer Demand for Country Retreats

Quality Buyers are looking to buy a get-away from the city to relocate their family or use as a weekend escape from city crowds

Recent Sales include: ‘Spring Creek’ Salisbury via Dungog

Sold quickly to Sydney buyers. Sold above listed price.

Other Quality Country Sales have been made in the East Gresford area achieving local record prices, without any advertising prior to selling to buyers looking in our local areas.

I have buyers wanting all types of country from small acreages, luxury country homes, retreats and on up to larger productive farms.

It is a very unique market at the moment with a strong demand.

Phone Pamela Munson for no obligation appraisal and free advice on achieving the best price in the current country Real Estate market.

PAMELA MUNSON COUNTRY ESTATES 0427 207542 Email pamela@pmcountryestates.com.au

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Gresford Vacy Football Club This is vital for the successful continuation of our competitions throughout the state. Work with your club, coaches and managers to abide by the guidelines imposed for the season as they evolve.

Our teams have been playing wide and far, with some great results even with reduced available players during the school holiday period.

A number of our teams made the upper Hunter trek to Scone last weekend with fun had by all and this week the club is getting SunScorp ready to host another successful weekend.

Thanks to Dave and Jen Crouch for keeping the stadium looking fantastic.

Be Covid-19 aware The NSW Government’s Chief Health Officer, Dr Kerry Chant, has written to all Community Sporting Organisations requesting that additional measures be taken to protect against the spread of COVID-19.

With a growth in VIC and emerging cases in NSW and some now locally, it is important that the football family supports the NSW Government and the broader community by: • limiting the number of spectators attending matches to 1 per participant • stay home, isolate and be tested if you have any of the health indicators • and encourage participants to continue social distancing measures

Please everyone play your part to protect your family, our club and community. Inform your children of the rules and do your collective best to have a fun, healthy and safe season.

For further information: https://northernnswfootball. com.au/return-to-play-portal/

which are available in two styles, will be handed to all players by their team managers this Saturday.

Options include a traditional over-thetop hoodie and a zip-front hoodie, and both come with the Scorpions logo on the front and player’s name/nickname on the back.

The hoodies are available in kids’ and adult sizes for $50. All orders/payments should be made to managers before the home game on August 8.

More information or help contact: Club President Jim Doyle: 0407 307 800 or Jack Cowled M: 0427 385 603 Web: www.scorps.com.au Email: gresfordvacyfc@outlook.com

Scorps Hoodies A new-look Scorpions hoodies are about to become available for the 2020 playing season. Order forms for the black hoodies,

Graeme Ferguson

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We’re here hard at work, always have been.

Since 1896 we’ve been refining and continually improving the art of marketing and negotiation in the Real Estate and Stock & Station industry. We’re well-practised in auctioneering - conducting more weekly and monthly cattle and clearing sales than any other local agent. Our wealth of knowledge around the finer details of livestock production, equipment sales and rural properties is built on the skills passed down through generations and an understanding of the ever changing needs of our community. withbailey.com.au

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Spoilt for Choice – National Science Week 15–23 August Each year National Science Week extends an invitation for everyone to talk, see and do science, no matter where you are, how young or old you are, or what qualifications you have.

impossibles/ or even South Australia: inspiringsa.org.au/national-science-weeksa-brochure/

Why not kick everything off with learning how to live a longer, healthier and active life? Our friends at Hunter Medical This year, even with pandemic Research Centre are presenting a virtual restrictions, there are still hundreds of community seminar Healthy Ageing: terrific virtual events to choose from.

Planning for a Long and Active Life on Live events will be held online, and many activities will be able to be done at Wednesday 12 August, 6–7pm. It will be live streamed online via HMRI Facebook home by adults, children and family page but you don’t need a Facebook groups. Some will be time based and account to watch the seminar. Register for others will be online whenever you are. the event at: hmri.org.au/upcoming-events.

The best place to start looking is the Science Week website: www.scienceweek. And with Climate Change still the net.au. Hit the red tab that says ‘Find An biggest threat to our future on the only Event’ then enter some keywords, topics habitable planet we know of, the Macquarie University series of online or dates and see what’s available. And if you want some hands-on activities go to events around the theme of personal their diy-science page: www.scienceweek. action for environmental sustainability should be of interest to us all. It will net.au/diy-science/ include a live-streamed panel discussion You can also check out Inspiring Australia’s on the question: ‘What can I do to impact New South Wales offerings at: inspiringnsw. climate change?’ The panel discussion will org.au/ or hop over the virtual border into explore the opportunities and obstacles Victoria:inspiringvictoria.org.au/programs/ for reducing carbon emissions, with a national-science-week-victoria/possible-

goal of finding concrete actions that individuals can take.

The panel expertise spans science, business, economics, policy and politics, the media and community change. Members of the public are invited to send their questions in for the panel to discuss. You can find out more at www.scienceweek.net.au/event/ climate-action-how-to-take-effective-actionon-climate-change/ And if you just want to sit back and watch the best science films from filmmakers around the world you can watch SCINEMA International Film Festival for free from the comfort of your own home during August: scinema. australiascience.tv/ There really is so much to choose from.

– build your own weather station – resurrecting extinct species – food of the future – aboriginal astronomy – “legal personhood” for the moon – design a marine creature – meet a microbiologist & more... So what are you waiting for!

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BISTRO

Our bistro is open for dinner all evenings except Wednesdays and open for lunch Saturday and Sunday.

BOOKINGS ARE ESSENTIAL due to covid seating restrictions so please ring in advance – 4938 9451

Sorry – No entertainment throughout August.

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Arboretum News

Well what an amazing month we have had.

Good rain and so far no frosts. Everything has grown out of all recognition.

Friday afternoons have become a special time for a dedicated band of helpers who have been laying newspaper and woodchip to cut down on the weeding and what a difference it has made. An hour or two of work is followed by a relaxing distanced sit amongst the trees and chat as the sun goes down. Thankyou to Peter Dreyer for fixing the mower.

We met with Council on site to discuss our plans for a future gazebo and they were most encouraging.

We hope we have won a grant to have a mural of native birds installed to cover the unattractive side of the container.

Local artist Bronwyn Grieve will do the painting. A special thankyou to all who voted for our project.

A grant application has been lodged with NSW Community Building Projects for funding for the proposed gazebo. Lisa Connors is helping us with this and with a DA for Council.

Brianna Lewis has done a beautiful concept plan and will follow up with

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• August 2020, p 11

Brianna Lewis' concept plan

construction drawings. Leon Groves has kindly delivered second hand brick pavers for the floor of the gazebo.

Noel Jupp came for a visit and has very kindly offered to donate the hedging plants for the Secret Garden.

We have more and more feedback from people who walk their dogs, study the trees and generally enjoy the area.

If you haven’t visited the arboretum lately you will be delighted I’m sure at how it is looking.

A huge thankyou to everyone involved Our plan for a natural playground at the for your hands on efforts as well as your rear of the property has morphed into a Secret Garden for little children to play in enthusiastic support for the project. while their siblings are on the sportsfield.

Penny Kater

Park Street

Caring for the families of the Hunter since 1889

48 Banks Street, East Maitland 97 New England Highway, Maitland 61 Port Stephens Street, Raymond Terrace www.frybros.com.au

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Burying the past

This is the fourth in a series of articles that Dr Jamie Derkenne is writing for the Gresford News.

As Funeral rites are what make us human.

Colonists revere their cemeteries because they provide an immediate link to the past. It is unfortunate then that through the process of colonisation Gringai cemeteries and funeral rites are now largely forgotten, even though throughout Gringai country there were many cemeteries. Not least among them were the cemetery at the rear of the rectory in Dungog, and the long finger of land formed by the junction of the Allyn River and a creek, possibly Dog Trap Creek, near Gresford. According to various colonist reminiscences in local newspapers, the dead were carried from kilometres around to be buried in these places.

A digitally enhanced photograph of “King Tom” a colonist appellation for an Indigenous man posed and photographed in 1861 who had the rare distinction of being Indigenous and being memorialised by a European gravestone within the Maitland local government area. He was fondly remembered because of his financial support of the Crimean War. Original Image: State Library of NSW.

The graves were neatly dug with the hatchetts all Gringai men carried. The graves were circular and about a metre deep. The body was tied up into a foetal or sitting position with bark cords, and then wrapped in sheets of ti-tree bark.

The body was carried to the grave by the deceased’s closet friends. Before being lowered sideways into the grave, a clever man, or Giraadji, would stand at the

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body’s head and would question the body to find out who or what caused its death. He would receive answers from another Giraadji standing at the body’s feet. All the body’s possessions were placed around the head, and everyone attending would contribute something to the collection. The grave would then be filled in.

Important men, elders and men of distinction were buried with much ceremony, but ordinary members of the tribe, and females, were buried with far less ceremony. The body of a man belonging to a strong family and with a big following would be doubled up, heels to hips and face to knees, and the arms folded. It was then wrapped in sheets of ti-tree secured by cords of stringy- bark fibre. A hole was dug in easy soil in a well shaded locality, about two-feet deep and circular. The body was dropped in sideways and after a stone hatchet and a club were placed beside it the grave was filled in and the ceremonies ended. The grief displayed at the funeral of a venerable and honored man was intense. Colonists recalling Gringai funerals often remarked that the lamentation at the grave and the cutting

• March 2020, p 13

“The signal given, the youngest branches of the family came forward, surrounded the corpse, and as they lifted it up, gave a The Gringai would avoid all mention of great shout, and then, as it were, conjured, the deceased. One writer recalls asking as a by blowing and waving hands over the boy a Gringai girl if she was lonely since body. The same noise and blowing was the death of a relative “The writer was repeated upon lowering the remains into only saved from personal violence by the the arms of his brother, who received presence of some adults.” them, and carefully placed it in what he considered the most comfortable position, A first hand report was published by the Sydney Evening News in 1895 of a funeral being most careful not a particle of earth should touch the body. The shout then set on a “long neck of land formed by the up by all was deafening. The old father junction of a creek with the river” near rushed past me, seized a tomahawk, and Gresford. The anonymous correspondent cut his head in several places, until the recalls meeting a gravedigger who was blood gushed in quantities from the using a tomahawk to dig an oval shaped wounds; another old man snatched it grave, about 1.2 metres in depth. from him, and commenced upon his own There were about 16 men squatting or head. Three or four more did the same, standing around including the father, some most viciously.” mother, and several of the brothers of the deceased. They were all wailing. The While this was happening the wailing body was trussed up in as small a size as continued. Bark was then carefully placed possible, wrapped in rugs, and supported over the body. The old men stretched themselves out on the ground and by two relatives, about four yards from howled. One of them at last got up, took a the grave, lying on their knees, while sheet of bark, laid it across the grave, and they bent over it full of grief and stretched himself upon it, crying pitifully. affection. When the grave was dug, it The deceased’s father and mother stayed was lined with leaves, and checked for for some days by the grave, making the comfort by the brother of the deceased top of it their bed; the mother never left it by lying in it. for some days after, and was found dead after some days. The correspondent also mentions that a Giraadji was the last Gringai to have been buried there. of heads and burning of arms was something not easily to be forgotten.

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It’s a great shame that these burial sites are not revered as colonist cemeteries are.

With proper acknowledgement of their existence we all are complicit in the erasure of Gringai history. It is somewhat ironic that one of the very few acknowledgements of a historical Aboriginal presence is the unprepossessing gravestone of “King Tom of Dunmore” House near Bolwarra, who was so honoured because of his financial contribution to - of all things - the Crimean War. The photo of King Tom, a man whose real name has been long forgotten, and whose tribal kinship can only be speculated upon, is included in this article even though it offends Indigenous cultural taboos of representing the dead. The photo, taken in a studio in Maitland in 1861, uses a popular trope at the time of dressing first nations people up in the clothes and implements they used before colonisation. It assumes King Tom is of an about-to-be-buried race and culture. History shows that the first premise is simply not true. But it is up to all of us, no matter what our backgrounds are to make sure that cultures, such as living Gringai are working to restore, remain alive.

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CWA NEWS CANCELLATIION The CWA meeting to be held on August 6, has been cancelled.

LIBRARY A huge “thank you” to Leona Clemens who sourced the missing books for our Lee Child collection. Jack Reacher fans are very happy.

Leona purchased the books on Gumtree and kindly donated them to the CWA. The donation of Romance novels have pleased many readers and Glenda has them on display in the Rooms. Please call Dotti Hilliard 4938 9483 and make a time to browse and borrow.

FRENCH CONVERSATION Held in the CWA rooms on the 1st and 3rd Wednesday of the month. Students, ladies and gentlemen welcome, if you are new to the area phone Glenda Smith, 49389 456, for further details.

WRAP WITH LOVE Many members and friends are knitting during these cold winter days and nights. Donations of wool always welcome. Wraps have been sent around the world last year 26,999 Australia receiving 5,350, Syria 4,019 World Vision 13,366 Annual total of 26,999.

GLUTEN FREE CARAMEL WALNUT SLICE (This recipe must be used for the competition) Ingredients 1 cup gluten free self raising flour 1 cup coconut ½ cup castor sugar 125g butter Topping 2 eggs lightly beaten 1 teaspoon vanilla essence 1 cup coconut ¾ cup brown sugar ½ cup chopped walnuts Method Grease 18cm x 28cm slice tin. Combine sifted flour, coconut and sugar in bowl, stir in butter. Press mixture into prepared tin.

Bake in moderate oven 160 fan forced for 15 mins, spread with topping. Bake further 35mins. Cool in tin before cutting.

Social distancing is observed at both

Topping Combine eggs and essence in bowl, stir in coconut, sugar and walnuts, mix well.

French Conversation and Book Club, bring your own refreshments.

BOOK CLUB Members meet on the 2nd Saturday of the month. New members always welcome, gentlemen and ladies.

The book for August is “Dead Man Switch” by Tara Moss.

• August 2020, p 15

COVID-19 COOKING The Land Cookery competition judging is held on the first Thursday in February 11th 2021. Try your hand at:

NEXT MEETING Hopefully 9.30am in the CWA rooms September 3rd.

Robyn Thornton, Secretary

Voucher Raffles:

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

LITTLE PAN ASIAN RESTAURANT Open Wednesday – Sunday from 5.30pm

4938 9166 Like us on Facebook

44 years experience

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Yoga @home with your local yoga teacher in your body”. “I hear from so many people about sore backs or hips or knees etc but too often it is put down to aging, cells in our body break down eventually but cells are also constantly replaced or renewed. It’s the renewal aspect of yoga posture practice that fascinates me, it means we have the potential for physical and mental improvement for our whole lives: it just takes longer as we get older, but of course it’s worth the time!”

Local yoga teacher Donna Cavanough has been making the best of a tough Covid situation and released online yoga classes. She’s now just launched a yoga beginner’s course on-line for all those who are nervous about coming to class. If you’re curious about what goes on in a yoga class, these YouTube videos will be the perfect introduction. And they’re free!

“We’re starting very gradually,” says Donna. “The course will build slowly

over several weeks, starting with tuning into your body, some simple stretches, adding standing poses one at a time, twists and forward bends. The great thing about practicing at home is you can even wear your PJs (so long as they are stretchy).”

Donna has been teaching in Dungog Shire for over 20 years and has introduced hundreds of shire residents to yoga. Her aim is for you to achieve “ease

Donna’s regular online classes have had over 2000 views since she launched them in late March. She’s had a wonderful response. “My students have said that the on-line videos helped to fill the gap when the real live classes had to stop because of Covid. I’ve got gentle classes, strong classes, active classes, and little Yoga Bites which give you tidbits of information like how to get out of a chair with ease and how to check & correct your posture using a wall.”

Who does the beginner’s course best suit? “Well, I’ve worked a lot with older students but really anyone who hasn’t done yoga before – or hasn’t done it for a long time – can have a go. Each class lasts less than 45 minutes but you’ll really feel different by the end.”

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You can find the classes on Donna’s YouTube channel. Just jump onto YouTube and search for Yoga With Donna Cavanough. You can also find the class via her new website: www. yogawithdonnacavanough.com.

in their bodies and lives. My own students often wish more people would try yoga and realise the benefits they have felt.”

“But,” she adds, “I would also be very happy if people want to pay me! I’m so grateful to my partner John O’Brien for Why are the classes free? “I’m keen to show people the tools they already have being the technical whizz behind the online classes and I need to pay him! to heal and renew and gain strength, There’s a link on the website if you balance and mobility as they age - and would like to pay for the beginners from my experience of teaching in course (one class per a week) or you can Gresford, Dungog and Vacy I’m support the production of the online convinced of the health benefits. I’ve classes for 10 weeks. Or if you are been inspired for over 20 years by the practical-minded students in my classes, visiting our beautiful part of the world you could pay for an online class to do using the benefits of yoga to have ease at your accommodation through my website for $10.

“I’d also love it if you could subscribe to my YouTube channel (it’s free to do that) and please please do share the link to my classes with friends and family.”

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• August 2020, p 17

On the Shelves

by Glenda Smith Olive Kitteridge

Elizabeth Strout We are introduced to the title character through her husband Henry – a kind and well-intentioned man who differs greatly from his difficult wife. Therein lies much of the interest created by the heroine – she is a complex character. She is often impatient and uncompromising, but also honest and constructive. As a former teacher she is well-known and respected – both for her bluntness and her shrewd understanding.

This Pulitzer Prize-winning novel is made up of thirteen short stories, or interconnected chapters. Olive is sometimes the focus, and sometimes peripheral. In one story her calm interest in a former student stops him from suiciding and also makes it possible for him to save a classmate who is swept into the water. The affirmation of life is done in a subtle and convincing way. Small-town American life becomes universal.

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.

G resford News • August 2020

The

, p 18

Council Happenings Where is the rate notice?

In May this year, council resolved to offer support to ratepayers through a number of measures including broadening the scope of our Hardship Provisions, delaying the issuing of annual rates notices, and charging zero interest on overdue payments until the end of the year. This means the issuing of the annual rates notice has been delayed until late August, extending the payment period to 30 Sept.

John Connors – Mayor

new channels following the widespread impacts of COVID-19, and we appreciate your cooperation and support as we navigate this new way of living. The meeting video will remain on council’s Facebook page for one month. View at: facebook.com/dungogcouncil

Have Your Say on Dungog's Future

Following endorsement at this week’s council meeting, the draft Policy Directions Paper, prepared by consultants GHD as part of the Rural CWA Mask Up Dungog Congratulations to our CWA, Boomerang Lands Strategy, is now on public exhibition from 16 July – 12 August.

Bags and the Wednesday Sewing Ladies Residents are encouraged to make for their inspiring initiative ‘Mask Up written submissions during this time via Dungog!’ This campaign is producing shirecouncil@dungog.nsw.gov.au or locally made face masks for visitors and locals ($5 each) in response to the recent contact 4995 7777 for postal details.

Find out more at: dungog.nsw.gov.au/ appearance of COVID-19 in the Hunter region. It represents the ingenuity, talent rural-land-strategy and resourcefulness of our local Councillors Say No to Pay Rise community, who come together in times Councillors at Dungog Shire Council of crisis for the greater good. have voted not to increase Mayoral and Councillor fees for the new financial Council on Live Stream Council again livestreamed our monthly year, in accordance with advice handed down from the Local Government council meeting to share information Remuneration Tribunals. with residents and interested parties in real time via our Facebook platform. The Potential Clean Energy Partnership meeting video has so far been viewed by As an active member of the Hunter Joint almost 600 people. Like you, we are Organisation (Hunter JO), council is learning how to deliver information via

Vacy Village Motel business as usual until further notice Conveniently located next to Flying Duck Restaurant, Farmers Hotel and opposite the Vacy General Store Spacious, clean, affordable accommodation with modern ensuites, great views, air conditioning and comfortable beds.

See us at www.vacyvillagemotel.com.au For bookings and inspections phone 0428 111 680

PETER EVANS & ASSOCIATES SOLICITORS

considering participation in the Cities Power Partnership - Australia’s largest local government climate network, made up of 123 councils from across the country and representing almost 11 million Australians.

Membership is aimed at benefiting the wider community through addressing the impacts of climate change through councils’ energy usage activities.

Dungog would be joining other neighbouring councils including Upper Hunter Shire, City of Newcastle, Muswellbrook, Mid-Coast and Central Coast in membership to the Partnership to prioritise clean energy.

Fixing Our Local Roads Dungog was one of 83 regional councils successful in receiving funding under the NSW Government’s Fixing Local Roads program, and has approved budget modifications to contribute an additional 25% to each of the eligible projects.

Funding projects include: 1. Paterson River Road north of Coulston Bridge Stage 1 ($1.65M) 2. Summer Hill Road west of Bruxner Bridge Stage 1 ($1.257M) 3. Salisbury Road north of Underbank Stage 1 ($1.568M)

RICHARD WELLS UPHOLSTERY

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Peter Evans is descended from a farming family located in the Gresford area prior to 1840 We are keen to assist you with all your legal needs.

We can help you with: Conveyancing, Family Law, Business Law, Criminal Law, Wills, Powers of Attorney, Probate and more …

Call us on 02 4926 4788 www.evanslaw.com.au

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G resford News

• August 2020, p 19 Gresford News August Crossword The

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.

July 2020 crossword answers

Crossword kindly provided by Russel Jessop.

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