resford News G
The
February 2022
News of the communities of the Paterson and Allyn River Valleys
Bowls Club ... on a Roll Tom Everett (front) and Tom Hojer (back) are part of the club's resurgent bowling group who won the zone flag and will be competing for a state title next month. And it's not just the bowlers that are on a roll, so is the club. With a huge new retaining wall (pictured), 74 new Solar Panels and a new Board, 2022 is looking like an exciting year. See story on page 16...
The Gresford News is a Gresford District Community Group project. Circulation 800 – Donations appreciated and most welcome. Thank you!
KERBSIDE BULKY WASTE & SCRAP METAL CLEAN-UP 7 to 18 February 2022 Dungog Shire Council is providing a Bulky Waste & Scrap Metal Clean-Up for all residential properties currently receiving a weekly waste collection. Collections will commence on Monday the 7th of February. Residents are requested to put their waste out the weekend before. Clean-up material should be placed at the location of your regular waste collection. Waste material deposited in any other location will be considered to be illegally dumped and action may be taken against persons responsible. NOTE: Collections will only consist of a single pass per property for bulky waste and a separate single pass for metal. Waste or metal placed after these passes will not be collected. Collection vehicles record the date and time of each pass. Collections may occur at any time during the allotted time period. The volume of waste collected from any one property shall not exceed two cubic metres. Bulky waste includes larger items of household waste.
Acceptable items are: • Household appliances and whitegoods (all doors must be removed) • Furniture, painted wooden products and fittings • Pottery, ceramics and chinaware • Tools, scrap metal, empty tins (lids off) and drums. (Sorted separate to other Bulky Waste) • Other bulky household items • Items must be able to be handled by two people • Loose items must be bundled or contained • Wire, must be rolled and tied securely
These materials will NOT be collected: • Mattresses • Building and demolition materials, concrete, bricks, tiles, fencing and plumbing fixtures • Trade, industrial and shop waste • Motor vehicles, engines, car parts, batteries and tyres • Commercial and hazardous waste including asbestos, insulation batts and fibro • Gas bottles and fire extinguishers • Fuels, oils, paint and vessels or machinery containing liquids eg. mowers, oil heaters etc. • Cement bags and large carpet rolls • Windows or sliding doors that contain glass, glass table tops and broken glass. • Green Waste including tree roots and branches • Small loose items will not be accepted • Material suitable for placement in the resident’s MGBs such as food scraps, recyclable material, household garbage. • Fencing in large quantities and wire that is not rolled and tied securely • Lengths of material longer than 1.8m (excluding lounges etc.) • Hot water systems larger than 260 litres. Enquiries ~ JR RICHARDS & SONS ~ 1300 343 507
Gresford News Notices Gresford CWA Gresford CWA's February 3 meeting is cancelled due to covid restrictions.
Gresford & District Landcare Group February meeting – 5.30pm Mon 14 Feb St Mary on Allyn Hall 844 Allyn River Road, Allynbrook Topic: Focusing on management of the riverbank. Please bring your chair and any refreshments
Gresford News CLASSIFIEDS CALL FOR TENDERS
Gresford Show
Post Splitting competition post hearts. Apply in writing by Feb 21 to: P O Box 9, East Gresford or Email: gdasgresfordshow@yahoo.com.au
COMMUNITY GROUPS MUSTER We would like to restart the COMMUNITY DIARY page that in pre-COVID times listed upcoming events and metings of our many and varied community organisations. The listing provided advertising for the events and helped to avoid event conflicts at the planning stage.
AND A NEW COMMUNITY GROUP INDEX We are also starting a Community Group Index that will be published in each edition so that community members can see the range of groups operating in the area and be able to contact them.
PLEASE SEND US YOUR EVENT AND ORGANISATION CONTACT DETAILS Just send your event and organisation details to gresfordnews@iinet.net.au or call Brian or Jane for more information – 0412 372 687
For all your upholstery needs ring Richard on
4938 9324
GUARANTEED QUALITY & SERVICE Pick up and delivery
is located outside the East Gresford Police Station. Sudden Cardiac Arrest is one of the leading causes of death in Australia. A defibrillator can make the difference between life and death and can save a life prior to the ambulance arriving. The Gresford News is a great way to reach out to our community. Our content is created by members of the community – people just like you. If you have something to say please send in your contribution Contact: • gresfordnews@iinet.net.au • Brian Doherty 0412 372 687 • Jane Richens 0425 339 856 • PO Box 73 East Gresford 2311 Deadline for stories & ads 20th of the month. Visit issuu.com/gresford-news for the ‘Gresford News’ online.
Dungog
RICHARD WELLS UPHOLSTERY
Lounges Automotive Antique Restoration French Polishing Canvas Annexes Horse Rug Repairs
Community Access Defibrilator
Chiropractic Clinic
HANLEY’S CREEK RD DUNGOG
BUBBLES !!!
Champagne Golf is back Friday 11th February starting from 5 pm 6 Fun holes of Golf $15 per person for golf & nibbles Contact the club to register dungoggolfclub@gmail.com Brian – 0401 951 864 Wendy – 0429 854 595. Check us out on facebook www.facebook.com/ dungoganddistrictgolfclub
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.
G resford News • February 2022
The
,p4
PLANT HIRE & EQUIPMENT COMMERCIAL INDUSTRIAL RESIDENTIAL RURAL
An extensive range of machines and earthmoving equipment to suit every aspect of the Building & Construction Industry Supply all forms of quarry product Contact:
0428 746 114
Paul Mastin 0418 499 471 Head Office 02 4938 8135 DIVISION OF DREEGAN BUILDING & CONSTRUCTION BASED IN THE HUNTER VALLEY ABN: 56137525494
G resford News
The
Food chat with Fiona...
• February 2022, p 5
Happy New Year. I hope we can get out and meet up in person, my garden enjoys love and care but would like some sunshine and peace to grow without me always there talking and tinkering. Haha. Stone fruit season – Yum. Best ever apricot jam I have ever had was in the Middle East. I asked my host how it was made. What I meant was, how did you catch the sunshine in there – it glowed. Apparently, you get home grown ripe fruit, cut it all up in biggish chunks and only heat with sugar and lemon juice enough to melt the sugar and make the fruit soft, then you sit it on the roof in the sunshine to thicken up. In their hot dry atmosphere, it would work but here our humidity is an impediment. Maybe use a dehydrator? Fresh peaches go really well chopped up with fresh homegrown tomatoes and slivers of Vietnamese and garden mint and shreds of chilli. Let it sit an hour or two – divine. Do you have quinces? I see them on trees, knobbly and developing an amazing
The flat top roofs of the Middle East and Morocco have many uses- jam making is just one. Photo: Fiona Wright.
perfume and they are great to make paste or cooked into a spiced preserve. What about gathering together to make preserves, chopping, talking, cooking will make a big job a lot more fun?
share what I make if it comes out well. It is an important bush tucker and on the good years I understand there would have been much gathering and feasting over the harvest.
Let me know if you want to explore And I hear this year is a great Bunya Nut Bunya Nuts – fionawright456@gmail.com season. Does anyone have some? I would Best wishes – Fiona love to try them and would be happy to
G resford News • February 2022
The
,p6
G resford News
The
• February 2022, p 7
Casuarina ~ Gresford Arboretum Casuarina
Three varieties
Scientific name: Casuarina Family: Casuarinaceae Common Name: She-oak
Casuarina cunninghamiana (or River-oak) grows up to 35 metres, often found on riverbanks, good as a windbreak.
Australian native forest area. The Federal Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment states the ‘roots of the Casuarinas help stabilise the coastal and riverbanks by reducing surface-water Don Burke wrote ‘If you like Australian runoff, erosion, and sedimentation’. native plants, and particularly if you like Water runoff is minimised by the attracting native birds to your backyard, branchlets which lay a thick blanket then She-oaks are plants well worth underneath a tree, this assists in considering for your garden’. Burke stabilising soil from erosion and aids in suggests Casuarinas are at their best the suppression of weeds. when planted in groups, especially when Environmentally the roots from the the wind blows through the trees Casuarina absorb nitrogen from the air creating a whistling sound. and transfer it into the soil. According to the Collins dictionary the word Casuarina comes from alay kesuari, referring to the resemblance of the branchlets to the feathers of the Cassowary. These branchlets often result in the Casuarina being mistaken for a pine tree. The small seed laden cones of the Casuarina attract many native birds, including Black Cockatoos, Finches, and Rainbow Lorikeets and often you will see Willie Wagtails, Pee Wees and Butcher birds using the Casuarina for nesting. Casuarinas are generally found along coastal and river banks and make up 0.9% or 1.2 million hectares of
The wood of the Casuarina has an attractive wide, dark-coloured grain, and is very hard. Indigenous Australians used the wood for making shields, clubs, and boomerangs, while early settlers made roof shingles, fencing, handles and bullock yokes from the wood. Today Casuarina wood is used in woodturning, small cabinetwork and parquetry. She-oaks come in a variety of sizes – from ground cover, through to shrub, small and large trees, and many species have adapted to tolerate wet conditions, dry climates, swamp areas and coastal regions.
Casuarina glauca (or Swamp-oak or Greyoak or River-oak) grows up to 15 metres, great for difficult and wet areas as it tolerates near-swamp conditions, and even some salinity. Allocasuarina torulosa (or Forest-oak or Rose-oak) grows to 15 metres, will tolerate most soils, popular in ‘gardens for its rich burgundy foliage, which stands out against the green-grey older growth and its deeply furrowed bark’.
References: https://www.collinsdictionary.com/ dictionary/english/casuarina https://www.awe.gov.au/abares/ forestsaustralia/profiles/casuarina-2019 https://www.burkesbackyard.com.au/ fact-sheets/in-the-garden/trees-andpalms/casuarinas/ The Friends of the Arboretum meet every Friday afternoon at 4pm, everyone is welcome, for further details please contact Penny 4938 9365 Liz Jones, Friends of the Arboretum
We are fully stocked up with Husqvarna stock, produce, farming supplies, animal products, Swap & Go gas and many other goodies 26 Durham Rd, East Gresford 4938 9204. Mon-Fri 7.30am to 5.30pm, Sat 8am to 12pm, Sun closed
G resford News • February 2022
The
,p8
Stabilising gravel and sand beds on the Allyn River
Gravel beds, sand beds and sand bars are a natural occurrence in most river systems and while ever the occurrence of these beds remains proportional to the other river features, there is very little problem, however in the past 25 years there has been a considerable increase in the occurrence of the beds and the size of the individual beds on the Allyn & Paterson Rivers to the extent they are now disproportionate to the other features on the rivers. There can be little doubt that the increase in the numbers of these beds is a direct result of past land management practises and a change in the nature of flood events on the rivers. Floods are a natural phenomenon on every watercourse and we can neither stop them nor control them but we can try and minimise the damage they are able to cause. The flood trends in the 1950’s saw these rivers subject to an uncharacteristic series of major flood events that resulted in dramatic changes to the landscape of the rivers. Since that time, the flood trends have been dominated by frequent minor flood events and flash flooding. The flood
waters from these lesser events cover the sand and rock beds with monotonous regularity in response to the slightest rise in the river levels and each flood event sculpts the topography of these rock beds into a different shape than the previous one. This continually shifting landscape is extremely difficult to stabilise and has no immediate seed source (other than weeds) to facilitate regeneration. Dramatic erosion such as the image on the right of the Allyn River after the 2011 flood is obvious damage that easily elicits an immediate response or concern to stabilise the area and prevent it happening again. The damage these vast gravel beds are causing is not immediately apparent, especially on properties that have not been retained in the same ownership for a considerable period enabling long term observations of the changes in the rivers topography. On the property owned and managed by Riverdene Nurseries, there is a major bend in the Allyn River and a vast gravel bed that can be up to 2.25 meters deep. Downstream of the bend, there is a large waterhole that does not dry up in a
Private Kill Welcome
Packed and labelled 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
drought, which has been a major asset to the surrounding landholders for the past 112 years at least. The photo above is the current extent of the gravel bed below the bend in the Allyn River mentioned previously. The
All Ladies, Men’s && Kids All Ladies, Men’s KidsHairdressing Hairdressing All Ladies, Ladies, Men’s Men’s & & Kids Kids Hairdressing Hairdressing All Beauty Services All All Beauty Services All Beauty Beauty Services Services All Weddings & Casual Upstyles Weddings & Weddings & Casual Casual Upstyles Upstyles Weddings & Casual Call: Josie, Kasey, Sam Upstyles & Ann-Maree Josie, SamSam & Ann-Maree Call:Call: Josie, Kasey, & Ann-Maree Ann-Maree Call: Josie, Kasey, Sam & PH: 49388386 PH: 49388386
PH: 49388386 Email:PH: quainthair@gmail.com 49388386 quainthair@gmail.com Email:803a quainthair@gmail.com Gresford Road Vacy Email: quainthair@gmail.com Quaint The Salon 803a Gresford Gresford Road Vacy 803a Road Vacy Vacy quaint_hair Quaint The Salon Salon Quaint The
quaint_hair quaint_hair
G resford News
The
• February 2022, p 9
by Noel Jupp OAM, Dip Hort, QP Dept Ag & Fisheries red line indicates the waterline some 40 years ago. The unstable gravel bed is not only moving slowly downstream, it is also moving into the river bed filling in deep water holes and creating an entirely new topography on the river. Stabilising these gravel beds should be an important consideration in any rehabilitation project. Following the 2007 flood we decided to investigate various methods of doing exactly that. Normal planting practises using tubestock were quickly abandoned when it became obvious just how much of the hard packed gravel would have to be removed to expose viable planting spots for a single tube. It became painfully obvious that to plant the entire area we would need to physically remove the majority of the gravel bed from the site and thereby expose a vast area of easily erodible sandy loam. Solving one problem by creating another did not seem like the logical approach. Mother Nature provided vegetation with the ability to sustain and reproduce itself, particularly within its own provenance, however a quick glance at the gravel beds pictured throughout this document will reveal that even the
weeds cannot attain a high germination rate because of the extreme level of hostility towards seed germination created by the rocks.
PROBLEMS AND SOLUTIONS
The first problem to contend with in gravel bed revegetation is also the easiest to rectify, which is lack of seed sources. Casuarina cunninghamiana specimens in full seed (above) growing adjacent to the gravel beds were located and full branchlets including as many needles as possible were harvested. The entire branchlets were laid directly on the gravel bed and anchored with stones (top right) in Autumn 2010. The predicted advantage of using entire
branchlets was that the foliage of the branchlets would facilitate the creation of a microclimate that hopefully was more conducive to seed germination. This simple procedure reduced the extreme radiant heat of the gravel by limiting the intensity of direct sunlight reaching the gravel and allowed a moisture retaining strata to be retained for optimum seed germination. The seed was released in situ from the capsules on the branchlets and germination was surprisingly successful (below).
The same process was followed with Lomandra hystrix in summer 2010-11. The entire seed bearing tuft was removed intact at the lowest possible basal point and laid directly on top of the gravel and anchored with rocks. As with the Casuarina experiment, the bracts of the Lomandra seed head reduced the direct sunlight and radiant heat allowing for successful germination.
PROGRESSION OF THE EXPERIMENT Autumn 2010 gravel bed experiment of protected in situ sowing of Casuarina cunninghamiana. 12 months on in September 2011 the Casuarina’s were average heights of 75cm with the tallest being 1m. The Lomandra hystrix gravel bed experiment sowed in December 2010 to January 2011, displayed variable heights up to approximately 20cm tall in September 2011. By August 2012 both the Casuarina saplings and Lomandra seedlings have established themselves and begun to create a microclimate with shade and shelter for future seed germination.
G resford News • February 2022
The
, p 10
The experiment is far from completed and needs to be reproduced to qualify the results achieved to date. Future experiments will also include other riparian species to ascertain the viability of each species to this method of revegetation. The range of species that could be trialled under this method is quite extensive but caution must be taken to ensure the species chosen are provenance specific for each area. Some possibilities include Eucalyptus camaldulensis, Callistemon sieberi, Callistemon viminalis, Eucalyptus tereticornis, Ficus coronata, Lomandra longifolia, Tristaniopsis laurina and Casuarina glauca. The ultimate long term success of stabilising these gravel beds will not be
assessable for some time to come, however short term observations of the effect of minor floods on the topography of the gravel areas immediately adjacent to the planted areas should provide an indication of the effectiveness of the plantings. Also the effect that this introduced vegetation has on the immediate surrounds, including the opposite bank of the river will need to be monitored carefully.
The opposite bank of the river is composed of highly erodible sandy loam deposits. The majority of the bank is heavily vegetated, however there was still a significant amount of erosion evident after the June 2011 flood event. The effects of altering the familiar behaviour and flow of floodwaters on one side of the river may also affect the behaviour and flow of the floodwaters other side of the river as well and this is one aspect we will monitor carefully.
Graeme Ferguson
VALLEY MACHINERY SERVICE
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
Michael Horn Ph 0429 388 055
fixit@valleymachinery.com.au Machinery servicing & repairs Welding, Hydraulics, Mechanical Tractors & all farming implements
Machinery • 4WDs • Trucks Onsite or in workshop Pick up & delivery available
We'll Fix It 598 Gresford Rd Vacy MVRL51660
G resford News
The
• February 2022, p 11
Sports Amenities Upgrades SUMMARY • This method is fast and easy providing sufficient seed is available. • Seedlings establish quickly with an unrestricted root system. • Fully mature seed must be used. • Seed trees selected should be typical of the species (avoid trees that appear smaller or spindlier than the general species) • Casuarina seedlings may need to be thinned as they often dominate germination. • Sufficient moisture to enable germination must be retained at the surface for at least 4 weeks. Our experiment was assisted by a succession of 2 high rainfall years. If rainfall is erratic an alternate watering system may be needed. • As with any riparian revegetation scheme, this one is subject to the mercy of a flooded river washing away seed before it has germinated. The advantage is that you can replace the lost branchlets with new ones in less than 5 minutes providing the seed is still viable. • We have sowed our experimental plots in rows parallel to the water flow to allow the clear passage of flood water and debris between each row and minimise the direct impact of floodwater on as many of the seedlings as possible.
Dave Layzell MP with Gresford Cricket Colts
The Stronger Country Communities Fund will deliver 17 projects to the Upper Hunter electorate under the latest wave of grants. Upper Hunter MP Dave Layzell said projects like these built upon the NSW Government’s vision to help make regional NSW the best place to live, work and visit. Gresford Sporting Complex receives Dungog Shire’s biggest allocation with $401,000 for an
amenities upgrade whilst the Doug Walters Pavilion at Bennett Park, Dungog has $203,221 to continue work on the amenities upgrade at the facility. Dungog Shire Council also has $202,161 to go towards the Clarence Town Village Green Wetland accessible amenities and solar security lighting project which will improve access and linkages to the Clarence Town community.
Are you in need of an Electrician? Maybe you need some Excavation work done, Even just a load of soil or gravel. Please call Gregg, local reliable and trustworthy
Ph. 0429389473
www.merchantindustries.com.au No: 296114c Lic
ABN: 96 611 109 972
G resford News • February 2022
The
, p 12
G resford News
The
• February 2022, p 13
New Maitland Hospital Opens A new $470 million hospital located at 51 Metford Rd, Metford, opened its doors on Wednesday, 19 January to patients from Maitland and its surrounds bringing new and improved healthcare services to the region. Hunter New England Local Health District Chief Executive, Michael DiRienzo, said the new hospital had been a decade in the works. “I’m extremely pleased to inform our community that they have access to state-of-the-art medical care in a modern and high-quality health facility,” he said. “The transition of patients and services has required careful planning and infection control practices, and this will be our approach as we transition our staff and patients to the new hospital. “With two-thirds of the rooms in the new hospital being single rooms, along with negative pressure rooms we can also better support our COVID-positive patients in the new space,” Mr DiRienzo said. The existing Maitland Hospital on High Street has closed to the public. Acess to the new hospital is via the roundabout on Metford road.
The hospital is accessible via car, public transport, bicycle and footpaths. The hospital has over 800 car parking spaces for staff and the community. All carparks can be accessed via the main roundabout on Metford Road. The bus stop to and from the hospital is located within the hospital, approximately a two minute walk from
ces ! Goodgoofdenn eighbours
make for
We are metal livestock fencing specialists, it lasts for 40 years and we can build nearly double the length for the cost of building a traditional hardwood post and wire fence. Need to contain cattle, horses, dogs, goats, alpacas or sheep?
the main entrance. The hospital will have bus routes that pass the hospital to allow for access via public transport. Information about the new hospital, including a virtual tour is available at www.newmaitlandhospital.health.nsw. gov.au (There is no phone number provided for the new hospital on the website or Yellow Pages – Ed.)
QUALITY SERVICES Driveways | Dams Arenas | House Sites Landscape Supplies
wolfrural.com.au
D6 Dozer | Bobcat 8 & 14 Ton Excavators with tilt heads
Free fencing advise when you get a quote with us.
wisemansexcavation@gmail.com
Then visit our website
G resford News • February 2022
The
, p 14
Lost Paterson and Allyn Valleys
Opening of the original Archinal Bridge, Eccleston Newcastle Morning Herald and Miners' Advocate Friday 23 Feb 1940 Page 15 After a drive of 28 miles along the Allyn River, above Gresford, the Commissioner
for Main Roads (Mr. H. H. Newell) and the drive, the elevation rises 50 feet a mile, Divisional Engineer (Mr. V. J. Harding) were and at 1,500 feet above sea-level a delightful picnic ground was found. guests at picnic luncheon, to mark the opening of a new bridge spanning the river. In recent years £30,000 has been spent on a developmental road into the valley, Throughout this valley there is close £10,000 being required for bridges. Mr. settlement, and it was refreshing to the Newell was urged to extend the road about visitors to find paddocks of corn and a mile and a half, where a deviation would lucerne green and healthy. Along the
KELL EARTHMOVING SCRAP METAL & TRANSPORT SERVICES Free pick up of scrap, servicing all areas. Transport all over NSW. CALL ME 0432 191 821
G resford News
The
avoid five river crossings. If survey plans and specifications were submitted, the proposal would be considered, he said. Calling on the granddaughter of Mr. W. Archinal to cut the ribbon on the new bridge, Mr. Newell named it Archinal Bridge, in honour of one of the oldest families of the district. He was presented with a silver hot water jug as a memento. The ribbon used was cut into souvenir pieces and auctioned for Red Cross funds. The President of Eccleston Agricultural Bureau (Mr. S. Archinal) and Secretary (Mr. K. Jarrett) welcomed the visitors. Note: this article is to recognise the 85 years of service by the original Archinal Bridge, which was located just south of the intersection of Allyn River Road and Shellbrook Creek Road (former long-time Shellbrook resident Jim Archinal remembers that the bridge was actually completed around 1936). Ruby Lawrence (nee Archinal), is now in her late 80s and lives in the Maitland area, and
• February 2022, p 15
believes her mother Ada Archinal (nee Jupp) is helping her cut the ribbon and says many people in the crowd were Archinals. A new bridge has recently been constructed and will be soon open to traffic. And a reminder that the Gresford District Historical Society still has for sale for $20 the recently published "Seven Little Churches of the Paterson Valley" (which celebrates 175 years since the creation of the Anglican Parish of Gresford Paterson). Please contact Delma Lawrence on 4938 9589. We thank the Paterson Historical Society for their generosity in allowing us to sell the book. The February meeting of the Gresford District Historical Society will be held Saturday, 12 February (the second Saturday), commencing at 6 pm at the Therese Doyle Hall, East Gresford and new members are always welcome. The Museum is yet to re-open. Ivan Skaines, Gresford District Historical Society & Co-administrator, Lost Paterson & Allyn Valleys Facebook page
... And an update on the cover of the December 2021 edition of Gresford News labelled “Belles of St. Mary’s” [on Allyn]. I had contact from several people and the girls are from left to right Judy Wells, Cheryl Dark, Jenny Stuckings and Margaret Brooker. Recapping, the Christmas card was dated 23 November, 1969 and the image was scanned from a film negative in the Athel D'Ombrain collection held by Cultural Collections, University of Newcastle. There are several other images of two or three of the girls at St. Mary’s in the same collection.
G resford News • February 2022
The
, p 16
Gresford Bowls Sport and Recreation club - on a roll The Gresford Bowls Sport and Recreation club had a mighty year in 2021. Zone President Greg Parry was the guest of honour at the Annual Presentation night and made special mention of the Gresford team making the State Finals. (Players pictured opposite) The State Final will be played at Maitland City in March, having been delayed because of Covid restrictions. Receiving many of the awards on the night was Bowls President Will Osbourne who featured in the finals of every discipline in 2021. Will was particularly excited to win the Club Singles saying “this is something I set myself for each year so Im particularly happy to take the win.”
Members of the Flag winning team with Zone President Greg Parry
The club’s new coach Michael Beaumont, a runner up in the Club triples noted “this is such an amazing sport, I had the opportunity to play in a final with a grandfather grandson combination, I don't think there is another sport where that is possible. We are so lucky to have so many young bowlers, this is a terrific club” "In 2022 we will have a lot happening at the club – a huge new retaining wall, 74 new Solar Panels and a new Board. It's an exciting time."
02 49 389 368 Times are subject to change MONDAY 4–7 TUESDAY 4-7 WEDNESDAY 4-9 THURSDAY 4-9 FRIDAY 4-9 SATURDAY 4-9 SUNDAY 4-9
Brett Prattan receiving award from Greg Parry
FWB
HAPPY HOUR WEDNESDAY 5–6 pm Schooner Card Draw 1st Wednesday of the month Finished beer cards go into a draw To win a Schooner Card. Drawn at 6pm you must be here to win
GIFT VOUCHER RAFFLES: WEDNSEDAY FRIDAY SUNDAY
LITTLE PAN ASIAN RESTAURANT Open Wednesday – Sunday from 5pm DINE IN OR TAKEAWAY – 4938 9166 Like us on Facebook please check our facebook page for updates
RURAL maintenance|contracting Fraser Beaney - 0499 554 115
PROBLEM FENCES? NEEDING MAINTENANCE? STRAINING REQUIRED? For general fencing repairs and maintenance and smaller scale replacement jobs, call me for a quote. SLASHING? ROUSE-ABOUT? MUSTERING? Have horse, will travel Call Fraser - 0499 554 115 ABN: 24 410 158 298
G resford News
The
Lostock Pipeline Update Following on from earlier articles, representatives from the Gresford & District Community Group (the owners of this publication) met with representatives of Water infrastructure NSW and Hunter Water to discuss the proposed pipelines from Lostock to Glennies Creek and from the Paterson river at Vacy to Newcastle and/or Maitland.
adverse economic, environmental and social impacts this will have on our beautiful valley.
Whether the proposal makes sense is yet to be decided. A business case is being prepared by Water Infrastructure during which all manner of issues will be addressed. The business case may cost $20,000,000 ($13.6m has been allocated As yet these pipelines are only a proposal at the present time) to produce and will which Hunter Water considers desirable be extensive. Amongst other matters it for proofing against future population will cover the route of the pipelines, the growth in the next 40 years. For impact on the environment and which residents, farmers and other users in the users will pay the cost; I would not be Paterson Valley it is difficult to surprised if the cost came to over comprehend whether any benefits will $1,000,000,000. To date, this writer’s be derived from the proposal. Indeed, if experience of government business cases Hunter Water seek to recover the costs of is not positive. If care is not taken the proposal from Paterson Valley users business cases can be shrouded in mystery there will be significant downsides for and based on dubious assumptions which them. (At the present time a “User pay” are unlikely to eventuate. I am not aware funding model has not been confirmed.) how many business cases are found to be justified and how many gather dust on The meeting was a useful forum at shelves never to see the light of day. This which our views were made known and project that needs to demonstrate the these views were received in a likely outcome will be beneficial to those constructive manner. However, the fact that get charged the $1,000,000,000! still remains that 45,000,000,000 litres (our calculation) of water are proposed to Stay tuned for further updates. be taken from the Paterson catchment Chris Wokes and nobody seems to know the
• February 2022, p 17
On the Shelves... by Glenda Smith The Taste of Memory
by Marion Halligan
Halligan is a Novocastrian by birth and Canberran by choice, and while much of this memoir is based on her home and garden in the capital, she weaves different environments together through her sensory experiences. She has also travelled extensively and enjoyed both cooking and eating. The title is perfect – she shares many memories through the agency of food without being self-indulgent. This is one of those books that include recipes, which give the reader access to the gastronomic experiences being described. It meanders, which is appropriate to memory; is leisurely and sensuous; and takes us on a personal journey which expands our horizons. She writes about youth and age; love and loss; and simple pleasures and disappointments. In keeping with the subject of food, it can be nibbled at out of sequence or devoured whole. It is a very satisfying reading experience. 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.
PETER EVANS & ASSOCIATES SOLICITORS
‘Looking after people is our business’
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
Level 3/97 Scott Street, Newcastle NSW 2300 reception@evanslaw.com.au
G resford News • February 2022
The
, p 18
Council Happenings A Message from the Mayor Welcome back to the first edition of Council Happenings for 2022! I hope you have all remained happy and healthy over the Christmas break and have had a safe start to the new year. As we commence this year with a new council and a robust program of works already underway across our shire, I look forward to progressing critical community initiatives and infrastructure improvements that will help to advance our shire community.
feedback on the current and future priorities and needs of our community.
this project anticipated for completion in February.
Didn't get a call, and want to share your thoughts? Don't worry: an online version of the survey will also be made available later this month.
Work is continuing on both Bruxner bridge and Archinals bridge, which are anticipated to be open by the end of February, with work also scheduled to commence on Hopson’s bridge early next month.
Bulky Waste & Scrap Metal Clean-Up Mark it in your calendars: In February we'll be providing a bulky waste and scrap metal clean-up for all Dungog Shire residences that currently receive a weekly waste collection service.
Both wet weather and COVID have caused some delays to the bridge replacement program and we appreciate the community’s patience and cooperation when traveling through As always, I welcome your ideas, The collections will take place at any time these construction areas. suggestions and feedback in regard to between Monday 7 to Friday 18 February happenings around our shire. Please get 2022, so please ensure your waste is Project Contractors have recommenced in touch via email: john.connors@ placed at your regular collection point the rehabilitation of Clarence Town Road dungog.nsw.gov.au or 4995 7777. the weekend before. (Segment 1), as well as commencing work I look forward to hearing from you. on the Clarence Town Road and Glen Household appliances, white-goods, John Connors, Mayor William Road intersection. furniture, ceramics, tools, and other bulky household items can all be collected. In addition, works are continuing on Council Phone Survey Paterson River Road and Salisbury Road. Micromex Research is currently January Works Update These works are funded under the NSW conducting a random telephone survey The new Mary Carlton’s bridge was the Government’s Fixing Local Roads program on our behalf, as part of council’s review first of 23 timber bridge replacements and council’s Special Rate Variation. of our Community Strategic Plan (CSP). under the NSW Government’s Fixing We ask all residents to use caution when If you're contacted, the caller will clearly Country Bridges program to be opened explain they're from Micromex, and traveling through road construction to traffic, with the new bridge opening getting in touch on our behalf. The zones, and to please report any identified just before Christmas. Work continues on the road and bridge approaches, with hazards to council as soon as possible. survey will ask you to provide your
BR
Plumbing & Excavations Pty Ltd
General Plumbing & Drainage
ATTENTION: FARMERS, GRAZIERS AND HOBBY FARMERS ARE YOU GETTING THE MOST FROM YOUR ACREAGE?
Direct Drilling
Slashing and Mulching
Gas Plumbing
Cultivating and Discing
Tabletop Truck Hire
Drain Cleaning
Fertilizer Spreading
Boomspraying
New houses, renovations & extensions Transpiration areas – upgrades & new 3 t & 5.5 t excavator with augers & rock breaker Bobcat 6 t & 13.9 t GVM tippers NO JOB TOO BIG OR SMALL SERVICING AREAS BETWEEN
Round Baling: Hay and Silage
MAITLAND - SINGLETON - GRESFORD - VACY - PATERSON
Small Square Bales
BRIAN & JULIE REIBEL
Mowing and Raking
PH: 02 4930 9047 FAX: 4930 9046 15 Lerra Road, WINDELLA NSW 2320 ACN: 109 886 419 ABN: 81 109 886 419 Lic No. 167289C
Whatever the job, get it done right and on time by your local bloke! Your Local Rural Services Specialist. Competitive Rates! Ring Rodney Richardson 'Penshurst' Mt Rivers Ph 02 4931 7125
G resford News
The
• February 2022, p 19
Gresford News February Crossword Anglican Parish of Gresford Paterson
Weekly Services 10.30am Sundays at St Annes COVID safe practices in place CONTACT Fr Peter Rothnie 0438 413 007, email priest@gpanglican.com.au
Gresford
Congregational Church 30 Durham Rd Gresford
Services Each Sunday 10.30am ALL WELCOME Enquiries to Pastor Roy Waters Ph 02 4938 9348
Crossword kindly provided by Russel Jessop.
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). Weekday Mass Thursdays at 9.30am 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. December 2021 crossword answers
Building better together Hunter Construction Group is proud to be locally owned and part of your community. We have been operating in the Hunter Valley for over 20 years, making the members of Hunter Construction Group an integral part of the local construction industry.
We are a group of local construction companies and trades, supporting each other through our vertically integrated supply chain model. Our six disciplines work together to offer tranparency, trust and confidence, enabling project completion to a high spec and on time for our clients.
At Hunter Construction Group we pride ourselves one being the local experts that care as much as you do. To learn more about Hunter Construction Group and our companies, visit our website www.hunterconstructiongroup.com.au.