The Gwydir News - 10 August 2023

GWYDIR SHIRE REAPS OUTDOOR RECREATION BOOSTS

Local youngsters will enjoy refurbished facilities at the Warialda Swim Centre, with an extra $358,603 in State Government funding secured to improve the 50m swimming pool and surrounding areas.

The grant was awarded under the NSW Stronger Country Communities Fund and will be used for stage 3 of Gwydir Shire Council’s swimming pool upgrades.

The Swim Centre at Warialda is a very popular hub for the local community, youngsters and older folk alike and this summer will likely be its busiest yet, with swimmers from Moree and Inverell set to descend on Warialda as their local 50m pools are out of action for the next 12 months.

MARCH 2021 EDITION

I was at Cunningham Park recently to review plans for the exciting youth project and help formally commence the preliminary earthworks.

This is fantastic, long-awaited and exciting news for the youngsters of Bingara.

Previous funding has been used at the pool to upgrade male and female toilets and shower blocks as well as being used to improve the changeroom facilities.

The new skate park will accommodate users of all ages and skills and includes a quarter pipe return, mini bowl and scooter pump track along with landscaping of the area including connecting footpaths and seating areas.

Bingara Central School students helped with the design of the skatepark which is all about providing more recreational activities for locals and visitors alike.

The construction contract has been awarded to Precision Skate Parks and Gwydir Shire Council will be undertaking the preliminary earthworks.

Council will use this extra cash to install a pool heating system, heat blankets, rollers and winch systems as well as a roof over the changerooms to provide much needed shade and cooling during the scorching summer months.

I look forward to seeing these works complete in time for the upcoming summer season!

In addition to the Warialda Memorial Pool upgrades, Bingara youngsters will be getting their new bikes, scooters and boards ready to test out the new the long run skate park, after the first ceremonial sod of soil was turned on 19 July for the $450,000 State Government-funded project.

Above: Gwydir Shire Council’s Colin Cuell, Warialda Swim Centre Manager Allan Colley, Gwydir Shire Council’s Clarissa Barwick and Adam Marshall MP at Warialda Memorial Pool

Top: Adam Marshall MP and Gwydir Shire Council’s Andrew Cooper turn over the first soil as part of Bingara’s new skate park works.

Above: plans for the new skate park. Supplied by Adam Marshall MP

Gwydir Shire Council Ordinary Meeting update

SOLDIERS MEMORIAL HALL

David Jones, Chartered Professional Engineer, was recently tasked by Gwydir Shire Council to provide an assessment of the condition of the structure of the façade of the Soldiers Memorial Hall in Maitland Street Bingara. The aim of the assessment was to determine whether the façade and verandah could be retained if the buildings behind it are demolished to create a green space.

In essence, his findings were that the façade and verandah are in “good structural condition and well maintained. Foundation conditions in this part of Bingara are sound.”

It was resolved that the retention of the Soldiers Memorial Hall façade be considered as a viable option in planning the replacement Bingara Council Office.

Full details of this report in addition to letters received by council during the public submission phase of the extended Development Application can be found in the recorded Minutes of the 27 July Ordinary Meeting on the Gwydir Shire Council website at https://www.gwydir.nsw.gov. au/Council/Council-Meetings

RECOVERY OF LONG TERM UNPAID GWYDIR SHIRE COUNCIL RATES

Mr Richard McLean from Recoupa made a succinct and clear presentation to those in attendance at the Ordinary Meeting regarding the process undertaken to recover a proportionately small number of rates not paid by property owners to council. The ratepayers in question are in arrears from between five and 24 years.

It was determined that the majority of the properties are owned by either deceased persons or others who cannot be located, despite vigorous attempts to track them down.

The occupied property process is a passionate process, with ratepayers located, visited and a mutual development of understanding of the situation occurring. This allows trust to be developed and opens up the exploration of options. Ideally a plan is formulated and negotiated. This report is then sent to council for review. Usually, with the assistance of external professional support, an agreement can be adopted and the arrears in payment recovered.

The plan is further dependent on individual’s circumstances such as who lives at the residence, health and domestic violence issues and whether extended family can be added to the property title.

If it becomes clear that the rates will not be able to be recovered, then the option to sell the property becomes the final action for council to recoup unpaid debts.

With the demolition of the former walls, nib walls will be required to support the structural integrity of the façade, verandah and front wall of the offices. They will then need rendering to make them structurally sound and waterproof.

Further, the roof structure will “require modification at the vertical plane of the rear verandah wall.” Gaps will need to supported as well.

The estimated cost for the retention of the façade and verandah is $65,000. It was noted that this excludes the demolition of the remainder of the beilding to their rear and the hall itself.

Richard highlighted that there are many services and support offered to the ratepayer prior to the property being sold, from assistance to the ratepayer to voluntarily sell the property, to engaging welfare services to help arrange new accommodation, and other professional support services as required.

As a conclusion to the presentation, Mayor John Coulton conceded that Gwydir Shire Council tends to avoid the selling of properties as a means to recoup unpaid debts. However, in fairness to ratepayers who pay their rates in a timely fashion, this issue needs to be resolved. It was conferred that Recoupa’s methodology for recovering unpaid rates, underpinned by 118 individual action points, allows for as fair and compassionate process as possible.

Above: inside the buidling looking north-west

Warialda Gym Announces Successful Completion of Major Renovations

Submitted by Graham Cutmore

Warialda Gym is delighted to announce the completion of extensive renovations, including the demolition of old bathrooms and the construction of new facilities. The grand opening, held on Thursday 13 July 2023, was attended by a significant number Council staff, Councillors and was officially opened by the Hon. Mark Coulton.

The completion of this substantial renovation project signifies a noteworthy enhancement of our facilities and exemplifies our commitment to provide the local community with top-class fitness amenities.

We extend our deepest appreciation to Wayne Andrews, who led the demolition works with exceptional proficiency and diligence, ensuring that the initial phase of the renovation went smoothly.

The renovation project was further advanced by the Randal Group who successfully handled the final stages of construction, in particular, the bathroom renovations and installation of the new glass door. Their expertise was instrumental in enhancing the overall aesthetics and functionality of our gym facility.

A project of this scale involves the dedicated efforts of numerous individuals and groups. Therefore, we’d like to extend our gratitude to all subcontractors who played a part in this substantial upgrade. Their collective expertise, professionalism, and commitment to quality have undoubtedly contributed to the successful realisation of our vision.

With our doors back open, Gwydir Fitness Centre welcomes all members of the community to come and experience the upgrades. We are confident that these new facilities will greatly enhance our members’ fitness journeys.

The completion of these renovations is not merely about the transformation of a physical space; it’s about fostering a healthier, fitter, and happier community. We look forward to welcoming everyone back and seeing the positive impact these enhancements will have on our members health and fitness goals.

About Gwydir Fitness Centre

Gwydir Fitness Centre is a community-focused fitness centre located in Warialda and Bingara. We pride ourselves on providing a friendly, supportive, and well-equipped environment for all members of our community to achieve their health and fitness goals.

Above: Gwydir Shire Council’s Graham Cutmore with Federal Member for Parkes, Mark Coulton MP at the grand opening following extensive renovations.

Photograph: Clarissa Barwick..

Three new fire trucks and honours for Namoi Gwydir Rural Fire Service members

Members of the Rural Fire Service (RFS) Namoi Gwydir Team were celebrated during special events held in Bingara on Wednesday 19 July and Bellata on Thursday 20 July to recognise their dedication and more than 500 years’ service amongst them.

Across both ceremonies, Assistant Commissioner Jayson McKellar presented 16 Long Service Medals, two National Medals and two Humanitarian Overseas Medals for RFS members who have rendered sustained or significant service.

“This is an opportunity to recognise the hard work and incredible contribution of volunteers and staff across the region,” Assistant Commissioner McKellar said.

“Every single one of these members should be proud of themselves and their dedication to protecting local communities, those across the state and further afield as well.

It is important to have these volunteers on deck to mentor and guide the younger generation joining the Service now and into the future.

“’I’d particularly like to recognise Keith Thomson of the Brooklyn Brigade who is being recognised for 60 years’ service.

Joining in 1962 and previously holding the ranks of Deputy and Senior Deputy Captain, Keith remains an active, integral part of the brigade and community.”

The Humanitarian Overseas Service Medal is presented to members of the Service in recognition of their deployment to Canada in 2017 and were presented to Jock Smith from Narrabri and Garry Cooper from the Bingara Brigade.

In a boost to the region’s firefighting capabilities, Bingara’s ceremony included the handover of replacement fire tankers for the Croppa Creek, Bingara and Upper Horton Rural Fire Brigades.

The combined $440,000 investment will see the update of vehicles which had served each brigade and the communities they protect for more than 20 years.

Assistant Commissioner McKellar thanked the family, friends, employers and colleagues of all RFS volunteers.

“We know it takes their ongoing support and patience to assist and enable our volunteers to do what they do to save lives and property,” he said.

Receiving awards at the presentation, clockwise, from top left: Carl Tooley; David Farrell; Garry Cooper,; Tyson Conn; Lindsay Hogan; Graeme Wright; and Larrie Timmins

Photographs: Renne McMillan

Emergency Plus - the app that could save your life!

In an emergency, time and location accuracy are critical. By downloading the ‘Emergency +’ app, you’ll equip yourself with a powerful tool that will help you call Triple Zero (000) quickly, and allow you to accurately communicate your location to emergency call-takers.

‘Emergency +’ is a national app developed by Australia’s emergency services and their government industry partners, helping people to call the right number at the right time, anywhere in Australia. Emergency + also includes SES and Police Assistance Line numbers as options, so non-emergency calls are made to the most appropriate number.

When calling Triple Zero (000), remember to stay focused, stay relevant and stay on the line. Before you call ask yourself:

* Is someone seriously injured or in need of urgent medical help?

* Is your life or property being threatened?

* Have you just witnessed a serious accident or crime?

If you answered ‘Yes’ to any of these questions, call Triple Zero (000). Triple Zero (000) calls are free.

The app uses a mobile phone’s GPS functionality and what3words, so callers can provide emergency call-takers with their location information as determined by their smart phone.

With what3words available within the Emergency+ app, Triple Zero (000) callers can confirm their exact location quickly and accurately.

what3words has divided the world into 3m squares and given each one a unique three word identifier. Addressing using what3words works offline - ideal when you have no data coverage or are in a remote location.

Important – if there is no mobile coverage on any network, you will not be able to reach the Emergency Call Service via a mobile telephone.

The Emergency Plus app is available to download for free on the App Store or Google Play emergencyplus.com.au

FREE HOME INTERNET FOR UNCONNECTED STUDENTS

I’m pleased to announce the School Student Broadband Initiative (SSBI) is now available, offering free home internet for up to one year for eligible unconnected families with school aged students.

Through this initiative the Australian Government aims to bridge the digital divide and expand educational opportunities for students who do not have home internet access.

To qualify, participants must:

- Have a child living at home that is enrolled in an Australian school in 2023.

- Not have an active NBN network internet service at home. Having a mobile internet service does not affect eligibility.

- Be referred by a nominating organisation. This will include consideration of whether the child has access to a device and the digital skills to use the internet safely.

- Live in a premises that can access the NBN network.

For more information please visit the website: https://www.nbnco.com.au/campaigns/ school-student-broadband-initiative

CONCERNS ABOUT PROPOSED HERITAGE LAWS

I have serious concerns about Labor’s proposed cultural heritage reforms and their potential impact on Australian property owners.

The Labor Government has refused to rule out heritage laws similar to the controversial Cultural Heritage Act in Western Australia which is now in question. Any similar laws would cause havoc in communities I represent, as this would require landowners to obtain expensive cultural surveys for basic activities conducted on their own properties.

Most Australians want to do the right thing, but what was proposed in Western Australia is overreach, and would have a hugely negative impact should anything similar be introduced in the Parkes electorate.

For more detail please read the media release: https://www.markcoulton.com.au/laborsproposed-heritage-reforms-a-major-riskfor-australian-property-owners/

LABOR’S BANANA REPUBLIC

Under the current Government we are, to echo Paul Keating, becoming a BANANA republic, meaning: Builds Absolutely Nothing Anywhere Near Anyone.

The previous Government understood that infrastructure underpins the Australian economy and invested billions of dollars in highway upgrades and railway projects such as the Inland Rail. This Government is a disgrace when it comes to infrastructure, and needs to get Australia moving.

They’re waiting for the results of the 90 Day Review, but they should get on with it and stop delaying projects so necessary to the lifeblood of communities across the Parkes electorate!

AMAZING EFFORT FOR MACQUARIE HOME STAY

What a great example of community fundraising - the Duck Creek Picnic Races have raised $40,000 for Macquarie Home Stay and I couldn’t be prouder of the people in this electorate. So proud in fact, that I spoke up in Parliament about this last week. People in the West know all too well the importance of the Macquarie Home Stay and the accommodation it provides for people undergoing medical treatments and their families. About 28 per cent of its visitors are Aboriginal people as well as many other people from the Far West.

Where the Labor Government cut funding options for this facility, the people of Western New South Wales have stepped up to support this incredibly necessary facility so that it can now plan more rooms to meet demand. Amazing effort!

Have your say on bush fire risk in Namoi Gwydir

Fire agencies and land managers are developing a new Bush Fire Risk Management Plan for communities within the Narrabri, Moree Plains and Gwydir Council areas. The Namoi Gwydir Bush Fire Risk Management Committee (BFMC) is inviting the community to participate in this process by having a say on how bush fire risk is managed.

Your input into Namoi/Gwydir Bush Fire Risk Management Plan will provide valuable insights that enable the Namoi/Gwydir Bush Fire Management Committee to prioritise the communities, places, spaces, resources, and assets that hold the most value to you.

The data you provide by answering the survey questions will be anonymously supplied to your area’s Bush Fire Management Committee. They will assess data collections rather than individual answers, so that they can establish a clearer community sentiment and gain insights from a large sample size.

The personal details you submit will be used to validate your submission and to allow notifications to be sent to you when the status of this BFRMP changes.

The Namoi/Gwydir BFMC area spans 4,025,868 hectares (ha). The area covers the Local Government Areas (LGAs) of Gwydir, Narrabri and Moree Plains and features National Parks covering an area of 184,218ha (4.5% of BFMC area) and State Forests covering an area of 189,648ha (4.7% of BFMC area).

The Namoi/Gwydir area has approximately 36.22% bushland and 62.32% grassland with the balance being the built environment or water bodies. A bush or grass fire can happen at any time of the year, but the risk is higher during the warmer months, when bush, grass or scrub is drier.

The Bush Fire Risk Management Plan for Namoi/Gwydir was published on 11 September 2018.

These plans identify the bush fire risks in high risk locations and sets out the types of work scheduled to deal with the risk of bush fires.

BFRMPs are updated within every five-year period, however, the treatments and works set out in the plans are subject to change on a yearly basis due to fire activity, weather and new risk factors. This plan may not have been updated with the latest treatment and works plans/information.

Complete a short, 5 minute survey before Thursday, 31 August 2023 by visiting https://nswrfs.jotform.com/230316930987866

Holistic grazing for the land, plants, animals and people

A three-day workshop will help graziers maintain animal performance and ensure they have enough pasture, while also improving their farm’s profitability and biodiversity.

Organised by the Southern Queensland Northern NSW Innovation Hub, the Holistic Grazing Workshop will be facilitated by Holistic Management educator Brian Wehlburg at The Living Classroom at Bingara from October 3-5.

Brian said he wanted to help farmers simplify the complexity of livestock management.

“So much has to be taken into account when planning – integration with crop production, amount of food available, animal productivity, grass growth and seasons, paddock health, logistics when selling, calving, weaning, time away from the farm and more,” he said.

“Holistic Planned Grazing helps ensure that livestock are in the right place, at the right time, and with the right behaviour.”

Through a staged planning process, livestock are moved based on the amount of feed, as well as individual plant recovery to prevent overgrazing and encourage biodiversity and resilience.

According to Brian, farmers who implement Holistic Planned Grazing practices see a number of benefits.

“This includes an improvement in the quality and quantity of pasture, a reduction in less desirable species such as weeds, and the covering of bare ground. This ultimately results in reduced soil erosion and better creek health,” he said.

“Holistic Planned Grazing accounts for the needs of land, plants, animals, and people.”

The Hub’s Bingara Extension and Adoption Officer, Janelle Schafer, encouraged people to sign up for the workshop and gain new skills to help their farm become more resilient.

“Brian’s expertise and deep knowledge will be so valuable for farmers in our community,” she said.

For more information about the workshop and to reserve your place, head to the Eventbrite page: https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/ holistic-grazing-workshop-tickets-662743703257

This event received funding through the Australian Government’s Agricultural Innovation Hubs Program. The SQNNSW Innovation Hub receives funding from the Australian Government’s Future Drought Fund.

Gwydir COMMUNITY

New book: Bush Tragedies - A compilation of 23 short stories about historical crimes, murders and tragedies across western NSW and south-western Qld

These are the crimes, murders and tragedies from across western NSW and south-western Qld that made headlines around Australia many, many years ago.

They have since been long forgotten – until now.

Bush Tragedies is a compilation of short stories from dark pockets of Australia’s history, recorded in stark, descriptive detail by awardwinning journalist Bill Poulos.

Readers will travel a gruesome journey across outback NSW, stopping at obscure little towns and villages where these shocking crimes and tragedies unfolded.

Bush Tragedies chronicles historical events from towns, villages and settlements including Goondiwindi, St George, Narrabri, Bingara, Inverell, Warialda, Quambone, Dubbo, Coonabarabran, Biniguy, Gilgandra, Garah, Mungindi, Boggabilla, Terry Hie Hie, Barraba, Collarenebri, Uralla and Moree.

The creation of Bush Tragedies was entirely accidental, the author said. “The book is a classic case of serendipity, given I was working on a completely different project when the idea for this book came along,” Mr Poulos said.

“I was researching information on the history of horse-racing in the bush, and I kept getting sidetracked by sensational headlines and news reports about murders, crimes and tragedies in towns and villages across western NSW and the bottom end of Queensland.”

Bush Tragedies, comprising 23 stories, 130,000 words and 526 pages, covers the years from the mid-to late-1800s to around 1950.

The stories are deeply-researched and detailed, and written in a style known as creative non-fiction.

“Rather than compile boring, historical essays, I wanted to make these stories as interesting as possible,” Mr Poulos said.

Research over three years included trawling through the National Library of Australia’s incredible resource Trove and sourcing court and law-related documents from NSW and Queensland State Archives, military and service records from the Australian War Memorial and relevant information from the National Archives of Australia.

Several ancestry and family heritage websites were referred to as well as private documents and information supplied by family members.

“There are many people who helped along the way, none more so than the researchers at Western Sydney Records Centre. My requests for information were never a problem, and responses were prompt, efficient and always on the money – they are an incredible team,” Mr Poulos said.

Reviewer Judith Flitcroft, the author of Walk Back in Time, said Bush Tragedies was a “meticulous and well researched work of brutal and sordid crimes, and accidents of awful, immeasurable and diverse events that tore many outback towns in western NSW to pieces”.

“In a quiet way, it is an incredible tribute to country law enforcement officers and judiciary ‘back in the day’,” she said.

“Bill Poulos uses a genre of creative non-fiction to recreate all the happenings in his book. The reader becomes the witness to these scenes.

“I found the re-enactments noteworthy: ‘A cavalcade of vehicles carrying the police magistrate, police officers and the accused and his solicitor made its way into town’.

“The recounting of ‘The headless body’, left an unusual query hanging as to who exactly was the dead man”.

“The Murulla train disaster of 1926 is quoted from the Newcastle Sun newspaper: ‘The town awoke to pulsing life and the streets were filled with the screech of cars and the shouts of men. Breathlessly they dashed into the bush to succour the victims of disaster’.

“Bill Poulos has mastered, (and to quote one of the characters in the book, Inspector Goodwin), one hell of an investigation,” Ms Flitcroft said. Reviewer Kenneth N. Price, a retired Vietnam veteran and author of Broken Lives and Kokoda Mist, said: “Bush Tragedies is a collection of short stories that brings to life the early settlement of western NSW and south-western QLD. Bill Poulos does a magnificent job researching primary source material and bringing it together in a clear and succinct way.”

“Bush Tragedies will amaze you, shock you and on occasions bring a tear to your eye,” Mr Price said.

Bush Tragedies, published by Sid Harta Book Publishers, is available from bookshops and retail outlets as well as online at Booktopia.

Mr Poulos urges readers to support their local bookstore, where possible.

“Please check with your local bookshop or retailer about the availability of Bush Tragedies – there’s nothing better than over-the-counter sales to support small businesses, especially in country areas,” he said.

Above: Bush Tragedies author, Bill Poulos

Gwydir Learning Region offers Learn to Drive

If you are a beginner driver or you need to learn the skills required for safe driving on country roads than the Gwydir Learning Region (GLR) “Learn to Drive” experience is for you. If you have had some “family driving time” but could do with some extra help before taking your first driving test, the GLR “Learn to Drive” experience is for you.

A great gift for a loved one is to help make them a better driver. Why not consider a set of GLR “Learn to Drive” lessons. Lessons are $55 each. Each lasts for a minimum of one hour and, if you purchase five lessons, the sixth one is FREE!!!

And don’t forget that for every one hour structured driving lesson you complete with a licensed Driving Instructor, you can record three hours driving experience in your Log Book.

What are you waiting for! Give Kingsley a call on 0417 320 354

North West Theatre Company Film Club MOVIE OF THE MONTH

The Butler fits the bill for August at the Roxy

The North West Theatre Company’s Film Club offer for August is ‘The Butler’, the 2013 American historical drama film loosely based on the real life of Eugene Allen, who worked in the White House for decades.

The film stars Forest Whitaker as Cecil Gaines, an African-American who is a witness of notable political and social events of the 20th century during his 34-year tenure serving as a White House butler. It is directed and co-produced by Lee Daniels and with a screenplay by Danny Strong.

The Butler is inspired by Wil Haygood’s Washington Post article “A Butler Well Served by This Election”. It will show at the Roxy on Sunday 27 at 4pm.

In addition to Whitaker, the film’s all-star cast also features Oprah Winfrey, Mariah Carey, John Cusack, Jane Fonda, Cuba Gooding Jr., Lenny Kravitz, Vanessa Redgrave, Alan Rickman, Liev Schreiber, Robin Williams, and Clarence Williams III.

The film was theatrically released on August 16, 2013, to mostly positive reviews from critics, with many praising the cast but criticizing the historical accuracy, particularly the portrayal of President Reagan. The film grossed over $177 million worldwide against a budget of $30 million.]

The plot begins in 2009. An elderly Cecil Gaines recounts his life story while waiting at the White House to meet the newly inaugurated president.

In 1937, at age 18, Cecil leaves the cotton plantation where he was born and raised. Desperately hungry, he breaks into a hotel pastry shop. The elderly master-servant Maynard takes pity on him and gives him a job.

Cecil learns advanced serving and interpersonal skills from Maynard, who later recommends Cecil for a position in a Washington, D.C. hotel. While working there, Cecil meets and marries Gloria, and the couple have two sons: Louis and Charlie.

In 1957, Cecil is hired by the White House during Dwight D. Eisenhower’s administration. White House maître d’hôtel Freddie Fallows introduces him to the head butler. Cecil witnesses Eisenhower’s reluctance to use troops to enforce school desegregation, then his resolve to uphold the law by racially integrating Little Rock Central High School in Arkansas.

In 1961, after John F. Kennedy’s inauguration, Louis and others are attacked by members of the Ku Klux Klan while on a freedom ride to Birmingham, Alabama. Louis participates in the 1963 Birmingham Children’s Crusade, where dogs and water cannons are used to stop the marchers, an action which inspires Kennedy to deliver a national address proposing the Civil Rights Act of 1964.

After Kennedy is assassinated, his successor, Lyndon B. Johnson, enacts the legislation. As a goodwill gesture, Jackie Kennedy gives Cecil one of the former president’s neckties.

Submitted by Rick Hutton – NWTC Film Club Secretary

In the late 1960s, after civil rights activist Martin Luther King Jr.’s assassination, Louis tells his family that he has joined the Black Panthers. Cecil orders Louis and his girlfriend to leave his house. Louis is again arrested. Cecil becomes aware of President Richard Nixon’s plans to suppress the Black Panthers.

Charlie confides to Louis that he plans to join the war in Vietnam. After enlisting, he is killed and buried at Arlington National Cemetery. When the Black Panthers resort to violence, Louis leaves the organization and returns to college, earning his master’s degree in political science and eventually running for a seat in Congress, although Cecil continues to hold resentment against him.

Cecil repeatedly approaches his supervisor at the White House over the unequal pay and career advancement provided to the black, White House staff. With President Ronald Reagan’s support, Cecil prevails, his reputation growing to the point that he and his wife are invited by the Reagans to be guests at a state dinner. Cecil becomes uncomfortable with the class divisions in the White House. After witnessing Reagan’s refusal to support economic sanctions against Apartheid South Africa, he resigns.

The Butler will be screened at the Roxy Theatre, Bingara at 4:00pm on Sunday August 27.

North West Theatre Company Theatre Production IT’S MY PARTY AND I’LL DIE IF I WANT TO

The Partygoers

The North West Theatre Company has cast the play It’s My Party and I’ll Die if I Want to, which will show at the Roxy Theatre, Bingara from September 9 2023.

Ron and Dawn Patterson will be performed by old favourites, Rick Hutton and Lee Loudon. Ron and Dawn’s children, Debbie, Michael and Karen will be played by Tanya Heaton, Gene Taddio and Louise Zampa. Last but not least Ted Wilkins, the undertaker, will be played by Garry McDouall.

We have a great cast for the play and the audience will be in for a very fun time. Everyone will be able to relate to this dysfunctional family and our cast will really bring the characters to life.

It’s My Party and I’ll Die if I Want to was written by Australian author, Elizabeth Coleman who also wrote Secret Bridesmaids’ Business and was a writer on many TV shows such as The Flying Doctors, GP, Seachange, Police Rescue, The Secret Life of Us and All Saints.

At: Roxy Theatre, Bingara

When: September 9, 10, 16, 17 2023

Times: 7:30 pm September 9, 15. 2pm September 10, 17.

Prices: Adults $25 Concession $20

Bookings: Bingara Visitor Information Centre 6724 0066 or roxybingara.com.au

The End of Winter comes to The Roxy

Winner: Best Performance Sydney Theatre Awards

Siren Theatre Co and the award-winning team behind Good With Maps are collaborating again on Noëlle Janaczewska’s next masterpiece - The End of Winter

Will climate change erase winter leaving it to exist only in fairy tales, paintings, and historical accounts? In hot, bushfire-prone Australia our winters are becoming warmer and shorter. The End of Winter is about loss and resilience. It’s about the places one can search for cold weather places that can be reached via public transport and the imagination.

This is a new work for the stage that speaks to our current climate crisis. Written in the wake of the devastation of the 2019 bush fires it asks: What’s happening to winter?

Noëlle Janaczewska is a multi-award-winning Australian writer whose plays, radio scripts, libretti, fiction, and essays have been performed, broadcast and published throughout Australia and overseas.

From Kate Gaul: “Noëlle’s unfailing ability to ignite universal emotions and laughter in all of us while gloriously revealing her own exquisite uniqueness is one of this piece’s great joys. This is a feminist work, which explores shifting identities - writer, child, carer, lover, explorer.”

The themes and ideas contained within The End of Winter lean into the most significant issue of our time – the changing climate and the loss of seasons.

Telling and sharing stories, from the scientific to the personal, is one the most important tools we have to survive climate change. It’s easy to get into a typical conversation about the weather. It’s harder to talk about how changing weather patterns relate to climate change - especially when climate and weather can often get confused. In Australia, we’ve experienced it all: extreme heat, devastating droughts, raging bushfires, floods and cyclones. But these extreme weather events are getting worse as the world heats up.

KEY AUDIENCES

Primary: Women, Subscribers, Climate Change groups

Secondary: older people with declining parents

Tertiary: lovers of documentaries and climate change advocates

THEMES

Climate change, travel, adventure stories, colonisation, feminism, identity, belonging.

Described as a performance essay-cum-monologue Noelle’s monologues have become famous for informing as much as they entertain. Theses beautifully lyrical and intelligent stories will delight audiences who are fans of informative podcasts, documentary lovers, and advocates for action to combat climate change.

Warialda jam session a hit

Warialda Golf and Bowling Club was a hive of activity over the last weekend of July, starting with the usual Friday night raffles and Saturday afternoon Social Bowls. Following the bowls, a group of musos held a “Jam Session”.

The group played until the commencement of the regular Monthly Raffles at 7pm. After a short break for the raffles, the musicians and guests recommenced and continued playing until after 9pm.

The next jam session will be held Saturday 26 August, from 4pm-8pm.

Right: Jam session in full swing with local musos at the Warialda Golf and Bowling Club

Photograph: Sue Smoothy

Warialda Golf and Bowling Club update

Sunday 30 July saw 66 players converge on the Warialda Golf and Bowling Club for a bowls carnival. Teams of three came from Bingara, Inverell, Delungra, Moree, Goondiwindi and Narrabri to join local bowlers in a day of fun and competition. One of the teams from Inverell took out the Winners’ Cash Prize.

New bowlers are always welcome to participate in the Warialda Golf and Bowling Club bowls activities. Social Bowls, held weekly from 2pm (names in to the club by 1.30pm) and carnival days held throughout the year. Follow Warialda Golf and Bowling Club on Facebook to keep up-to-date with what’s coming up: https://www.facebook.com/warialdagolfandbowlingclub

Gravesend Rodeo and Campdraft Association donate to community

Recently some of the Gravesend Rodeo and Campdraft Association Executive Committee had the pleasure of presenting donations to a few local organisations. We hope that these donations will go towards the benefit of those involved with the organisations. Donations were presented to:

Challenge Community Services - Warialda

Naroo Aged Hostel - Warialda

Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service - Warialda Branch.

Gwydir SPORTS

WHAT’S ON!

Do you have an upcoming event, meeting or save the date you would like to list? Inclusion is free and available for all non-profit organisations and community events. AGM notices welcome. Please note all details are accurate at the time of publication, however may be subject to change. Email: editor@thegwydirnews.com.au

AUGUST 2023

16th Bingara Central School One hour taste test fundraiser, 3.30pm-6.30pm. Call Scot Crispin 0429 341 804.

16th Bingara Show Society AGM, 6pm, Bingara Sporting Club.

17th Service NSW Mobile Service Centre - Gravesend. Gravesend Community Hall, Gwydir Hwy, 9am12pm.

19-20th Gravesend Campdraft from 8am, Gravesend Recreation Ground. Call Dan Coulton 0428 517 605 or Nicole Kelly 0439 921 659.

22nd Andrew Blanch and Emily Granger, performing Suite mágica at The Playhouse Hotel, Barraba, 6.30pm. Bookings: www.musicintheregions.com

26th Annual Bingara Race Day. Six race meeting. First race at 1pm. Fashions on the field.

26-27th Warialda Campdraft, from 6.30am at Warialda Showground. Call Stacey Duff 0488 923 958.

31st Legacy Appeal Week Street Stall, Bingara. Located next to Meat on Maitland and front of IGA. Saleable cooked donations welcome.

SEPTEMBER 2023

1st Legacy Appeal Week Street Stall, Bingara. Located next to Meat on Maitland and front of IGA. Saleable cooked donations welcome.

9th Jarred Taylor Live, Gravesend Recreation Ground, 6pm. BBQ and food van. BYO drinks. Free.

9th NWTC present It’s My Party and I’ll Die if I Want to. 7.30pm, The Roxy Theatre. $25/$20. Tickets: 6724 0066 or roxybingara.com.au

10th NWTC present It’s My Party and I’ll Die if I Want to. 2pm, The Roxy Theatre. $25/$20. Tickets: 6724 0066 or roxybingara.com.au

10th Ceramic Break Sculpture Park exhibition opening. 12 noon - 5pm. Gold coin donation. Call 6729 4147.

12th Garage Sale, 16 Stephen Street, Warialda. 50% of proceeds to Carinda House

13th Indian Myna Bird Control Workshop, Bingara Showground, 1pm-4.30pm. Call 6724 2052.

15-17th Warialda Off-Road 200. Mt Monomeeth. 0428 851 452 or warialdamotorsportsclub@outlook.com

16th NWTC present It’s My Party and I’ll Die if I Want to. 7.30pm, The Roxy Theatre. $25/$20. Tickets: 6724 0066 or roxybingara.com.au

17th NWTC present It’s My Party and I’ll Die if I Want to. 2pm, The Roxy Theatre. $25/$20. Tickets: 6724 0066 or roxybingara.com.au

17th Art in Ag Markets, North Star Hall. Enquiries: 0427 919 000 or 0427 763 161

19th The Business of Biodiversity, Glenavon, Gravesend, 9am - 3pm. Call 6724 2052 for details.

21st The End of Winter, The Roxy Theatre, Bingara, 7pm. Bookings via Trybooking.com, $25

23-24th Upper Horton Ladies of the Valley Ladies’ Horsemanship Weekend.

25-29th Bingara Veterans Week of Golf. Welcome drinks from 4.30pm 24 September. Contact Judy 0428 241 415 or Tim 0427 291 672.

WHAT’S ON!

Do you have an upcoming event, meeting or save the date you would like to list? Inclusion is free and available for all non-profit organisations and community events. AGM notices welcome. Please note all details are accurate at the time of publication, however may be subject to change.

OCTOBER 2023

3-5th Holistic Grazing with Brian Wehlburg, The Living Classroom. Bookings: https://tinyurl.com/562t628p

11th Aladdin and his Magic Smartwatch, 10.30am, Warialda Memorial Hall. Bookings: TryBooking.com

14th Warialda Community Fund and Westpac Helicopter Masquerade Ball, 7pm-12am, Warialda Town Hall.

19th Warialda Disability Inclusion Advisory Committe Meeting, 11am, Warialda Council Chambers.

21st Warialda Honey Festival, Warialda Recreation Ground. Details TBA.

29th Potluck Community Dinner, Warialda Anglican Church Hall 6pm. All welcome.

NOVEMBER 2023

11th Warialda Hospital Auxiliary Market Night, Warialda Golf and Bowling Club.

DECEMBER 2023

8th Warialda Christmas Carnival, Details TBA

9th Bingara Special Events Christmas Festival, 6pm. Further details TBA.

10th Bingara Carols by Candlelight, Bingara MPS, 6pm

16th Warialda Rail Christmas Carnival, Warialda Recreation Ground 5pm

Church Notices

ANGLICAN CHURCH

Bingara: Worship at St John’s Anglican Parish, Bingara – Sunday 9:30am

Warialda: Warialda Anglican Church, Warialda - Every Sunday - 9:30am

Coolatai: First Sunday each month3:00pm

Minister Steve Cimarosti, can be contacted on 6729 1501

CATHOLIC CHURCH

PARISHES WEEKEND MASS SCHEDULES

Warialda: Saturday – 6:00pm, 4th weekend – 10:00am

Delungra: Sundays – 10:00am, 4th weekend – 6:00pm

Bingara: Every Sunday – 8:00am

WEEKDAY MASSES

Warialda: 1st and 3rd weeks, Mass 9:00am

Bingara: 2nd and 4th weeks, Rosary 9:30am/Mass 10:00am

Baptisms, Weddings, Funerals, Thanksgiving and Family Mass: By appointment 02 6729 1116.

UNITING CHURCH

Inverell Uniting Church’s services are live streamed at 9:00am on the Inverell Uniting Church Family private Facebook Group. These services are also recorded for later viewing – please search and join.

PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

Bingara: Scots Presbyterian Church is open for worship at 10:00am every Sunday. Sunday School to be held each week.

Warialda: St Stephen’s Presbyterian Church has weekly worship services each Sunday at 10:00am. All welcome. Enquiries 6721 0511.

“And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.”

Colossians 3:14