The Gwydir News - April 2022

Gwydir

NEWS

THE

COMMUNITY NEWS

FOR THE GWYDIR SHIRE AND SURROUNDS

April 2022 Edition • www.gwydirnews.com.au March 2021 Edition • www.thegwydirnews.com.au

Free

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LOCAL FIRE VOLUNTEERS RECOGNISED “Ensuring our men and women in the NSW RFS have the most modern equipment and resources to protect their local communities has been, and will remain, a key priority.”

GWYDIRNEWS Group Captain Gwydir/ Namoi Team Stuart Dick accepted the Commissioner’s Certificate of Commendation (Individual).

Mr Dick’s citation read:

Community news forthethe Gwydir and surrounds During 2019/20 fire season, Shire Group Captain, Stuart Dick led the crews of the Northern Tablelands and Namoi Gwydir areas against the ongoing fire disaster, even while his own property was being burnt.

MARCH 2021 EDITION • WWW.THEGWYDIRNEWS.COM.AU

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Group Captain Dick volunteered for weeks on end, putting in long shifts with little relief, only to return the next day and do it all again.

Group Captain Dick is the most active member of the NSW Rural Fire Service (NSW RFS) in the Bingara area. He performs invaluable support to the local crews with logistical and emotional help whenever it is required.

NSW Rural Fire Service Chief Superintendant Heath Stimson with Group Captain Namoi/ Gwydir Team Stuart Dick who was presented with the Commissioner’s Certificate of Commendation (Individual) at the ceremony held at Gineroi Rural Fire Station on April 1

The NSW Rural Fire Service (NSW RFS) Namoi Gwydir Team celebrated the achievements of volunteers while welcoming the handover of new vehicles and the official opening of the Gineroi Brigade station on Friday April 1.

The official handover of a CAT 7 vehicle to each of the Cobbadah and Diamond Swamp Brigades and a CAT 9 vehicle to the Stonefield Brigade took place at the Gineroi Rural Fire Brigade Station. The delivery, at Moree, of CAT 1 vehicles to both the Terry Hie Hie and Mungindi Brigades, with combined value of $1.29 million followed laster in the day.

NSW RFS Chief Superintendent Heath Stimson attended the official opening of the Gineroi Brigade station on Gineroi Road, Bingara and said it would provide enhanced support to Namoi Gwydir Team volunteers, as well as the communities they protect, particular in the Gwydir District.

“The new single bay station is worth $116,885 but to its members it will be a priceless resource,” he said.

Group Captain Dick has taken up the role of Brigade Captain to help rebuild brigades around the area. He is also on the District Training Team and consistently attends training courses imparting his knowledge to the troops. Group Captain Dick is always leading members in Community Engagement activities and spends countless hours attracting new members and supporting the NSW RFS in retaining members.

Group Captain Dick is one of the true heroes of the last fire season and is commended for his commitment.

Group Captain Dick is a worthy recipient of the Commissioner’s Certificate of Commendation.

Speaking following the presentation, Mr Dick said he was humbled to accept the award.

“I wear many hats and feel really chuffed to have been recognised.”

“Without the assistance of my RFS brothers and sisters, I wouldn’t be here today. They have continually backed me, every bit of the way.

We have fought some very large fires out here, and we do it well.”

“I was taught to be an active and aggressive firefighter, and I’ve followed those principles in my firefighting career.”

“I would like to acknowledge our Superintendent Michael Brooks and Inspector Scott Mack, and the staff at Narrabri, Moree and Bingara, who have been a great help to me over the years. In the Namoi/ Gwydir team, we are very effective against any emergency that nature throws at us. There are really too many people to thank.”

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During the month of March, Council completed seven community meetings across the Gwydir Shire.

While we had excellent attendance and productive discussions as some centres, other communities failed to take up the opportunity to express their opinions and desires for their community at this forum.

I applaud the commitment of the Gwydir team, with strong representation from both staff and Councillors. We have a very loyal and committed team who attend these meetings in their own time, with no remuneration for doing so.

MAYORAL COLUMN

COLLEGE CHAT

Community meetings have real value and are an important part of our community engagement process. In the future Council plans to introduce an RSVP system, to ensure there is sufficient interest to warrant a meeting. Unfortunately, at one

community meeting only one resident attended, with seven Councillors, plus six senior staff.

I am pleased to announce that works on the heavy vehicle by-pass are nearing competition and will be officially opened on the 5 of May by the Governor of NSW Her Excellency the Honourable Margaret Beasley AC QC. This project has been a long process but will provide an excellent productivity boost for the rural sector and the opening will be a great celebration for the crews that have worked so hard.

Following a tough few years of drought, mouse plagues, and lost crops due to heavy rainfall, it is very pleasing to travel the Shire and witness a wonderful season for the farming fraternity. Excellent growing conditions coupled with good commodity prices have been an excellent boost for the Shire and it is enjoyable to see our community prosper.

Bingara and Warialda Community College

with Jannette Tan

Awesome up and coming classes at the College for Term 2 May: Workplace skills 3 May, Accidental Councilor 6 May, Digital Skills 10 May, Weld your own project 13 May, Bridge classes 15 May, Pathway to Cert II Construction 19 May, Acrylic Art Classes 19 May June: First Aid 4 June, Forklift 6 June, White Card 9 June, Individual Support Disability Skillset 20 June.

We have Certificate III Individual Support Disability in Warialda will be starting on 20 June, if you know anyone who would like to get into this growing industry, please give us a call or come into an office.

What a great array of classes. Pop down and grab a flyer or keep a lookout in your letterbox just after Easter.

On behalf of the Community College, we would like to wish all our past, present and future students a safe wonderful Easter.

If any of these classes interest, contact us and chat to Melissa or myself.

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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COMMUN ITY N EWS FOR THE GWYDIR SHIR E A N D SURROUN DS

BUDGET 2022

STRENGTHENING OUR REGION The last two years have been tough for our country. But Australia’s economic recovery leads the world. The 2022 Budget delivers: cost of living relief now; a longterm economic plan that creates more jobs; record investments in essential services; stronger defence and national security. Our plan will deliver a strong economy and a stronger future.

Long Term Plan for Jobs By backing small businesses, and investing in skills, manufacturing, infrastructure, energy, and regional development, we will strengthen our economy and create more jobs.

To encourage small businesses, a 20% bonus deduction will be provided for expenditure on training new and existing staff.

New incentives will encourage more apprentices.

Our $120 billion investment in nation building infrastructure will support around 100,000 jobs.

Unprecedented regional investment will unlock new economic frontiers for agriculture, infrastructure, and energy.

Infrastructure For The Regions Our $120 billion infrastructure pipeline has already completed over 35,000 projects. We’re delivering infrastructure to grow our regional communities and boost job opportunities.

This Budget includes new commitments for road and rail projects across Australia. We’re investing $160 million to upgrade level crossings in the regions, delivering an additional $880 million for Roads of Strategic Importance. We’re continuing the Local Roads and Community Infrastructure program through a $500 million investment for local councils to target vital community projects.

Health and Essential Services Our Government has delivered record funding for schools, hospitals, Medicare, mental health, aged care, women’s safety and disability support.

Federal funding for hospitals has nearly doubled – from $13.3 billion (in 2012-13) to $25 billion (2021-22).

More than 2,800 new or amended medicines have been listed on the PBS. Regional Australians know how vital it is to have medical services where we live. This is why the Liberal and Nationals Government is deregulating MRI licences in rural and regional Australia, opening up opportunities for more local services and delivering additional services for more than 40,000 regional, rural and remote patients.

Since we have come to Government, funding for aged care has doubled. Our substantial women’s health package includes stillbirth and miscarriage support, the establishment of new endometriosis clinics, and greater access to breast and cervical cancer screenings. We’re expanding rural medical schools - like Charles Sturt University’s Rural Clinical School - providing more opportunities for rural medicine students and training future rural doctors.

Mark COULTON FEDERAL MEMBER FOR PARKES

Read more at: nationals.org.au

Dubbo Broken Hill

02 6882 0999 Moree

08 8087 7649

02 6751 1251

mark.coulton.mp@aph.gov.au

markcoulton.com.au

MarkCoultonMP

Authorised by M. Coulton, The Nationals, Shop 3, 153 Brisbane Street, Dubbo NSW 2830.

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“The National Emergency Medal is awarded to those whose service was in the protection of lives and property or in the service of interests that are not their own and who supported the emergency response for a minimum of five days between September 2019 and February 2020,” he said.

“Each volunteer being recognised has demonstrated an exceptional level of commitment over the years to their community and these medals are our proud acknowledgement of their efforts.

“I offer my sincere thanks and gratitude to all the NSW RFS members for their continued outstanding efforts and extend this to their families, friends and colleagues who allow our volunteers to do what they do,” said Assistant Commissioner Seager.

Recipients of awards along with family and friends came together to celebrate at the newly opened Gineroi Rural Fire Brigade shed

Also during the tour, NSW RFS Asistant Commissioner attended a ceremony at the Narrabri Fire Control Centre to officially hand over a new CAT 1 tanker to the Boggabri Brigade worth $370,000 and present 20 National Emergency Medals to members.

Assistant Commissioner Seager said 51 National Emergency Medals were presented across three ceremonies, along with nine Long Service Medals and two Commissioner’s Certificate of Commendation for service beyond the normal scope of responsibility.

NEWS FROM CARINDA

Carinda’s Beth Albert (left) and Marilyn Stubbins (right) with Pam Ramsay who wears the beautiful hand knitted shawl she was presented at the meeting

On Thursday March 10, Warialda Cultural Community Centre hosted the Carinda Annual General Meeting. The meeting was well attended and it was pleasing to welcome Rosie Ansell and Chris McNulty as new members.

The following ladies were elected as members of the executive for 2022.

President: Beth Albert; Vice Presidents: Lanna Hockley and Fay Cains; Secretary: 4 00

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Below, from right: Carl Tooley and Susan Minty were just two of the recipients of the National Emergency Medals

Marilyn Stubbins; Treasurer: Carmel Stevenson; Activities Officer: Lanna Hockley; Shop Stewards: Sue Smith and Chris McNulty; Media: Betsy Jeffery and Marilyn Stubbins.

“At the conclusion of the meeting a beautiful, hand-knitted shawl was presented to our wonderful 92-year-old volunteer, Pam Ramsay,” said Ms Stubbins.

“Considering the situation with COVID-19 and having to close for a time, the Craft Shop sales were above expectations during 2021.

The Craft Shop continues to attract quality items from local artisans and many visitors compliment volunteers on the range of items for sale,” said Marilyn Stubbins.

“The shawl was sent to Carinda to be given to ‘a lovely country lady’. The meeting agreed that Pam certainly qualified, not only because she is ‘a lovely country lady’, but also because of her involvement with Warialda Cultural Community Centre for 45 years.”

The Activities Officer presented the following activities and dates for 2022:

Warialda Cultural Community Centre is always looking for volunteers, so if you are interested in crafts, knitting, crocheting, painting, sewing, pottery and the like, you will be warmly welcomed. If you are new to Warialda and are keen to join a community group, then Warialda Cultural Community Centre could just be the organisation for you.

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Saturday April 30 - Mother’s Day, Open Shop and members’ stalls

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Thursday May 19 - Biggest Morning Tea – Cup of Tea for Cancer

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Saturday September 3 Father’s Day, Open Shop and members’ stalls

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Saturday October 22 Carinda celebrates its 45th Birthday

“So, it is a busy time ahead for the Carinda volunteers who will celebrate 45 years of continuous volunteering in October, to raising money for the maintenance of the iconic, old Local Heritage listed building [c.

1880s],” said Ms Stubbins.

Call in for some delicious home baked cakes, slices, biscuits, jams, pickles and relish.

Carinda also has local honey for sale, or if you are looking for a special unique gift, Carinda has a wide range of handmade items on offer.

Carinda is open Monday to Friday 10:00am to 2:00pm and Saturday 9:00am to 12 noon.

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LOCAL GRANTS FOR KOALA CONSERVATION Community projects in New England will be eligible for grant funding to support the recovery and protection of local Koala populations.

Grants of up to $200,000 will be offered for on-ground community projects and local activities that support the recovery and protection of the nationally listed Koala populations of Queensland, New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory.

Deputy Prime Minister and Member for New England, Barnaby Joyce, said that the grants were another example of the Coalition Government working with communities to deliver practical on-ground programs.

“The New England community are proud of the local environment and care strongly about Koala populations,” the Deputy Prime Minister said.

“I encourage individuals or eligible groups to start preparing their ideas ahead of the

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grant round opening later this year.”

Minister for the Environment Sussan Ley said this will be the first of two $5 million grant rounds to help give communities the tools they need to make a difference for local populations.

“Individual grants of up to $200,000 will be made available to improve Koala habitat, health and our knowledge of populations,” Minister Ley said.

connectivity of Koala habitat and reduce local threats

“The funding is part of the $50 million Koala package announced in 2022, which has taken the Morrison Joyce Government’s overall spending on koalas to more than $74 million.”

• Increase understanding and management of disease and injury affecting Koala health and lift capability in on-ground care, treatment and triage of koalas, and • Improve data and knowledge of Koala populations and health across their range, to support effective decision making and conservation action.

Grant guidelines are available on the Australian Government’s Business Grants Hub website, with the first round anticipated to open in May 2022.

Grant guidelines: https://business.gov.au/ grants-and-programs/koala-conservationand-protection-community-grants-round-1

The guidelines highlight 3 key goals: • Improve the extent, quality and

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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ANZAC SERVICES Warialda 6:00am - Dawn service commences Warialda Public School. Breakfast to follow at Golf and Bowling Club 10:30am – Marshalling outside Warialda Family Practice 10:45am – March proceeds to Memorial Hall 11:00am – Service commences inside hall North Star Service to be held at Memorial Park, time to be confirmed Delungra 6:30am – Dawn service, Delungra Cemetery, breakfast to follow.

10:30am – March commences, Delungra Bowling Club to ANZAC Park 11:00am – Service commences

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Bingara 6:00am - Dawn service commences at RSL Club Memorial Gardens 10:30am - Marshalling for morning service, corner of Maitland and Cunningham Streets, Bingara 10:45am – March commences 11:00am – Morning Service 12:30pm – Lunch, Bingara RSL Gravesend 9:00am – Service commences at Anzac Park.

Morning tea to follow at Gravesend Pub Crooble 7:30am for 8:00am start, War Memorial Hall.

Morning Tea to follow

COMMONWEALTH CASH BOOST Gwydir Shire Council will benefit from the Australian Government’s $2.1 billion pre-payment on next year’s Financial Assistance Grant to all councils across Australia.

Deputy Prime Minister and Member for New England, Barnaby Joyce, said this early payment will give every council in New England access to funds to help manage the cumulative impacts of the floods and COVID-19.

Spanning across both the New England and Parkes electorate, Gwydir Shire Council is set to recieve funding of $3,981,672.

“The funding will target councils’ top priorities and will ensure the needs of our local communities are met,” the Deputy Prime Minister said.

“This will provide a vital boost for our local communities, backing local jobs and economic growth while delivering lasting upgrades that will benefit residents for years to come.

Assistant Minister to the Deputy Prime Minister and Assistant Minister for Local Government Kevin Hogan said pre-paying the Financial Assistance Grant means the Government is backing local councils when they need it most.

COMMUN ITY N EWS FOR THE GWYDIR SHIR E A N D SURROUN DS

AWM - E04513

ANZAC DAY Monday, 25 Apr il 2022

Join me in honouring the service and sacrifice of the men and women who have served Australia.

To learn more about the Anzacs, please visit anzacportal.dva.gov.au

MARK COULTON

mp

Federal Member for Parkes P. Dubbo: 02 6882 0999 Moree: 02 6751 1251 Broken Hill: 08 8087 7649

E. mark.coulton.mp@aph.gov.au W. www.markcoulton.com.au

Authorised by Mark Coulton MP, The Nationals, Shop 3, 153 Brisbane Street, Dubbo NSW 2830.

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$2.36 MILLION IN FUNDING TO MAKE GWYDIR SHIRE COUNCIL PRIORITY PROJECTS A REALITY The Australian Government is investing $2,364,448 million in priority projects in Gwydir Shire Council, supporting local jobs and to help the community bounce back from the COVID-19 pandemic.

Made possible under the third phase of the Australian Government’s $2.5 billion Local Roads and Community Infrastructure (LRCI) program, projects to be delivered in the Parkes electorate by Gwydir Shire Council include: • $180,000 for the constructions of bicycle and walking paths as part of the Warialda Footpath Program • $83,523 for the construction of stage 2 of the Reedy Creek Access Road Warialda • $88,139 for the construction of stage 1 of the Reedy Creek footpath • $83,338 for stage 2 of the Warialda Street Tree Upgrade • $260,000 for pool renovations and visual improvements at the Warialda Memorial Pool • $135,000 for the North Star Hall restumping • $50,000 for landscaping improvements at the Gravesend Recreation Reserve • $110,000 for the construction of toilet block amenities at Warialda Rail • $514,148 for the creation of a park in the Warialda CBD • $80,300 for accessibility upgrades and improvements to the toilet block amenities at the Warialda Gym Federal Member for Parkes Mark Coulton said the funding provides the opportunity for Gwydir Shire Council to complete a number of key projects that will provide lasting benefits.

“With the challenges presented by COVID-19, bushfires, floods and the drought, the past couple of years have been tough for communities, businesses and local councils,” Mr Coulton said.

Phase 3 of the Local Roads and Community Infrastructure program is seeing valuable projects completed right across the entire Gwydir Shire Council region from landscaping improvements at the Gravesend Recreation Reserve, right up to the north of the Shire where the North Star Hall is being restumped.

“The benefits of this funding have been widespread and welcomed by so many in our community,” Cr Coulton said.

“Warialda has a strong sporting culture and has nurtured many great sports men and women. Just recently, 12 Warialda Public School children were selected to represent the New England and Northwest region at State for swimming.

“The Warialda Swimming Pool is an important community asset that helps facilitate this achievement.

“Phase 3 of the LRCI program includes funding for upgrades to the pool, ensuring it is maintained to a high standard and continues to provide our community with a top-class facility that fosters a love of swimming.”

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Barnaby Joyce said $1 billion in funding is flowing under the third phase of the LRCI program to local councils across Australia to improve their local road networks and deliver priority community infrastructure projects.

“This builds on the $1.5 billion already approved to deliver more than 6,100 projects nationwide under the first two phases of the program,” the Deputy Prime Minister said.

“This program is having a significant impact across the country, with more than

2,000 projects already complete or under construction – delivering upgrades to local roads, bike paths, community halls, playgrounds, parks and sports facilities, as well as improved accessibility to public facilities.

“Phase 3 will build on this, delivering more jobs, more economic stimulus, and more of the local priority projects that communities need and deserve.”

Assistant Minister for Local Government Kevin Hogan said the program forms part of the Liberal and Nationals unwavering commitment to back local councils and their communities through COVID-19 and secure a stronger future out the other side of the pandemic.

“We want to deliver the best outcomes for locals under this program, which is why we have listened and acted on council feedback, providing a longer delivery window for local governments to pursue larger, more complex projects that may be a higher priority and have a bigger impact on the community,” Assistant Minister Hogan said.

“We also get councils to use local businesses and workforces to deliver these projects as much as possible, ensuring this stimulus flows directly into the hands of hard-working Aussies, their families, their businesses and their communities.

“I look forward to seeing more projects get underway and supporting jobs and communities at this critical time.”

For more information on the $2.5 billion LRCI program, including the allocations for the $1 billion third phase, visit https:// investment.infrastructure.gov.au/localroads-and-community-infrastructure/

“That’s why we have moved quickly to approve funding for these nine projects in the Gwydir Shire, paving the way for shovels to hit the dirt to make them a reality.

“This will provide a vital boost for the Gwydir Shire, backing local jobs and economic growth while delivering important projects that will benefit residents for years to come.”

Gwydir Shire Mayor John Coulton said 8 00

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COMMUN ITY N EWS FOR THE GWYDIR SHIR E A N D SURROUN DS

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LOCAL MSP AUDIOMETRY SERVICE NOW AVAILABLE Bingara and Warialda Multipurpose Services (MPS) are commencing an Audiometry service on a monthly basis.

Audiometry services in the region have traditionally been provided by the child health nurse, however this function has recently been unable to be fulfilled. As a result, a staff member will travel from Tamworth to both Bingara and Warialda once per month.

“If people would like to book, please contact the hospitals directly, or seek a referral from your doctor,” said Bingara MPS Health Service Manager, Sue Mack.

It comes as a recent survey reveals Australians are putting their hearing health last, with only 1% of people prioritising their hearing above other areas of health, including physical (56%), mental (26%), dental (8%), gut (5%) and skin (3%).

Unidentified hearing loss can impact a person’s quality of life, including their relationships, access to education, employment and communication.

While the COVID-19 global pandemic has forced many Australians to delay important healthcare check-ups, only 4 in 10 Australians have had a hearing screening in the last three years.

Bingara and Warialda Multipurpose Services (MPS) are commencing an Audiometry service on a monthly basis.

If you or a family member need a hearing test, please phone your local MPS administration staff during office hours to arrange an appointment Appointments are limited so please call to book.

Bingara MPS 67280100 Warialda MPS 67289000

With an estimated 1 in 4 people worldwide predicted to be living with some degree of hearing loss by 2053, now is the ideal time for people to book a hearing screening.

“Prioritising our hearing is so important - it’s the key to how we connect with others and continue to engage in all the activities we love doing like catching up with friends, playing sport and enjoying time with family,” said Director of Clinical Affairs, Cochlear ANZ Emma Ramsay.

“No Australian would ever not get their eyes tested if they couldn’t see, and it’s just as important to prioritise your hearing health. I would suggest finding a reputable audiologist in your suburb, town or city and booking an appointment as soon as possible,” adds Emma.

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If you or a family member need a hearing test, please phone your local MPS administration staff during office hours to book. Please note that appointments are limited. Contact Bingara MPS on 6728 0100, or Warialda MPS on 6728 9000.

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Gwydir CWA CENTENERY CELEBRATIONS

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Joyce, Gwydir Shire Mayor Cr John Coulton, Inverell Deputy Mayor Cr Kate Dight (a member of Gwydir Group CWA) and Reverend Brian Kirk, Armidale who delivered the welcome and opening prayer.

“It was lovely to see Bingara absolutely shine for this momentous weekend,” said Ms Iris Barry, Gwydir Group Publicity Officer.

Tours were held in and around Bingara and Bundarra, including the amazing Roxy Theatre thanks to Ms Jenny Mead, Gwydir Shire Tourist Officer. These were well received by visitors who found the history and architectural building interesting, and entertaining .

Bingara Branch celebrated their one hundred years of formation on the Saturday night with a civic reception at The Living Classroom.

President of Bingara Branch Mrs Margaret Foster, welcomed the gathering to their special occasion, before they enjoyed a buffet dinner, thanks to the Friends of Touriandi.

Guests paid tribute to the work of Margaret Foster and the Centenary Committee put in to make this such a memorable weekend.

Members and guests of the CWA at the unveiling of a plaque at the CWA Rose Garden, Bingara

Celebrations commemorating 100 years of the Country Women’s Association were held at Bingara in March with the unveiling of two 100 year commemorative plaques. The first was placed at CWA Memorial Rose Park, with a second at Keera homestead, alongside previous plaques on a monument on Keera Hill, with views towards the homestead of Keera, the Munro family home.

CWA NSW State President Ms Stephanie Stanhope welcomed members, past and present from across the state who had travelled to not only celebrate the centenary of CWA, but to also honour, remember and pay tribute to the incredible woman, Mrs Grace Emily Munro MBE. Mrs Munro had a passion, vision and determination to help country woman, born of her own experiences and circumstances in living in the country.

Members came from across the State to join in friendship for this momentous occasion, with past world president, past state presidents, members and guests.

Also present to honour Mrs Grace Emily Munro MBE and her history within CWA, were generations of descendants of the Munro family of Mrs Grace Emily Munro MBE. Dignitaries included Deputy Prime Minister the Hon. Mr Barnaby

WARIALDA HOSPITAL AUXILIARY UPDATE 2022 Warialda Hospital Auxiliary members have met for their first meeting of 2022 at the Warialda CWA Rooms, during February. The meeting was well attended with three new members welcomed.

Dates were fixed for meetings for the remainder of the year and members allocated to dates for selling raffle tickets.

The meeting heard that the I Move it Chair, used to transport patients around the hospital and to vehicles, is being used extensively. The 10 00

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On Sunday guests were graciously welcomed to the property Keera Station, former home of Mrs. Grace Emily Munro MBE, with two Scottish Pipers leading the official party into the arena.

Gwydir Group President Mrs Charmaine Potter opened the day, thanking the Munro family for hosting the event.

Gwydir Shire Mayor Cr John Coulton, spoke of his privilege to be involved with the occasion, acknowledging the accomplishments of CWA, as an incredible organisation that truly has a voice in parliament today.

State president Ms Stephanie Stanhope spoke of Mrs Grace Emily Munro MBE, and her strength and determination for making country living better for women, children and families. Representatives of the Munro family including Mr Sinclair Munro, Mr Hugh Munro and Mr Angus Munro joined in the refelction of their grandmother.

“Mrs Jenny Mitchell OAM wrote ‘Blessing Grace’, which was delivered before the luncheon. The gathering then enjoyed a barbeque lunch followed by the cutting of a commemorative cake, made by Mrs Heather Gilmour, Gwydir Group” said Ms Barry.

“Bingara Branch, Gwydir Group Centenary Committee, the Munro family and Gwydir Shire, we thank you all, for your support and such challenging work behind the scenes for many months on this weekend to honour the Country Women’s Association, 1922 to 2022,” she concluded.

chair was purchased for Warialda Hospital at the end of 2021.

For many years the Auxiliary has supplied the hospital with emergency packs for patients This is set to continue in 2022.

The Auxiliary, with advice from hospital management, is looking into providing extra amenities for the Palliative Care Room.

The meeting also discussed extra activities for fundraising, including a street stall, Market Night and a Spring Garden Party. More information on format and dates will be made public when available.

The meeting concluded with afternoon tea. Many thanks to the generosity of the CWA ladies for the use of their rooms.

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Gwydir OPTIMISM ORANGES WILL BE RIPE FOR THE PICKING

NEWS

DOG TRAPPER WORKSHOP SERIES

Widespread heavy rain has been a welcome relief for green thumbs who have seen their gardens flourish over the last six months.

However, with the rain has come some unsightly garden pests, unusual for our drier climate.

Root rot, fungus and a host of insect outbreaks and diseases have been a common complaint for gardeners in the region.

The famous Bingara Orange trees have also succumbed to diseases despite best efforts by Gwydir Shire Council outdoor staff to combat the effects. A type of mite and red scale have wreaked havoc on several trees in front of the RSL club in Finch Street, scaring the skin of the fruit and leaves of the trees.

This comes as a great disappointment to Council’s gardeners who take pride in the trees and lovingly tend to them all year round to ensure a bumper crop of ripe, juicy, blemish free fruit.

Manager of Town Utilities Andrew Cooper says that each year Council staff undertake an intensive program of pruning and nontoxic spraying to ensure the Oranges are in tip top shape.

However, this year’s wet weather has created the perfect conditions for pests and bugs.

“The excessive rain of late has meant that pests and bugs are rife and the damage they have created has become a nation-wide problem,” Mr Cooper said.

“Citrus trees have been particularly susceptible to the wet weather pests, as they prefer a dry Mediterranean climate and just aren’t used to dealing with these kinds of problems.”

“Council has consulted with a number of horticulture specialists and have bolstered the normal program of spraying, while taking particular care to ensure the methods used are completely safe for the trees and the community.”

Organisers of this year’s Bingara Happy Days Orange Festival say that while the news of the diseased orange tress is disappointing, they are optimistic that this is a minor setback and that there will be plenty of good fruit to go around.

Chair of the Bingara Special Events committee Cr Catherine Egan said “While a number of the trees have been effected there are still plenty of trees laden with fruit further down Finch Street near the School and at Gwydir Oval.”

“We have been very lucky that this is the first time something like this has happened, Council staff have done a magnificent job tending to the trees over the years, it’s unfortunate that the extreme wet weather created this exceptional circumstance, but we are confident that the trees will bounce back for next year.”

The annual Bingara Orange picking will take place on Friday 1 July with the festival to be held on Saturday 2 July.

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The first two workshops in the Roving Trapper Workshop series were held recently in Gulf Creek and Gravesend.

Participants enjoyed a highly informative day learning about the biology and ecology of wild dogs and deer.

Mark Lamb from Pest Lures then demonstrated tracking tips. The days have been aimed at upskilling participants to increase the success of their control programs.

Mark stressed the threat to both the natural environment and to agriculture posed by these invasive species.

The third and final workshop in the series is scheduled for May 10 and will be held in Delungra.

Bingara Anglers Club

Easterfish 2022 Friday 15th April to Sunday 17th April

Registrations at the Hatchery Friday and Saturday 8 am – 4 pm No registrations accepted on Sunday Entry Fees: Adults $15 - Juniors $5 (16 and under) - Secret Length $5 COMPETITION CLOSES SUNDAY 3 PM Prizes for: Mens - Ladies - Boys - Girls Longest Cod - Longest Yellowbelly - Longest Catfish - Secret Length Heaviest European Carp - Most European Carp - Secret Weight European Carp All Carp to be weighed in at the Hatchery Native Carp will not be accepted Northern Slopes Landcare Association are funding all Carp prizes.

A kayak will be presented to the winner of the Secret Weight Carp competition.

Gwydir Shire Council have also kindly donated a kayak that all registered entrants will have the chance to win.

Winner must be present at the Hatchery on Sunday to claim the prize.

Prizes, Music, BBQ, Bar & Drinks from 3pm on the 17th at the Hatchery For enquiries contact: - Stuart Lanagan 0400923982 - Steve Apthorpe 0487262219 Stan Fletcher 0428241909 - Donna Walton 0447048138 - Jamie Wilson 0412506216 or find us on Facebook, Bingara Anglers Club All profits from the Easterfish go towards the Bingara Anglers Club Murray Cod Hatchery river restocking program.

The Bingara Anglers Club appreciates the support received from sponsors, supporters and community in promoting and conducting the Easterfish Competition.

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Possession for progression on Inland Rail project Inland Rail is continuing to move ahead with track possession on the southern portion of the Narrabri to North Star section starting this month, to allow construction of the next 57km of rail line.

Inland Rail Narrabri to North Star (N2NS) Project Director Peter Borrelli said the construction within the existing rail corridor between Narrabri and Penneys Road north of Bellata would go until 31 October so that the line could be operational before the next harvest season.

“Our contractor, Trans4m Rail will focus its construction effort on the southern portion of the Narrabri to North Star section during this time, which means that over the next few months we should see Inland Rail make significant strides,” said Mr Borrelli.

“This time last year, we closed 29km of rail line between Penneys Road and Tapscott Road south of Moree and upgraded that track in time to have it reopen on 1 November for the grain harvest to minimise impacts on operators.

“We were delighted to get the first grain train on the new tracks right on schedule in 2021 and will be looking to do the same thing this year. We are committed to working with community and industry, including grain growers, traders and train operators to assess and mitigate concerns where we can.

“These track possessions are crucial in ensuring we can deliver the upgrades as efficiently and safely as possible. As part of this possession we will be rebuilding the formation to allow an improved flood immunity, constructing new bridges and drainage culverts, replacing existing sleepers and track with concrete sleepers and new steel tracks, as well as upgrading level crossings and signalling and communications equipment, among many other things.

“While freight and the XPT passenger services will be stopped during this period, we ask motorists to remain vigilant and slow down at all level crossings during the works as there will be mobile and track machinery and other movements on the rail line.”

The next section of track has been taken possession of this month with the project pushing ahead

To ensure the disruption causes minimal impacts to customers, the Australian Rail Track Corporation (ARTC) is working with NSW TrainLink to supply bus coaches to transfer rail passengers between Moree and Narrabri, and ensure continuity of passenger services during the construction of Inland Rail.

“We are working with NSW TrainLink who will run coaches between Moree and Narrabri to replace the passenger service. We thank people in advance for their patience as we work on this important national infrastructure.”

Since the Narrabri to North Star section of Inland Rail commenced in September 2020, 977 people have worked on the project, including 296 local residents. Businesses have also seen positive impacts with 316 local suppliers and 9 Indigenous businesses sharing in more than $79.3 million in stimulus supplying and servicing the build.

“Inland Rail means more money spent with local businesses at the same time as building an asset that will benefit the region for generations.

This project is supporting jobs, creating opportunities and enhancing connectivity in the region for years to come,” said Mr Borrelli.

The possession is scheduled to run from 1 April until 31 October 2022.

GWYDIR NEWS WEBSITE FREE FOR ALL TO ACCESS

The Gwydir News might only be a monthly printed publication, but you can now get a regular fix of local news, sport, and events online by visiting the Gwydir News website.

The Gwydir News website is regularly updated with current news stories from local and regional sources and is a great way of staying abreast of local happenings.

Unlike many online news outlets, the Gwydir News website does not have a pay wall and is completely free to access.

If you haven’t already done so, you can also sign up for your free electronic issue of the Gwydir News via the website, your copy is then emailed to you each month as soon as it is released. If you prefer a hardcopy, print subscriptions can also be obtained via the website by completing the hardcopy subscription form.

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Regional Speech Pathology collection comes to Warialda Kelly initiated the Central Northern Regional Library Speech Language Pathology Collection concept in October 2021.

The objective of the collection is to support early speech sound and language development by providing parents and educators with books containing speech sound, language and phonological awareness targets. Parents model milestone targets simply by reading together and engaging in suggested tips, songs and games.

Speech Language Pathologist, Kelly Makepeace attended the Warialda Library to hand over the Central Northern Regional Library collection

On Thursday 24 March, the Warialda Library welcomed Speech Language Pathologist, Kelly Makepeace back to the region. Kelly launched a collection of Speech Language Pathology Books at the Bingara Library late last year and returned to the area to do the same in Warialda.

Warialda Librarian, Helen Seage, says she has learnt a lot from Kelly’s education over the past four years and has adopted many of Kelly’s strategies during her own early childhood library programs.

“The collection serves as a platform and guide for librarians and parents to recognise if children are not meeting significant language milestones, she said.

“I really like the speech pathology books because I find that this collection is just as informative for parents, as it is for librarians. The program has been beneficial in

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identifying language concerns that parents or carers may have. It can be difficult for parents to accept and deal with speech and language issues in their children however the collection includes specific books that are better suited for children with language delays.”

Kelly asks parents to remember children develop at their own pace, however if you notice they are not reaching age related targets suggests you may need to visit a Speech Language Pathologist.

“It is important to remember that each child is different and that there are resources available if parents have any concerns or just want a bit of guidance,” said Kelly “I am more than happy for any parent to give me a call to chat about which books from the collection will best support their child’s development,” said Kelly.

If you would like more information about the Speech Language Pathology Collection, please phone Kelly at Tamworth Library on 6767 5210 or Helen at Warialda Library on 6729 3038.

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GRAVESEND LONG LUNCH SELLS OUT

Not to be beaten by the challenges of the last few years, the Gravesend Long Lunch committee have spent the past months brainstorming, prepping, sourcing and organising in order to host their bi-annual event, the Gravesend 100-Mile Long Lunch on the first weekend in April.

All in the name of Gravesend Public School students, of which there are only between 20 - 25 at any one time, this is not your average school P & C fundraiser.

Two hundred tickets to the function were sold out weeks in advance, with support coming from across the region. Diners enjoyed three fine courses with food from local producers expertly prepared by Toby Osmond and Kate Goodhew of The goods Catering Company on the day.

As the name suggests, the produce used on the day is sourced from within a 100-mile radius of Gravesend. Amongst those on an extensive list were, Horton Valley Pork, Pally Pecans, Allawah Border Leicester sheep, Eden Valley Olives A mega auction with 16 auction items was another highlight along with the major raffle, that had a first prize of $750 worth of travel vouchers. Sponsors also generously donated goods for $10 raffles that were held throughout the day.

The crowd was entertained by country music singer and instrumentalist Kurt Larkham, who provided an enjoyable afternoon.

Proceeds from the previous long lunch were enable the students of Gravesend Public School to build an alfresco kitchen at the school.

“That kitchen is fully operational now, so it shows that funds from sponsorship can go a long way to benefitting our children.

Previously we have been able to fund a Canberra trip and things like that.”

Organisers would like to thank guest that came and enjoyed the day to support a small school at their major fundraiser, volunteers and sponsors.

“The idea for a long lunch originated as an idea which involved Landcare, as an opportunity to get farmers out and about and getting people out in their local community. It was a social event to get people together,” said committee member, Kerri-Lyn Peachey.

“The concept to do something with local producers in the area was borne and that’s how the 100-Mile Lunch came about.”

Since that time it has been a great succes, thanks to the overwhelming response and support of those invested in this small community.

Sponsors fior this year’s event included: A Tasty Surprise, Aircair Aviation, Assefs Moree, B&W Rural, Beauty Matters, Bingara Pharmacy, Black Truck and Ag, Blue Duck Design, Brooker Trading Co, Coles Moree, Dipper’s Home Timber and Hardware, Fork and Spade Nursery, G&D Brazel, G1 Holidays, Gold Event Hire, Grainland, Gravesend Pub, Gwydir Shire Council, Harvey Norman Moree, Hip Pocket Workwear Moree, IGA Warialda, Jukes and Sons, Kenway and Clark, Landcare, M&G Travel, Mark and Robyn Coulton, McGregor Gourlay Moree, My Store, Nick Osmond, Nutrien Ag Solutions, Pitman and Deakin, PR Interiors, Print Anything, Rabobank, River Glen Cottage, Robin’s Nest for Children, Roger Moore Fuel Service Warialda, Sitty Spoon, St Josephs Nudgee College, The Gravesend Shop, The Moree Gallery, Tran4m Rail, Warialda Pharmacy, Wise Words, WJ Matthews, Woolworths Moree and Yaama Ganu Gallery.

Above: Guests turned out to the sold-out 100-Mile Long Lunch to support the P&C fundraising venture of Gravesend Public School

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REGIONAL WOMEN INVITED TO ‘SUPERCHARGING WEALTH AND WELLNESS’ WORKSHOPS IN NORTH WEST

Women in north west New South Wales are being offered the opportunity to attend financial empowerment workshops in their local area in mid-May.

Designed to give regionally-based women skills and tools to improve financial ‘wellness’, the one-day workshop, Supercharging Women’s Wealth & Wellness, will be held in Walgett on May 10, Narrabri on May 11 and Warialda on May 12.

Backed by food and agribusiness banking specialist Rabobank, the workshop program has been designed to give regionally-based women access to financial education in the communities in which they live.

The interactive workshops, which are free of charge, have been developed for rural women – both farmers and those living regionally – to ‘reflect on self-worth and net worth’. Facilitated by Zoe Lamont, co-founder of Verve Money, the sessions will focus on individual goal setting and the development of money management strategies to help achieve those goals.

women this unique opportunity again”.

Rabobank regional manager for southern Queensland and northern New South Wales Brad James said the workshop – initiated through the bank’s Rabo Client Council – was one way the bank, together with its farming clients, could address some of the big challenges facing the ag sector, with building long-term industry capacity a key objective.

“Women play such a crucial role in their business, community and family and we hope that by attending this workshop they feel empowered to achieve some of their longer term financial goals,” he said.

Funded by Rabobank’s Rabo Client Council, the workshops are open to clients and non-clients of Rabobank and there is no cost for participants to attend.

For more information or to apply to attend the workshops, please contact Ainsley McCallum on 0447 624 885 or Ainsley.McCallum@ rabobank.com Above: Zoe Lamont, co-founder of Verve Money, will be hosting an interactive financial empowerment workshop in Warialda on May 12

The initiative has been spearheaded by the southern Queensland and northern New South Wales Rabo Client Council – the local chapter of the groups of the bank’s farming clients who volunteer their time implementing programs that contributeto the sustainability of rural communities.

Rabo Client Council vice-chair for southern Queensland and northern New South Wales, Nicky Littlewood from “Burringbar”, Boggabilla, said she hoped the in-person workshops would be “a valuable educational, learning and networking opportunity” as participants came together to set their goals for the years ahead.

“COVID-19 has prevented many of us from gathering in the last couple of years. The workshops are all about coming together, networking and inspiring ourselves and talking about life and money,” she said.

Focused on understanding finances and financial options – including savings, debt, investment portfolios, superannuation and insurance – Mrs Littlewood said the workshops would give women the opportunity to articulate their short, medium and longer-term goals and the steps to help get there.

“Women attending the workshops will have the chance to reflect on their purpose and vision for the decade ahead. Develop powerful goals and align their money to their mission and create a practical plan for their next phase,” she said.

After running similar workshops for women in March 2020, Mrs Littlewood said, the local Rabo Client Council had been “working on getting Zoe back into regional communities ever since. COVID-19 slowed our plans down a little, but we are excited to be able to offer 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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SUNFLOWER MOTEL BLOOMS AS NEW OWNERS TAKE A LEAP maintenance in the Hunter Valley area.

Jenny has spent most of her working career as a property manager, also in the Hunter Valley region.

With no previous background in hotel management, you may be wondering how David and Jenny ended up running the Sunflower Motel in Warialda. Funnily enough, Jenny’s sister managers the Sunflower Motel in Quirindi and after spending some time there, they both decided that they couldn’t pass up an opportunity to try this profession for themselves.

The Sunflower Motel features 12 rooms with meals able to be provided to guests, but the biggest appeal is arguable the five alpacas on site.

Jenny Nielsen and David Fuller have enjoyed a busy start to their time as owners of the Sunflower Motel, Warialda

David Fuller and Jenny Nielsen have had a busy few months since they bravely took on management of the Sunflower Motel in December 2021 but they have not looked back.

Prior to the Sunflower Motel venture, David’s background was predominantly locksmithing within the Sydney region however, of late, focusing on property/real estate

“Our alpacas are popular amongst the guests They are not something that you would expect to find at a motel, but it is lovely to see visitors taking the time to go over to their paddock, especially those with young children. They really get a kick out of it,” said Jenny.

David and Jenny plan to update the signage, refurbish the rooms, update the reception area and do some work to the outdoor spaces, including the gardens.

“At present we are working on the fountain upgrade and just nearby we plan to have a large barbeque area set up with fridges and

a considerable amount of sitting space so people can relax and unwind after a long day,” said Jenny.

David and Jenny have a strong focus on making the Sunflower Motel a place where guests know they will be well looked after and a place that people would want to come back to, including the Warialda district itself.

“We have started to place new décor items in the rooms and in the future, we hope to display large photos of the local tourist attractions, like Cranky Rock, in each of the suites. We hope by doing this we will encourage guests and travellers to stay a little longer to explore the Warialda area,” said Jenny.

David and Jenny have been almost fully booked over the last month and, since their arrival, they estimate they have had roughly 75% occupancy.

“We have hit the ground running and had a busy past couple of months getting everything organised, but we are really enjoying Warialda and running the motel.”

“We pride ourselves on providing a clean space, with high attention to detail and ensuring that each of our guests can rely on a great experience when they visit us, and our google reviews are showing that,” said Jenny.

Bingara Garden Club Drive-by Award Home of Margaret Black, at 10 Heber Street Bingara (pictured below), is at first glance full of, leafy maples, claret ash and pistachio trees that seem to dominate the garden with their shade and coolness. They do, however, become the welcoming open arms to the amazing depth of garden further in.

Following the curving lines of the house with its sails are myriads of interesting plantings of roses, geraniums, dahlias, plumbago, vinca and colourful crepe myrtles. Plenty of other small shrubs and garden ornaments fill out the space. This garden holds many treasures and is indeed a welcome respite to those who pass by.

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DROUGHT RESILIENCE LEADERS SHINE THROUGH DAMP CONDITIONS TO MAKE MEANINGFUL CHANGE regional Australia,” Minister Littleproud said.

“Community leaders play a critical role in helping people prepare for, and live through, times of drought. That’s why this program is such a critical part of the Future Drought Fund – strengthening leadership capabilities across rural and regional Australia,” Minister Littleproud said.

“With drought conditions easing across much of the country, now is the time to build leadership capabilities, learning from others experience to build back better. We need to get prepared before the next drought inevitably comes.”

Participants were able to benefit from the knowledge of facilitators, as well as a range of guest speakers and experts.

Leaders from across the North West Slopes and Plains recently spent three days at Bingara’s Living Classroom for the final stages of the Australian Government’s Future Drought Fund’s Drought Resilience Leaders program. Over the past six weeks more than 30 participants from across the region have come together, both online and in-person, to undertake the course.

With an impressive tent city set up participants were forced to brave the weather with significant rain falling during the stay, which followed several earlier sessions that were forced into zoom delivery.

The program aims to provide farmers and regional communities the opportunity to gain knowledge and skills through training and mentoring programs that build local drought resilience.

The partnership between the Federal Government and the Australian Rural Leadership Foundation (ARLF) aims to create a new generation of community leaders. Participants were selected after a competitive application process and undertook a mix of residential and remote training, including personal and community resilience, and network and adaptive leadership.

The ARLF have worked with the next generation of rural and regional leaders over the last weeks to develop their leadership capabilities, encouraging them to work together with their communities to better prepare for drought.

Minister for Agriculture, Drought and Emergency Management, David Littleproud says that community leaders play a critical role in helping people prepare for, and live through, times of drought.

“That’s why this program is such a critical part of the Future Drought Fund – strengthening leadership capabilities across rural and

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One of the most powerful to deliver to the group was Dr Gary Saliba, Director at Strategic Journeys, who immersed course members in systems thinking and complex adaptive systems. This was a unique chance to work with an expert over three days, gain knew skills and apply that knowledge to challenging regional problems.

Patrick Duffy of leading improvisation training organisation, Cleverfool, brought his skills in communication, difficult conversations and exploring stories. His hands-on and engaging delivery offered the chance to engage in practical skills for individuals to take into community, regional and corporate life.

At the end of the three session, those that undertook the program graduated to become member of the the ARLF Alumni, which now stands at around 1,800 graduates nationally.

Although the program for the North West has wrapped up following this final residency, work for tomorrows leaders continues with participants now eligible to apply for a Community Engagement Grant for a local project to continue building drought resilience for their community.

The ARLF also offers a mentoring program with opportunities to join currently open. To apply, or for further information visit: https:// rural-leaders.org.au/programs/drought-resilience-leadersprogram/drought-resilience-leaders-mentor-program/ Above: Graduates of the Australian Rural Leadership Foundation’s Drought Resilience Leadership Program Below, left: Participants consider difficult questions with Dr Gary Saliba, Strategic Journeys Below, right: Accomodation was tested by the weather

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TRUST AND CONNECTIVITY BIG ISSUES FOR NORTHERN NSW AND SOUTHERN QLD

ELECTORAL JOB OPPORTUNITIES

Rural and regional residents and community already have a good idea of what they need to thrive in the 21st Century – trustworthy data and decent access to it.

The Australian Electoral Commission (AEC) is getting ready to ensure it has the temporary workforce needed to run then 2022 federal election.

It’s a message heard loud and clear, says Professor John McVeigh, Director of the new Southern Queensland and Northern New South Wales Drought Resilience Innovation and Adoption Hub. “Our team have just completed an initial round of workshops to help us plan the Hub’s activities for the next three years, across topics such as data access, wellbeing, emerging environmental markets, decision making and drought preparedness.

“Community and industry are calling the shots on this drought resilience planning.

We’ve held workshops across the region and due to COVID-19, four online workshops as well so that our stakeholders could ‘point us in the right direction’, and they weren’t shy,” Professor McVeigh said.

He said across all of the sessions, data and connectivity were raised again and again.

“Whether it’s on the farm or on the other side of the gate, people want access to solid, reliable data that’s relevant to their local area. They want to be able to make good decisions,” Professor McVeigh said.

“It doesn’t matter if it’s about insurance, weather forecasting, pasture condition, personal wellbeing, water quality, risk management or nutrition. We’ve heard pretty clearly that people want this data presented in a user-friendly way, that they can integrate into their on-property operations or within their regional businesses.

“And they want trust. They want to be able to a) trust the data is relevant to them, especially if they’re changing their management based on it and b) they want to be able to trust in their data ownership and privacy.”

Professor McVeigh said this was definitely an area for the new Hub.

one of eight nationally now operating as part of the Australian Government’s Future Drought Fund, to help rural and regional areas build resilience and foster ag innovation. With our extensive network of partners, providing a trustworthy source of information is clearly something we can deliver,” he said.

“Of course, that leads us into the second common point raised: people need access to reliable mobile and internet coverage,” he said.

“It’s the 21st Century, and being disconnected from the internet has been stressed as a major roadblock to participation in a modern economy.”

It needs to employ up to 100,000 people in paid jobs around the country.

The AEC’s temporary workforce plays an important role not only on election day, but throughout the election period in polling places and counting centres, and in administration and logistics jobs.

No election experience is required and training is provided. Working at federal elections offers you a great opportunity to earn extra money, contribute to your community and work as part of a team.

Professor McVeigh said other important areas identified by the 80+ workshop participants were building the handson skills of land managers in restorative practices, the importance of investing in property infrastructure to build resilience, the potential of emerging environment markets, and personal and family wellbeing to help maintain community connections.

Information on roles, pay and conditions can be found at aec.gov.au/electionjobs

“Our members, partners and other stakeholders also gave us some excellent starting points, with practical options for on-ground works and capacity building events. The Hub nodes at Armidale, Narrabri, Lismore, Stanthorpe, Roma and Longreach are now in the process of prioritising and planning, so we can help and support regional communities and businesses.

It’s easy to register – visit aec.gov.au/ electionjobs today and be considered for work in the 2022 federal election.

Let your friends and family know about the temporary election jobs – there’s roles in cities, regions and remote areas right across Australia.

COVID-19 safety measures will be in place to help protect you at election workplaces.

“One of the definite next steps for the Hub is to spread the word about existing innovative practices that we know some primary producers are already using, and getting existing research in front of people so it can be adopted.”

The Southern Queensland and Northern New South Wales Drought Resilience Adoption and Innovation Hub has received funding from the Australian Government’s Future Drought Fund. Find out more at usq.edu.au/sqnnswhub.

“This is the Hub in action. Our Hub is

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Caring for the community through Carinda institutions including Naroo Home for the Aged, Blaze Aid, Smiling Faces Helping Hands, along with annual donations to local schools.

The Warialda Cultural Community Centre has a long tradition 45 years in fact - of supporting the community through raising funds via sales through Carinda. This shop features delicious homemade preserves including the old favourites relish, pickles and jams.

Home-baked cakes, biscuits and other treats are just like Nan made them, and there is a selection of local craft work and second-hand goods on offer. The group also caters events and holds craft mornings.

Warialda Family Practice Manager Georgia Baxter and Practice Nurse Nakisha Moore with Carinda House members Carmel Stephenson, Lana Hockley, Marilyn Stubbins, Pam Ramsey and Fay Cains discuss the new technology with Dr Di Coote and Registrar Dr Bronwyn Thompson

The Warialda Community will benefit from the donation of new equipment for the Warialda Family Practice, thanks to Warialda Cultural Community Centre, or as it’s commonly known – Carinda House.

“We have been willing to support any community benefit as the need arises,” Secretary Marilyn Stubbins said.

“Over the last 45 years, since the community raised the funds to purchase Carinda, we have opened five and half days a week, solely on volunteers.

“Our volunteers rack up over 12,480 hours every year!”

Carinda is also a popular stop for tourists, who love to chat with the volunteers and take home their own slice of Warialda, literally!

The device is called an ankle-brachial index testing machine, and offers a quick, non-invasive way to quickly check a patient’s risk of peripheral vascular disease. By attaching a strap to the ankle, the device can detect narrowing or blockage of the arteries in the legs and alert doctors to peripheral artery disease which reduces blood flow to the limbs. This machine can give an indication of atherosclerosis in arteries which can be an indication for coronary ischaemic hearts disease and stroke.

Dr Di said the recent donation to the clinic was fabulous news for patients, as it means she can now test locally, and it is bulk billed with Medicare.

The volunteers from Carinda gifted the $4100 machine to Dr Di Coote and the team at the medical centre in March and marks the largest single donation the group has made. Their fundraising efforts through Carinda House have supported many causes and

“On behalf of the Warialda family practice and the wider community I wish to thank most sincerely for this donation from Carinda House.

“This ankle-brachial index testing machine is fabulous news for patients of the Gwydir,” Di said. We are very grateful to have this machine in our practice with the Medicare bulk billing.”

“It means we can now test locally, which is amazing.”

“It will certainly help improve the health and wellbeing in our community.”

BOOSTING NEW CAREER OPPORTUNITIES FOR RURAL WOMEN Rural women in the Parkes electorate will have more access to career pathways and opportunities thanks to a new project funded by the Australian Government through the National Careers Institute (NCI).

Federal Member for Parkes Mark Coulton congratulated The Rural Woman Cooperative Limitedwhich has received $348,740 in funding through the NCI to run a project aimed at increasing agricultural workforce participation for women re-entering the workforce.

“This is great news for women across the Parkes electorate who might be looking to get back into the workforce, to revamp their career, or to upskill and reskill for their dream job,” Mr Coulton said.

“This funding is all about helping women at all career stages to make better connections between their education and training and succeed in their chosen career.”

The Rural Woman Cooperative CEO Rebel Black said the Reactivating Women: Digital Mavens in Transforming Agriculture’s Future project will provide the opportunity for more than 224 rural women to receive tailored career re-entry support through coaching, connection to role models, professional networking and formal recognition through micro-credentialing and university education pathways.

The collaborative project is being delivered in all states across Australia, in partnership with Dairy Australia, Australian Wool Innovation and the University of New England.

Round three of the NCI Partnership Grants program offered $10 million to fund 42 new projects that focus on increasing opportunities for women, which was also a key aim of the Government’s 2021–22 $1.9 billion Women’s Economic Security Package.

Minister for Employment, Workforce, Skills, Small and Family Business, the

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Hon Stuart Robert MP, said the Government is committed to seeing more women share in opportunities to boost their careers as the Australian economy continues to strengthen.

Minister for Women’s Economic Security, Senator the Hon Jane Hume, said successful projects were chosen through a robust assessment process.

“It’s easy to lose touch with workplace practices. For many women returning to work these projects will help bring them up to speed on the kind of career pathways available to them.

Two previous funding rounds of the NCI Partnership Grants have seen a total of $10.42 million awarded to 28 projects, which are now in progress.

Information on the successful organisations chosen to deliver round three projects can be found at: www.dese.gov.au/nc

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HAPPY APRIL FALLS Are you a Bingara Resident, over 60 years old and wanting to WIN a $500 Bingara IGA Gift Voucher Then here is your chance!!!

April Falls Month is upon us and to help raise awareness on falls prevention and educate our aging population on the importance of falls prevention, the Bingara Multipurpose Service Health Promotion Team have put together a competition.

Complete the crossword below and place your entry in the entry box at Bingara IGA. • Entries Close 30th April 2022 • Entries open to People 60 years and over ONLY. • Winner will be the first correct entry drawn out at random.

• Winner will be notified by Phone (please have correct number on entry form) To fall-proof yourself, the Clinical Excellence Commission recommends:

• • • • •

Regular excercise most days of the week Talk to your doctor about vitamin D and calcium Have your eyes checked Talk with your doctor regarding medications Have feet checked and wear comfortable, firm-fitting shoes

Below is some vital information to help you win the $500!!

Did you know?

• 37% of injury-related deaths are caused by falls • 30% of 65’s fall each year • 23% reduction in falls with regular exercise

Falls Month APRIL FALLSApril MONTH 2022 2022 $500 Crossword Competition $500 CROSSWORD COMPETITION

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Name: Contact Number: DOB: Contact Number:

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throughout Australia. The idea was to specifically support these communities that have been supporting us through planting our wheat, filling out harvest declarations and the like, which meant we could reinvest in plant breeding and keep that going.

As part of the selection process, AGT then went through their top 500 postcodes, from which they chose 20-30 indicative farming groups. In the end, 10 farmers or farming groups were selected from across Australia, including North Star which has become the first to be presented with the funding.

A Club representative said, “North Star Sporting Club would like to extend a huge thank you to Australian Grain Technologies for their generosity in helping us achieve something that’s been on our wish list for a while.”

$20,000 DONATION SWINGS INTO NORTH STAR North Star Sporting Club is the beneficiary of a $20,000 donation that will be put towards a purpose-built children’s room, thanks to Australian Grain Technologies (AGT).

“It was an idea of the board of AGT, to celebrate their 20th anniversary to hand out $200,000 worth of these grants

“We feel extremely lucky to have been selected for this grant which will help improve the safety of the club with so many little ones running around and will allow parents to relax a little more knowing a dedicated playing space will be provided while utilising the club’s facilities.”

“Thank you, Australian Grain Technologies, it means so much to the community to have your support.”

Above: North Star Sporting Club President, Marcus Reidel was on hand recently to accept a cheque from Australian Grain Technologies Chair, Robert DiMonte, and AGT Variety Support Manager - northern NSW/QLD, Douglas Lush

Warialda Vinnies

Do you love Retail?

Would you like to help St Vincent de Paul Society Warialda to Would you like to develop raise funds to help people skills, meet new people and experiencing disadvantage? donate some spare time?

Vinnies is looking to find volunteers to help the Retail site in Warialda in providing great customer service, sort donations and donate their time 12 days per week and/or Saturday. You will meet new like-minded people and make lifelong friendships. Gain retail experience while making a difference for people in need.

Ask Louis Smalbil today about joining our team as a superstar volunteer!

To find out more, please register your interest by contacting Louis on 0490 488 984

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UPPER BINGARA: GOLD AND AN OLD BUSH SCHOOL In 2019, past pupils of the one-teacher school at Upper Bingara decided that the history of their school, which had served the community for over 70 years between 1892 and 1965, should be recorded.

Soon after, by chance, contact was re-established between Robert Adams, the last Upper Bingara teacher and one of his pupils, Philip Young. When Philip discovered that his teacher’s wife, Elizabeth Adams was an historian, he seized the opportunity.

Enthusiasm for the task was mutual. Liz’s eagerness extended to the history of the community and it’s gold rush origins. Liz got to know the area well when teaching at Bingara Intermediate High School in the 1960s.

Experience in researching, writing and publishing family and local history over the last three decades made the task a welcome challenge. The feeling was it is important that past experiences of the close-knit community were captured for future generations as the people have scattered and so little of past times survives there today.

The support of the community, past pupils and teachers has been invaluable in making the book a reality. Archival research, interviews, newspaper research, photos and other primary material brought to light the Aboriginal, gold mining, Chinese,

pastoral and educational history of the area, allowing the first history of Upper Bingara, ‘Gold and an Old Bush School’ to be published.

Bingara District Historical Society supported the task, as did Gwydir Shire Council. The successful application for a Create NSW 2021 Cultural Grant through the Royal Australian Historical Society was of great assistance in publishing the book.

Mining history from 1852 is detailed, covering the geology which made it possible, mining methods, challenges, notable discoveries and individual experiences. The close-knit mining community survived the challenges of their arduous mining life and went on to own and work the land as graziers, labourers and shearers, persevering through economic depressions and wars to sustain five generations in that community.

Upper Bingara’s one-teacher school was a focus of village life. The school’s history showcases the difficulties encountered in delivering education in rural NSW, especially in isolated areas such as Upper Bingara, as well as the lives of families who fought to maintain education there for 75 years.

The book captures an era of small bush school education that has now passed.

Upper Bingara as miners, pastoralists and farm workers. ‘Who they were? Why they were there? What life was like at ‘the top’?’ and their inter-relationships are revealed in the book.

Upper Bingara remains part of descendants’ identity, although now, like many rural villages, Upper Bingara no longer has a school and barely exists as a community. This book captures a past that could have been lost, for future generations.

Bingara District Historical Society’s book launch is part of a ‘Back to Upper Bingara’ weekend. There will be a nostalgic visit to Upper Bingara on Saturday afternoon, 21 May, assisted by a sketch map.

Transport will be available for those who need it.

Philip Young has organised an ecumenical thanksgiving church service to be held at the Roxy Theatre at 9:00am on Sunday 22 May, to celebrate the lives of the Upper Bingara pioneers. Speaker on the morning will be the Bishop of Armidale, the Right Reverend Rod Chiswell.

101 YEARS YOUNG

Many people of Bingara and within the Gwydir district have forbears who lived at

Thursday 24 March was a special day at Naroo with resident Audrey Finney, pictured above, celebrating her 101st Birthday with fellow residents and staff.

Julie from the kitchen staff made Audrey a lovely cake and she was able to enjoy afternoon tea.

Audrey received lots of phone calls and well wishes from family and friends as well as several bunches of beautiful flowers.

Happy Birthday, Audrey!

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North West Theatre Company Film Club - MOVIE OF THE MONTH Submitted by Ros Moulton – North West Theatre Company MASTER CHENG April is the North West Theatre Company Film Club’s foreign film month. This year t is the acclaimed film from Finland, Master Cheng.

The film tells the story of Cheng, who arrives at a quiet roadside diner in smalltown Finland with his young son Nunjo, following the recent death of his wife back in Shanghai. Cheng is looking for a Finnish friend he met in China.

Unable to locate the man, Cheng meets restaurant owner Sirkka, whose hand-tomouth existence running the restaurant provides Cheng with an opportunity to help.

When a bus load of Chinese tourists turns up requesting food, Cheng’s impromptu offer to cook reveals his considerable skills

NWTC Film Club Presents

as a fine dining chef and soon, Chinese food is on the menu every day, attracting a steady stream of customers.

When Sirkka invites Cheng and his son to stay for a spell, the tiny populace and idyllic, breathtaking countryside soothe Cheng and his son’s broken hearts.

Converting the locals to vegetables, noodles and soup instead of sausages and mash sees a marked improvement in the health of the elderly clientele in the restaurant curing them of ailments ranging from high blood pressure to menstruation pain. Food as nourishment for the soul, or something to that effect.

If you enjoyed the films Chocolat or Babette’s Feast, you will like this one too.

NWTC’s Film Club shows a movie on the last Sunday of each month at the Roxy

Sunday April 24th 4pm The Roxy Theatre

in Bingara at 4:00pm. New members are always welcome. Come along on Sunday April 24 and enjoy Master Cheng.

PLEASE SIR, CAN WE HAVE SOME MORE? OLIVER TWIST ENTERTAINS AND BOOSTS COUNTRY EDUCATION FOUNDATION FUNDS

All good things must come to an end, and so the cast and crew of the North West Theatre Company wrapped up their production of Oliver Twist.

A long time in the making, thanks to COVID-19 delays, the production was well-received by show-goers, whose number surpassed 700 during the five performances.

Oliver Twist was the Companies first production involving children for some time, allowing many new faces to step onto the stage. The young cast took live performance and shone with their portrayal of the classic tale.

Other more familiar faces could be spotted taking on Oliver Twist’s well-known roles.

full advantage of the simple but effective set and perfect costumes.

“Our special thanks go to the Bankstown Theatrical Society from where we hired our costumes last August,” said Director, Rick Hutton.

“They very generously they allowed us to keep all the costumes right through to

The fast-paced and funny adaptation took

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our new dates in March after our show was postponed last year.”

Whilst the community enjoyed the most recent North West Theatre Company production, the region’s Country Education Foundation (CEF) was also able to benefit from the show.

With both the Director and Producer being members of the CEF of Gwydir, they seized on the opportunity to have one of the Oliver performances for local schools to raise much needed funds to assist school leavers from Gwydir.

On Wednesday March 20, 270 students

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and 20 teachers from eight schools across the region attended. Students came from Bellata, Pallamallawa, Gravesend, Delungra, Warialda Public and Warialda High (Drama group) and Bingara Central School.

Unfortunately, Bullarah School (70km west of Moree) was forced to cancel their attendance on the morning due to COVID-19.

“The students thoroughly enjoyed their outing to the Roxy and the chance to see and experience live theatre, said CEF member Robyn Phillips.

Fundraising for CEF, Gwydir, has been brought to a halt over the last couple of years thanks to COVID-19 restrictions,

Warialda Public School Year 3/4M watched their teacher, Mrs McIntosh and School Chaplain, Mr Bill McIntosh perform onstage in Oliver Twist

so this was a most welcome boost, with approximately $1450 raised.

Ceramic Break Sculpture Park to host Artists of Castlemaine Exhibition Many of those artists are still there, some with their own galleries and many are enthusiastic supporters of the biennial, International Castlemaine Art Festival.

These artists have decades of experience and are excellent practitioners, with works in national and international collections (New York, London, Shenzhen, China and our own National Gallery in Canberra, to name a few).

After fires, floods, a pesky virus and generally feeling a bit challenged by the previous year, or three, it is time for the first exhibition of 2022 at Ceramic Break Sculpture Park. The Sculpture Park is privileged to be exhibiting Artists of Castlemaine, a show from Victoria, by 17 distinct and distinguished artists, a show which is a delight to view.

Castlemaine is a town in central Victoria, 80 minutes drive north of Melbourne.

Originally a gold rush town, it enjoyed one of the earliest significant alluvial gold rushes that occurred in Australia during the mid-nineteenth century.

In the 1960s, many young artists from Melbourne with their newly minted art degrees were attracted by the location, cheaper-than-Melbourne housing prices and the chance for many to build their own, predominantly mudbrick or stone abodes.

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Julianna Hilton is one such artist who originally trained as a printmaker at Melbourne’s RMIT. She has exhibited with several top-ranking galleries there and her work is represented in the National Gallery, Canberra, and international galleries.

Today she works mainly in oil on canvas and gouache and uses a subtle color palette to explore blocks of overlapping subject matter, some outside views and some interior objects. Her paintings are a delight to behold and would grace any wall.

Julianna has found that two themes have evolved from her focus on her immediate environment; ‘the landscape and legacy of Chinese’ and ‘European settlement and mining in the central Victorian goldfields.’

See if you can find references to these themes in her exhibition.

Jan Palethorpe is another multi-talented and highly educated artist in paint, print and music with her art held in many public collections. Jan is also a teacher of language and a signer for the hearing impaired.

Widely travelled, she has worked nationally and internationally as a teacher.

What hasn’t this amazing woman achieved?

Ceramic Break Sculpture Park is honoured to show her work ranging from small watercolor gouache to very large pen and ink drawings that explore the heights of cathedrals and the depths of evil.

Bruno Leepin is a trained graphic designer who has worked in television in London, Germany and Australia and has won prestigious drawing prizes. The delicacy of his brush strokes and choice of subtle colours cleverly depicts the bush. These are not photographic renditions, yet they so exquisitely capture the quiet of the bush that it is nearly possible to smell the trees.

Ceramic Break Sculpture Park warmly invites you to the opening of Artists of Castlemaine on Saturday April 30 for a day of culture, exercise, enjoyment and the chance to see the work of 17 artists.

Gates open at 12 noon and as well as art to enjoy, art to buy and sculpture walks for exercise, there will be refreshments and music. The opening runs until 5:00pm. Entry is by gold coin donation.

In a continued effort to encourage the reduction of plastic waste, anyone who brings their own recyclable utensils, will go into the draw to win the Green Prize.

For more information call Ceramic Break Sculpture Park on 6729 4147 or go to www.cbreaksculpturepark.com.au Top left: Sculpture coming to Ceramic Break Sculpture Park, Warialda this April will include David Waters’, ‘Reindeer’

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WARIALDA PUBLIC SCHOOL

Warialda High School

I continue to be in awe of our students and their commitment to learning. It is clear to see that they are trying their very best – striving to be their best.

BUSY BEE KINDER TRANSITION Our Busy Bee Kinder Transition program will be buzzing in Term 2.

It’s a great way to ensure that our little people are prepared for the routines and structures of life at ‘big school’.

For many of our potential parents, there is much to think about. The main question we get asked relates to whether the little person is ready for school or would benefit from one or more years at Preschool.

We’d recommend that if in doubt, send them to us for transition anyway! By allowing us the opportunity to work with the child, our Kinder Team will be well positioned to give you an honest answer in relation to their school readiness for the coming year.

HARMONY DAY Warialda High School celebrated Harmony Week by wearing orange.

This dovetail’s into The Resilience Project where students are currently focused on developing empathy and understanding of other’s perspectives.

We recognised inclusivity with Sunkist, oranges and fruit jelly cups.

We are grateful to have so many appreciative, supportive and kind people at our school.

The first Busy Bee session will be on Friday 10 June from 9:00am to 1:00pm.

DAN VAN VELTHUIZEN - PRINCIPAL BLUEBOT FUN IN KJ

KATE LA FONTAINE - PBL TEAM LEADER HILLVIEW VISIT Last month Year 11 Agriculture completed the practical farm visit of their Farm Case Study at ‘Hillview’, Warialda. Students enjoyed a farm tour and completed soil testing while there. We would like to thank James and Rebecca Reardon for allowing us this opportunity to visit their property and whocommented how delightful our students were, welcoming our school back in future.

Students are now taking what they have learnt in the field to complete their assessment task.

NICOLE SIMMONS - AGRICULTURE TEACHER STAGE 4 ART This term Year 8 have been studying the cultural and structural frames used in visual arts and referringto Mexican artist Frida Kahlo.

KJ were introduced to BlueBots this month as they embarked on careers as Computer Programmers.

We started by practicing moving forward, backwards, left and right and then we programmed our BlueBots to get to a particular position on a toy shop grid to go ‘shopping’ for some awesome toys.

Some students were also tasked with programming BlueBot to follow direction cards with wonderful success!

MISS COLE, MRS MIKALA REARDON & MRS SHELLEY TURNBULL - TEACHERS

Students have identified symbols and ceremonies associated with this culture as well as artist and devilled designs in relation to the Dia de los Muertos ceremonial festival. The creations pay homage to departed family members, celebrating their lives. Year 8 have developed designs from reference images to create and complete relief printmaking plates to complete the practical task for this topic.

Students measure up next to the 10kg block of Cadbury chocolate which was to be won by a lucky student

SONYA MARSH - DESIGN & TECHNOLOGY TEACHER

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BINGARA CENTRAL SCHOOL FAREWELL AND GOOD LUCK TO MRS KATH GROTH, MRS JUDY MACK AND MRS ROS GOODWIN We are lucky to have kept Mrs Groth on a temporary contract for the 2022 year as a part of the infants teaching team. She is a wealth of knowledge, who shows genuine care for children’s learning in the early years of school.

Mrs Groth’s strength in getting children to improve their reading at all levels is phenomenal. She is well known in our community and amongst our teaching staff

EDUCATION

as the teacher who can get great growth in learning from all her students. She is still, to this day, after 39 years of teaching, looking for the right strategy to assist her students.

Mrs Mack joined the team in 1994 and dedicated 28 years of her life, after attending the secondary school here. I always remember Mrs Mack as one of the first faces that I met here at the school. The blonde hair and a smiling face that greeted me and then shuffled me quickly into the room near the front office for my interview. The customer service that was provided was second to none and the greetings from the front office to our visitors were always commented on.

Everyone always felt welcomed.

Mrs Goodwin contributed to our school from the 7 June 1999, for 23 years. She loved the young children, particularly the infants’

BINGARA PRESCHOOL A visit from NSW Fire and Rescue was a sure-fire way to welcome visitors back into Bingara Preschool last month. Having not been able to welcome guests onto site for many months, the children were treated to an engaging and hands-on demonstration from local staff.

hat and practice getting down low in an emergency.

A highlight of the morning was a chance to practice their firefighting skills by using a fire hose to spray water at cones on a chair.

students. You could see that they brought a joy to her life.

The traditional events such as the Swimming Carnival, Orange Picking and Thomson Cup were the nostalgic moments for Mrs Goodwin seeing records broken, marches up the main street and the many oranges that were stripped from all the trees. These were the things that made our school special and Mrs Goodwin played a key role in the organisation of these events.

Between these three ladies they have contributed to 90 years of service to the education of children at Bingara Central School. We all wish you well!

BROOKE WALL - PRINCIPAL Above, from left: Mrs Jusy Mack, Mrs Cathy Groth and Mrs Ros Goodwin have dedicated a combined 90 years of service to Bingara Central School

After all was said and done, the truck was off with a flash of the lights and blast of the siren.

Below, from left: Arthur and Olympia enjoying the visit from NSW Fire and Rescue

With limited capacity to understand the risks and consequences of fire safety for children, education is the first line of defence against misuse of fire and fire fatalities and injuries.

Consequently, the visit to the preschool was a chance for the children to speak to staff, ask questions and talk about calling 000.

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consider either returning to work or working additional hours.

Local families know that the cost of child care – particularly for families with more than one child in care – can be a barrier to pursuing employment or working additional hours. This is especially so for local mums who may be able to use this to get back into the workforce or to increase their hours in their current job.

For further information, please visit https:// www.dese.gov.au/child-care-subsidy/ higher-child-care-subsidy-families-moreone-child-care DOROTHEA MACKELLAR POETRY AWARD Entries are open for the 2022 Dorothea Mackellar Poetry Awards.

EASING CHILD CARE COSTS FOR FAMILIES WITH YOUNG CHILDREN The Coalition Government is boosting the Child Care Subsidy this week to help ease the pressure on the cost of living for many families with young children.

For local families with more than one child aged five or under in child care, this increase in the CCS, means more money in your pocket each week. This is good news for eligible families who will benefit from reduced out-of-pocket child care costs, which also provides an incentive to

The Dorothea Mackellar Poetry Awards is Australia’s longest-running annual poetry competition for school-aged children.

The Dorothea Mackellar Poetry Awards are based on the literature strand of the Australian Curriculum, and the theme for the 2022 competition is ‘In my opinion’, which will generate some interesting work.

To participate, students must be Australian primary or secondary school-aged students and submit a poem for consideration by the awards judging panel before 30 June 2022.

There is a range of categories to enter and prizes to be won. For more information about

EMERGENCY ACCOMODATION AND RESPITE FACILITY TO SUPPORT WELLBEING OF GWYDIR FAMILIES Gwydir Shire residents will have access to a community facility that offers emergency accommodation and respite care, thanks to $750,000 in funding from the Federal Government.

Federal Member for Parkes Mark Coulton recently met with Gwydir Shire Council Mayor John Coulton to find out more about the project, funded under the Black Summer Bushfire Recovery Grants program.

“As part of the now $2.2 billion National Bushfire Recovery Fund, the Black Summer Bushfire Recovery Grants program is backing projects which the affected communities have said will best support their ongoing recovery,” Mr Coulton said.

“In the Gwydir Shire, this is the establishment of a new community facility in Warialda that will not only provide emergency

accommodation for local residents and disaster recovery workers, but will be used for respite care for local residents with disabilities when it’s not required for natural disasters.

“This is a project that will have lasting benefits for the local community, supporting the wellbeing of families, while ensuring people have a roof over their heads when the next disaster strikes.”

Gwydir Shire Council Mayor John Coulton said the benefits of the project are two-fold.

“The purpose-built facility will provide much needed emergency accommodation for both emergency response teams and community members displaced due to fire, flood or other natural disasters,” Cr Coulton said.

“When the accommodation isn’t being used for crisis situations, the facility will be used

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the awards, go to www.dorothea.com.au.

VIETNAM SIGNS UP TO AUSTRALIAN AGRICULTURE VISA PROGRAM Primary producers in the Parkes electorate are a step closer to benefitting from the Liberal National Government’s Australian Agriculture Visa, with Vietnam signing a Memorandum of Understanding with Australia on 28 March 2022.

The Minister for Agriculture and Northern Australia, David Littleproud has welcomed the formal agreement as Vietnam becomes the first country to participate in the Agricultural Visa.

We already have a good relationship with Vietnam, and I look forward to seeing more Vietnamese workers call the Parkes electorate home as a result of this partnership.

Australian farmers need certainty around their workforce – certainty that this visa, secured by The Nationals, provides.

Under the Australian Agriculture Visa program, employees will be recruited to work across a range of agriculture sectors, including horticulture, dairy, wool, grains, fisheries and forestry, including support services and primary processing.

The Government is working with industry to bring the first cohort of workers into Australia as soon as possible. as a respite centre, providing short-term breaks for adults and children with special needs, supporting both the individual and their carers by providing the opportunity for a much-needed break and the time and space to do things independently.

“Currently, this type of service is limited in the Gwydir Shire and this new facility will come as welcome relief for many who normally must travel great distances to access this type of service.”

Gwydir Shire Council also received $850,000 through the Black Summer Bushfire Recovery Grants program for it’s The Living Classroom project, providing emergency accommodation and tourism opportunities in Bingara.

More information about the Black Summer Bushfire Recovery Grants program is available on the National Recovery and Resilience Agency website at: https://recovery.gov.au/black-summerbushfire-recovery-grants-program

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$15,000 GRANT HELPS SETS 117TH WARIALDA SHOW OFF WITH A BANG NORTHERN Tablelands MP Adam Marshall has today lit the fuse which will get the 117th Warialda Show off with a bang, announcing a $15,000 State Government grant to support a huge schedule of entertainment, including fireworks, at the event in May.

shared across the various livestock, equine and pavilion sections for prize money.

“Warialda Show is a spectacular showcase of life in the Gwydir, and I look forward to this year’s event going off with an absolute bang.”

Warialda P and A Association Secretary David Coulton said the funds will support the committee’s goal of hosting an event which distracts from a difficult five year period.

Mr Marshall said members of the Warialda P and A Association had done an outstanding job reviving the show after it was cancelled in 2020.

“From the debilitating drought, mice plague, damaging flood rains and COVID-19 pandemic, there hasn’t been many breaks for the people of Gwydir Shire,” Mr Coulton said.

“Headlined by country music star Travis Collins, the 2021 Warialda Show was massive, marking the event’s permanent return to the country show schedule,” Mr Marshall said.

“The State Government’s funding, combined with a contribution from the Federal Government’s Foundation for Rural and Regional Renewal scheme, will cover the cost of the major entertainment, Rooftop Express, along with a big fireworks spectacular by Outback Pyrotechnics on Saturday night.

“To keep the momentum flowing this year, the Country Shows Support Package has helped the association cover the cost of high-quality entertainment Rooftop Express on both Friday and Saturday night.

“Consistent with other shows across the region, a portion of the funds will also be

“We are looking forward to this year’s show, and are very thankful for the support

provided by both levels of government to make it a success.”

Mr Marshall said Warialda Showground would also benefit from the addition of LED lighting around the arena. “$23,510 from the State Government’s COVID-19 Showground Stimulus fund will replace the existing light bulbs with a brighter, more energy efficient LED option,” he said.

“An extra light pole will also be added to the southern side of the showground, providing additional lighting for the ring and nearby pedestrian thoroughfare.”

Warialda Show is on from Thursday, 5 May to Saturday, 7 May.

IT TAKES COURAGE

with Letitia Cross

productively, having good relationships, and contributing to the community. We can also actively invest in looking after our mental health, just like we do things to maintain our physical health and avoid illness.

Isn’t it curious that in our community we use Mental Health, Mental Ill-health and Mental Illness as interchangeable terms?

When actually mental health is like our physical health, it is the good stuff!

We also know that the way we talk about mental health and mental ill-health as a community can have real influence over whether people reach out, seek help or even accept help when they are struggling.

So what is mental health?

The term ‘mental health’ means wellbeing.

It is about enjoying life, realising our abilities, coping with stress, working

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Then what is mental ill-health?

Mental ill-health affects all of us. The broad term ‘mental ill-health’ includes both mental health problems (where we are just struggling) and mental illness.

Each year, one in five Australians will experience a mental illness. Across our lifespan it is almost one in two. So at some point, the impact will touch us all.

Mental ill-health can include a range of signs and symptoms which vary in duration and severity, but can commonly include: •

Relationship issues

•

Significant changes in sleeping and eating

•

Increased drug or alcohol use

•

Low energy

•

Worry, nervousness or on-edge

RURAL ADVERSITY MENTAL HEALTH PROGRAM

•

Avoiding people and becoming isolated

Is mental ill-health treatable?

Yes, mental ill-health is very treatable and people can again enjoy good mental health.

A GP can be a great first point of call in helping find the right treatment and support for each individual situation.

Where to get help now In an emergency call 000 or go to your nearest Emergency Department. If you’re concerned about your own or someone else’s mental health, another option is calling the NSW Mental Health Line 1800 011 511 for advice.

For more information, resources or links to services in our area contact me, Letitia Cross, your local Rural Adversity Mental Health Program (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

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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

APRIL 2022 15th

Good Friday

16th

Easter Saturday

16th

Bingara Big Heart Barbeque and fireworks - Gwydir Oval, 6:00pm

17th

Easter Sunday

18th

Easter Monday

20th

Carinda Mother’s Day Stall, open shop and members stalls

24th

NWTC Film Club - Master Cheng, 4:00pm, Roxy Theatre, Bingara

25th

ANZAC Day

28th

Gwydir Shire Council meeting - 9:00am, Roxy Theatre, Bingara

28th

Bingara Garden Club meeting - Bingara Community Centre, 10:00am for 10:30am

28th 1st May

Bingara Country Music Festival - Bingara RSL

30th

Warialda Races (Rescheduled) - Warialda Racecourse

MAY 2022 1st

Artists of Castlemaine - Ceramic Break Sculpure Park, 12:00 - 5:00pm

5 - 7th

Warialda Show - Warialda Showground

7th

Moree on a Plate

8th

Mother’s Day

14 - 15th

Bingara Show - Bingara Showground

19th

Biggest Morning Tea - Carinda

27th

NWTC Film Club - West Side Story, 4:00pm, Roxy Theatre, Bingara

SAVE THE DATE 1 - 2nd July Orange Festival, Bingara July TBC

‘Unleash the Black Dog’ Ball

EACH WEEK Every Monday

U3A Balance ‘n’ Bones 8:00am–9:00am, Bingara Community College

Every Thursday

Casual Tennis 8:30am – $5.00, All ages Bingara Tennis Courts

Every Saturday

U3A – Pilates 10:00am – 11:00am, Gwydir Health Hub

KEEP IN TOUCH @gwydirnews www.gwydirnews.com Subscriptions and Enquiries: editor@thegwydirnews.com.au Advertising: sales@thegwydirnews.com.au

21 - 22nd Back to Upper Bingara weekend - Upper Bingara 21st

Gold & an old Bush School book launch - Bingara Library, from 10:00am

27 - 29th Bingara Campdraft Commottee Campdraft 29th

NWTC Film Club - West Side Story, Roxy Theatre, Bingara

JUNE 2022 13th

Queens Birthday holiday

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Gwydir SHIRE STAFF SQUAT FOR A GOOD CAUSE

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DEATH NOTICE DEATH Notice April, 2022 Edition of the Gwydir NEWS PYRKE, Colin John “Dooley” Passed away peacefully at Tamworth Hospital 17th March, 2022 Late of Nazareth House, Tamworth formerly of Yamba and Warialda Aged 92 Years.

A team of nine Gwydir Shire Council staff spent the month of March completing the National Breast Cancer Foundation’s 55 Squat Challenge for breast cancer research.

With a team target of 11,935 squats in 31 days, the group smashed through their goal reaching 13,435 and gaining some serious strength along the way.

With 55 Australians diagnosed with breast cancer everyday and a further nine losing their lives, the challenge aims to make a difference to the lives of those impacted by the disease. Vital funds, including those raised by the Gwydir team help to fund world-class breast cancer research.

Beloved husband of Phyllis for 69 years. Dearly loved father of Margaret, Nona, Jennifer, Bill and Judith.

Loved father-in-law of Michael, Mark and Simon.

Devoted grandfather of Sarah, Elizabeth, Claire & Thomas, Angus & Henry, Daniel & Isaac, Haydn, Emerson & Annika and Alison & Sam. Loving great grandfather of Patrick, William, Thomas, Harry, Oliver and Edward. Much loved brother of Patricia and James (both dec’d). Loving brother-in-law of the Doyle family. Special uncle of all his nieces and nephews.

In God’s loving care.

Requiem Mass for COLIN was celebrated in St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, Warialda on Monday 4th April, 2022 and was followed by interment in the Warialda Cemetery.

Entrusted to the care of Shaun Hamilton Funerals 125 Marius Street, Tamworth 6766 1966 Accredited Member – FDA of NSW Ltd

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 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 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.

PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

COOPER & SMITH OPTOMETRISTS Moree and Goondiwindi

Next visit to Warialda is on Wednesday 27th April For appointments, contact the Warialda Medical Centre on 6729 1520 Next visit to Bingara is on Thursday 28th April For appointments, contact the Bingara Medical Centre on 6724 1900 30

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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.

“God is our refuge and strength, an ever present help in trouble.”

PSALM 46:1

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EACH WEEK

Every Saturday

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U3A - Pilates 10:00am-11:00am, Gwydir Health Hub

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U3A Balance ‘n’ Bones 8:00am-9:00am, Bingara Community College

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Gwydir STATE SWIMMERS It has been a successful season for the regions junior swimmers with a large contingent of little fish heading off to the NSW PSSA Swimming Championships in the first week of April.

Congratulations to North Star PS North Star Relay team of Indya Doolin, Annabelle McMaster, Sophie McMaster and Thomas Crichlow on winning a Gold medal in the Earl McGee Relay.

The following ten Warialda students finished the season strongly before they headed to Sydney to compete: Ellie Prescott (Individual

Bingara Central School competitors, Kyenon Sutton, Liam Johnson, Blaire Johnson and Ellie-Grace Haley who were forced to withdraw from the State Swimming Championships

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and relay), Whitney Sherman (Individual and relay), Archie van Velthuizen (Individual), Kingston hall (Individual), Brooklyn Kennedy (Relay), Holly Whalan (Relay), Pippi Reardon (Relay), Savannah Clarke (Relay), Matilda brooks (Relay) and Lottie Lewis (Relay).

Meanwhile, Bingara Central School students have had their hopes of swimming at Homebush dashed as a COVID-19 outbreak brings their road to an early end.

Blaire Johnson, Ellie Grace Haley, Liam Johnson and Kyenan Sutton, pictured left, were set to take to the blocks in the Central Schools relay, having placed third at the North West regional swimming carnival in early March.

North Star Public School Relay Team after the presentation of their god medals following their win in the Earl McGee Relay

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SPORTS

SWIMMING CLUB ENJOYS SUCCESSFUL SEASON

Warialda Swimming Club came together to celebrate a successful season at their presentation night on March 30.

The evening followed on from the Club’s Swimming Club Championships which took place the week prior on March 23.

Above: Warialda Swimming Club celebrated their season of swimming at a recent presentation night following Club Championships Below: Swimmers Harry Durkin, Riley Prescott, George Durkin, Rhylie Churchland and Amiya Barwick with their awards

An impressive 27 registered swimmers competed throughout the 2021/22 season.

“We would like to say a huge thank you to Warialda APEX for donating a barbeque and also to Warialda Sports Council who provided a financial contribution of $1000 which will go towards purchasing swimming caps and club shirts for next season,” said Warialda Swimming Club representative, Sam Prescott.

The Club is still looking for further sponsorship and can be contacted via their Facebook page if you think you may be able to help.

“Thanks to committee – Amber Barnett, Rachel Sherman, Tammy Hall, Kirsty Taylor and Ange Plain, who gave her time each week to cook the barbeque even without having children involved in swimming club,” said Sam. “Special mention also goes to the NSW Office of Sport, Gwydir Shire Council and Warialda Sports Council for running the Local Pools Youth Program and donating the fantastic sports equipment that will be used for many years to come at the Warialda pool.”

“Finally, thanks to Allan and Danni Colley for their efforts and assistance throughout the swimming season,” said Sam. Results from the 2022 season Club Championships include Age Champions: 4yrs - George Durkin, 5yrs - Amiya Barwick, 6yrs - Harry Durkin, 7yrs - Cate Barnett, 8yrs - Ellie Prescott, 9 years - Cooper Madden, 9yrs - Scarlett Turner, 10yrs - Cooper Meader, 11yrs - Whitney Sherman and 12yrs - Holly Madden.

Additional awards presented include: Top Point Score - Ellie Prescott, WSC Sportsmanship award - Brooklyn Kennedy and Encouragement - Sienna Hall.

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Gwydir Gravesend Cricket Catch the Trophy at Home

SPORTS

and Jason Mack started the Horton fight back, 30 and 60 runs respectively, put them in a strong position heading into the final overs. Late Gravesend wickets held back a late flurry, holding Horton to 8/167 at the end of their allotted 35 overs. Ozzie Van Velthuizen was the pick of the bowlers with 2/7, whilst inspired leader Mason Daley closed with 2/28. Toby Bell and Lauchie Fauchon were the other wicket takers.

Gravesend knew they had to get off to a quick start and came out swinging. In doing so, hoever, lost a few quick wickets to be 3/43 after 9 overs, losing Toby Cooper, Dylan Butler and Phil Barwick, who made a short fired 30. Like they did in their previous couple of matches, Mason Daley, 45 and Lachie Fauchon, 22 came to the crease and steadied the ship, forming a 60 run partnership, laying the platform for Gravesend’s final assault.

Volleyball was just one of the sports participants at Warialda experience as part of the eight-week, sixteen date Active Kids pilot program held over the summer months

The Gravesend Cricket Club came out winners of the Gwydir District Cricket competition at the recent Grand Final held at the Gravesend Recreation Ground, overcoming a stern test from Upper Horton.

In front of a large local crowd, Upper Horton won the toss and elected to bat first, knowing that having runs on the board in a big game can be a huge advantage.

Gravesend got off to the perfect start, quick wickets from Mason Daley and Brayden Robinson had Horton reeling at 2/25, after 10 overs. Experienced Horton campaigners Dougal Cameron

Gravesend still required 63 runs from the remaining 10 overs. In strolled Tom Barwick with his big hits and long locks, swinging from the hips he played natural cricket shots only taking one ball to get his eye in. Tom went on to score an incredible 43 runs from 17 balls alongside Morgan Bell who watched in awe, crushing any hopes Horton had of claiming the title.

In front of an inspired crowd, Gravesend claimed victory in the 33rd over, with 14 balls to spare, to win the premiership. The match was played with good sportsmanship, with a lot of respect between the two sides.

Congratulations to Gravesend on the Grand Final victory and well done to Upper Horton for the spirited performance. It was a fantastic display of cricket.

KIDS WRAP UP 8-WEEK ACTIVE EXPERIENCE The Office of Sport and Office of Regional Youth partnered with 16 Local Governments and their swimming pools across regional NSW to offer free fun activities to Youth through the Active Youth Pools Program pilot.

Sixteen regional communities across western and New England NSW were able to offer up to 30 youth access to an eightweek program which included both water and land-based activities. The program successfully kept kids active with activities such as volleyball, cricket, handball, soccer and watersports.

The pilot was an opportunity to identify engagement levels from youth to participate in structured activity that could be made sustainable through the future establishment of the program into an Active Kids program.

The Active Youth Pools pilot gave regional youth the opportunity to have fun being physically active, make new friends and cool off in the summer through access to their local pool. Positive outcomes of the program included linking youth with physical activity offerings within their community and empowering them to enjoy lifelong participation in sport and active recreation.

Participating centers will now retain the equipment provided for use in future activities and events.

The program wrapped up on the last weekend in March at both Bingara and Warialda with a morning of sport, followed by a barbeque.

Clarissa Barwick, Gwydir Learning Region and Communications Team Leader at Gwydir Shire Council coordinated the Warialda and Bingara programs and said the program was a huge success.

“Everyone enjoyed themselves. The awesome equipment pack was put to very good use and will be for years to come. Volleyball was a real hit with the kids.”

Volleyball was one of the sports participants at both Warialda and Bingara experienced as part of the eightweek, sixteen date Active Kids pilot program the over summer months

To receive your monthly digital copy of The Gwydir News delivered FREE to your inbox every month contact us at: editor@thegwydirnews.com.au or phone 0436 934 099.

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