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March 2021 Edition • www.thegwydirnews.com.au AUGUST 2022 Edition • www.gwydirnews.com
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GWYDIRNEWS Community news for the Gwydir Shire and surrounds MARCH 2021 EDITION • WWW.THEGWYDIRNEWS.COM.AU
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Top: Storm clouds gathering - Rural and Remote Medical Services Ltd to discontinue their services as the Bingara Medical Centre
On 28 July 2022, Gwydir Shire Council met with the Chief Executive Officer of Rural & Remote Medical Services Ltd (RARMS) in a confidential session of its ordinary meeting. Following this meeting, RARMS advised Council in writing that it is the decision of the Board of RARMS to discontinue offering the ‘Rural and Remote Medical Services Program’ in Bingara with effect from Friday 30 September 2022. RARMS remains committed to working collaboratively with Gwydir Shire Council to transfer responsibility for the management of the community health service back to the Council, or to another appropriate community organisation, with effect from 30 September 2022. RARMS wants to work with the Gwydir community to ensure that existing staff and doctors can be formally transferred to a new entity and further that medical services are not lost to the community. So where to from here? Council’s Mayor, Cr John Coulton said, “Medical services in our Shire is a priority to Council”. “We are very fortunate to have Warialda Family Practice and
committed staff and doctors at the Bingara Medical Centre”. Over the next few weeks Council will explore every pathway and opportunity so the practice can transition from RARMS to another owner. Whether this means facilitating a new provider to take over at the start of October or providing an interim system pending a new provider or running the Centre itself, Council will do all it can to keep the doors to the medical centre open’. Council’s Deputy General Manager, Mrs Leeah Daley, told Gwydir News that when the practice was originally transferred to RARMS in 2014 a Transition Agreement was signed. “The agreement included a clause that if RARMS pulled out of the practice all patient records would go back to the ownership of Council, and that all of these records will be maintained to ensure they remain private and confidential, following Australian Privacy Principles legislation.” Mrs Daley said. This clause will allow Council to facilitate a continuation of the service if necessary as an interim measure.
To receive your monthly digital copy of The Gwydir News delivered FREE to your inbox every month visit www.gwydirnews.com/subscribe or phone 0436 934 099.
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It is no secret that people living in rural and remote areas face barriers to accessing health care due to challenges of geographic spread, doctor shortages, limited infrastructure, and the higher costs of delivering rural and remote health care.
Each year hundreds of meals are delivered to Gwydir residents through the Community Home Support Program Meals on Wheels service, playing a crucial role in supporting the health and wellbeing of our older residents.
Here in the Gwydir Shire, we have had our fair share of challenges over the years, but equally we have had several success stories.
Not only do they deliver nutritious meals but, also an opportunity for social connection and a wellbeing check by the dedicated volunteer workforce who do the job quietly week after week, rain, hail, or shine.
This month’s health and wellness issue of the Gwydir News is a great opportunity to acknowledge these achievements and celebrate the great work that is being done by health services and front-line staff each day. I would like to briefly mention some of the Shire’s recent and ongoing success stories that deserve acknowledgement. While many small towns struggle to find and keep medical practitioners, Warialda has been blessed with Dr Di Coote and Dr Clem Gordon. Providing first class medical care and support to our community has become their life’s work and their commitment to the people of Warialda and district is truly evident in their 33 years of service.
Earlier this year the Bingara MPS was recognised for their innovative and creative approach to patient fitness through their aqua aerobics program and were named the winner of the Hunter New England Health Excellence Awards for ‘Keeping People Healthy’. They were also presented with the Agency for Clinical Innovation Award. The last few years of COVID-19 outbreaks have imposed significant challenges and uncertainty for our Gwydir Shire health providers, but I am sure you will agree they have faced these hurdles with professionalism, patience and sensitivity and we thank them for their efforts. Cr John Coulton
EVENT GOERS FROCK UP FOR A WORTHY CAUSE
The evening gowns have been sent to the dry cleaners, the hangovers nursed, and the the red carpet rolled away as the dust settles on yet another hugely successful Unleash the Gwydir Black Dog Ball.
Turnbull are the dynamic women behind the event, who despite very busy lives jugglling children, medical degrees, family farms and business, manage to deliver this spectaular bi-annual event.
“Being relatively new to the Shire, the night absolutely blew me away,” said organiser Aimie Turnbull.
Approximately 140 guests donned their best outfits and raised their bidding paddles high for the 12 competitive items on offer, raising $10,500 in the auction alone.
However, the humble trio say the evening would never have been made possible without the wonderful work and support of the community.
The Black Dog Institute is a not-for-profit facility for diagnosis, treatment and prevention of mood disorders such as depression, anxiety and bipolar disorder.
Organisers of the event, Sarah Crump, Nikki Rose and Aimie Turnbull created an unforgettable night, with a jam packed evening offering guests the opportunity to see Australia’s number one ventriloquist, Darren Carr.
“We would like to acknowledge the tireless work of Chef and Molly Jones, Bingara CWA, Friends of Touriandi, Bingara Central School P&C, Bingara Lions Club and many individuals such as a Robbie Burge, Hugh Coulton, Brian Davis, Damien Crump, Lilly Hollow, Suzanne Hughes and Amy Evans who prepared meals, waitressed, washed, set the tables, ran the bar and many other tasks that come with organising a ball”, said organiser Nikki Rose.
While the event itself is over, the positive impact of the money raised will continue to do good in the community well into the future, with proceeds being earmarked for Bingara and Warialda Community Comfort Groups. In addition, funds will be allocated to programs that boost mental health and general health services in the Gwydir Shire. Sarah Crump, Nikki Adams and Aimie 2 00
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“It was seamless, successful and seriously good fun”.
“From our little committee a huge thanks must go to all of those volunteers for making the night magical and successful. It takes a community effort to pull a big event together, and we have a great one”, said organiser Sarah Crump. Event organisers Sarah Crump, Nikki Adams and Aimie Turnbull
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FROM THE EDITORS DESK A night to remember
Firstly, we would like to acknowledge and farewell Kim Miller as the editor of the Gwydir News. Kim joined the paper in 2018 as an editor and administration assistant and has seen the publication through the ups and downs of the last four years. At the peak of the COVID pandemic, when news stories were few and far between, Kim managed to deliver interesting and engaging content week after week. In 2020, Kim took on the role of Gwydir News Administrator, overseeing the transformation of the weekly publication into today’s current iteration, ensuring its viability and longevity. I am sure you will agree that Kim’s work over the last year and a half has been top notch and her dedication to the paper and the Gwydir community will be sadly missed. We wish Kim the very best in her new endeavours. On that note, I would like to take the opportunity to welcome Sally Robertson as our new Gwydir Administrator. Sally will be commencing in the role next month, with her first issue being the September edition. Sally has a passion for writing and regional issues and is looking forwarding to taking the reins. Spring seems like the perfect time for renewal and new beginnings, so we look forward to Sally joining the team and making her mark on the publication. In the absence of an editor, this month we bring to you a special health and wellness issue of the Gwydir News. This issue celebrates the incredible work that is done by the health and wellness services in our Shire, acknowledging the organisations, businesses, staff, and volunteers that care for our community or help to maintain our health and wellbeing. This industry is such an important part of our community and while our regional location does create challenges for the industry, the quality of care and level of service provided by the services in our Shire is of very high standard. We hope you enjoy the August issue.
Event goers enjoying this year’s black tie event
COLLEGE CHAT Bingara and Warialda Community College with Jannette Tan
AUGUST 2022 The Warialda Campus is having an open day on Friday 26 August from 10.00 am-3.00 pm. Pop down and take a tour of our lovely campus and explore the new opportunities waiting for you. We will have on display lots of different skills for the promotion of Nation Skills Week, and also our first birthday in our new campus, with thanks to the Gwydir Shire Council for our lovely building. Come and join us for a sausage sizzle and have a look at what we have to offer and if we don’t have it, just ask. RSVP by 19 August 2022 Give us a call on 02 67241965, 02 6729 1487
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Looking to retrain or upskill? We have on offer an extensive range of courses from beginner to advance in many different areas of study. Pop down to one of our campuses or jump online at www.ccni.nsw. edu.au and have a look at what we have to offer. Please let us know if there is anything you are interested in or chasing and we shall see what we can arrange for you. Ph 0438 546 519, 6724 1965 or 6729 1487 Monday–Friday, 8:30am – 5:00pm or visit our website: www.communitycollegeni.nsw.edu.au/RTO 90027
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ADJUSTING THE ‘LENSE’ ON YOUR LIFE deeply, sometimes stumble and sometimes stuff up. However, that doesn’t make us any less deserving of our own compassion. I am not suggesting for a moment to celebrate mediocrity, revel in failures, lower the bar or not be self-driven. Rather, I am suggesting that we take back our ownership to adjust the lens, to change the perception, stop beating ourselves down and celebrate the successes along the way and create more opportunities for happiness and success in our endeavours.
FROM THE RURAL ADVERSITY MENTAL HEALTH PROGRAM COORDINATOR LETICIA CROSS Have you noticed that we are so good at generously offering others praise, forgiveness and kindness … yet I wonder, when was the last time you offered the same compassion or praise to yourself? Life is hard, yes. Yet most of us can make it harder than it needs to be by holding ourselves to standards we would never expect of others, saying things to the person in the mirror that we would never say to someone else and allowing our internal voice to focus on the negatives. Somewhere along the way, in our search for perfection, we’ve lost sight of the fact that we too are humans that sometimes feel
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This change is easier said than done. It requires a break from the way we have been conditioned to think for years and years. It requires recognising that the old way of thinking is holding us back and no longer serves us well. It means constantly challenging ourselves to flip the negative, switch to the upside – moving from, I am a failure to I learnt something that will help me succeed. To help flip the switch, here are some key considerations that could help: Be yourself, everybody else is taken - no one else can do what you do. Understand that your version of “best” will look different to anyone else’s. It’s not always possible to be the best at every moment, sometimes it’s about being ‘the best we can be right now’ given the circumstances.
their impact for what they are. Invest as much time as you need to process something in order to move on… which sure beats dragging the baggage with you. Be as compassionate to ourselves as we would be to others. - Stop looking over the fence and comparing yourself… the grass is often only greener as it’s fertilised with bull shit! - Doing something new for the first time is not easy, realising this fact develops more reasonable self-expectations about growing and transforming. - It’s only a failure if you didn’t learn something. - Messing something up is only a side-effect of having a proper crack! So, I encourage you to change the perspective and practice a little selfcompassion… raise a glass to the person in the mirror, for how far you’ve come, your endurance and looking forward to celebrating the success yet to come! Rural Adversity Mental Health Program (RAMHP) - contact me, your local RAMHP Coordinator, on 0477 343 628 or email Letitia.Cross@health.nsw.gov.au or head to the RAMHP website for information and helpful resources – www.ramhp.com.au
We all encounter serious struggles or losses so it’s important to acknowledge them and
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COULTON’S CATCH UP
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FOOT AND MOUTH RISK RISES
Price deliver the most powerful speech I have ever had the privilege to witness. Jacinta is determined to use her position in the Senate to improve the lives of her constituents in the Northern Territory. For me it’s very different being in opposition this time around, and I do have some concerns about the direction the Labor Government is taking on a number of issues that will directly affect regional Australia and the people of the Parkes electorate.
FIRST WEEK BACK FOR PARLIAMENT
It was an honour to be sworn in as the Federal Member for Parkes for the sixth time, during the opening of the 47th Parliament last week. The first week was eventful, but it’s always great to hear the maiden speeches of the newest Members and Senators. One of the biggest highlights for me last week was watching new Senator Jacinta Nampijinpa
Of particular concern is Labor’s talks of delivering the final 450 gigalitres of water back to the environment under the MurrayDarling Basin Plan. If that additional water is recovered, it’s going to be the towns, the communities, the farmers and the residents of the Parkes electorate who will pay the price and they will not stand for it.
In response to these detections, Labor has finally acquiesced to repeated calls by the Nationals to introduce sanitised foot mats at international airports. A move more than two weeks overdue. Thousands of people have come into Australia from Indonesia since FMD was found to have spread to Bali and Labor’s delay in implementing this simple but important measure is frightening. The Labor Government must urgently pursue stronger measures such as offering a 3D X-ray scanner to Indonesia, so biosecurity officers know what is in passenger luggage before it gets here. Labor is failing this basic test on biosecurity and it’s time to toughen up and take control, particularly as the situation in Indonesia escalates.
I will continue to fight for the best interests of my constituents to ensure our regions are not forgotten or left behind. It’s a great privilege to do this job and I look forward to continuing to represent the people of the Parkes electorate for the next three years.
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The detection of viral foot and mouth fragments on products brought in from Indonesia and China last week was a wakeup call and a worrying reminder of just how easy it would be for the virus to enter our country.
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Bingara MPS strive for continuous improvement This service has since expanded and now uses over 120 emergency specialists based throughout world. MED uses Telemedicine which provides a connection between health care services and end users via telecommunications technology. It allows the specialist doctors off site to see and talk to the patient, with the physical assessment component being performed by the Registered Nurses onsite. In the last two weeks, over 33 consultations have occurred and overall, the experience has been very positive.
Top: Bingara MPS staff are embracing the new Telemedicine technology
While the name suggests the Bingara Multi-Purpose Service (MPS) is more than just a hospital, many are unaware of the extensive list of services the facility provides.
The nurse lives outside Gwydir Shire making it a discrete way to access these services and discuss sensitive issues, without having to bump into the clinician in IGA the next day.
A part of the Hunter New England Health district, the Bingara Multi-Purpose Service is a 21-bed facility providing general medical care, emergency, palliative, and residential aged care to people living in Bingara and the surrounding areas.
The Bingara MPS strives for continuous improvement and in the last financial year, the Bingara MPS received $300,000 from NSW Health’s Rural Health Minor Works Program to fund the renovation of the aged care dining and lounge room, making it more homelike and spacious.
The MPS model combines funding for aged care services from the Australian Government with state and territory health services. This joint initiative means small regional and remote communities like Bingara and Warialda can offer flexible aged care services that meet the needs of their community. The MPS also includes a community health centre, which provides onsite community nursing and physiotherapy and an extensive list of visiting services such as dietitian, occupational therapist, speech therapist, drug and alcohol services, palliative care, audiometry, and mental health counselling. A very important service the MPS offers is a visiting women’s health nurse who provides free regular check-ups for women. The nurse can assist with specific services such as cervical and STI screening; contraceptive advice; breast health awareness; pregnancy testing, counselling and referral; menopause education and pelvic floor education. 4 00
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An additional $120,000 was received for the construction of a new laundry space for the residential aged care unit. Work will commence in the next few months. Upgrades to the facilities x-ray services will also be taking later in the year following an investment of $155,000. The upgrade will provide a state of the art x-ray service, which will improve image quality and reporting times. Attracting doctors and specialists to rural areas can be difficult, so in mid-July in order to overcome this hurdle, the Bingara MPS introduced the My Emergency Doctor (MED) program to provide virtual medical services during periods when doctors are not available on site. The service was founded by Sydney based emergency Physician, Dr Justin Bowra who wanted to provide all Australians access to senior specialist emergency doctors, no matter the time of day or where they lived.
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Earlier this year the Bingara MPS was the winner of the Keeping People Healthy Category in the Hunter New England Excellence Awards, winner of the Agency for Clinical Innovation Award 2021 and a finalist in NSW Health Awards for their ‘Time to Break the Drought – Using Water in Rural Communities for Falls Prevention’ program. The program was developed in response to Bingara’s ageing demographic, which has a higher proportion of population over 65 years of age than the NSW average. As the body ages, the loss of muscle strength and balance result in an increase in falls. Falls can have a devastating effect on quality of life, resulting in significant injury that impedes independence or causes death. Water is an unstable environment that constantly challenges the body to reposition and re-posture to maintain balance and to strengthen muscle mass. Water is a safe environment to exercise as it reduces fear of falling and pain associated with exercising. The eight-week program was introduced with twice weekly Adapted Aqua Fit sessions. Pre and post physical assessments were performed which demonstrated an 30% improvement in strength and balance. Results also demonstrated a positive effect on Mental Health and Social Wellbeing. The latest initiative the Bingara MPS is undertaking is the recruitment of a nurse practitioner who will commence in September. The Gwydir News will cover this story and how it will improve the provision of health services in Bingara in the September issue.
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Relax and rebalance at the Sappire Salt Cave There are so many hidden treasures in the Gwydir Shire. Do you know we even have our very own salt cave? Don’t believe us? Well see for yourself and visit Sam Bermel and the knowledgeable staff at Sapphire Salt Cave in Bingara who will take you on a journey of next level relaxation. The salt cave was purpose built by Sam’s partner Tony Gomez, a master craftman who has painstakingly sculptured and hand crafted every last detail.
If you are feeling the mid winter blues, or are just a bit under the weather, then be sure to treat yourself to a session at the Sapphire Salt Cave. You will almost instantly feel relaxed and better for it. The Sapphire Salt Cave is located at 30 Maitland Street Bingara. For more information or to book visit www.sapphiresaltcave. com.au or call (02) 6724 1974 or 0411 795 869.
Internally, the cave is a comfortable 24 dergrees, has gentle lighting from salt lamps and soft music, creating the most perfect ethereal relaxation haven. The salt cave experience lasts 45 minutes and is similar to being at the ocean; the fine salt molecules help to cleanse and clear feelings of congestion, providing a sense of well-being. Dry salt inhalation is a natural therapy discovered in the underground salt mines of Europe. Today, it has evolved into a modern therapy for cleansing the airways and skin. Sam also stocks a beautiful range of salt lamps, gifts, Bingara jams, local produce, and essential oils.
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Proud to be your representative in NSW Adam Marshall MP your Member for Northern Tablelands
Armidale office: Suite 1, 175 Rusden Street, Armidale NSW 2350 Phone: 02 6772 5552 Mail: PO Box 77, Armidale NSW 2350
Moree office: Suites 2-6, 161 Balo Street, Moree NSW 2400 Phone: 02 6752 5002
Email: northerntablelands@parliament.nsw.gov.au
Authorised by Adam Marshall MP, Member for Northern Tablelands. Funded using parliamentary entitlements.
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Web: www.adammarshall.com.au
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ADAM MARSHALL LAUNCHES PETITION FOR IMMEDIATE RURAL HEALTH CHANGES In the largest combined effort yet to demand drastic change and improvements in health services and staffing levels across the region, today local Mayors, nurses and midwives, community advocates and Member for Northern Tablelands, Adam Marshall launched an electorate-wide community petition to trigger a debate on the floor of State Parliament and force immediate action.
pesky politicians and the union whinging, this is a burning issue for everyone in our region and we won’t rest until we are heard and changes made”.
“This petition is borne out of sheer frustration; frustration that our concerns and requests have either been ignored or dismissed by health officials,” Mr Marshall said.
“If we’re all united, no one can ignore the wishes of thousands upon thousands of people”.
“Our communities are getting a raw deal and we’re all sick to the back teeth of seeing our hard-working nurses get worked to the bone, no doctors in our hospitals and local lives put at risk, on a weekly basis”.
“I’m a great believer in people power and now is the time to put that into action”. Sign this petition and show your support for this push, to save our rural health system and back our hard-working local health staff.
“Our communities are seeking a more responsive, localised health service, which is designed to meet the needs of rural people.” The petition will be available in all local council administration centres and local businesses in every town, over the coming days across the region.
People have until 30 September to sign the petition, before Mr Marshall tables it in State Parliament. The petition requests the Legislative Assembly to: Split the Hunter New England Health District and re-instate the former New England Area Health Service, which included the North West region. Directly employ doctors in emergency departments in rural and regional district hospitals, with the capacity to provide inhospital outpatient services; and Dramatically increase the number of nurses employed in rural and regional hospitals with appropriate nurse to patient ratios. To sign the petition visit www.adammarshall. com.au/
“It is time to combine forces across the New England and North West, speak with one tremendously loud voice through this petition and demand that our health services are directed by local voices responding to local needs”. “It is blindingly obvious that a corporate structure based in the Hunter at Newcastle, has little regard for those communities on the outskirts, with some centres almost 700 km away from the head office”. “The current management structure is failing and I am reminded daily when people share negative experiences with me, patients, families, nurses and doctors – we have to do better”. “We want to see more than 10,000 people sign this petition, not just to trigger the debate in Parliament but to demonstrate to the government that this isn’t just a few
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Adam Marshall launches an electorate-wide community petition today demanding drastic and immediate changes to rural and regional health services
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Local fitness guru makes wellness a priority for many After seeing just how much fitness can improve health and mood, Rachel Sherman is now hoping to encouraging more people to be their fittest, healthiest selves as a personal trainer and wellness coach. “I really turned my life around a few years back and decided that my fitness and health needed to become a priority. I’m hoping that I can now inspire and encourage other to make themselves a priority.”
“I also offer a complete coaching package which includes goal setting, an exercise program, customised nutritional goals and diet advice as well as regular check-ins and feedback. Contact Rachel on 0427 570 506 or through Facebook or Instagram.
Rachel has her Advanced Certificate in Nutritional Counselling and is currently studying her fitness certification. She has been running group fitness bootcamps since late last year and has recently started offering personal training sessions and fitness programs. “The bootcamps are a fun group fitness activity that would suit anyone of any fitness level. It’s run as a circuit-style, full body session and you can do the exercises at your own pace, with varying weights or bodyweight and with different modifications available depending on your personal strength and fitness.” Personal training is 1-on-1 exercise sessions (or can also be done in pairs) on a regular basis, which are done in your home or outdoors. Another option is for a 4-week gym or at-home based fitness program which you perform on your own.
Head Office Suite 12 / 454-456 Peel Street Tamworth NSW 2340
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A BUZZ OF EXCITMENT PLANNED FOR THIS YEAR’S ANNUAL WARIALDA HONEY FESTIVAL The Warialda Honey Festival committee, despite their best efforts, have unfortunately not been able to hold an event for the past three years, as organisers have battled wet weather and COVID-19.
However, this has not deterred the event coordinators, as they are enthusiastically planning for this year’s Honey Festival, set to go ahead on Saturday 17 September 2022. Most locals would know that Warialda is the Place of Wild Honey and the festival was developed to celebrate the town’s meaning. The Honey Festival is an opportunity for the community to come together and pay tribute to the town by honouring anything bee or honey inspired. One of the event coordinators, Courtney Loosemore, says it is important to the organisers to acknowledge the theme of the event which compliments the town’s indigenous name meaning. “We are hoping that we may be able to showcase enclosed beehives at the festival however the threat of the Varroa mite is knocking at our door, so we will of course abide by any restrictions set in place to protect the industry”.
this year and several stalls will also be selling honey made in the region.
The organising committee has also teamed up with the 2022 Bee Creative Challenge project organised by Shelly Way, Principal of Warialda High School. The aim of the initiative is to attract people to the town of Warialda by creating bee, insect, bird, honeycomb or bee-related type structures which can be displayed throughout the town as an added tourism attraction. It is hoped the large structures will create a reason for people to stop and explore the streets of Warialda. Anyone is welcome to get involved and is encouraged to speak to Shelly. The finalists in the Bee Creative Challenge will have their works on display at the Honey Festival and the winners will also be announced that same day.
Bieber the Bee is set to make a comeback
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Grab your kids, tell your mates and head on down to the Honey Festival at the Warialda Recreation Ground at 3.00 pm on Saturday 17 September 2022. For more information or to become a stall holder please call Courtney Loosemore on 0478 208 944
“Event goers can expect to enjoy an afternoon of kids rides, vintage car displays, great entertainment, market stalls, a Gumboot Throwing Competition, and a screening of the Bee Movie”. Paul Orvad and Dion Larkham from The Wize Guys band are set to entertain the crowd with their talented vocals and guitar skills for the duration of the festival.
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If you have Hulk like strength, why not try your luck in the Gumboot Throwing Competition. There will be some prizes up for grabs in each of the different age group categories.
Event Coordinator, Courtney Loosemore, also went onto say that there is something of interest for everyone that attends the festival.
“If bees are unable to be exhibited, there will still be plenty of activities on the day that will reflect what Warialda is renowned for”, said Miss Loosemore.
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lane slide and jump for joy castle are sure to keep the kids entertained for hours on end. For just $15, an armband can be purchased on the day which will provide access for children to the rides all afternoon.
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Past and present students celebrate 50 years of quality education at Warialda High School Past students, parents and staff returned to Warialda High to take a walk down memory lane and in celebration of 50 years of education. The school was filled with memorabilia, with large banners of photos of every Year 12 that had graduated from the school since 1972. A book was created with photos of every Year 12 group and every staff group since 1972, cups and special embroided school jerseys were available for purchase to mark the special occasion. Photos from the Hall of History were displayed in the hall, including football photos and sports photos. Information collected from previous students that was collated by the late Nancy Frazer was displayed in the hall. We would like to take this opportunity to thank John Frazer for donating Nancy’s work and make a special recognition on the hours it would have taken her to put this information together. The grounds were in impeccable condition and gardens had been rectified by Bill McIntosh. Current students were available for a guided tour to areas around the school. Classrooms were open for displays and the library had many school photos of different classes, teams and activities over the years also on display. A morning tea was provided with sandwiches and slices made by Senior Hospitality students and staff members. A time capsule buried in 1997 by Mrs Hausler’s Year 8 class was unveiled by previous teachers at that time, Alan Mitchell and Len Fleming, and they were assisted by Phillip Francis, son of Evan Francis. (First Prinicpal of Warialda High School). A new capsule was buried at the school with current student’s details, aspirations and predictions. A current calculator, phone and uniforms were also buried. Another significant event of the day was the tree planting for each Principal in recognition of their contribution to the school. It was
wonderful to hear from Phillip Francis who shared a story on why the entry path was on an angle at the school. Mr Francis explained to the builders that specific trees in the grounds, that he had marked with white paint, had to remain in the grounds. There was a tree directly in the pathway that had to be preserved so the path had to be constructed on the angle for the tree to remain. Representatives were selected to plant trees on behalf of past Principals. It was fantastic to have Phillip and Coralie Francis present to plant their dad’s tree and Peter Loaney to plant his own tree. On Saturday evening a reunion was held at the Warialda Golf and Bowling Club. The auditorium was decorated with gold, black and white balloons, and the Year 12 banners. The Warialda Golf and Bowling Club catered and served a delicious baked meal and dessert for 120 people. Mr Alan Mitchell, past Agriculture and Science teacher, delivered an entertaining and heart wrenching speech of his time teaching and coaching at Warialda High School. The school song from the Year 2000, was sung by Jack Digby, Year 12 Vice-Captain and the cake (donated by Christine Wilkins) was cut by current captains, Western Mitchell and Lucy Lockyer, and the original captains of 1972, David Galvin and Phillipa O’Brien, spanning 50 years of leadership. David Galvin, Len Fleming and Yvonne Ledingham then spoke about what it meant to them to be a part of Warialda High School. The weekend was a great success and it was wonderful to see so many students from the 1970s return for the special occasion. The reunion committee would like to thank all involved on the day and night for all the help and assistance received. Contributed by Warialda High School
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NAROO AGED CARE IS A HOME AWAY FROM HOME FOR OUR OLDER GENERATION
Over the past few years, the aged care industry has made the headlines of national papers for all the wrong reasons. The Naroo aged care facility in Warialda on the other hand, is making waves on local social media as they showcase the innovative wellbeing activities and healthy habits they have in place for their residents.
Ensuring social connection and community interaction through zoom and social media is just the tip of the iceberg. Naroo is proving it is more than just your average aged care facility - it’s a special home, where people are cared for to the highest standard.
“We really encourage everyone to get involved in all activities and try and create a space where happiness and playfulness is promoted and celebrated by all. We just try to have a lot of fun!”
not only important for the physical wellbeing of residents but also the social and mental wellbeing. Staff arrange these walks in the morning, along with armchair exercises to aid in falls prevention.
Celebrity chef inspired meals are probably not what you think of when you think of aged care facility food, but Naroo is turning that stereotype on its head, using tasty and nutritional meals to deliver positive health and morale boosting benefits for its residents.
The Anglican Minister, Steve Cimarosti, also pays regular visits to Naroo and throughout Covid-19 paid additional visits to those residents who were suffering with the isolation from friends and family. Residents benefitted greatly from these visits.
Maggie Beer is not only one of Australia’s most loved TV celebrity chefs, but she is also a nutritionist and a proud advocate for aged care health and wellbeing.
Naroo Aged Care Manager, Sharon Baker says it’s an honour to be given the responsibility of caring for our communities’ elders.
In 2014 Maggie formed the Maggie Beer Foundation which she established to improve the food experiences for older Australians, particularly those living within aged care homes. In fellowship with her Board of industry leaders, professors and health advisors, Maggie now runs a series of online training modules imparting her wisdom.
The staff of Naroo take a holistic approach to the wellbeing of its residents, ensuring that not only the physical and nutritional needs of residents are met, but also focus particular attention to their social, mental and spiritual health. Naroo Aged Care Manager, Sharon Baker says through social outings, stimulating activities, celebrations and exercise, the staff of Naroo ensure residents live a happy and fulfilling life and that they retain important connections to the community. “Activity calendars are created each month which include enrichment exercises like bingo, painting and carpet bowls and social outings to the Tractor Museum and the local pub. These activities are popular amongst the residents at Naroo and are something everyone looks forward to attending,” said Ms Baker.
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Six of Naroo’s staff members are currently completing these modules. In addition to the important knowledge gained, the course arms staff with a recipe box of nutritional recipes tailored for all levels of care. The Naroo kitchen has now incorporated some of these recipes in the resident’s meal plan. Residents look forward to these meals and the ever-changing menu, as well as their weekly BBQ, which is a treat and often held outdoors when the weather is agreeable. There are also monthly culture days held and, on those days, the Naroo kitchen cooks up a storm.
“Naroo has been a home to many people over the years, people who have given a lot to society, been a part of change, contributed to their community and lived a lifetime of wisdom to be passed onto the next generation,” said Ms Baker. “Naroo is a place where people come to experience the best of care and it is an honour for our staff to be able to create a fun and happy place to call home”. Naroo is always on the lookout for volunteers to assist with outings and activities. If you are passionate about helping increase the quality of aged care and would like to volunteer at Naroo please contact the Naroo Administration Office on 02 6729 3050.
It is no secret that COVID-19 has been a thorn in most people’s side but the staff at Naroo took it in their stride and made the most of a difficult situation. With the most recent lockdown, staff assisted residents with FaceTime calls to their loved ones and while it was not the same as an in-person visit, it was great that technology allowed them some sort of interaction with the people they care the most about. After a long day at work or even the stresses of everyday life, most of us enjoy taking a walk to clear our head and feel better for doing so. Therefore, walks to the All-Abilities Park are
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Rediscover the joy of world travel Bingara local Vivian Iriarte, has spent her career as a travel specialist, organising travel experiences for people who want to create memories. Vivian has also travelled extensively, utilising her Spanish and Portuguese language skills to lead groups of people to the Amazon, Machu Picchu, Peru, and the Mayan lands of Mexico. Her business, Assist Travel & Cruise was borne out of 40 years’ experience in selling travel and a pure passion to deliver all that a great holiday can provide. With a wealth of experience and knowledge, Vivian strives to take holiday planning to another level. Her passion for travelling and her desire to share this with you means you’ll discover the world in a unique way, benefitting from the additional tips, advice, and unbiased recommendations only a person with personal experience can offer. Vivian says booking holidays through a travel agent can save you a
lot of money and headaches, particulalry post COVID. “If something changes before or during your trip, an agent can help you rearrange your plans to suit and can keep you up to date on all the latest restrictions and policies,” says Vivian. “If your internet search has told you that you need a certain test to travel on a particular airline, through a transit point or to a destination, Google won’t call you to update you if the policy changes, but your travel executive will”.
Assist Travel & Cruise currently has a number of great deals inlcuding a group allocation on a 14-night Murder Mystery Cruise departing Barcelona to Athens on 30 September 2023 on the Enchanted Princess, with the option to extend your trip in Spain prior or Greece post cruise. Book before 31 August 2022 and recieve $400 onboard credit. For more information or to book contact Vivian at Assist Travel & Cruise on 0423 559 506.
To receive your monthly digital copy of The Gwydir News delivered FREE to your inbox every month visit: www.gwydirnews.com/subscribe or phone 0436 934 099.
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Regenerative festival to get Bingara pulsing Following a two-year COVID induced hiatus, the Pulse of the Earth Festival is back, and organisers are looking forward to delivering a huge weekend of events running from 2 to 4 Sepember. The festival kicks off on Friday afternoon with a Welcome to Country, didgeridoo Yidaki playing, live music then, on dusk the Children’s Fire and Phoenix rising. Have your children be part of the celebration, then witness the glory of local artist Tony Gomez’s sculpture soar into the night sky. Dinner to be followed by The Hillbilly Goats, who will be loved by all age groups.
landscape, native grains and food, landscape photography, “Pods” on Health and Wellness, Electric Vehicles, Regenerative Building; market stalls under the auspice of Bingara Lions, unique kids tent and entertainment, outdoor movie Kiss the Ground and some shorter films. Sunday is quiet, outdoor and reflective – enjoy the ambience of The Living Classroom with different facilitators on different topics For more information visit the Pulse of the Earth Facebook page. - Contributed by the Pulse of the Earth Festival.
Come for the weekend, bring your family, chairs, rugs, your own alcoholic drinks (no glass please) and cash for food and market stalls. Camping is available at the showground, the caravan park and of course for those with facilities, free camping along the magnificent Gwydir River. Saturday offers an amazing mix of entertainment with yoga by the dam with Karen Bishton and Selah Yoga; live music for most of the day, featuring Loren Ryan Duo, Larry and Nat, Jane Dudley, Natalie Baker; workshops on all things regenerative - touching on agriculture, health and wellness, education and resilience, landscape design, regenerative building, reflections on the Artist Farmer Scientist walk into a bar program from 2019, reading your
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COVID-19 Antiviral treatment available for everyone over 70 and those most in need Most cases of COVID-19 are mild and can be managed at home. Some people who are at higher risk may need specific antiviral treatments prescribed by their healthcare provider. Antivirals are medicines that help stop a virus infecting healthy cells or multiplying in the body. Fortunately, we have antivirals that work against COVID-19. They work best when taken as soon as possible, usually within 5 days from when your symptoms start. They come in either pill form to be taken by the mouth or can be given intravenously (directly into the bloodstream). COVID-19 antivirals do not work against other viruses like the flu. They are only prescribed to eligible people who have tested positive to COVID-19 through a rapid antigen test (RAT) or PCR (nose and throat swab) test.
and older with two or more risk factors for severe disease; Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander people aged 30 years and older with two or more risk factors for severe illness and immunocompromised people over 18 may also be eligible. If you test positive to COVID-19, have symptoms but do not require hospitalisation, and are at higher risk of severe illness from COVID-19, you may also be eligible for antivirals. Accessing the antivirals is fairly straight forward. If you test positive to COVID-19 or register a positive RAT , you’ll receive a survey link from NSW Health via SMS. If you’re identified as higher risk after completing the survey, you will receive a SMS from Healthdirect Australia. NSW Health are working with Healthdirect Australia, the national government-funded virtual health provider, to help people at higher risk to access antivirals. If you’re identified as higher risk after completing the survey, you will receive a SMS from Healthdirect Australia about discussing antivirals with your GP. Call your GP immediately to discuss antivirals (usually via telehealth). Antivirals work best within 5 days from the start of symptoms.
Antiviral medicines target the virus (SARS-CoV-2) that causes COVID-19 to prevent it infecting healthy cells in your body and multiplying. This helps stop the spread of the virus through your body and helps your immune system to fight off the infection. By reducing how severe the illness is, you are less likely to go to hospital, develop breathing difficulties, need assistance with oxygen or intensive care treatment, or die from COVID-19. It’s important to note that antivirals are not a substitute for vaccination.
If your GP says you are eligible for antivirals, they will send you a prescription (online or paper copy). It’s recommended you ask your pharmacy to arrange home delivery for your medication or ask someone to collect it on your behalf and drop it off. If you believe you are at high-risk of getting seriously ill from COVID-19 and have not received the NSW Health survey and not been able to get in touch with your GP, you can contact the National Coronavirus Helpline on 1800 020 080launch and/or NSW Health’s COVID-19 and Flu care at home support line on 1800 960 933.
The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) has approved two oral antiviral treatments for COVID-19 in Australia called Lagevrio® (molnupiravir) and Paxlovid® (nirmatrelvir + ritonavir). They are both available in NSW. Most people who are eligible for antivirals will be prescribed oral antivirals, which come in tablet or capsule form, so you can take these medicines at home rather than needing to go to hospital for treatment. There are some other options available such as antiviral injections and in those cases your doctor may advise you to go to a hospital or clinic to receive your antiviral treatment intravenously. Your GP will let you know the best treatment option for you. Those eligible for the antiviral treatment include everyone aged over 70; people aged 50 years
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HOME GROWN HEALING A strong interest in helping people and a drive to better her daughter’s quality of life inspired Terri Hickman to pursue a career in massage and she has not looked back. Forming Natural CnC in 2012, Terri offers a range of not only massages but other products that assist with general well-being.
Terri conducts massages on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 79 High Street, Warialda. Be sure to also check out Natural CnC Massage on Facebook and on her website www.naturalcnc.com.au
“I perform relaxation, remedial, Chinese cupping, acupressure, Infant and Indian head massages. I also like to dabble in other areas of health and stock a variety of herbal tea, homemade soaps, heat packs, muscle rubs and bath soaks/salts.” Terri applies the knowledge she gained from her Certificate III in Aromatherapy and likes to use a diverse range of ingredients in her products, that are well known to assist with tired muscles and cramps. The components Terri uses in her massage oils and blends also assist with overall circulation in the body. “While I can’t go giving away my secret blend for all my products, I can tell you that Magnesium, Goat Milks, Epson Salt, Bicarbonate Soda, Himalayan Rock Salt and Essential Oils are all important aspects in the goods I create. I like to keep it as natural as I can.” Massage is known to release endorphins and if you have massages regularly you would know the wonderful feeling of contentment afterwards. Seeing the benefit people get from a massage provides Terri with a lot of job satisfaction, knowing she has been able to make someone feel a whole lot better is why she does what she does. “I know that I have done my job well if at the end of a massage, a client looks like a baby who is milk drunk. I enjoy seeing that and always get a kick out of it.” Terri takes a holistic approach to wellness and to her that encompasses mental and physical well-being. In her opinion it is not only important to eat well and exercise, but it is also crucial to repair muscles and any soreness in a safe way. “Please don’t just pop pills if you are in pain, massage can often assist or in some cases completely eradicate the course of your discomfort and it is done so without taking any harmful medication.”
Above: Terri Hickman’s health and wellness products are home made using locally source, natural ingredients
Terri works closely with doctors and physiotherapists. She is also contracted with Australian Unity and urges anyone who has an aged care package to talk to their local representative to see if they can include massage in your pack.
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Gwydir MORE THAN JUST A MEAL Meals on Wheels is synonymous with community care and providing nutritious and tasty meals to those in need. The name represents helping hands, community and looking out for each other. Since its inception, over 60 years ago, Meals on Wheels has grown to become a driving force in community care, with around 4.5 million meals delivered by 14,000 volunteers in NSW alone, each year.
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to ensure the service continues, it is also very social and we enjoy visiting the clients,” said Jenny. To be eligible to receive meals you must be 65 years or older, registered for My Aged Care and with the CHSP, are younger with a disability and registered under National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) or are full fee-paying clients. CHSP Coordinator, Jan Kane says the Meals on Wheels Program helps our aging population stay in their own home longer where they are
The service provides meal support to anybody who needs it, whether it’s a temporary arrangement for someone recovering from an illness or injury, or on a more permanent basis.
often happiest. “While age and disability may reduce some people’s capacity to get out and about, our volunteers help make it possible for them to stay home and maintain their independence. By delivering nutritious meals, social interaction, and a friendly check of a client’s wellbeing, we help people live the lives they choose in their own homes,” said Ms Kane. “Meals are delivered with a smile by a friendly volunteer, who checks in on the wellbeing and stops to have a chat. We deliver more than just a meal. I think it is the social interaction that is more important than the meal itself”. People can refer themselves, or be referred by a health care professional, relative, friend or hospital. For more information about the Meals on Wheels service, to become a volunteer or to register please contact:
Meals on Wheels offer a range of meals to suit a client’s personal requirements and can accommodate special dietary needs, cultural and taste preferences.
Gwydir Shire Council CHSP Bingara – (02) 6724 1948 Warialda/Delungra – (02) 6724 2012
In Bingara the Meals on Wheels Program is run through the Commonwealth Home Support Program (CHSP) which has 20 volunteers who deliver over 2600 meals to Bingara residents each year. Volunteers Jenny and Daryl Burling says it is their way of giving back to the community. “We are going to need it one day so we want
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Top: Meals on Wheels volunteer Jenny Burling delivering a daily meal to Russell Reading
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THE WARIALDA MPS PROVIDING A WHOLEISTIC APPROACH TO HEALTHCARE The Warialda Multipurpose Service (MPS) team is made up of approximately 60 Allied health practitioners (speech, physio, dietetics, audiometry); hospital and community nurses; maintenance; medical and health service staff.
The MPS has three distinct units which include a 15-bed residential aged care area, a ten-bed acute ward and a two-bed emergency department which the nursing, medical and health service staff, care for around the clock.
With the help of the residents, we are currently redeveloping and cultivating our beautiful outdoor area. A special feature of the garden is the bird bath and water feature donated by the late George Leader, which attracts spectacular local birds.
As you would expect, COVID-19 has had a significant impact on the MPS, with additional administrative, processes and care requirements treating patients affected by COVID, both in the community and in hospital.
Our team are hardworking, committed, and compassionate individuals who do the very best job they can. Regardless of their expertise or role, they all bring enthusiasm and empathy to every situation they are faced with.
The MPS experienced a small site outbreak in April 2022 which was quickly contained largely thanks to the collaborative efforts of staff, residents, patients, and their families, and were able to reopen again to visitors just two weeks later.
The residents and their families become very much a part of our MPS family, not only for the time they spend with us, but the impact and friendships they form.
The staff have worked tirelessly, working additional and extended shifts to cover unplanned leave and balancing care for their own families.
The staff care not only for clients’ and patients’ health, but also for their family and circumstances, working hard to support any challenges they may be experiencing.
The MPS is currently travelling through the winter season very well and are working hard to recruit new staff (nursing, medical and other specialties) to our lovely town and service.
The MPS team have faced and supported the community through hardships and tragedies. Their commitment and care never waiver. They work closely with the NSW Warialda Ambulance service, Naroo Hostel and Warialda Family Practice to ensure the best outcome for our patients.
Their interaction with patients might be because of an injury or accident, an illness (mild or significant), a recovery, or whilst working to maintain good health. Whatever it might be, you will be welcomed and very well cared for at the Warialda MPS.
Within the residential aged care facility, the staff support their much-loved residents with a variety of programs and activities to ensure they “live well in the MPS”.
The MPS is supported by the Warialda Hospital Auxiliary who fundraise tirelessly to enhance patient, resident and family experience and comfort.
From bingo, bus trips, themed celebration days, pamper days, church services and gardening, the residents are supported to live their best lives, with our diversional therapy program.
The facility contributes to several community activities – yoga classes, podiatry clinics, and hope to commence some youth initiatives with local partners soon.
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Staff feel fortunate to be able to support our local community- friends, family, newcomers and those passing through our lovely area.
The Warialda MPS is open 24 hours per day, 7 days a week. Office Administration Monday-Friday 8.30 am -5.00 pm.
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North West Theatre Company Film Club Submitted by Rick Hutton – NWTC Film Club Secretary MOVIE OF THE MONTH ‘The Big Chill’ comes to the Roxy screen this August. The North West Theatre Company’s Film Club offer for Sunday 28 August is ‘The Big Chill’. This is a 1983 American comedydrama film directed by Lawrence Kasdan, and starring Tom Berenger, Glenn Close, Jeff Goldblum, William Hurt, Kevin Kline, Mary Kay Place, Meg Tilly, and JoBeth Williams. The plot focuses on a group of baby boomers who attend the University of Michigan, reuniting after 15 years when their friend Alex dies by suicide. Kevin Costner was cast as Alex, but all scenes showing his face were cut. It was filmed in Beaufort, South Carolina. At the time, Richard Corliss of Time magazine described ‘The Big Chill’ as a “funny and ferociously smart movie”, stating: “These Americans are in their 60s today, but back then they were the Now Generation. Right Now: give me peace, give me justice,
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gimme good lovin’. For them, in the voluptuous bloom of youth, the ‘60s was a banner you could carry aloft or wrap yourself inside. A verdant anarchy of politics, sex, drugs, and style carpeted the landscape. And each impulse was scored to the rollick of the new music: folk, rock, pop, R&B. The armies of the night marched to Washington, but they boogied to Liverpool and Motown. Now, in 1983, Harold, Sarah, Sam, Karen, Michael, Meg and Nick– classmates all from the University of Michigan at the end of our last interesting decade–have come to the funeral of a friend who has slashed his wrists. Alex was a charismatic prodigy of science and friendship and progressive hell raising who opted out of academe to try social work, then manual labour, then suicide. He is presented as a victim of terminal decompression from the orbital flight of his college years: a worst-case scenario his friends must ponder, probing themselves for
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symptoms of the disease.” The soundtrack features soul, R&B, and pop-rock music from the 1960s and 1970s, including tracks by Creedence Clearwater Revival, Aretha Franklin, Marvin Gaye, The Temptations, the Rolling Stones, and Three Dog Night. ‘The Big Chill’ was adapted for television as the short-lived series Hometown. Later, it influenced the TV series thirtysomething and A Million Little Things. As it presents to our audience today ‘The Big Chill’ is a reflection on the growing pains of the Baby Boomer generation. Members of the Armidale Film Club will be joining our local members for this screening at the Roxy at 4pm on Sunday, August 28. For Baby Boomers, ‘The Big Chill’ is a reflection of their youth. For younger generations, it is a window into the lives of your parents and grandparents. Maybe it will help to explain to you why they are the way they are!
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YOGA - A PAST TIME FOR THE MIND, BODY & SOUL Stretching has always been a part of Lorraine Reardon’s life. During her boarding school years, Lorraine and a group of her friends would have stretching sessions before school. Unlike most people when they finish school, health and fitness can tend to be somewhat forgotten. Lorraine continued to enjoy stretching, so much so that in 2010 she completed an online Yoga Teaching Certificate. Since then, Lorraine’s interest has continued to grow, and she is forever researching the practice of Yoga. Since completing her certificate, Lorraine has been conducting regular Yoga sessions in Warialda on Monday afternoons at 5pm and Thursday mornings at 9am. Lorraine also offers 6-week blocks to outlining areas in the district. Whilst Lorraine is currently taking a little break from teaching, her classes will be back up and running soon. Lorraine practises and teaches the Hatha Yoga form. This type of Yoga focuses on breath, balance, strength, control and being centred throughout the session. Anyone is welcome to attend the classes, no matter their age or fitness level. The lessons are conducted to cater for all levels
of ability and the best news is, you do not have to be flexible to participate.
“What people find is if they attend regular Yoga classes, it prevents their knees from seizing up and they can perform their daily tasks much more easily. People tend to get hooked on Yoga because they are no longer in pain or not in as much pain.”
“You do not have to be flexible, if you just make a start, the flexibility will come. It is important to remember that Yoga is a marathon, not a sprint. To get the most out of it, you need to practise regularly”. After spending many years working in a discipline where she was surrounded by so many unwell people, Lorraine was inspired to conduct regular Yoga classes. Most people would be aware that Yoga is a very calming form of exercise that promotes health and wellbeing. What you may not realise is how deep the benefits go.
If you are interested in signing up to Lorraine’s classes, all you need to do is bring an exercise mat, towel, and water bottle. For just $10 a class, it is great value for money!
“Yoga not only improves physical fitness but also promotes better mental health and aids in assisting those that suffer with anxiety. Clients always tell me they feel so much better after the class.” Lorraine likes to lead an active lifestyle and also enjoys walking, but her preference would be to do Yoga, as it offers a mind, body and spiritually experience which allows the body to unwind. Yoga also helps natural healing take place when the body is relaxed and those that suffer with chronic pain issues, are often recommended to try Yoga.
Gwydir student’s art works recognised by NERAM Local Gwydir students, Qynn Stamer and Daniel Gomes, were amongst a group of 60 finalists in the 2022 University of New England School Acquisitive Art Prize (UNESAP).
Qynn and Daniel recently attended the opening of the UNESAP Let’s Hang It exhibition at the New England Regional Art Museum (NERAM) in Armidale where the winners were announced. Although both students missed out on taking out a top prize, they are still hopeful for the People’s Choice Award which will be voted for over the duration of the exhibition and announced at the conclusion. The artworks will be on display until Sunday 14 August 2022.
A whopping 591 art entries from 46 schools across the New England and Northwest region were received for this year’s prize which is held annually with the purpose of encouraging talented young artists in regional New South Wales. Exhibitions and Curatorial Manager for the New England Regional Art Museum (NERAM), Belinda Hungerford said the quality of works received this year was exceptional. “These works demonstrated the application of a very high standard of technical skill as well as creative expression” Ms Hungerford said. “The selection committee commented that there was a wonderful diversity of art media and subject matter represented which made the selection process very difficult”. This isn’t the first year that Qynn and Daniel have wowed the judges with their talents, for Daniel this is his fifth time as a finalist. COM MUN IT Y N E WS FO R TH E GWYD IR S H IRE AND S U RROUN DS
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Gwydir BINGARA CENTRAL SCHOOL SECONDARY REGIONAL ATHLETICS CARNIVAL It was 11 degrees and raining in Tamworth for the Secondary Regional Athletics Carnival but this didn’t stop the team from coming home with some outstanding results and smashing lots of P.Bs.
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BLACK DOG BALL Well done to all our students who served food and assisted in the kitchen at the Unleash the Gwydir Black Dog Ball. A special mention to Miss Charmaine and Miss Fiona who represented the P & C with the students on the night. Not one of the students hesitated when asked to assist with this community event. They all worked extremely hard in what would have been for many, their first hospitality experience of that size.
Jarrod P. placed 1st in 13 years javelin throwing a massive 27.47m earning him a spot in the North West team to compete at the state carnival in Sydney later in the term. He also place 3rd in 13 years 200m. Well done Jarrod! Other placings for the day: Liam J: 3rd in 13 years high jump, 3rd in 13 years long jump. Kyenan S: 4th in 14 years javelin. Zoe A: 4th in 14 years 800m. Mailee S: 3rd in 14 years 3000m. Casey W: 3rd in 17 years 400m, 4th in 17 years 100m, 4th in 17 years 200m.
NSW ALL SCHOOLS’ CROSS COUNTRY Congratulations to Mailee Sullivan and Scarlett Standerwick who recently competed at the 2022 NSW All Schools’ Cross Country. Both girls have trained hard for this event and reaching this level of competition is quite an achievement. BINGARA COMMUNITY OP-SHOP DONATION We love nothing more than our community backing our students so that they can participate in everything that school life has to offer.
100 DAYS OF KINDERGARTEN This month, Bingara Central School Kindergarten celebrated 100 days of learning at BCS with our superstar kindergarten class. Students were able to dress up as a 100 year old and celebrate with fun activities.
You may have heard that 5 out of our 6 nominated sporting teams, consisting of 40 students, have been selected to play at the State Carnival in Week 7. This is an amazing, record breaking achievement for our school. Thank you to the Bingara Community Op-Shop team for once again donating $2000. We very much appreciate your investment in our students. It is well worth it!
COOPER & SMITH OPTOMETRISTS Moree and Goondiwindi
Next visit to Warialda is on Wednesday 24th August For appointments, contact the Warialda Medical Centre on 6729 1520 Next visit to Bingara is on Thursday 25th August For appointments, contact the Bingara Medical Centre on 6724 1900 22 00
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WARIALDA PUBLIC SCHOOL PSSA BASKETBALL Our PSSA Boys, Basketball Team made the trip to Inverell last week to play Ross Hill Public School in the State Knockout. Our team showed impressive teamwork and skill on their way to a 64 to 47 win. We are very proud of these students who represented us all demonstrating exemplary sportsmanship! We will now continue to work hard in preparation for the next fixture.
ATHLETICS CARNIVAL Our students recently took place in the annual athletic carnival with some great results. A special congratulations to Savannah who today oblitrated Indika Gallen’s 1500m record of 7:09.63 (set in 2019) - setting a new mark of 6:51.36. What an amazing run.
NAIDOC WEEK 2022 Our students have thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to participate in NAIDOC celebrations for 2022. Mrs Mikala Reardon and Mrs Lisa Campbell coordinated a great day of activities including traditional games, art, music and of course - Johnny Cakes! We are also delighted to be hosting an incursion in Week 10 with a visit from The Koomurri Group.
100 DAYS OF KINDERGARTEN Our amazing Kindergarten students will celebrate 100 days of Kinder on 10 August. This is always a fun day for our students (and staff) as they celebrate their first century! We look forward to seeing them shuffling along, complete with grey hair and wrinkles!
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students are looking forward to showing off the hard work of our students in a couple of weeks. PRECISE PLAYS AGAINS PICNIC POINT Recently the Warialda Open Girl’s Touch team were narrowly defeated by Picnic Point High School in the round of 20, by a score of 2-1. It was an intense game with set plays and fast paced moves. Warialda girls played as a team, with strong defence and were able to create a number of scoring opportunities.
Acknowledgement to Picnic Point for their travel commitments and wish them luck in the next round. Although we are a small country school we played with exceptional country spirit and demonstrated top level skills. 50TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATIONS We are blown away with the hundred’s that came through our gates on Saturday morning as we celebrated 50 years at Warialda High School. We welcomed previous students, staff and Principals with their families and friends. It has been decades since some have seen each other as they reminisced of past times.
NSW SCHOOL MERINO WETHER CHALLENGE 2022 Agriculture students have been for the past 6 months preparing a team of Merino wethers for competition at the 2022 Dubbo Wether challenge. When students started to lead the wethers there were many flips and throw downs. With lots of work, persistence and determination students are now able to quietly lead and present the wethers. Senior
NORTH STAR PUBLIC SCHOOL CLUSTER ATLETICS CARNIVAL North Star Public School recently competed in the Heferen Shield cluster athletics carnival in Moree at the end of July and came away with Heferen Shield victory. Congratulations must also go to Sophie McMaster for winning the 11 years Girls Champion.
School photos and memorabilia were on display with learning spaces open for the trip down memory lane. We are ever so thankfull we were given the collection of school photos from the late Nancy Frazer. The 50th Celebrations Committee want to send a HUGE THANKYOU to everyone who travelled from near and far to make this a special occasion, we really hope you all enjoyed your morning.
GRAVESEND PUBLIC SCHOOL NAIDOC WEEK CELEBRATIONS In July, our school took part in celebrating 2022 NAIDOC week, the theme for this years celebration was “Get up! Stand up! Show up!” We were privileged enough to have Jason Brown from Moree come out to visit and start painting our new water tank with some Indigenous artwork. Jason gave our students an insight into the meaning behind different Indigenous art selections, and finished off with playing the didgeridoo for all of us! We had a great morning painting with Mr Brown and Jonny cake making with Miss Irvine. We then had a NAIDOC assembly where 3 of our Indigenous students, Islah, Makiitah and Narla got up to speak about their proud culture. It was an excellent morning celebrating our rich Indigenous culture. A special thanks to all of the Gravesend Public school staff for making the morning run so smoothly!
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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 2022 12 - 14th
Warialda Campdraft
13th
Dust off Your Boots Dance - Warialda Jockey Club
20 - 21st
Gravesend Campdraft, Gravesend
27th
Bingara Races
27th
Lions Markets - from 8:30am, Maitland Street, Bingara
28th
NWTC Film Club - The Big Chill, 4:00pm, Roxy Theatre, Bingara
SEPTEMBER 2022 1st-2nd
Bingara Legacy Street Stall
4th
Lions Markets - from 8:30am, Maitland Street, Bingara
5th
Pulse of the Earth Festival - The Living Classroom, Bingara
10th
Ceramic Break Sculpture Park - from 12.00pm -5.00pm Exhibition opening featuring Raffaella Picotti and Amber Hall. Winner announced of 2022 Acquisition Sculpture Prize. Entry by gold coin donation
10th - 18th The NWTC presents, Melodrama & Passion at the Roxy Theate Bingara. 17th
Warialda Honey Festival - Warialda Recreation Ground
October 15th
Bingara Anglican Church Spring Flower Show
22nd
Lions Markets - from 8:30am, Maitland Street, Bingara
29 Oct
Warialda Hospital Auxiliary Garden Party
29 Oct
Don’t Dis My Ability Ball - Warialda Memorial Hall
SAVE THE DATE 12 Nov
Death Notice GREACEN, RICHARD PAUL 9/2/1945 – 27/7/2022 | AGED 77 YRS
MUCH LOVED HUSBAND OF PEGGY AND LOVED FATHER OF TYRONE, QUINTIN, DESIREE AND THEIR FAMILIES.
Warialda Hospital Auxiliary Market Night
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Church Notices ANGLICAN CHURCH
Bingara: Worship at St John’s Anglican Parish, Bingara – Sunday 9:30am Warialda: St Simon and St Jude Anglican Church, Warialda - Every Sunday - 9:30am Coolatai: First Sunday each month 3:30pm Minister Steve Cimarosti, can be contacted on 6729 1501 CATHOLIC CHURCH PARISHES WEEKEND MASS SCHEDULES
COMMUNITY
N E W BUSINESS TO BOOST FRESH OP TIONS IN BING A R A THE township of Bingara is about to get a greengrocer with a difference when Fresh Finds Bingara opens its doors for the first time on Thursday 11 of August 2022.
and Mandy belong, instigated the Bingara Bucks program to support local people and businesses doing it tough during the drought.
Located in Bingara’s main street, it will offer produce including fruit, vegetables and nuts, as well as freshly made sandwiches, fresh juices and old fashioned milkshakes.
Jenny and Mandy are sourcing Fresh Finds Bingara’s fruit and vegetables through wholesalers, and from selected local and regional suppliers.
The business is being started from scratch by Jenny Brown and Mandy Loudon, who met while working at the Bingara community’s Touriandi Lodge.
Fruit and vegetables will come from the Sydney Markets, seeds, nuts and soft drinks from Australian owned companies using as much Australian content as possible.
Jenny moved to Bingara from Toowoomba in 2016 to manage Touriandi, while Mandy moved from Newcastle to Bingara soon after to work in reception and administration.
“We’re looking to stock seasonal produce as much as we can to avoid those big spikes in prices you get when things are in really short supply, and to make what we stock as fresh as it can be,” Mandy said.
“For a town of more than 1400, Bingara has so much going for it, but it hasn’t had a shop focused on selling fresh produce for some time,” Jenny said.
Warialda: Saturday – 6:00pm, 4th weekend – 10:00am Delungra: Sundays – 10:00am, 4th weekend – 6:00pm
“I’ve always thought about having my own business, and I figured if I left it for too many years, I might be talking about retirement instead.”
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
Jenny worked in banking, valuing and health services before moving into aged care, and Mandy was in banking and lending prior to shifting to Bingara, her mother’s home town. “When I was a kid, we’d travel up from Newcastle during the holidays, and I came back regularly in my adult years to see family.”
UNITING CHURCH Inverell Uniting Church’s services are livestreamed at 9:00am on the Inverell Uniting Church Family private Facebook Group. These services are also recorded for later viewing – please search and join.
“It’s always been a great community.” Evidence of that was seen in 2019 when the Bingara Lions Club, to which Jenny
We will also sell freshly made sandwiches and wraps, fresh juices and milkshakes. Our milkshakes will be the old fashioned type, using malt and Crows Nest natural syrups. The syrups are made by a family business at Crows Nest, on the Darling Downs. We will stock a large range of their soft drinks as well. You will also find homemade shortbread from the kitchen of Jenny’s mum in Toowoomba. Fresh Finds Bingara is located at 62 Maitland Street, previously the home of Bingara Wattle Arts & Crafts before it moved last year to bigger premises two doors along the street. Phone: Jenny Brown 0431 513 326 or Mandy Loudon 0401 129 592.
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. For we bought nothing into this world, and it is certain we carry nothing out. 1 Timoth 6:10 26 00
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Top: Jenny Brown and Mandy Loudon are ready to greet their first customers on August 11th.
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EACH WEEK
Every Saturday
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Every Monday
U3A - Pilates 10:00am-11:00am, Gwydir Health Hub
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SPORTS
GWYDIR SHIRE RAISING FEMALE FOOTY LEGENDS There is a new breed of footballer taking the Gwydir by storm, they are fast, driven and play to win.
following my career for the past few years and wanted me on their squad,” said Brooke.
When it comes to girls in football, there’s more buzz, more excitement, and more pathways to play than there’s ever been before, and our girls and young women are taking up various codes of football in droves.
“It is really great to be recognised after all the hard work I have put in, and the commitment and sacrifice of my parents, for which I am extremely grateful”.
Slowly but surely, we’ve stopped talking about “beating the boys” and started focusing on what our female athletes bring to the table, namely passion, athleticism, professionalism, and hard work. These traits are proving to be a winning combination for our young Gwydir athletes, with a sting of accolades and achievements to their name.
(Top) The Bingara Central School Rugby 7’s team ready to play their debut game
At the end of July Bingara Central School girls played their first Rugby 7’s game against Inverell Public School in the Public Schools Sporting Association Knockout (PSSA) coming home with a 5-3 win. This was the first time the school had fielded a girls’ team. The win against the experienced Inverell team came as quite a surprise to all involved but has come as an encouraging start to what may well be a long love affair with rugby for many of the girls on the team. Brooke McKinnon (Left) and Liliana Reardon (Right) at the Australian Rugby School Championships earlier this year
Former Warialda High School student, Rhiannon Byers has been a trailblazer for young Gwydir women in football. In 2019, following many long hours striving to reach the professional level in rugby, Rhiannon was signed to an Australian development contract before graduating to the Australian women’s sevens rugby program. She has since become one of the top names in Australian women’s rugby and in 2021 made her Olympic debut at the Tokyo games. Up and coming young players, Brooke McKinnon and Leilani Tevaga from Bingara, and Liliana Reardon from Warialda, are hot on Rhiannon’s heels. The girls were recently selected for the inaugural NSW Combined High Schools Sports Association (NSWCHSSA) 18 and Under Girls’ 7’s rugby union B team, with Brooke named as captain, leading the team to victory. Hope Sanky was also selected for the Under 16s team. Last weekend Brooke, Leilani and Liliana travelled to Bathurst to represent Country in the City V Country Girls Under 18 Rugby Union final. Country came away with a nail-biting win 14-13 claiming the Grace Hamilton Shield. By far the most exciting part of the weekend was the trip home, when Brooke received a call from the Waratahs Super W Coach Campbell Aitken, inviting Brooke to join their squad when she finishes her HSC later in the year. “I couldn’t believe it when Coach Aitken called, He told me had been 30 00
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(Top) Warialda Wombats player Courtney Barwick set to score
In league, while the Warialda Wombats’ men’s team campaign came to an end this weekend after a wash out in what was to be the final round of the comp, the women’s team is just amping up. The team have had a breakout season this year and have run themselves into a semi-final spot. The women will commence the final series next weekend. Details of where and when you can see the game will be posted to the Warialda Wombats Rugby League Team Facebook page. We wish the team the best of luck. While it is great to have a win, for many players like Liliana Reardon, they play just for the love of the sport. “I enjoy playing rugby because I like the contact and physicality of the sport. In the future I hope to continue playing good rugby and I am looking at starting to play rugby league”. COMMUN ITY N EWS FOR THE GWYDIR SHIR E A N D SURROUN DS
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WARIALDA ROAD FAST APPROACHING
BINGARA BOWLS
The dates are set for the 2022 Hunter Rivmasta Off Road 200 Warialda, to be held over 17 and 18 September at Mount Monomeeth.
Social bowls
The Warialda Motor Sports Club committee is well on track to produce the biggest little race of the year after a few years of heartbreak. Saturday’s racing will set the benchmark for the two-day event starting with the prologue and promises to always be an exciting exhibition of racing with the big guns keen to stamp their authority, before moving into the inaugural ‘Big Wheel Top 11 Shootout’ kindly sponsored by Cam and Susy Grey at G&G Ag, run in honour of Warialda’s legendary icon and most cherished member, Terry Rose. The Warialda track offers full catering facilities and great spectator viewing, so take the family along and get bitten by the off-road racing bug, with racing getting underway from 8.30 am both days.
Last Wednesday there were 10 playing social bowls; John Herring and Garry O’Neile defeated Greg Zampa and Graeme Mack 29 shots to 16; Robyn O’Neile, Barbara Lemin and Lindsay Flood defeated Vicki Zampa, Gay Mack and Allister Lemin 29 shots to 6. Club Championships Recently the start of the Minor singles commenced. John Herring defeated Peter Smith 31 shots to 22; David Childs defeated Adrian Dick 31 shots to 16. The final of the Men’s Pairs was also recently played. Final men’s pairs Jason and Don Mack were defeated by Dale Baldock and Graeme Mack 24 shots to 16.
WARIALDA SPORTS COUNCIL MINI NUMBERS WINNER DRY SPELL BROKEN
Pennants
Following a three year period of accumulation since the last jackpot went off in March 2019, Warialda Sports Council Mini Numbers has finally been won, TWICE!!
Then, to make things interesting, Melissa Wilson selected the winning numbers the following week to pocket herself a generous $1,626. Melissa’s winning numbers were a random selection of 2,3,6,7,11 and 18.
Terri Hickman’s numbers; 1,4,6,12,17 and 18, a combination of family members birthdays and favourite numbers secured her a colossal $10,000 on 16 July 2022. Terri submits ten tickets each week and uses the same numbers. She’s planning on paying some bills and organising some house renovations with her winnings.
The mini numbers has been Warialda Sports Council’s primary fundraising activity since it’s establishment in 1979.
“I would like to thank Warialda Sports Council and the volunteers who run mini numbers each week. Warialda is so lucky to have a passionate committee that put the hard yards in to make things happen. It is also great to see the money raised from mini numbers go back into the local sporting community.” Terri commented.
Astonishingly, WSC have paid out a massive $59,524 in jackpots to loyal ticket buyers since April 2014.
Funds raised are contributed directly back to the local community towards the construction and maintenance of sporting facilities, purchase of equipment, and financial support for state representatives.
The Bingara Bowls Club will rejoin the pennants season. Round 1 will commence on 13 August against Oxley Bowling Club at Bingara Bowling Club Pennants Draw 2022 13th August Bingara vs Oxley | Manilla vs Sth Tam 20th August Bingara vs Manilla | Sth Tam vs Oxley 27th August Bingara vs Sth Tam | Oxley vs Manilla 3rd Sept Oxley vs Bingara | Sth Tam vs Manilla Other Key Dates Social bowls Wednesday 10 August; 1.30pm Duty team
Tickets are available from Warialda Newsagency and the Royal Hotel. The draw is conducted each and every Saturday at 12 noon
Col Roberg, Mervyn Galvin & Stuart Dixon
Mini Numbers winners (Left) Melissa Wilson (Right) Terri Hickman
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GWYDIR FITNESS CENTRES HELPING C O M B AT C O N C E R N I N G H E A LT H T R E N D
When looking at the physical activity behaviors of individuals in rural settings, the common perception is that because of the reliance on labour intensive industries, people are fitter than in major cities.
Council continues to improve and upgrade the facilities and carefully selects equipment that will deliver the most positive outcomes for users. In the past month, Council has installed new Concept-2 SkiErg machines in both centres.
However, figures from National Rural Health Alliance (NRHA) indicate that this is not true. Individuals living in regional and remote areas are 1.16 times more likely to be sedentary and only 43% of men and 8% of women in these areas engaged in occupation-related physical activity.
Originally designed as a training tool for cross country skiers, the Concept-2 SkiErg has been embraced by the community for the ability to work legs, core and arms. The machine is also easily adapted to those with lower body limitations or injuries and can complete cardiovascular training, working core and upper body from a seated position, whether from a stool, chair or wheelchair.
On top of the usual barriers to exercise, such as lack of time, confidence and motivation, individuals living in many rural communities are significantly limited by the availability of fitness facilities and services. However, this is not the case in the Gwydir Shire with community fitness centres located in both Warialda and Bingara available for community membership. These facilities, managed by Gwydir Shire Council, feature separate weight training, cardio/aerobics and boxing areas, and are available 24 hours a day with electronic entry and cameras installed to provide security for members.
“If anyone is thinking about joining the Gym, I would say just go for it, it’s not just for gym junkies who want to lift weights, there is something for everyone across all fitness levels and needs.” The gym facilities are available to the community and visitors on a casual, monthly, or six-monthly membership. For more information visit www.wfc.gwydirshire.com or call Graham Cutmore on (02) 6724 2000.
The provision of these facilities aims to provide the community with the resources to help promote a healthy and active lifestyle and to assist those who are working on rehabilitation, or just trying to keep mobile. New gym member, Sharon Edwards joined the Gym in the middle of summer just over six months ago. “I had been walking every day as a way of keeping fit but after weeks of extremely hot weather, I was going to give it away,” said Sharon. “A friend suggested I join the Gym because it was air conditioned. At first, I was reluctant to join, but after visiting the centre I was really impressed with the range of equipment and the 24-hour access was really appealing as it meant I could do it at a time that suited me”. 32
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Gwydir Fitness Center patrons enjoying the state of the art facilites
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