Gresford News February 2020

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News of the communities of the Paterson and Allyn River Valleys February 2020

Allan Platt, Gresford Brigade, exhausted from heat and humidity after fighting a lightning strike fire at Allynbrook.

Thank you!

Photo: Felicity Thomson

It has been a summer of disaster and grief across Australia as fires raged from Perth to Brisbane. It was the culmination of Australia's hottest and driest year on record. Our local firefighters have been called to attend many fires and so far have managed to protect life and property in this area of the Hunter. A grateful community is united in appreciation.

Thank you is not nearly enough... read more inside

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

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For all Agricultural Contracting

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Breakfast available from 8am to 11 am daily.

Takeaway food available 7 days a week all day.

You can dine in and BYO if you wish.

Homemade cakes, pies and the best coffee in Vacy.

Lots of beautiful Gifts available too

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The Gresford News Community Diary Thurs 30 Jan Gresford Rodeo AGM, Gresford Bowls Sport & Recreation Club, 7.30pm Wed 5 Feb French conversation begins, CWA rooms, East Gresford, 11.00am Thurs 6 Feb Land Cookery Competition, CWA rooms, East Gresford, 9.30am Sat 8 Feb Book Club, CWA rooms, East Gresford, 3.00pm Sun 16 Feb Gresford Markets, Anglican Church Hall Sun 16 Feb Beatty Championship Pool Comp, Hotel Beatty Tues 18 Feb GAPS AGM, School of Arts Hall, 7.30pm Wed 19 Feb Book talk: Patrice Newell, Dungog Library, 10.30am Sun 23 Feb Live music – Huge Shoes, Hotel Beatty, 2.00pm Sat 29 Feb Paint the Town Teal: Ovarian Cancer Fundraiser, Anglican Church Hall, 10.30am Sat 7 Mar Live music at the James: Collister & Fix, James Theatre, Dungog, 7.00pm Fri-Sat 13-14 Mar Gresford District Agricultural Show, Gresford Showgrounds Tuesdays Social ladies tennis, every week of school term all year, Gresford Tennis Courts, 9.00–10.30am 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, every week of school term, Gresford Tennis Courts, 4.00pm 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 Mon 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 Postal Address: PO Box 73 East Gresford 2311. Deadline for stories & ads 20th of the month.

For text – Word format preferred. For pictures – .jpg format preferred (not in word).

Please keep us informed about activities in the area – a paragraph or two and photo.

Visit

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

resford News finances G

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

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Are you interested in local native plants and birds perhaps and what they like to eat?

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.

See us at www.vacyvillagemotel.com.au

Become a Friend of the Gresford Arboretum

Level 3/97 Scott Street, Newcastle NSW 2300 reception@evanslaw.com.au

Do you want to become familiar with the disappearing flora of the Paterson Allyn Valley before its too late.

Do you have an hour to spare to hold a hose and contemplate this growing venture.

Maybe pull the odd weed.

We need a group of like-minded people who can spare a little time.

So if you would like to become a friend of the arboretum and share the love call Penny on 4938 9365 or email pennykater@gmail.com

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Gresford News Notices Gresford Rodeo AGM

Our Gresford Rodeo AGM January 30th at Gresford Bowling Club at 7.30pm.

GAPS AGM

Tuesday 18th February, 2020 at 7.30pm in the School of Arts Hall. All welcome.

Delma's Helpful hints

• Sprinkle a little salt into frypan before cooking to prevent oil splattering.

• To prevent a whole fish from breaking up when frying first pour boiling water over it, dry and then fry.

• To dry out salt that has become damp and difficult to shake, put some grains of rice in the shaker.

• If you over salt a dish while cooking, a peeled potato in the pot will absorb excess salt.

• When freezing mince, flatten it out before freezing.

This will make it easier to defrost • Instead of adding plain water to your omelette use a dash of soda water for a light and fluffy results.

Live music

Collister and Fix Live at the James Theatre, Dungog Saturday 7 March, 7.00pm

Book talk

Dungog Library is very pleased to announce it’s first author event for the year. Patrice Newell has written numerous books on farming and agriculture, her new book Who’s minding the Farm? addresses food security in an era of rapid climate change. Patrice and her husband Phillip Adams own Elmswood, 10,000 acres of prime agricultural land in the Upper Hunter Valley town of Gundy where they run cattle, produce organic olive oil, garlic and honey. Patrice, a former model and news presenter is a passionate sustainable land manager and writer/ researcher dedicated to developing and communicating improved agricultural systems and innovations in an era of rapid climate change.

Patrice will be at Dungog Library on Wednesday 19th February at 10.30am.

This event is free, to make a booking, call the library on 4992 1819.

Gresford Markets are Relocating in 2020 The concept of community markets was initially proposed by the Gresford community group roughly 20 years ago. Ken Chandler and David Wells were involved in the initial search for a location for the proposed markets.

Belinda & Ellis Richards offered to host the Markets at Clevdon, where the Markets ran successfully for many years under the guidance of Belinda & others until moving to the Terese Doyle Hall grounds. Here they were managed by Judy & Lloyd Grant.

After many years at this location the Community group decided to close the Markets and at this point Delma Laurence George Sales & Lorraine Ashard volunteered to host them and run them under the banner of the Gresford Historical Society. Bernie Lawler offered The Hotel Beatty as a venue site which was accepted with George Sales as coordinator. George supplied all equipment to support stall holders such as gazebos tables chairs and with help from Historical Society members ran for many years.

With George retiring from active duties for health reasons, it was decided to move the Markets on a trial basis to the Anglican church hall in Church street Gresford.

The first Markets for 2020 will be the 3rd Sunday in February (February 16th).

For contact please ring Delma Lawrence 4938 9589 or Margo Capp 4938 9386 Please support your markets. See you there.

Paint the town teal

The Gresford tennis ladies will hold a morning tea fundraising event to be held at St Anne's church hall at 10.30am on Saturday 29th February. All proceeds raised will be donated to Ovarian Cancer Australia. The money will be used to fund much needed research and provide women with information sessions and online support.

Our guest speaker is Kathy Bonham Smith, a a Registered Nurse who runs health checks and has opened an orphanage in Kenya.

Come and support this worthy cause as this year around 1600 Australian women will be diagnosed with Ovarian cancer and 1000 will die from it. The late Jill Emberson, an ABC broadcaster who died of ovarian cancer last year, wanted women to be aware of the signs and symptoms and lobbied the government for better funding for the disease. Let's keep her legacy going.

Please RSVP by 25 Feb, Angela Kelehear 0418 653 382 or angehaz@yahoo.com.au Admission: adults $10, Children $5, Children under 5 free.

GRESFORD SHOW IS COMING SOON!!!

The 88th annual Gresford Show will be happening on the 13th and 14th March.

This is a great community event that highlights the aspects and talents of our area. Due to the severe weather conditions that we have all experienced for many months there will be some sections of the Show that will struggle with their display of exhibits. Things such as all the flowers, pot plants, fruit and vegetables. What I’m encouraging all our wonderful people in the community is to help if you can. If you grow vegies or fruit in your backyard, take photos, are crafty or have that special plant you’ve been nursing through the heat- if you could enter one class or maybe two it would make such a difference and help in making the displays look so much better.

So grab a Show schedule from the Gresford Foodworks, East Gresford Post Office or the Vacy store and look through it to see if there is something you can enter! Let’s make this the best Show possible! The community has always supported the Gresford Show well, we hope that you will once again give your support to this fantastic event. We look forward to seeing you there!

R Lawrence, Hon Sec

G resford News • February 2020, p 6 RATE MY AGENT REVIEW The

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Congratulations Liz Jones – Dungog Shire Citizen of the year Well known local, Liz Jones, was named Citizen of the year at the Dungog Shire Australia Day Ceremony held at the James Theatre, Dungog, on Sunday 26 January. Following is the citation from the ceremony.

Australia Day Award Nominations Citizen Award: Elizabeth Roberts-Jones Nominated by: Mrs Carolyn Addison, Graham Murphy for the Gresford Community Group and Gresford Billy Cart derby Committee, Phillipa Graham for the Sculpture on the Farm Inc and Richard Jones

of dollars which has gone back into the community.

Over the years Liz has been a major contributor and hard worker in many successful events. The 3 Village Art Festival, Gresford Photographic Exhibition, Dungog Photographic Exhibition, the Gresford Billy Cart Derby, Gresford Family Country Dance and recently the Paterson Allyn Garden Ramble. Liz has also been instrumental in the organising committee of Sculptures on the Farm in Fosterton, another great success story. Liz is an active member of the Gresford District Community Group, Paterson Allyn Garden Club, Gresford Show Society and Gresford Landcare.

Liz Jones cutting the cake with John Stanley Australia Day Ambassador from Radio 2GB.

hers. Liz is now one of the Dungog Shire Palliative Volunteer Drivers, where her expertise, friendly and outgoing manner is warmly appreciated by the patients of this service.

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Elizabeth Roberts-Jones is a dedicated member of the local Gresford District community and throughout the Dungog Shire. Liz is an active member to a number of committees and organisations Liz’s initiatives for bringing pleasure and entertainment to the residents of helping to raise much needed funds for Gresford and Vacy saw the our community. reintroduction of Carols by Candlelight Those that have been fortunate to and the Christmas lights competition work with Liz over the years, are which brought the spirit of Christmas to always impressed with her motivation our community. and ability to get things done and to Apart from being very active and motivate people around her to proactive within our community Liz achieve a common goal. She is always found time to complete a Bachelor of at the forefront of organising Social Science degree which is a love of committees, raising many thousands

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CWA NEWS

compete with others in the Hunter River Group. The following week, Dottie Hilliard presented the Junior & Senior Hoping that everyone is safe after a very Encouragement Awards at the school's rocky few months that has continued Presentation Night. Harley Pittman was into the new year. Many of us would successful for the Junior & Bailey Conn have family, friends or know people who was successful for the Senior Awards. have have been greatly effected by the Congratulations Monica, Harley & Bailey. current bushfires.

This will be my first report as Publicity Officer.

CHANGE OF VENUE Our meeting will be held at St Anne's Church Hall from 9.30am on Thursday, 6th February. Our rooms will be used for judging of cakes, etc.

Open to all residents – men, women & children – not just CWA members. All entries to be at CWA Hall by 9am on 6th February. Recipes are in April 2019 journal or ring Teena Inkster for details on 0427 076 003. attended the last official school assembly for 2019 in December. They presented Monica Lawrence with a certificate from the CWA Hunter River Group for winning the Junior International Poster Competition. Monica, originally won with her poster at our annual International Day. It then enabled her to

BOOK CLUB usually meets at 3pm on second Saturday in the month. The book for discussion on 8th February, will be 'The Lost Man' by Jane Harper. New members are most welcome.

FRENCH CONVERSATION with Glenda

LAND COOKERY COMPETITION

AWARDS Lyn Tunin & Betty Kelehear

generous donation to the Disaster Relief Fund. The Newcastle Knights Rugby League team also gave a donation to fund the drought relief efforts. They too get a big thank you.

CWA of NSW DISASTER RELIEF FUND The fund assists people in need, with much focus presently with the ongoing drought & bushfires. There are NO administration costs, so 100% of the money allocated goes to the nominated cause. Donations made are also tax deductible.

We wish to convey many thanks to the Paterson Allyn Garden Club for their

Smith are starting again on 5th February.

French is usually held at the CWA Hall on the first & third Wednesday each month until July, from 11am to 12.30pm. Please, bring own morning tea & a gold coin donation to cover printing cost. Newcomers welcome, but first ring Glenda Smith on 4938 9465, in case of any change with dates.

CHRISTMAS PARTY Thanks to Rob & Robbie Thornton for holding the branch Christmas lunch at their home. Rob certainly proved to be the perfect host. We were treated to a delicious meal that was provided by Teena & her helpers. There was much chatter & laughter as we dined.

Lyn Tunin, Publicity Officer

On the Shelves

by Glenda Smith One True Thing

Anna Quindlen This book is a sensitive exploration of the impact of terminal disease on a family. Ellen Gulden, a high-flying journalist, resents the expectation that she will put her career and city life on hold to care for her dying mother, while her father continues to work and her younger brothers continue their lives at college. The characters are richly realised, and small-town American life is effectively documented.

44 years experience

Ellen has always admired her scholarly father, who seems much more on her wavelength than her mother – a gifted ‘domestic goddess’ – even though she knows about his serial infidelities. As well as the changing relationship between mother and daughter, helped along by Kate Gulden’s wisdom and forbearance, there is also a plot device to maintain suspense right until the end. The novel starts with the arrest of Ellen for the euthanasia of her mother and then goes into flashback, after the final sentences of the Prologue - …’the truth is I did not kill my mother. I only wish I had.’

In spite of Ellen’s resentment, the year with her mother is life-changing in many ways, and ultimately affirming for both her and the reader.

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.

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Thank You RFS Members!

The 'extreme' and 'catastrophic' danger days continued with above 40°C heat, dry conditions and wind. The fires eventually burning from coast to coast across Australia.

On those days what stood between our community and the fires was our local 'Group 3' fire brigades which include the Eccleston, Gresford, Vacy, Paterson, Martins Creek and Dunns Creek Brigades.

I spoke to Rick Cannon the current Captain of the Gresford Brigade to find out more. Rick explained: Group 3 covers the largest fire area in the Lower Hunter. Fighting fires over this area is a team effort and usually more than one brigade will respond to a fire depending on need and the available resources. Over this last season we have also worked really well with NSW RFS Fires Near Me app – 15 November 2019 Forestry and National Parks to fight the fire coming across from Mount Royal.

The summer fires started early. Already We were successful in saving all assets in October the 'Fires near Me' app. from that Mt Royal fire. showed numerous fires burning along From 18 November to 14 January Gresford the New South Wales coast up to spent 32 days on the fire ground, Queensland. In November they sometimes changing crews at the fire intensified and spread into the Blue staging area. We sent crews out of area to Mountains and areas south of Sydney.

The Allyn river stopped flowing and was reduced to isolated waterholes. Photo: Brian Doherty

Wollumbi, Laguna, Bulga, Stroud, Gospers Mt, plus the campaigns in our area, Martins Creek (Keppies Road), and Mt Royal, (Carrabolla, Boonabilla, and Barrington Forest). There were emergency call outs while we were fighting the larger fires and further fires since then also.

When we are called out, and particularly

Caring for the families of the Hunter since 1889

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when we are called out of the area, we reserve trucks and crews for local fires so the community has resources here at all times.

There has been a lot of lightning strikes lately starting fires and also electrical fires on power poles because of the accumulation of dust and the recent moisture causing arcing. Gresford was blacked out recently because of that.

There are various lightning tracker websites you can look up to view real time lightning strikes near you. Generally we are asking people to be on the look out at all times at your own property or while you are driving around. If you see a fire or smell smoke ring 000. You can also call me on 0428 389 332 but you must call 000 to get it logged. The other thing is all residents should have a fire plan and if they would like to discuss their plan I would be happy to go over it with them.

Don't forget the safe refuge area for the Gresford community is the sports ground.

And yes we are recruiting. Call our members officer, Felicity Thomson, on 0407 252 507 if you would like to find out more about joining.

Brian Doherty

• February 2020, p 11

With sincere gratitude Richard Cannon

Citizen science project on tree health

Captain, Gresford Rural Fire Brigade

Many trees across the state look like they've burnt by fire even though they haven't, and a research project is asking locals to help document this.

On behalf of the Gresford Rural Fire Brigade Members I extend to all those people and families in our Community who made kind donations of water and sustenance packages to our Brigade over the past few months our sincere gratitude.

These remarkable donations of sustenance packages and goods delivered to us during this very trying period of increased fire activity, compliments the work carried out by all the Brigade Members and ensures, that our capacity to provide fire protection to our community is preserved and maintained.

It is only through the generosity and goodwill of our greater community that the needs of our volunteer firefighters can be met and those who have given so much set an inspiring example to us all and your goodwill has been truly commendable.

In closing, I again thank every Member of our Community who have dropped off or delivered goods to the Station during this unprecedented fire danger period; and advocate your generosity is in the finest traditions of our Australian Heritage.

The Dead Tree Detective is a citizen science project, run by researchers from the Western Sydney University, to collect observations of dead or dying trees around Australia. It was set-up over a year ago to help better understand the physiology of tree mortality.

However, as the drought wore-on Associate Professor Brendan Choat said that photos submitted started to show larger-scale patches and whole hillsides of dead trees.

If you're out with your smartphone – camera and GPS required – you can take a photo, which has a geotag and upload to the project to pin-point what you've seen.

Head to https://bit.ly/2FTPgi7, then the 'Surveys' section and choose 'Add a record'. You can then upload photos and answer a few questions to help identify the possible causes.

resford News G

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Begin, Practise, Immerse Yourself in Yoga Donna’s been having a busy summer. In midJanuary she ran her first Immersion Week – five early mornings of stretching and meditation for 18 students from Gresford, Vacy, Dungog and Martin’s Creek, “to start the year with joy, or even a forward bend!” The response was excellent and she’s considering offering it again next year.

Trying something new can be daunting at the least. If you’ve never tried yoga, and you want to improve your flexibility, strength, balance and general wellbeing, local teacher Donna Cavanough has friendly and peaceful options to help get you started.

First there’s her regular Wednesday morning class in Vacy, from 9.15am in the Vacy Community Hall. This is a gentle class that would suit remedial students, beginners, people nursing an injury or just wanting a gentler session.

Celebrating teaching in Dungog shire for 19 years, Donna finds class sizes increasing with yoga’s popularity and as more and The summer yoga and meditation immersion happened in one of the shire’s many more people discover the beautiful halls.

This year, Donna is also benefits. During term time, says. “but it will suit almost everyone, bringing back her popular she teaches two classes whatever their fitness level. People often 6-week beginner program – perfect for in Vacy (9.15am on Wednesdays and believe they can’t do yoga because they people who’ve never done yoga, haven’t Fridays) and two in Dungog (Tuesdays can’t get on the floor (or off it) or touch done it for years, or want a return to at 10am and 5.30pm). their toes, but if you’re interested in basics to improve their overall health. getting those movements back give me a To register for the 6 week beginner’s The beginner program will take place in Dungog, Tuesday mornings from 10am at bell, even if you’re unsure or have health course, or to get info on any of the issues. Yoga is about starting just as you yoga sessions, contact the Anglican Hall, starting 25 February. are and building from there. You can Donna Cavanough on 0407 290 293 or “This introductory course is just right if donnacavanough@gmail.com. even practice in a chair!” you’re a little nervous about yoga,” she

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2 Kreative Koalas Awards – Arboretum award + Gresford Public School 1st prize for video Champions award at their end of year awards ceremony.

Kreative Koalas program uses art and multimedia to inspire the younger generation to reflect on global sustainability issues and act at a local level.

It encourages teachers and students to raise awareness of the United Nations Global Goals for Sustainable Development.

Jane Lloyd Jones, Local Land Services School Engagement Officer explains ”Kreative Koalas gives young people the skills to collaborate with the community and connect with local community groups and Government organisations, working towards a common goal of sustainability.”

Gresford School was awarded first prize for their sensational video presentation call to action at the end of the year.

You can view the video on YouTube https://youtu.be/De9mPsPRiE0

Janie Chandlier and Penny Kater receiving the Local Community Champions Award from Costa for the Gresford Arboretum.

Last year a group of teachers from the Kreative Koalas came to visit the arboretum. They were given a tour and morning tea, and told of the aims and

objectives of the project.

Kreative Koalas generously awarded the arboretum a Local Community

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G resford News • February 2020

The

, p 16

Mayoral Update 20 January 2020

Mr Michael McCormack, regarding funding for drought relief for our Mt Royal Fire community, in response to several I am very pleased to hear that the Mt requests from our farmers. I had Royal fire has been officially declared previously written to then Federal under control by the RFS. While the Minister for Agriculture, Ms Bridget cooler conditions and rainfall have McKenzie, when the first round of greatly assisted, it has been the funding was announced, to be told herculean efforts of RFS members, that funding was based on rainfall working aside National Parks and deprivation data and overall Wildlife, Forestry and other emergency economic effect of the drought, which services personnel that has kept this we somehow did not meet. Dungog fire at bay for the past few months and Local government Area (LGA) recently protected life and property. Thank you missed out on a further round of from an extremely grateful community Federal funding. to all who have worked tirelessly on We have written to request that we be this fire. considered for the supplementary Visit from Greg Warren funding that is to be provided to Cr Jan Lyon, Dungog Shire Council LGAs that have previously missed out General Manager (GM), Coralie on drought relief funding. Greg has Nichols, and I met with Shadow agreed assist in our lobbying efforts to Minister for Local Government, Greg the Deputy Prime Minister for a share Warren and his advisor, Melanie Dagg. of this funding for Dungog Shire.

We spoke about a number of issues We also updated Greg on the current currently effecting Dungog Shire. status of Brig O’ Johnston Bridge and You may recall, Council recently the next moves, as I described in last wrote to the Deputy Prime Minister, week’s update. He has asked to be

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kept abreast of the situation and promised to assist in any way he can.

There has been some conjecture spread in the community regarding funding shortfalls for our roads and bridges due to the large commitments being made by both levels of Government in response to bushfire damage. I have had no discussion with anyone in either level of Government that suggests any promised and on-going funding will be put at risk and I asked Greg if he had been given any indication of this.

He had recently had a meeting with the NSW State Minister for Regional Roads, Mr Paul Toole, and was also given no indication that this would happen.

Funding promised to Dungog Shire includes $16 million for our wooden bridge replacement project, funding for Tillegra and other bridges in the Shire, $25 million to finish work on Clarence Town Rd between Raymond Terrace and Dungog (this includes $20 million Federal funding, honouring a promise made in 2011 but never

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G resford News

The

• February 2020, p 17

Congratulations Delma followed up, plus $5 million from the State Government), $8.8 million from the Federal Government from Brig O’Johnston Bridge, adding to previous commitment from the State Government of $5.5 million. We have also been promised by the former Roads Minister, Melinda Pavey, to be prioritised in the roads reclassification process, which will see our 124 km of regional roads being returned to state control, with Council being contracted to maintain this road network.

I will continue, as I have always done, to hold both levels of Government accountable to their election promises made to the residents of Dungog Shire.

Late afternoon Sunday 12th of January I called in to see Delma at her home. Delma was resting on the lounge chair with her feet up. Beside her on the lounge were small gifts, cards and photos on cardboard. I sat down in the lounge beside her and wish Delma “happy 90th birthday quote. I then asked all about her special day. Delma smiled and said “I’ve had a very good day. A big day and a long day. In the morning everyone who regularly attends gathered for church at St Anne's". Delma then commented "How lovely, to be able to go to church on your birthday". She said her favourite hymn was sung which was a very special addition to Delma's day. After church she was driven to St Mary‘s Church Hall at Allynbrook. A very large gathering of family and friends from all over the place were there in attendance to celebrate Delma‘s 90th birthday. "It was just wonderful." Delma said. "The hall was packed". Special guests included her last surviving class mate Mr Wilfred Watts from yesteryears, when they both attended Eccleston Public School together. Delma recollected how there was a big drought on through the 1930s.

Margaret Hipwell of Eccleston and Mr Jimmy Archinal (who originally lived at 'Shellbrook') within the Upper Allyn area were also special guests at Delma's party.

Delma said in 1980 there was a small school reunion which consisted of her and Wilfred, Mr Hilton Hipwell, Mr Donny Longbottom and Miss Daphne Stout. They all made a special return visit to Eccleston Primary School to celebrate and recall good memories. Mrs

This is why we all love to know Delma. Delma Lawrence (nee Miners) of 'Belgrave'. She has a great little sense of humour and is proactive in all that she does. Delma is truly a wonderful lady to be around.

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On a very joyful note Delma described the large birthday cake that was presented to her.

A willow tree had been made on top of the cake with the tree's roots coming down round the cake's edging. Reaching down to blue water decorated below. Little animals gathered under the tree branches. Delma proudly said her great nephew Joseph had made and decorated the beautiful cake.

For many many years throughout Delma's life to present day, Delma has kept involved with the church, the Gresford District Agricultural Show, the Gresford District Historical Society and Cup-A-Tea and Chat Time. I asked Delma her secrets to getting to 90. She replied enthusiastically "Cups of tea, lots of them – every day. Be active like walking – lots of this and keep up with the exercise where possible".

Delma gives a nice little chuckle in saying this.

Lorraine Ashard, GDHSI secretary

G resford News • February 2020

The

, p 18

2020 SEASON Soccer WINTER COMP Major prize is – 1st prize = full Soccer Registrations Seniors rego refund, 2nd prize = half rego refund. Must be registered and paid in Eligible Kids play full to be eligible for Major prizes.

Rego Info Days: FREE! Tues 18 Feb AND Under 6’s to All Age Men’s & Women’s – Gresford Vacy Football Club. Children turning 5 in 2019 can

play as Under 6's. We cater for junior Mixed and Girls only Teams. ‘Eligible Kids Free’ are school aged children between 5 – 7 years old where their family has utilised the governments’ $100 Active Kids Voucher from Service NSW. Older juniors have minimal out of pocket cost after the voucher, please see table below. For voucher info: www.service.nsw.gov.au/transaction/ apply-active-kids-voucher.

You must register online at: playfootball.com.au

WIN rebel vouchers & refunds !!!

4x weekly prize draws of vouchers and merchandise during Feb – All registered players eligible. Major prizes drawn on March 1st. Juniors Major prize is Rebel Vouchers – 1st $150, 2nd $75, 3rd $50.

Tues 25 Feb 3-5pm, Vacy Sportsground.

NB: New players MUST bring a copy of their For more information or help contact: birth certificate.

Club President Jim Doyle: 0407 307 800, Every player receives a playing strip & Club Secretary Jack Cowled: 0427 385 603 dress shirt. NB: all juniors receive a free Web: www.scorps.com.au training ball too.

Email: gresfordvacyfc@outlook.com Category

GVFC rego fee

Less Active Kids $100 Voucher

GVFC Game fees

Season Total Cost

Entry 5 years (Preschool)

$50

NA – Still $50

nil, zero, zilch, nothing, $0

Only $50 Rego – No game fees

Entry 5 - 7 years

$100

$0

nil, zero, zilch, nothing, $0

Nothing if Service NSW $100 Active Kids voucher utilised – else $100

Youth 8 - 11 years

$120

$20

nil, zero, zilch, nothing, $0

Only $20 if Service NSW $100 Active Kids voucher utilised

Youth 12 18 years

$170

$70

nil, zero, zilch, nothing, $0

Only $70 if Service NSW $100 Active Kids voucher utilised

Senior Amateur

$250

NA – Still $250

Sat & Sun: $100 upfront or $10 per game Friday nights: $130 upfront or $13 per game

Sat & Sun: $350 Friday nights: $380 for rego and games fees

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

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G resford News

• February 2020, p 19 Gresford News February Crossword The

Anglican Parish of Gresford Paterson

ph 0431 938 718 Priest in Charge: Peter Middleton

regular church times

Paterson 8.30am every Sunday Gresford 10.30am every Sunday Allynbrook 12 noon 4th Sunday of month

St Helen’s Catholic Parish of Gresford and Sacred Heart Summer Hill WEEKEND MASS TIMES

St. Helen's at Gresford Saturday at 6:30 pm. during Daylight Saving time.

No Mass at Gresford on Sat. 28th Dec. instead Mass will be at Summer Hill on Sat 28th at 6:30 pm.

As from January 2020 Mass will be held at Summer Hill on the 2nd weekend of each month instead of the former 5th Sunday.

This will commence on Sat.11th

Enquiries Parish Priest, Fr. Derek Garner 4992 1477

December 2019 crossword answers

Crossword kindly provided by Russel Jessop.

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