News of the communities of the Paterson and Allyn River Valleys
The 2026 Gresford Billy Cart Derby again proved this community has the V8 of hearts, pulling off yet another fantastic event that is investing more than $35,000 back into our community. Full story and pics p10/11...
Race starter Josh Evans discussing track conditions with a young entrant. Photo: Cory Small
Sunday 10th May -Mother’s Day
Saturday 13th June – Pearl & Sip 2 Pieces $75.00 1-4pm Ph 0427389722 to book your spot
Saturday 25th July – Mystic Nomads 11.00-5.00 Sunday 26th July – Mystic Nomads 11.00-5.00 to book please phone or Message Lisa 0402 222 650 Friday 14th August – AGM 7.30
Every Week at the Bowlo!! WEDNESDAY SOCIAL BOWLS FROM 12.30 HAPPY HOUR WEDNESDAY 4.30 - 6.00
CHANGE OF DAY FOR TRIVIA STARTING BACK IN MARCH
$28 for a repeat ad or $34 for a single issue
Second Wednesday of the month The Laughable Leigh Trivia Night from 6.30 Wednesday Night – Meat Trays & IGA pack Raffles tickets on sale from 6.30 Friday Night – 10 Meat Tray Raffles, 1 Fruit & Veg Tray Members Draw Sunday NightRaffles Tickets on sale 6.30 Drawn 7.00 Members Draw Members Draw - if not won goes up $25.00 on Sunday night, must be here to WIN!
The Gresford News Community Diary
Tues 5 May Gresford & District Community Group Meeting, 6.30pm
Sat 9 May Gresford District Landcare Group Meeting, 9.30am – email Penny Kater for details pennykater@gmail.com
Sat 9 May Gresford Book Club, CWA Hall, 2–4 – Open to general public
Sat 9 May Oral History Project launch, Historical Society, RSL Rooms, Gresford School of Arts, 4pm First sesion: Gresford Show
Sun 10 May Mothers Day lunch, Gresford Bowls Sport & Recreation Club
Wed 13 May Laughable Leigh Trivia Night, Gresford Bowls Sport & Recreation Club, 6.30pm
Thurs 14 May Sketch Club – Still Life/Figurative, Gresford Community Gallery, 1pm, Contact Christine Pike 0428 271 819
Fri 15 May CWA Craft Morning, CWA Hall, 9–12
Sat 16 May Live music – Merkins Band, Hotel Beatty, 8-late
Sun 17 May Live music – Loose Change, Hotel Beatty, 1-5pm
Sun 17 May Kids Club, Gresford Community Gallery, 10-2
Sun 17 May Sketch Club – En PLEIN AIR, Paterson, 1-4pm, Contact Christine Pike 0428 271 819
Tues 19 May Plant sale & Paterson Allyn Garden Group meet, 10am
Sat 13 Jun It Takes a Community Sports Group Fundraiser, Dungog RSL, 6pm
Fri 19 Jun Special guest speaker – Lyn Cummings to discuss embroidery, CWA Craft Morning, CWA Hall, 9–12
Sat 4 Jul CWA Special Public Event: Talk by Amorelle Dempster about her wide experiences in catering, CWA Hall, 2pm
Tues 7 Jul Gresford School of Arts Committee meeting, main hall, 7pm
Sun 12 Jul Winter exhibition opening, Gresford Community Gallery, 2-4pm
Fri 24 Jul Defashion Dungog EOI due, email photo & description of wearable to pawscienchub@gmail.com
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).
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Contact: Paul Mastin 0418 499 471
Head Office 02 4938 8135
DIVISION OF DREEGAN BUILDING & CONSTRUCTION BASED IN THE HUNTER VALLEY ABN: 56137525494
New meeting time: Gresford & District Community Group Meeting
First Tuesday of the month
Tues 5 May 6.30pm Hotel Beatty
Historical Society Launches Oral History Project
Sat 9 May, 4pm, RSL Rooms, Gresford School of Arts
First sesion: memories of the Gresford Show which first started at the current location in 1927.
The Gresford and District Historical Society is inviting local residents to help preserve the rich memories and stories of the district through a new oral history initiative coinciding with the Society’s monthly meetings. The gathering will begin with a short business meeting, followed by a one-hour session where attendees will be invited to share their memories. For story & links to films see page 16 of this issue.
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.
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.
Creative activities at the Gresford Community Gallery
• Sketch Club–Still Life/Figurative Thurs 14 May 1pm
• Sketch Club–En PLEIN AIR – Paterson Sun 17 May 1-4
• Kids Club Sun 17 May 10-2pm
• Winter exhibition opening Sun 12 July, 2-4pm
CWA Special Public Events Fri 19 June, 9am
Talk by Lyn Cummings, a Handicraft Judge, will speak at the Craft Morning about embroidery. Sat 4 Jul, 2pm
Talk by Amorelle Dempster about her wide experiences in catering September Revisit by Tony Cavanough who will talk about Crime Fiction. Morning or afternoon tea follows events.
It Takes a Community Sports Group Fundraiser
Sat 13 June, 6pm Dungog RSL
A great local crew, led by Shane Darr, is bringing people together to support local youth sport—helping young people stay active, healthy, and connected while backing our local clubs.
One big idea gaining momentum? A community bus to help get players where they need to go. It’s still early days, but it’s a gap the group is keen to fill. Funds raised at their upcoming event will help kickstart the project, alongside efforts to secure sponsorship. There’s plenty to figure out, but the energy is strong and the impact could be huge for sport across our community. Come along and show your support. A simple night out that could help drive something big.
It Takes a Community Youth Committee
Meets monthly at Dungog High library, driving real change. They raised funds at Gresford Billy Cart Derby to go towards youth initiatives, including a possible camp at Wangat Lodge.
Gresford District Landcare
Gresford Landcare held its April meeting at Rod & Penny Kater's property at Allynbrook. The subject of the meeting was Pasture Grasses, Native and Introduced and their Growth Habit, Feed Quality and Seasonality. Tea and coffee with sweet treats were enjoyed before the meeting kicked off with a presentation by Annabel describing the principles of regenerative agriculture, using as few inputs as possible and its effect on their pasture grasses after the last difficult season. Penny had prepared a board displaying labelled cuttings of various
grasses from the property for identification purposes which Annabel presented to the meeting. We then drove to a more remote part of the property to see the effects of regenerative agriculture on the various pasture grasses on the property, there being nothing as valuable as seeing these grasses in situ. Even with the difficult season, the property's pastures appear robust and plentiful.
The meeting concluded with the usual sausage sizzle. The next meeting will be held on the second Saturday of May.
(L - R) Annabel Kater and Peter Dreyer
The NSW Government has programs to assist with cost of living expenses.
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Billy Cart Derby
Once again, the Derby was an event to put Gresford on the map. The weather was kind, and the crowds were enthusiastic. The CWA stall in front of the café sold cakes, cold drinks and some plants, craft items and bric-a-brac. Customers were gracious and generous, and we were very pleased with our day’s work.
Craft Mornings
The dates for the future continue to be the third Fridays of the month – with May’s meeting on 15th. During the meeting in April, Dawn Thompson showed other attendees some of her precious hand-made books, and ran a mini-workshop. The meeting in June (19th) will include a guest, Lyn Cummings, who will share her expertise on embroidery and answer questions about the craft, including tips for exhibition. All are welcome to join us for a delicious morning tea, individual craft and a friendly chat. Members $3 and nonmembers $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,
CWA NEWS
we will have a talk by Amorelle Dempster, who will share her wide experiences in catering at 2pm on the 4th July, 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
All members enjoyed reading The Killing Stones as an atmospheric murder mystery, and discussion was lively. The book for May is Far from the Madding Crowd – a Thomas Hardy classic, at 3pm on Saturday the 9th May. New members are always welcome. 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
First and third Mondays of the month from 10 – 11:30 am. Ring Glenda Smith if you are interested (numbers above) as sometimes there are changes to planned meeting times. We have finished with our current topic of The Riviera and will be moving on to Regional Foods next month.
Dawn shows Dot some of her handmade books.
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See full details www.domain.com.au/2020775454
Phone Exclusive agent Pamela Munson 0427207542
Paterson Allyn Garden Group
An excellent attendance of 49 members, plus 5 visitors were fortunate to be invited to the property of Sally & Nigel located on a bend of the Allyn River in Allynbrook.
Jillian welcomed everyone before handing over to Penny to interview Sally & Nigel for an in-depth dig into their vision for the 33 acre property which is the site of their dream home.
Although we are a ‘garden group’ it is hard not to focus attention on the architectural aspects of our visit. Approaching the property, the view from the road seems to provide a distinct feeling that we are looking at a large, tented pavilion & although the home, designed by architect, Luigi Roselli, is very modern, the clean lines nestle comfortably into the hillside &
its positioning takes advantage of the sweeping views down to the river & the surrounding countryside.
Sally & Nigel, with the expertise of Sally’s mum Penny keeping an eye on the horticultural aspects, have been very busy filling out the grounds with a number of gardens around the house, including a dramatic Olive grove next to the house as well as an extensive citrus orchard.
Sally is looking to develop a ‘meadows garden’ & spoke about the Dutch ‘Perennials Movement’ which she is keen to introduce here & would be happy to expand on to all those interested. Contrast seem to be the order of the day with Sally’s preference for an informal approach to the gardens offset by the regimented &
geometric citrus orchard planted with a variety of fruit including Blood Oranges, Finger Limes, Bergamot Oranges & other varieties establishing themselves for future commercial development.
Nigel discussed the interesting drystone walls, a feature of the property, constructed to give definition to the landscape with an expert stonemason from Scotland contracted to do the work using stones unearthed during the house building process. Apparently, he is keen to make a return visit, so if you need a drystone wall, you know who to call.
There were a number of questions about problems with growing citrus, with Penny detailing solutions including the use of Eco oil for many of the problems raised.
An interesting idea raised by Sally to help protect plants from attack from infestation, is to boil up casuarina leaves & then paint the resultant oil onto the plant stems to keep the bugs at bay.
Our next meeting will be held on 19th May at the Arboretum with one of our famous Plant Sales to look forward to, so bring some bags or boxes & money. Check the PAGG website for more information.
(L - R) Nigel, Penny (PAGG Patron), Sally.
Gresford Billy Cart Derby thrills huge crowds
The 2026 Gresford Billy Cart Derby again proved this community has the V8 of hearts, pulling off yet another fantastic event that is investing more than $35,000 back into our community.
Enthusiastic crowds lined the track from early on Easter Saturday right through to the last race, with plenty of cheers for local entrants including the Gresford School cart and plenty of unique creations hitting the track! In the end, like 2025 the Lambert family from Newcastle proved their vehicles were too fast to beat – taking out the youth, open and overall championship
races – a huge credit to their engineering and race skills!!
Story: Penny Evans
The market stalls, car club display, food stands and Gresford School P&C Association family zone were packed out all day, with huge lines for the ever popular gumboot toss of course - proving there was plenty of action to be had off the track as well!
It was wonderful to see the excitement of the many children trackside when the Easter Bunny and the Paterson Valley community Platypus visited – offering hugs, waves and a huge basket of chocolate
for the many waving hands!
At the end of the day it’s about raising much needed funds for our local organisations, and it’s wonderful to report that the event is splitting proceeds between Gresford Vacy Scorpions Football Club and the Sportsground Committee, Martins Creek Fire Brigade, Dungog Rotary, Dungog Shire Youth Committee, Gresford Bowling Club, Gresford CWA, Gresford Art Gallery and of course, the major beneficiary being Gresford School P&C Association who earned more than $12,000 towards efforts to keep their STEM teacher
for 2026. Plus we have heard non stop about how good the Gresford Cricket Club and Gresford Vacy Junior Cricket Club steak sandwiches were thanks to the Gresford Meat Co –so we are glad to hear they made a good profit too!
It goes without saying our event could not happen without our many supporters, especially the Dungog Rotary Club who make it possible for the event to run. To all the sponsors – small and large, thank you again for the contributions behind the scenes that get the event across the line every year. And the day wouldn't be the same without rocking the afternoon away on the deck of the naming rights sponsor The Beatty Hotel, with great live music coordinated by Bernie and the team!
Thanks to everyone who came along and took part in the fun! It was great to see the riders young and old enjoy the thrill of the race, and see all of the visitors to the valley appreciating a day of good family fun! Bring on 2027!!
CULTURE VULTURE
Greetings to Culture Vulture readers
The Gallery will be holding its Winter Exhibition opening celebration on Sunday 12 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 stable and includes painting, drawing, sculptures, ceramics, photography, fibre art, glass work, jewellery and stained glass/lead light work. Gallery hours - Weekends 10-4.
SKETCH CLUB DAYS
Christine Pike & the gallery host two Sketch Clubs each month – Plein Air, visiting stunning scenic locations in the Hunter Valley & Still Life/figurative held at the gallery. Everyone enjoys the creative, friendly atmosphere. All welcome – beginners & professionals.
Still Life – Thurs 14 May 1-4pm
At gallery 12 Park St. Inspiration –Australian artist Greg Hansell. Beginners guide to sketching starts 12 noon. Talk on pastels. BYO art equipment. Afternoon tea provided. Cost: $10
Plein Air – Sun 17 May 1-4pm
Meet at Paterson Park 12.30pm. Historic working rural property Paterson with
Robyn Werkhoven
a natural billabong. Lots of native plants, mature trees, water reflections, views, historic buildings. Inspiration – Australian artist William Robinson. BYO art materials/ equipment, sunscreen, good walking shoes, hat, water, chair & lunch if needed. Cost: $10 Enq: gallerygresfordcommunity@gmail.com or 0428 271 819 Christine Pike.
KIDS ART CLUB
Free Art Sunday for children at Gresford Community Gallery on the third Sunday of the month between 10-2pm. Hosted by
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 –PETER RONNE
Peter Ronne lives locally in Woodberry. He works in his shed using an assortment of power tools such as chain saws to delicate carving hand tools. His artistic aim is to create
artist Dawn Thompson 0428 924 800.
April Sketch Club
Peter Ronne sculptures
sculptures which are appealing to him and hopefully to others.
For years he worked in stone. Now in wood which is lighter and having been alive carries an echo of that life within it. The grain of wood, its knots and abraded spaces are always a surprise to be worked around and into the piece.
The works range from abstract forms to figurative, the presences of archetypes and cartoons. Peter regularly exhibits in Newcastle, and his unique sculptures are available at Gresford Community Gallery.
Visit the Gallery Facebook & Instagram pages for news an if you live nearby & would like to volunteer, meet artists & immerse yourself in the arts please us.
Contact for Culture Vulture or Gresford Community Gallery: Robyn Werkhoven 0417 686 816 werkhovenr@bigpond.com
• biomaterials be inspired by textiles from natural materials • traditional or very new
• the things we carry consider how we carry
• stories, emotions, memories, things
• advanced style celebrate older personal style
• how funky would you like your 90+ self to be
submit an EOI by Fri 24 July photo of wearable & description – to plan the parade
• anything sustainable embrace eccentricity • playful experimentation for your eco-friendly wearable send us an email to get on the defashion dungog mailing list for related activities – pawsciencehub@gmail.com or contact Jane Richens 0425 339 856 & ideas
fashion parade+ Sat 15 Aug James Theatre, Dungog in the lead up: maker sessions, talks, workshops•a National Science Week event
Get ready… an invitation to contribute wearable art/outfits to this year’s event Defashion Dungog 26 EOI – send a photo + short description of your piece by Fri 24 July (to plan the parade magic).
Make it fun. Make it wearable. Make it matter. Check out the 4 streams above. The 'anything sustainable' will cover almost anything. This is your cue to turn scraps into statements & ideas into outfits. Think: upcycled
Take a peek at vibes from 2024: pawsciencehub.com/defashiondungog/ Plus save the date for the main event: Fashion Parade+more, Sat 15 Aug James Theatre, Dungog. Contact us if you would like to know about maker sessions, talks, workshops in the lead-up – pawsciencehub@gmail.com
What's On the Shelves?
by Glenda Smith
Cider House Rules – John Irving
John Irving was widely known in the 80s, but has continued writing as late as 2022. He is a prodigious and prolific writer who has been compared to Charles Dickens in the richness of his characters and the expansiveness of his prose.
Cider House Rules charts the odyssey of Homer Wells, an orphan cum doctor from an orphanage in Maine, where women go to either leave their babies or to have an illegal but humane and medically safe abortion. Ideally, children from the orphanage are either fostered or adopted, but Homer is an orphan who keeps co ming back, so the doctor who runs the orphanage, Wilbur Larch, decides to train him as his replacement. Homer, however, is keen to see the wider world and leaves for the orchard which gives the book its name, via the Cider House which employs itinerant black workers. Here Homer learns a great deal about society where racism, incest and dementia are issues that are developed and dealt with along with abortion. Despite the weightiness of these subjects, Irving’s writing is comforting in its compassion and humanity.
Local artist is 2026 Artist-in-Residence
Local artist and biodiversity farmer Jane Richens is the 2026 Artist-in-Residence at the Fibre Makers' Space, part of the National Trust’s Grossmann & Brough Houses in Maitland. Running through to the end of May, the public is invited to drop into the Open Studio on Mondays & Tuesdays, 10am–3pm. The residency will culminate in an exhibition of the work created this July at Brough House, Maitland.
Jane’s work weaves together art, heritage and rainforest conservation. Drawing on historical research and hands-on making, she maps early vegetation, creates fibre from local plants and responds to garments and objects from the Grossmann House collection. Her current research spans bast fibres from local species such as Hibiscus heterophyllus, wearable forms inspired by historic dress from the Grossmann collection, early regional maps, and traditional millinery techniques. A key work in development is a life-size silhouette of a dress worn by Mary Capper in the 1870s, reimagined through locally sourced rainforest plant fibres.
Working across both studio and field, Jane grows, harvests and processes plant fibres, experimenting with methods such as ‘retting’ to understand their qualities.
Above: Jane mocking up a bustle in preparation for a fullscale silhouette of a garment inspired by a portrait in the historic Grossmann House collection. Photo: Vicki Cornish Below: Collar made from fibre using a 'retting' technique from the bark of local rainforest plant Hibiscus heterophyllus.
PO Box 36 Branxton NSW 2335 Office: 0427 383 388
Email: Admin@HunterSL com au HUNTERSL COM AU
Connecting People, Property &
Livestock
At Hunter Stock & Land, we are proud to support our clients with a full suite of professional services across property and livestock Our experienced team is committed to delivering practical advice, strong market knowledge, and dependable results
Our services include:
Rural & Residential Property Sales – Expert guidance to help you buy or sell with confidence
Weekly Prime Sales at HRLX Singleton – Every Wednesday, providing a trusted and consistent marketplace
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Clearing Sales – End-to-end assistance to plan, manage and conduct successful clearings
Livestock Management – Tailored support designed to enhance productivity and performance
�� Feature Weaner Sale – 27 March at HRLX Singleton
Our first feature weaner sale of the season will be held on Thursday, 27 March
Contact the Hunter Stock & Land team for bookings and enquiries
With hands-on service and a genuine understanding of rural industries, Hunter Stock & Land looks forward to supporting you throughout the 2026 season
Historical Society Launches Oral History Project
The Gresford and District Historical Society is inviting local residents to help preserve the rich memories and stories of the district through a new oral history initiative coinciding with the Society’s monthly meetings.
The project aims to record recollections and experiences of local people so future generations can better understand life in the district and the many events, traditions and characters that have shaped the community over time.
The Society’s next monthly meeting will be held on Saturday, 9 May, commencing at 4pm in the RSL Rooms at the Gresford School of Arts. The gathering will begin with a short business meeting, followed by a one-hour session where attendees will be invited to share their memories of the Gresford Show which first started at the current location in 1927.
An example of the stories we want to collect concerns a unique novelty event from the 1950s. During that era, the Gresford Show Committee introduced a flag and bending race using contestants in local family cars - a creative twist on the traditional horseback competition. The event reflects the community spirit and ingenuity for which
the Show was renowned. Historic footage of the race, filmed on a Super 8 camera and lasting over 3 minutes, has been uploaded to YouTube by Allan Hancock, a member of the Historical Society and can be found at https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=wV9WtRppjpw.
The film offers a fascinating glimpse into a colourful chapter of local history and will be shown at the meeting. Further details and background on the event are included
in Allan Hancock’s publication, Gresford Connections Vol 3 published by the Society.
The Society warmly encourages anyone with memories, photographs or stories about the Gresford Show to attend and contribute to this important community project. Every story matters, and every memory helps keep local history alive.
For more information please contact Ivan Skaines, Secretary, on 0428 258 464.
Dogs at the Gresford Show 1928. Photo courtesy Michele Knight from Glendon Brook “Gresford Show. Mrs J. P. Enright’s fox terrier is third from left. Won Champion ribbon”
Dungog Shire Council News
Highlights from Dungog Shire Council Ordinary Meeting Wed. 18 March 2026.
Proposed renaming of Vacy Sportsground
Mayor Digby Rayward has put forward a Mayoral Minute following a request he received to rename Vacy Sportsground to the Keith and Lesley Miles Oval.
The request was received from the Miles’ son Mr Trevor Miles, to honour his late parents through the planting of a memorial tree and monument at Vacy Sportsground, and by renaming the facility.
The Mayor has expressed support for the proposal, recognising the significant contribution made by Keith and Lesley Miles to local sport and the Vacy community. This includes their role in developing the sportsground while it was under their ownership, supporting multiple local sporting clubs, and ultimately gifting the land to Council to ensure its ongoing community use.
Council endorsed the proposal and will commence the formal process with the Geographical Names Board, including required statutory approvals, and consultation with the community and Vacy
Sportsground Management Committee.
Public exhibition of the Draft Operational Plan and Budget 2026–27 Council has endorsed the Draft Operational Plan and Budget 2026–2027 for public exhibition, inviting the community to provide feedback on Council’s proposed activities, projects and financial priorities for the coming financial year.
The Draft Plan outlines Council’s key service areas, capital works program and operational priorities, aligned with the Delivery Program and Community Strategic Plan. It also details proposed expenditure, revenue and funding allocations to support infrastructure, community services and dayto-day operations.
Community members have the opportunity to review the draft documents and make submissions in person and on Council’s website. Submissions close at 5pm on Sunday 17 May 2026
Gresford School of Arts Hall section 355 Committee Council has endorsed the appointment of a new community representative to the Gresford School of Arts Hall Section 355 Committee. Section 355 Committees play
an important role in supporting the management and operation of community facilities, working in partnership with Council to ensure these assets continue to serve local needs.
Mayor Rayward acknowledged the important contribution of volunteers: “Our Section 355 Committees are made up of dedicated local volunteers who play a vital role in keeping our community facilities active and well managed,” he said.
“We thank them for their ongoing commitment and welcome the new member to the Gresford School of Arts Hall Committee.”
Clarence town flood study – public exhibition outcomes and adoption Council has adopted the Clarence Town Flood Study. Feedback received during the public exhibition period has been considered in finalising the study.
The adopted Flood Study will underpin future floodplain risk management planning, inform development assessments and support emergency planning and response. It also strengthens Council’s ability to advocate for funding to deliver flood mitigation and resilience projects.
Easter services were well attended, with thought provoking messages for today in this uncertain world. Thanks go to Rev. Mary & Paul O’Keefe for their words of encouragement & hope. • Bible study recommenced in April & continues each week at the Vacy Cafe at 9.30am with coffee & chat to start. • Gresford Men’s Breakfast is on Sat 9 May at the Twin Rivers Cafe, Gresford at 8.15am. All men are very welcome. • Mother’s Day is on 10 May, happy day to all mothers. • This is Paul O’Keefe’s next service at St. Paul’s Paterson & his topic this month is “One God? A journey of Faith”. • As the weather is becoming cooler in the evenings & mornings, rugs are on the list of items we need to help those people living in cars & tents. • Margie’s Ugg & Rug Sunday is on Sun 7 Jun this year. If you are able to help, please bring beanies, scarves, gloves, rugs & warm socks & leave them in the entry to St. Paul’s Paterson & also St. Anne’s Gresford. Any small warm item is most welcome. • We know that the cost of food has & will continue to increase, but if you are able, a can of soup or a tin of baked beans will be most welcome for our outreach to the needy in our community. These items are distributed at St. Christopher’s at Rutherford on Tues mornings. If you know anyone who is in need, please contact Rev. Mary on 0418 611 778 or Beverley on 4938 5223. Service times for May: 3, 10, 17, 24 & 31. 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 May 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.
