News of the communities of the Paterson and Allyn River Valleys
Gresford Arboretum, Boomerang Bags, Dungog by Design & Paterson Allyn Williams Science & Ideas Hub will be celebraiting a decade of community action caring for people & our planet. You are invited to this free community event featuring short films, displays, stalls & presentations. 6pm Friday 12 June, James Theatre Dungog. Come to the 10 year party
Gresford Arboretum Boomerang Bags
Dungog By Design
Paterson Allyn Williams Science & Ideas Hub
The Gresford News Community Diary
Sun 7 Jun Live music – Band Marriah, Hotel Beatty, 1-5pm
Fri 12 Jun 10 year celebration for 4 community groups, James Theatre, Dungog, 6pm
Fri-Sun 12-14 Jun Scorps home round
Sat 13 Jun Pearl & Sip, Gresford Bowls Sport & Recreation Club, 1-4pm
Sat 13 Jun
Gresford Book Club, CWA Hall, 2–4 – Open to general public
Sat 13 Jun It Takes a Community Sports Group Fundraiser, Dungog RSL, 6pm
Sun 14 Jun
Gresford District Landcare Group Meeting, 9.30am – email Penny Kater for details pennykater@gmail.com
Fri 19 Jun Special guest speaker – Lyn Cummings to discuss embroidery, CWA Craft Morning, CWA Hall, 9–12
Sun 21 Jun Sketch Club – En PLEIN AIR, Torryburn, 1-4pm, Contact Christine Pike 0428 271 819
Sun 21 Jun Kids Club, Gresford Community Gallery, 10-2
Thurs 25 Jun Community Connections Meeting, Gresford Bowls Sport & Recreation Club, 6pm
Sun 28 Jun Sketch Club – Still Life/Figurative, Gresford Community Gallery, 1pm, Contact Christine Pike 0428 271 819
Sat 4 Jul
CWA Special Public Event: Talk by Amorelle Dempster about her wide experiences in catering, CWA Hall, 2pm
Sun 5 Jul Climate Choices Series Talk #1:Climate Facts, Consequences & Choices Ahead, James Theatre, Dungog, 2-4pm
Tues 7 Jul Gresford School of Arts Committee meeting, main hall, 7pm
Sat 11 Jul Scorps Ball, details to come
Sun 12 Jul Winter exhibition opening, Gresford Community Gallery, 2-4pm
Tues 14 Jul Gresford & District Community Group Meeting, 6.30pm
Fri 24 Jul Defashion Dungog EOI due, email photo & description of wearable to pawscienchub@gmail.com
Sun 25 Jul Mystic Nomads, Gresford Bowls Sport & Recreation Club, 11-5pm
Thurs 6 Aug Lexus 2026 Melbourne Cup, Gresford Bowls Sport & Recreation Club
Every Mon Fitness A GoGo with Donna! class, Gresford Community Gallery, 3.30pm
Every Wed Happy hour + Gift Voucher Raffles, Gresford Bowls Sport & Recreation Club, 4.30–6pm
Every Thurs Mass, St Helen's Catholic Church, East Gresford, 9.30am
Every Thur Happy hour, free pool & jukebox, Hotel Beatty, 5.30–7pm
Every Fri (school terms) Yoga with Donna Cavanough, Vacy School of Arts Hall, 9.30–11am & live zoom online Tues, Wed, Fri, 7.30am
Every Fri Twilight Bowls, Gresford Bowls Sport & Recreation Club, 5.30pm
Most Fri afternoons Friends of the Arboretum activities, times vary seasonally, contact Penny Kater for details 0488 371 589
Every Fri Cricket Club Raffles, Hotel Beatty
Sat-Sun
Gresford Community Gallery open, 12 Park St, East Gresford, 10-4 or by appt phone Robyn 0417 686 816
Sat Mass, St Helen's Catholic Church, East Gresford, 5.30pm (except 2nd Sat of month)
Every Sun Anglican Church services, dates & locations vary–see ad, St Paul’s Paterson, 8.30am • St Anne’s Gresford, 10.30am
Every Sun The Gresford Congregational Church welcomes you, 10.30am
Every Sun Social Bowls +, Gresford Bowls Sport & Recreation Club, from 4pm
1st Mon each month Gresford District Community Group Meeting, 6.30pm, all welcome! (not Jan)
1st & 3rd Mon each month French conversation, CWA Hall, 10–11.30
2nd Wed each month Laughable Leigh Trivia Night, Gresford Bowls Sport & Recreation Club, 6.30pm
2nd Thurs each month Pool Comp with prizes at the Hotel Beatty 6.30pm
2nd Sat each month Gresford District Landcare Group Meeting, 9.30am (not Jan), contact Penny Kater for details 0488 371 589
2nd Sat each month CWA Book Club, CWA Hall, 3pm
2nd Sun each month Mass, Sacred Heart, Summer Hill, 11.30am
3rd Tues each month Paterson Allyn Garden Group meet, 10am (not Jan or Feb), contact Chris Walker for details 0401 566 180
3rd Thurs each month Trivia Night at the Hotel Beatty 6.30pm
3rd Fri each month CWA Craft Morning, CWA Hall, 9–12
3rd Sun each month Vacy & Surrounds Crop Swap, alongside Vacy General Store, 9.30am
3rd Sun each month 'Vacy beach' riverbank Landcare working bee, 2pm
3rd Sun each month Entertainment at the Hotel Beatty
4th Tues each month Circle Dancing, 4.30pm – to book in & check location phone Pip on 0493 388 889
PUT YOUR EVENT IN THE COMMUNITY DIARY:
Contact Gresford News: email gresfordnews@iinet.net.au • Brian Doherty 0412 372 687 • Jane Richens 0425 339 856 has always been created by the community for the community. The content is provided by individuals and community organisations to keep the community informed about activities in the area. Your contributions are always welcome! Deadline for stories & ads 20th of the month. For text – Word format preferred. For pictures – .jpg format preferred (not in word).
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: Paul Mastin 0418 499 471
Head Office 02 4938 8135
DIVISION OF DREEGAN BUILDING & CONSTRUCTION BASED IN THE HUNTER VALLEY ABN: 56137525494
Special combined meeting: Community Connections Meeting, Thurs 25 June 6pm, Gresford Bowls Sport & Recreation Club
New meeting time: Gresford & District Community Group Meeting First Tuesday of the month Tues 14 July 6.30pm Hotel Beatty
Gresford Rural Fire Brigade AGM Wed 3 June, 7.30pm at the Station, 137 Durham Rd, East Gresford. All members & guests are encouraged to attend.
It Takes a Community Sports Group Fundraiser Sat 13 June, 6pm Dungog RSL
A local group is working to support youth sport by helping young people stay active, healthy & connected while backing local clubs. Funds raised at this event will help kickstart a proposed community bus project to improve transport for players across the community.
THE GRESFORD NEWS
Gresford News: News of the communities of the Paterson & Allyn River Valleys, has been published by the Gresford & District Community Group since 2002. As a not-for-profit community association any profits go towards supporting community projects.
IT'S YOUR NEWS
The Gresford News has always been created by the community for the community. The content is provided by individuals and community organisations – Your contributions are always welcome!
IS YOUR NEWS BEING DELIVERED?
Gresford News is delivered to letterboxes on the main road north of Paterson and roadside in the Vacy and Gresford postal districts to the top of the Paterson and Allyn Rivers. PLEASE let us now if you do not recieve your NEWS – we will see if there is a problem we can fix.
10 year celebration for 4 community groups – Gresford Arboretum, Boomerang Bags, Paterson Allyn Williams Science & Ideas Hub, Dungog by Design Fri 12 June 6pm James Theatre
Creative activities at the Gresford Community Gallery
• Sketch Club–En PLEIN AIR – Torryburn Sun 21 June 10-3
• Sketch Club–Still Life/Figurative Sun 28 June 1pm
• Kids Club Sun 21 June 10-2pm
• Winter exhibition opening Sun 12 July, 2-4pm
Dungog Tip Shop
Mon, Thurs, Fri 8–5 • Sat, Sun 8–12
Dungog Tip Shop: recycle your unwanted things or pick up a handy bargain
Craft Mornings
CWA Special Public Events
• Fri 19 June, 9am
Embroidery talk by Lyn Cummings, a Handicraft Judge, at the Craft Morning.
• Sat 4 Jul, 2pm
Talk by Amorelle Dempster about her wide experiences in catering.
• September
Tony Cavanough discusses Crime Fiction. Morning or afternoon tea follows events.
Climate Choices Series Talk #1: Climate Facts, Consequences & Choices Ahead Sun 5 July 2-4pm James Theatre
2 speakers + Q&A panel
Retired CSIRO atmospheric scientist Dr Dennys Angove & TV weatherman Graham Creed PAW Science & Ideas Hub
Scorps Ball 11 July
Details to come.
CWA NEWS
The next meeting in June, on the 19th, will include a special guest, Lyn Cummings, who will share her expertise on embroidery and experience in judging handicraft with attendees. She will also answer questions about the craft, including tips for exhibition. All are welcome to join us for a delicious morning tea, individual craft, a friendly chat and a door prize.
Members $3 and non-members $5.
Public Events
Our Branch will host several talks this year that may be of interest to the public. In addition to the visit by Lyn Cummings on the morning of 19th June, we will have a talk by Amorelle Dempster, who will share her wide experiences in catering at a date to be confirmed, and also a revisit by Tony Cavanough in September, who will talk about Crime Fiction. Morning or afternoon tea will follow all of these events.
Book Club
Our classic for this year was Far from the Madding Crowd and discussion of this Thomas Hardy novel was warmly enthusiastic. The next book for discussion on the 13th June is Heart Lamp by Banu Mushtaq, a collection of short stories about
the lives of Muslim women in Southern India. It was the winner of the Booker Prize in 2025. New members to Book Club are always welcome – male or female. It is generally held at 3pm on the second Saturday of the month in the CWA Hall. Book Club is run in association with the CWA as a cultural activity, and membership of the Branch is not required.
CWA Library
Members of the public are very welcome to use the library in addition to the street library. The best times to visit are when the hall is in use with Book Club (3-4pm on the second Saturday of the month), and during the Craft Mornings (9-12 am on the third Friday of the month). Please ring Glenda Smith (0400108079 or 49389456) for information on other times the hall may be open, as usage can differ.
French Conversation
Takes place on the first and third Mondays of the month from 10 – 11:30 am. Please ring Glenda Smith (numbers above) if you are interested, as sometimes there are changes to our planned meeting times. We have finished with our last topic of The Riviera and have started exploring Regional Specialties.
The NSW Government has programs to assist with cost of living expenses.
Book a free appointment with a Savings Finder specialist call 13 77 88 or visit your local Service Centre.
Check the Service NSW Savings Finder: www.service.nsw.gov.au/campaign/savings-finder For the latest fuel prices go to Fuel Check: www.fuelcheck.nsw.gov.au/app
Bowlo News – May as well finish well!
The 2026 Pennant season is over. Our gallant 5’s finished runner up in their section with 6 wins and 4 losses though somewhat adrift of the winners, Miller Park, who won 9 of their 10 matches.
Alas, the 7’s did not fare so well. Wooden
spooners in fact with only 1 win in their 10 matches. But not to worry. Both sides were victorious in their final match at home against Lorn Park (5’s) and Tellarah (7’s).
Hopefully this good finish will live in the memory for next year.
The photo is the usual pre-game ‘unpack yer bowls’ prep on 16th May at The Bowlo – Lorn Park in yellow, Tellarah in green. Coming up: social games, shire bowls, club friendlies and club championships.
Peter Dreyer
Gresford Student Raises Over $3,500 for Charity
A young girl’s dream became a reality when Tahlia Chapman from Gresford Public School turned a simple idea into an inspiring community event to support Dolly's Dream and raise awareness for bullying prevention. Dolly’s Dream is dedicated to changing the culture of bullying in Australia. The nationally trusted, evidence-based organisation supports children, young people and families to live happy and safe lives, free from bullying, with a strong focus on rural and regional communities.
Just like Dolly, Tahia has a love of horses and spending time with friends, so she decided that a community charity ride would be the perfect way to support the cause.
“I knew Do It For Dolly Day was coming up and I wanted to do something to raise money,” Tahlia said.
Planning for the event began back in February, with help from Tahlia’s mum, Jodie, along with family friends Stacey and Narelle. Together they mapped out a ride from Lewinsbrook Road to the Beaty Hotel for lunch and back again, with riders and their horses dressed in blue in Dolly’s memory. “We had 27 riders and lots of people at the pub to meet us for lunch,” Tahlia shared.
“We had a few naughty horses, mine was one of them.”
Thanks to generous local community donations and a fundraising auction to dye local publican Bernie’s beard blue, Tahlia raised an impressive $3,690 for Dolly’s Dream.
“The money raised goes towards helping Dolly’s Dream run programs in schools to bring awareness around bullying, especially for kids in rural and remote areas,” she said. “I just hoped to raise about $2,000, but we went way over that and I’m super proud of it.”
Tahlia hopes the event sends an important message to other young people. “Bullying is a horrible thing to go through and every child deserves a happy childhood, not a miserable one,” she said.
Although this year’s ride was an invite-only event, the local community has embraced Tahlia’s idea, with plans already underway to make it an annual fundraiser. Next year, Tahlia hopes to attract even more local businesses, riders and maybe even a live band at the pub. Her message to others is simple: “Speak up, even if your voice shakes.”
Gresford District Landcare
For its May meeting, Gresford Landcare met at beautiful Camyr Allyn on the Allyn River at East Gresford. We were generously hosted by Janet and Phillip Edmonds.
After our usual start with tea and coffee and sweet treats supplied by the members, we discussed the difficulties arising from increasing numbers of feral animals in the area, including wild dogs and rabbits. Julia made available brochures produced by Local Land Services to provide assistance to members in ways to deal with the increasing numbers of these animals,
We then moved down to the river bank which is a beautiful undulating area with rock platforms, as well as areas of grasses and other vegetation. Much discussion followed about the best ways to manage a river bank area.
The members then returned to the house where we, as usual, enjoyed a sausage sandwich and more discussion about the management of river banks.
The next meeting will be held on Sunday 14th June rather than the usual 1st Saturday of the month during non-daylight savings months.
On the river bank. The people in the front are left to right - Jillian Stibbard, Janet Edmonds & Stephen Stibbard.
It Takes a Community
“It Takes a Community” continues to build strong momentum across the Dungog region, with local schools, sporting groups, businesses and volunteers rallying behind a major new project — the push to secure a 21–24 seater community bus for local young people and community groups.
The idea emerged through community discussions involving Dungog High School, where concerns were raised about the growing difficulties students face attending sporting events, excursions and activities outside the local area due to transport limitations and the high cost of hiring buses from Maitland and surrounding areas.
At present, Dungog High School has access to an 11-seater bus that was funded through community efforts several years ago, however demand has now outgrown its capacity. Discussions with local primary schools reinforced that the issue extends right across the district, with schools and community groups all identifying the need for a larger shared community bus.
As a result, “It Takes a Community” has taken on the project, with strong support already building throughout the region.
The project is currently being heavily driven by the It Takes a Community Sports Group, who are holding a major Youth Fundraiser at the Dungog RSL on Saturday 13th June from 6:30pm for a 7:00pm start.
The evening will raise funds for the community bus initiative, while also promoting awareness around youth
mental health through sport and participation.
Originally, the fundraiser was designed to help cover the growing costs of keeping young people healthy, active and involved in sport. However, after hearing firsthand from schools and community members about the transport challenges facing local young people, part of the funds raised will now also go toward securing the community bus.
Tickets are $40 per person and include a Chinese smorgasbord meal. There will also be a lucky door prize included with entry, featuring a balloon ride for two valued at $600.
Auction items on the night include a signed 2026 Newcastle Knights jersey, Jets merchandise, and a signed mini cricket bat from Greg Chappell.
Guest speakers for the evening will include Professor Narelle Eather and Robbie O’Davis, with the night to be MC’d by highly respected rugby league administrator Keith Onslow.
Community members, local businesses, alumni and potential sponsors are all encouraged to get involved and support a project that aims to create more opportunities for young people across the Dungog region.
If you would like more information, would like to support the project financially, or donate auction or raffle items toward this worthy cause, please contact Jim Doyle on 0407 307 800.
For more information regarding the fundraiser, please contact Shane Darr on 0428 044 588.
New initiative: Community Connections Meeting
A new community initiative aimed at bringing together the many organisations, clubs and volunteer groups across Gresford will be held at the Gresford Bowling Club on Thursday 25 June.
The evening, titled Gresford Community Connections Night, is being organised as an open community discussion and meet and greet for local groups and residents.
Nibbles and wine will be available from 6pm, with the community discussion and forum beginning at 6:30pm.
Organisers say the purpose of the evening is simple — to bring together the many different groups within the district, have a chat, explain what each organisation is doing, and learn a little more about each other.
Gresford has long been known as a strong community with deep roots in volunteering, committees, sporting groups, agriculture, horse and equestrian activities, and people willing to help each other.
There are a lot of positive things happening in the district and many passionate people doing great work.
The evening is also expected to include a strong meet and greet element, with many new people and families moving into the area in recent years.
Organisers are expecting a large turnout, potentially more than 60 people, and hope the evening can help create stronger connections and greater collaboration across the community.
Topics likely to be discussed include sharing resources and skills, supporting volunteers, building partnerships between groups, and creating stronger opportunities for young people and families.
There will also be discussion around the future of the local school, with enrolment numbers having dropped significantly over recent years.
With that said, organisers say there are positive signs, with the school having a new principal, an extremely proactive P&C, and genuine momentum building around strengthening the future of the school and the broader community.
Community groups interested in being involved are encouraged to RSVP.
Organisers are asking groups to indicate if they would like to take part in the discussion, which would simply involve a short two to three-minute introduction about their organisation and what they are working towards.
Groups interested in attending can email: Gresfordcommunitygroup2311@outlook.com
For more information or to discuss the evening further, contact Jim Doyle on 0407 307 800.
CULTURE VULTURE
Gresford Community Gallery Updates:
The Gallery will be holding its WINTER EXHIBITION opening celebration on Sunday 12th JULY 2-4pm. Mark it on your calendar. The show will feature new vibrant works by our artists and will feature new artists who have joined the gallery.
Please drop by to view an exciting collection of contemporary and traditional Hunter Valley artists’ work. The exhibition includes a great variety of quality art and craft, featuring painting, drawing, sculptures, ceramics, photography, fibre art, glass work, jewellery and stained glass/ lead light work.
Gallery hours - Weekends 10am-4pm.
SKETCH CLUB DAYS JUNE
This year the gallery hosts two Sketch Clubs each month. One Plein Air, visiting stunning scenic locations in the Huner Valley, and Still Life / figurative held at the gallery. Everyone enjoys the creative, friendly atmosphere. Please join us at the next event, all welcome – beginners and professionals.
SKETCH CLUB – JUNE PLEIN AIR SUNDAY 21 June, 10-3.
Meet at Gresford Community Gallery, 12 Park St. East Gresford at 9.30am for a 9.45am departure to Clydesdale horses and
views at a Torryburn location.
Inspirational artist – H. Septimus Power BYO your own art materials, lunch with a reminder to wear closed in walking shoes (we are on a rural property with uneven ground), there will be a veranda to work from should if rain, hat, water, mug, sunscreen, chair. Our location offers great scenic views, heavy horses (who will have their rugs off), bush - another truly inspirational location. Cost: $10
Hosted by artist Christine Pike. Enquiries: gallerygresfordcommunity@gmail.com Ph: 0428 271 819 Christine Pike.
STILL LIFE held at Gresford Community Gallery, 12 Park St. East Gresford. SUNDAY 28th June, 1-4pm.
Hosted by artist Christine Pike.
Inspiration from Australian artist Jude Rae. Beginners guide to sketching starts 12 noon. – Materials and Portraits.
Please bring own art equipment. Afternoon tea provided. Cost: $10
KIDS ART CLUB
Free Art Sunday for children at Gresford Community Gallery.
On the third Sunday of the month between 10am and 2pm.
Hosted by artist Dawn Thompson. Enquiries: Dawn 0428 924 800
Robyn Werkhoven
During these hours children of primary school age accompanied by an adult will be able to use the art equipment supplied to create their own art. Our friendly Gallery helpers will be on hand to assist.
FEATURED GALLERY ARTIST – CECILY GRACE.
Cecily Grace lives in Stockton, Newcastle. Cecily has taken many photographs of birds in the Maitland district, especially at Mindaribba, where she often visits her sister's property.
Cecily has held three exhibitions of bird photographs in the past; two at Timeless Textiles and one at The Wetlands.
“Back then I used to print onto fabric and then stitch into the image. These days, I concentrate on the photographic image which I then manipulate.
I am not trying to be a nature photographer but rather trying to be creative in some ways. My prints are made with either pigment or inkjet inks onto Signature Worthy Archival Matte papers.” - Cecily Grace
Gresford Community Gallery also has available an eclectic collection of Cecily’s Industrial, Newcastle Harbour and local and rural architectural scenes.
OTHER NEWS:
On the 3rd May, the Film/doco Eric and Robyn and the Mythical Beasts by film producers Nicky Elliott and Pete Delahunty was launched at Tower Cinemas, Newcastle.
Eric and Robyn Werkhoven have lived in East Gresford since 1990. The film is a
documentary on the life and love story of two passionate artists, joined in every way, who delight in the absurdities of everyday life. Tickets sold out in one week. The launch screening was a great success enjoyed by all! The Q&A held after the film was interesting and informative. A big thank you to all the Gresford friends and art lovers for being there! Stay tuned for the next screening date and venue. Their next art exhibition will open Saturday 7th November at CStudios Gallery, Newcastle – mark it on your calendar.
Contact for Art News for Culture Vulture or enquiries about Gresford Community Gallery:
Robyn Werkhoven 0417 686 816
Email: werkhovenr@bigpond.com
If you live in the district near Gresford and would like to volunteer at the gallery, meet the artists and immerse yourself in the arts please contact the gallery.
The Gallery has Face Book and Instagram pages which will give regular news / updates of the Gallery’s forthcoming exhibitions, workshops and features on the artists. Please Like and follow our pages
Red Wattle-bird - Stockton by CECILY GRACE.
Eric and Robyn Werkhoven with producers Nicky Elliott and Pete Delahunty at the launch of their film
Scorps flying high Climate Choices Series Launches
The Gresford Vacy Scorpions have opened the 2026 season with real authority, delivering strong performances across all grades and building early momentum. Our Friday night teams have been particularly dominant, sitting at the top of their ladders after five rounds and proving themselves the ones to chase. As the club heads into its home round on 12, 13 and 14 June, excitement is building for another big weekend at Gresford, highlighted by Ladies’ Night on Friday 12 June, a much-loved tradition celebrating the women who support, play for and help drive the club.
Across juniors, youth and seniors, the Scorpions continue to show depth, discipline and the unmistakable red-and-black spirit that defines the club. The hill remains a favourite gathering place for locals and families, creating one of the most spirited home atmospheres in the region.
The club also encourages supporters to save the date for the 2026 Scorps Ball on 11 July, a major social event on the community calendar.
With confidence high and results on the board, the Scorpions invite the community to come along, show their colours and be part of the sting.
A new community conversation about climate science, weather, and future planning will begin in Dungog this July with the launch of the Climate Choices talk series, presented by the Paterson Allyn Williams Science & Ideas Hub.
The first event, Climate Facts, Consequences & Choices Ahead, will be held at the James Theatre on Sunday 5 July from 2-4pm. Organisers say the afternoon is designed to help people better understand the science behind climate change while exploring practical ways communities can prepare for the future.
The event will feature two experienced guest speakers with extensive backgrounds in climate science and weather communication.
Dr Dennys Angove, a retired CSIRO atmospheric scientist, will guide audiences through the science of modern climate change and explain how fossil fuel emissions are affecting the atmosphere and environment. Over his career, Dr Angove studied urban air quality and lectured in Environmental Chemistry at UTS and Managing Greenhouse Gas Emissions at UNSW. He is also a director of the Citizen Climate Lobby and has
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Email: Admin@HunterSL com au HUNTERSL COM AU
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provided evidence to the NSW Joint Standing Committee on Net Zero.
Joining him will be Graham Creed, the well known weather communicator with more than 30 years of experience working across meteorology, television broadcasting, and community education. Graham will discuss weather science, forecasting and modelling, focusing on how long-term planning tools can help communities become safer, stronger, and more resilient in changing climate conditions.
The presentations will be followed by a Q&A panel discussion, giving attendees the chance to ask questions and engage directly with the speakers on issues affecting both local communities and the broader environment. Afternoon tea will also be provided, offering an opportunity for further discussion and connection.
Organisers describe the series as an opportunity for open, informed conversation around one of the defining issues of our time. Community members interested in science, sustainability, weather, agriculture, planning, or simply understanding more about climate change are encouraged to attend this informative and thought-provoking afternoon.
Community Group Meeting
The Gresford Community Group held its monthly meeting at the Beatty Hotel on May 5, with strong community attendance and a wide range of local projects discussed.
Updates were provided on the community kitchen renovation, with electrical work underway, plumbing commencing and painting beginning soon. The popular local art gallery continues to grow, with sketch classes attracting strong interest and plans underway for additional signage.
Discussions also focused on restarting the Gresford Markets, with volunteers being sought to assist. The newly established Dungog Youth Council was highlighted as a positive initiative, having already held four meetings.
A group of 40 Sydney University students will visit Gresford on July 4 to assist with volunteer projects, including painting the outside of the art gallery.
Gresford Public School principal Luke Stewart spoke about declining enrolments and encouraged the community to support efforts to strengthen the school’s reputation and future growth. The proposed community bus project was also discussed as a valuable resource for schools, OOSH, excursions and community groups.
The meeting also promoted the upcoming Community Groups Roundtable on June 25 at the Gresford Bowling Club, bringing together local organisations to discuss collaboration and future goals for the district.
The next Gresford Community Group meeting will be held on Tuesday July 14 at 6.30pm at the Beatty Hotel. All community members are welcome and encouraged to attend.
What's On the Shelves? by Glenda Smith
Mrs Shakespeare
The Complete Works
Robert Nye
This very quirky novel, or collection of reminiscences, purports to be an account (among other things) of a week spent in London by Anne Hathaway with her husband, William Shakespeare. She claims to be writing in a ‘very fine book, and a handsome, bound in ivory-covered vellum’ given to her by her daughter.
Anne is in the spotlight lately, with a book by Maggie O’Farrell and a film of the same name based on her life– Hamnet – but Mrs Shakespeare predates Hamnet by almost twenty years. Nye’s Anne is a very down-to-earth woman who ‘hates poesy’ and is unimpressed by what she sees as her husband’s affectations. She loves him but doesn’t think he is good for much, and reveals some of his weaknesses, such as gluttony for sweets.
Some of the content of this book is substantiated by other works, as seen in a post-script, but other aspects are completely subjective. Nye toys with the issue of the ‘second-best bed’, which was Shakespeare’s bequest to her and plays fast and loose with their time in London. It is quite bawdy in places, but also entertaining and clever in incorporating phrases and outlines from Shakespeare’s plays. This is a very original and unexpected portrait of Shakespeare by a hard-headed wife.
All books reviewed are in the CWA library–see separate shelf so they are easy to find. Find reviews in a folder. Also visit our street library.
Dungog Shire Council News
Highlights from Dungog Shire Council’s Ordinary Council Meeting on Wed 20 May
TENDER OF NEW GRESFORD BRIDGE
In Closed Council, Councillors considered Tender 1/2026 for the construction of the New Gresford Bridge which is to be constructed on Gabulah Road. Council resolved to accept a tender from Bridge Marine and Engineering Pty Ltd for the construction of the bridge following assessment against price, technical capability, experience, safety systems, environmental management and project delivery criteria. Construction of the new bridge is required to be completed prior to March 2027 in line with grant funding conditions.
QUARTERLY PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT REPORT –JANUARY MARCH 2026
Council received its Quarterly Planning and Development Report for the January to March 2026 period, highlighting continued development activity and strong assessment performance across the region. During the quarter, Council determined 59 Development Applications with a total approved value exceeding $12.6 million. The approvals included 15 new dwellings and
nine new lots, while Dungog Shire Council recorded the highest number of DA determinations among NSW Group 10 Large Rural Councils during the reporting period. Council also continued to meet its sevenday lodgement target, averaging six days for application lodgement across the quarter. The report identified increased development activity in the Dungog and Martins Creek 2420 postcode area and noted ongoing work to improve assessment timeframes and application quality.
QUARTERLY BUDGET REVIEW –MARCH 2026
Council adopted the March 2026 Quarterly Budget Review, which outlined Council’s current financial position and ongoing investment in major infrastructure projects. The review reported year-to-date capital expenditure of more than $21 million, with Council’s largest project being the new Clarence Town Bridge and its associated road approaches. Council’s projected year-end operating deficit before capital grants is forecast at $8.925 million, reflecting depreciation of infrastructure assets and accounting adjustments relating to asset disposals. The report also highlighted continued pressure on Council’s unrestricted cash reserves, while
noting that Council remains compliant with its financial reporting obligations and is undertaking further work to strengthen long-term financial sustainability.
DELIVERY PROGRAM 2025-2029 –QUARTERLY REVIEW
Council received the quarterly review of the 2025–2029 Delivery Program and 2025–2026 Operational Plan. The report showed that 83 per cent of actions are either completed or on track for completion by 30 June 2026, representing strong progress against Council’s strategic priorities. Key achievements during the reporting period included:
- Adoption of the Dungog Shire Housing and Infrastructure Master Plan
- Advancement of Council’s staged IT systems modernisation project
- Regional advocacy work with the Hunter Joint Organisation
- Adoption of a Grants Management Policy
- Progression of the Clarence Town Flood Study 2026
- Investigation of tourism and visitor infrastructure opportunities Council noted that some projects remain subject to funding and resourcing constraints, and may carry-forward into the 2026–27 Operational Plan.
Our Winter ‘Margie’s a hug & Rug’ appeal is to be celebrated on Sun 7 June & runs for June & into July. Rugs, scarves gloves & beanies are most welcome for the homeless & friends in our neighbourhood. Everything is most welcome. Food is still a very big priority, as more people are in need each week. Many many thanks to all who help this outreach to those neighbours of ours. If you or anyone you know who needs support please contact Rev. Mary on 0428 611 778 or Beverley on 4938 5223 • Paterson’s men’s breakfast is on Sat 13 June at St.Paul’s Hall commencing at 8am. Good food & company so come along, you are very welcome. • Paul O’Keefe will be at St. Paul’s on Sun 14 June & his Topic is “The mathematics of Grace”. This Sunday represents Paul’s 2 years of coming to talk with us. It has been a very interesting time & we look forward to Paul coming every month. He is most welcome. • Rev. Mary continues to hold a Service at Lara Nursing Home in Dungog on 2nd & 4th Thursdays of the month, commencing at 2.30pm. For the Residents, Staff & visitors. This service is well received by everyone. • Bible Study continues on Thursdays at Vacy Cafe at 9.30am with coffee & chat then our study. Please come along you are most welcome. Service times for June: 7, 14, 21 & 28. St.Paul’s Paterson 8.30am & St.Anne’s Gresford 10.30am. Stay safe & warm & look after each other. Beverley.
Gresford
Congregational Church
30 Durham Rd Gresford
Services Each Sunday 10.30am ALL WELCOME
Catholic Parish of Gresford
Mass at St. Helen's, East Gresford
Saturday – 5:30 pm (except 2nd Sat. of month)
Thursday – 9.30am
Mass at Sacred Heart, Summer Hill
Sunday – 11:30 am (2nd Sunday of month)
All enquiries to Fr. Andrew Doohan, Parish Priest, on 4992 1477 or dungog.parish@mn.catholic.org.au
Gresford News June Crossword
Crossword kindly provided by Russel Jessop.
Gresford Meat Co., a newly established butcher shop in East Gresford, is proud to bring premium, locally sourced meats to the community. Under new local ownership, the store is committed to delivering the finest locally grown beef and a variety of quality meats and produce. The owners of Gresford Meat Co. have deep roots in the Gresford area, and strong ties within the
Mon-Fri: 8am-5:30pm Saturday: 8am-1pm
community. Their Angus beef is sourced from local producer Glenroy Cattle Co., ensuring that customers receive the freshest and most flavorful meats available. Visit Gresford Meat Co. today to experience the best in local butchery and support a business that truly values its community connections.
