resford News G
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June 2022
News of the communities of the Paterson and Allyn River Valleys
Gresford District Landcare Group on the Allyn River at Allynbrook.
As the big wet continues...
Dorothea Mackellar's poem My Country is widely known especially the lines: "I love a sunburnt country, A land of sweeping plains, Of ragged mountain ranges, Of droughts and flooding rains." But less well known is that the poem is believed to have been inspired by her experience of rural life in our region. "From 1898 to 1901, the Mackellars owned Torryburn station, near East Gresford, NSW, during one of the region's driest times. While holidaying at the property the family witnessed the breaking of a drought. In later life, Dorothea Mackellar recalled how, after the rain, the grass began to shoot across the parched, cracked soil of the paddocks and, as she watched from the verandah, the land to the horizon turned green before her eyes." (www.sl.nsw.gov.au/stories/hunter-valley/my-country-dorothea-mackellar)
Last month, as our most recent big wet continued, the Gresford District Landcare Group organised a field day to consider responses to recent post flood riverbank erosion. Read the full story on page 13
The Gresford News is a Gresford District Community Group project. Circulation 800 – Donations appreciated and most welcome. Thank you!
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MISSING
from Martin's Creek
Aged female desexed chocolate Labrador. Now requires monthly medical treatment.
$2500 reward Please ph 0427913012
Gresford News Notices Gresford & District Community Group June meeting 6.15pm Mon 6 June, Hotel Beatty
Our Place, Our Species: Connecting with the biodiversity and species of the wild places we love. Wondering how to connect young people to nature and the creative industries during the July & Oct school holidays? Our Place, Our Species is a multidisciplinary arts/science youth holiday program being created by the Paterson Allyn Williams Science & Ideas Hub during 2022. Join a walk in the field, creative workshop or event guided by artists, first nation people and scientists focusing on local flora and fauna, endangered species and vulnerable habitat. Ages 12-24. If you are interested email pawsciencehub@gmail.com Supported by Inspiring Australia, Paterson Allyn Williams Science & Ideas Hub (PAWSIH) and the Office for Regional Youth.
Gresford Rural Fire Brigade AGM
Community Access Defibrilator
Wed 1 June, 7.30pm Fire Brigade Station
Organising an event? Contact the Dungog Visitor Information Centre to get into the online events listing in the Dungog Shire. 4992 2212 email: wendys@dungog.nsw.gov.au www.visitdungog.com.au
Council meetings onine Dungog Shire Council meetings are livestreamed via council’s Facebook page: facebook.com/dungogcouncil – third Wednesday of every month from February – December. Visit www.dungog.nsw.gov.au for meeting agendas & minutes.
Scorps going Pink – Again! Gresford Vacy Football Club is ditching its traditional red and yellow colours on June 18 to host a fundraising PINK DAY! for the Hunter Breast Cancer Foundation. See page 11 for details.
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.
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Gresford Arboretum If you are thinking of planting a tree, whether native or exotic, small or large, autumn/winter is generally considered the best time to plant as the weather is cooler, many plants are dormant, and this time of the year allows the plant to establish roots before the spring rains and summer heat arrives. Before you embark on this project it is a good idea to ‘do some research, look at the requirements of the tree – consider the mature size of the tree/s, the characteristics – size and habit of the tree, and requirements (soil, water, nutrients) before you buy and ask your nursery for assistance’. A further really handy tip is to prepare and dig the hole where you plan to plant before you buy, this will also give you an idea of what the soil profile is like. Furthermore, you won’t get a nasty surprize when you arrive home with a larger size root-ball and are unable to dig a big enough hole for a number of reasons, including a large unmoveable rock exactly where you had planned to plant the tree! From the initial planting in October 2016, the Gresford Arboretum at the Gresford Community Park is a wonderful reference tool of those plants which managed the three years of drought and this exceptionally wet season. A great time to visit is generally a Friday afternoon around 3.30pm when the Friends of the Arboretum are working and who would be more than delighted to talk about the plantings.
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A few suggestions for our area: Small native trees: Water Gum, LillyPilly, Banksia, Bottlebrush, Tuckeroo, Fringed Wattle. Small exotic trees: Crepe Myrtle, Olive. Larger native trees: Lacebark, Waterhousia, Paperbark, Flame Tree, Ivory Curl Tree. Larger exotic trees: Chinese Elm, Plane Tree, Jacaranda. Whichever tree you choose, the requirements of the tree must suit the site, or you will be disappointed. And don’t forget to water the tree, especially during the first two summers, and add mulch to reduce weeds and to retain soil moisture. Liz Jones, Friends of the Arboretum References: 1. https://arboriculture.org.au/about-trees/ planting-a-tree#:~:text=Ideally%2C%20 trees%20are%20planted%20during,heat%20 stimulate%20new%20top%20growth. Fruit, trunk, leaves and flowers of the Lacebark tree.
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Dr David GILLESPIE THE NATIONALS FOR LYNE
BINGLEBURRA ROAD UPGRADES COMPLETED It’s great to see some of the completed sections of Bingleburra Road – new shoulder widening, guardrails and line marking - supported with Federal funding of close to $500,000.
FEDERAL FUNDS FOR GRESFORD BOWLO It’s great to be announcing Federal funding for Gresford Bowling Club to upgrade their clubhouse for greater accessibility. The Club has been successful in securing funding under the Stronger Communities Program Round 7 to install automatic doors out the back near the bowling green, an access ramp for the elderly and an improved front entrance for easier access for patrons.
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Gresford and District Community Group jam packed three hours and to cover every speaker would not be possible here. Two to note were ‘our own’ Sarah Sivyer on some of her challenges and solutions in the Covid era and James Norval of Fosterton Avocados. Who would have thought that avos are grown right here? They come from up north don’t they? Penny O’Meara, a very active Community Group member, has volunteered to be the Well the rain keeps falling and it doesn’t group’s cultural czar on the Dungog take much to top up and overflow. Its Cultural Plan. She was invited to make amazing how much water comes down a presentation to the Dungog Regional from the sky and how little in times of Tourism Board on 2nd May. While she drought. Almost no further work has emphasised that the views expressed been possible at the Community Park. were her own I think most of us would We had hoped to have the BBQ shelter agree with the 14 event ideas she built but the photo tells a different story. presented, from motorbike rides to historic home openings. Penny noted Approximately 70 people attended the that towns need to work together to Farming for the Future Forum on 6 May create a cohesive tourism and cultural at the Dungog RSL. Hosted by the experience. I think we’re going to see Dungog District Chamber of Commerce, good things come of this in the future. speakers covered a wide range of farming Thank you Penny. topics demonstrating the diversity of farming businesses in the shire. It was a Peter Dreyer – President, GDCG
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STILL A SELLERS MARKET
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• June 2022, p 9
Paterson Allyn Garden Group The Paterson Allyn Garden Group Garden of the Month was held at 'Rosenbrae', Vacy, the beautiful garden of Lyn and Greg Schreiber. The Schreibers explained they had moved to the property in 2000 and set about removing most of the existing plants. Over the years they have planted a mix of native and exotic trees and shrubs, and a beautiful lawn sloping to the north. They also have many thriving pot plants some of which need protection from the resident wallabies. Greg said that the terrain is difficult as the soil is shallow with rock not far below the surface, however being near the top of the hill, it is very well-drained! Greg’s main interest is in growing vegetables that he enjoys sharing with friends and neighbours. Fruit trees are also grown, including a mango, as the garden is frost free because of the elevation.
President and Vice-President. Horticulturist Penny reminded us that this year the Queen celebrates her 70th jubilee and has expressed a wish for everyone to plant a tree. If people are looking for ideas, a visit to the Gresford Arboretum might make the choice easier. She also reported as part of the Queens Treebilee the Gresford and District Community Group has applied for a grant for the planting of some advanced Lace Bark trees in the Community Park at Gresford. The plant stall co-ordinated by Pip and Cathy was extremely well stocked and did a brisk trade including pumpkins and orchids donated by the Schreibers, with all items being sold. Proceeds from the plant stall and the raffle have gone towards the purchase of a compact and portable oxygen unit. PAGG members have been raising money for two years and the unit has now been donated to Dungog Shire Palliative Care.
President, Liz Jones, announced that Greg Schreiber members of PAGG have decided to Interested in coming along to PAGG? gardening and gardens, the knowledge confer life membership on Janie Please contact Secretary Chris by email: they have and do share has given many Chandler and Penny Kater as a gesture of pagardengroup@gmail.com.au in the district a love of gardening. Until thanks. Penny and Janie started PAGG Jenny Creal over 10 years ago, their enthusiasm of recently they have held the positions of
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The Scorpions are going PINK – again! On the back of last season’s successful charity day that raised nearly $14,000 for breast cancer research, Gresford Vacy Football Club is ditching its traditional red and yellow colours on June 18 to host a fundraising PINK DAY! for the Hunter Breast Cancer Foundation. The popular pink socks and headbands will be back and players are also being given the opportunity to wear specialedition pink game shirts for the Round 8 games. Hunter Breast Cancer Foundation is all about Hunter people helping Hunter people. It provides information and practical support to Hunter women and men being treated for breast cancer and their families too. “We’re running under the slogan One game. One goal. Hope,” said GVFC committee member and event organiser Julie Hartigan. “Our fundraising day aims to push the limits on what can be achieved by a small club with an incredibly supportive community behind it.” The highlight of the day will be the sea of pink created by Scorpions players wearing their special game-day shirts. “The shirts look great and send a real
will continue to spread that message of hope for years to come.”
message about the unity of this club and how we can make a real difference if we all stand together,” said club president Jim Doyle. “The players may only be wearing the shirts on-field for one day but they are destined to become a favourite training jersey and everyday fashion item that
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The club’s fundraising efforts will also include a raffle, cake stall and a range of merchandise available to players, visiting teams and supporters. Donations can also be made directly to the Scorpions’ fundraising page with Hunter Breast Cancer Foundation via the attached QR code. The fundraising Round 8 activities will kick off with the Friday night teams in action at Gresford Sporting Complex on Friday, June 17, and continue with a full day of soccer action and Pink Day activities from 9am on Saturday, June 18.
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Understanding Our Riverbanks
In May, thirty people attended a discussion on recent post flood riverbank erosion organised by the Gresford District Landcare Group (GDLG) and sponsored by Hunter Local Land Services (HLLS). Jenny Weingott and Gavin Farley from HLLS led the discussion which included historic photos of Whites Crossing over 50 years. It was amazing to see the changes to the river
over time, demonstrating the great value of a pictorial record. The group inspected a bank slump which has increased in depth during recent rains. Remediation was suggested by way of diversion of water off the road which leads to the slump. The group then inspected the crossing and discussed the pros and cons of casuarinas in the riverbed, and the difficulty in retaining riverbanks with
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increasing frequency of flood events. Suitable species were suggested for remediation with emphasis on what to plant where. Lomandra and Water Gums were favored on the lower banks because they bend with the water and Melaleuca higher up the bank. Feedback has suggested that the day was valuable and led to lots of discussion. Julia Wokes, President GDLG
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Allyn River Road Forge
Does anyone have information about the forge on Allyn River Road, Allynbrook? The photo of the original shed indicates that it was W Smith & Son – General Blacksmith, Wheelright and Undertaker. The shed also housed a horse drawn hearse that is understood to be in a museum in the Hunter region. Contact the Gresford News gresfordnews@iinet.net.au or ph 0425 339 856
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Local artists envisage possible regional futures Upper Hunter artists Grace Barnes and Jane Richens are two of twenty-nine artists from across NSW that have been announced as participants in the statewide Regional Futures project. Regional Futures is a two-year state-wide creative project funded by Create NSW and delivered by the NSW Regional Arts Network which represents 15 members organisations that support and promote artists and creative practice across regional NSW. At the heart of the project is collaboration across sectors bringing artists and other experts together, exploring the future of the regions. The artists will participate in a ten-week self-directed creative development program that will involve weekly online sessions with various thought leaders and studio visits from the project’s Creative Director. Regional Futures will culminate with the showcasing in Sydney of new works developed as part of the project. Grace Barnes is a multidisciplinary artist and animator. Grace will create a series of
Left “Yellow Portrait” Grace Barnes 2022. Right Jane Richens. Photos are courtesy of the artists and Regional Futures.
illustrations and animated artworks that explore the bold truths of what the future looks like. Ever the optimist, she will be using an environmental lens, hoping we will choose innovation to bring prosperity, life and a safe future for us all. Jane Richens is a multidisciplinary visual
artist and biodiversity farmer living on Gringai country in Dungog. Inspired by dialogues with people in her region about possible ‘futures’ and regional issues, she will create a series of site specific performative portraits and tableaus, telling stories of ‘person and practice’.
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CWA celebrates 100 years
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Gresford CWA is a grassroots branch of Country Women ’s Association of New South Wales (CWA of NSW). This month CWA of NSW celebrates its 100th Birthday. In it’s beginning the CWA was focused on fighting isolation and lack of health facilities and immediately started work on setting up baby health care centres and funding more bush nurses. Rest homes and holiday getaways for rural and remote families were also on their agenda. Liz Harfull, Journalist and Author has written a book – ‘The Women who changed Country Australia. Celebrating 100 years of Country Women’s Association of NSW’. The Association went on to play an important advocacy role in the introduction of compulsory seat belts, white lines on the edge of roads and flashing speed signs in school zones.
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• June 2022, p 17
On the Shelves... by Glenda Smith Vanishing Acts
by Jodi Picoult
John Gould painting - original in colour. Australasian Bittern, Botaurus poiciloptilus, also known as the Brown Bittern.
CWA supports many projects, amongst these is the raising of money for Medical Research which started in 1987. To mention some – Lupus, Rett Syndrome, Haemophilia, Lyme disease, Crohn’s, Endometriosis and presently Ovarian cancer. CWA has a Disaster Relief Fund to assist people in need. They support people in times of droughts, floods and bushfires. They have Educational Grants. They are involved in Agriculture and the Environment, this year studying and promoting the Australasian Bittern and Banksia. Primary Product: Coffee. Also being made aware of the Foe which is Black Willow. There is much more to CWA with Branch and Group also supporting locally. Gresford CWA at our Rooms: - French Conversation, 1st and 3rd Mondays of the Month, 10 to 11:30am. Book Club: - 1nd Saturday afternoon of the Month. Book for June “Carpentaria” by Alexis Wright. Highly praised by contemporary writers. Valarie Smith, Vice President
RICHARD WELLS UPHOLSTERY
Picoult often deals with fracturing families, as she did with the well-known My Sister’s Keeper. The title initially covers a magic act the protagonist’s father performs for a senior citizens’ concert, and then goes on to describe a much more complicated event. Delia Hopkins is a search and rescue worker with a highly trained bloodhound, who reveals early in the novel when she finds a lost child that she does this work because ‘I’m the one who’s lost.’ Delia lost her mother at the age of six, and has felt bereft for most of her life. However, she has a child, a fiancé, a best friend and a doting father – all of whom seem to see her as the centre of their universes. The plot darkens, as it must, and all the characters are tested in different ways. The book deals with identity, memory, alcoholism, loyalty, courage and love. Picoult does not provide easy or pat solutions, but they are generally well-wrought. 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. Also have a look in the street library.
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Council Happenings
Wednesday 18 May 2022, 6pm Selection of meeting highlights:
isolation requirements which impact staffing levels and contracted works.
FUNDS TRANSFER ENABLES ROAD BLITZ
• Materials shortages which continue to delay delivery of projects.
Dungog Shire Council has resolved to transfer $250,000 from the Transport & Communication section of its quarterly budget to Sealed Rural Roads maintenance and repair. This action is being taken to facilitate a road maintenance blitz on the shire’s sealed road network, following the impact of ongoing extreme weather events on road conditions.
DUNGOG SHIRE PLANNING DOCUMENTS ON PUBLIC EXHIBITION Following a review of the Community Strategic Plan (CSP) and preparation of an updated Delivery Program and Operational Plan, Dungog Shire Council has endorsed these draft documents for public exhibition.
• Chronic labour shortages in the employment markets across NSW and Australia. It is important to be aware of these issues and their impacts on council’s programs and services, with updates through our quarterly reporting cycle to ensure both council and the community are kept informed on the progress of these works.
GRANT SUBMISSION UPDATES
Dungog Shire Council has successfully applied for several road repair grants in the Jan – March 2022 quarter. NSW Government grants totalling $712,000 have been received to repair various sections of Gresford Road, The review to develop the draft CSP, Our including south of Clements Road and Dungog Shire 2032, included the north of Summerhill Road, with an engagement of independent consultants to additional $100,000 also received for carry out randomised telephone and online Gresford Road projects. Council has surveys, with over 400 responses received. made a co-contribution of $880,000 to As part of this review, the seven strategic these works. Council was unsuccessful in applying for $16M for Glendonbrook themes of the existing CSP were Road under the NSW Government’s simplified to five community values: Remote Roads upgrade pilot program. Our Community, Our Environment & For a full list of 2021/22 grant projects Planning, Our Economy, Our Infrastructure and applications see council’s May and Our Leadership. meeting agenda. During the 28-day public exhibition GRESFORD SPORTING COMPLEX period for the draft documents, community information sessions will be AMENITIES TENDER AWARDED Dungog Shire Council has awarded the held in Gresford, Paterson, Clarence tender to deliver the full scope of works Town and Dungog, with all community for the construction of the Gresford members invited to attend. Sporting Amenities at a cost of Any feedback and submissions received $926,854.82 excluding GST to Connex will be considered by council, prior to Management & Construction Pty Ltd. endorsing its full suite of Integrated This project will enhance community Planning & Reporting (IP&R) documents amenities at this important sporting and before 30 June 2022. recreational facility. The draft documents can be viewed on WORKS PROGRESS REPORT council’s website. During April 2022, Dungog Shire Council undertook significant road and General Manager’s Comment: bridge construction including: A $42M capital works program is • Salisbury Road and Flat Tops Road – proposed for 2022-2023, as outlined in Resealing works undertaken have been the Draft Operational Plan 2022-2023. funded by council’s Special Rate While this represents a record level of capital works proposed by Dungog Shire Variation (SRV). Council and certainly reflects the success • Clarence Town Road, Segment 1 – in lobbying for and attracting grant contract construction work is continuing funding to deliver our projects and on the $1.83M priority segment of programs, there are some risks the Clarence Town Road, with Segment 2 program will experience difficulties in works (Clarence Town Road and Glen delivery due to: William Road intersection) also • COVID-19 delays continue to adversely underway. Council crews have reached practical completion for works on impact on delivery of projects due to
Clarence Town Road at the Hanleys Creek Road intersection (Segment 7), with earthworks also undertaken on Segment 8 (Cemetery Road intersection). • Drainage and earthworks have been carried out as part of a safety upgrade on Gresford Road at the Clements Road intersection. 1.4km of road will be upgraded under combined funding from the Australian Government’s Black Spot program, NSW Regional Roads Repair Program, and council funds. • Contract construction work is continuing on the new Bruxner Bridge, Hopson Bridge and Saxby’s Bridge, with road approach works carried out for Archinals Bridge, which is anticipated to be open shortly. These works are being completed under the NSW Government’s Fixing Country Bridges program. • Tar patching, roadside slashing, drainage maintenance and gravel sheeting and patching maintenance works were also carried out on roads across Dungog Shire, following recent extreme weather events. It should be noted that despite significant progress, internal resourcing remains stretched due to the substantial increase in council’s capital works program, with council staff all working additional hours to support the volume of construction and maintenance works required. Council also continues to experience significant delays in sourcing necessary materials and supplies to support program delivery, given the demand caused by state-wide infrastructure funding programs currently being provided by the NSW and Australian Governments.
ALISON COURT RENTAL INCREASE A rental increase from $344.08 per fortnight to $360 per fortnight for the 14 Alison Court Units located in Brown Street, Dungog, has been accepted by Dungog Shire Council. Council has consistently endeavoured to achieve a level of rental parity for this property with regard to the aged persons’ pension and in consideration of the level of rent assistance occupants may be eligible to receive from the Federal Government. The basis for this recommended rate is aligned to the methodology consistently applied to Alison Court rental rates over the past six years. While verbal discussions have already taken place with affected residents, all residents will receive written notification, with the increase to be implemented from 1 August 2022.
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Gresford News June 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. May 2022 crossword answers
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