The Gwydir News July 2021

Gwydir

NEWS

THE

COMMUNITY NEWS

FOR THE GWYDIR SHIRE AND SURROUNDS

March 2021 Edition • www.thegwydirnews.com.au July 2021 Edition • www.gwydir.nsw.gov.au

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ORANGE FESTIVAL A WINNER

Happy Days they were indeed on the last weekend in June as hundreds gathered to celebrate Bingara’s annual Orange Festival. A perfect winter’s day provided the backdrop to the celebration of the good times of yesteryear and all things orange-related.

GWYDIRNEWS Preceded by a Friday night screening of 2008 remake of movie classic Mama Mia at the Roxy Theatre, the festival brought Maitland Street alive on Saturday morning.

Lined with a multitude of stalls and vintage cars, the centre of Bingara

Community news foras the Gwydir Shire was and was abuzz music, dance and entertainment heldsurrounds across two sites this year; in front of the Council Chambers and the main stage which was located at the intersection of Finch Street for the first time.

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MARCH 2021 EDITION • WWW.THEGWYDIRNEWS.COM.AU Highlights of the day included performances from Gwydir Band,

Summer Swing Dance Studio, New England Rockabilly Rockers, Zephyr Project, Bingara Preschool and Central Schools as well as hula-hoop and bubblegum blowing competitions.

A change of layout, with the stage now at the Finch Street intersection, came about due to updated legislation preventing heavy vehicles being diverted into residential areas.

The Gwydir News spoke with a number of stallholders who were unanimous for their praise of the festival and were planning on a return next year. Local business houses were equally happy with their trade.

Event organisers were extremely pleased with the way the day brought the street to life.

“The Special Events Committee were thrilled to be able to bring the Orange Festival back to the community for 2021,” said Gwydir Shire Council’s Marketing and Tourism Team Leader, Casey McClymont.

“We feel that the day was a great success and the feedback we have received has been extremely positive. After the tough times that everyone has endured it was lovely to see the streets teeming with people all happy to be out enjoying the atmosphere, and wonderful weather.”

“The festival is a vital component of Bingara’s identity and the community and committee work hard to ensure that the sentiment behind the festival is never forgotten,” she said.

“The committee would like to thank everyone involved and the community for their contributions. We look forward to 2022!” said Ms McClymont.

Dont miss out: SUBSCRIBE NOW To continue to receive your monthly copy of the Gwydir News you must subscribe to either a digital or paper copy. LETTERBOX DROP ENDS THIS MONTH Phone: 0436 934 099 or 67242000, or email: editor@thegwydirnewscom.au 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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Myall Creek Memorial Weekend Defies Wet Weather Challenges

As you will now be aware the Gwydir News has been dropped to every mailbox in the Gwydir Shire for the past four months. The July edition marks the last time that this will occur.

From now on you must be subscribed if you would like to receive a copy to your letterbox or inbox.

There is no charge for digital copies of the Gwydir News. A small delivery charge accompanies the paper copy.

If you have already subscribed you will continue to receive your monthly edition.

For all enquires phone: 6724 2000 or 0436 934 099 Email: editor@thegwydirnews.com.au

Visitors to Myall Creek at the amphitheatre and walking through a smoking ceremony on their way to the Memorial Rock.

The annual Service of Commemoration for those who lost their lives at Myall Creek on 10th June 1838 was held on a very wet weekend in June.

On a bleak and cold Saturday, the Friends of Myall Creek Committee organised and held a cultural Sounds of Country concert, which was relocated at the last minute to Gwydir Oval.

While significant rainfall made the site at Myall Creek unsuitable it did not stop over 400 people attending.

The concert was host to great entertainement from The Buddy Knox Band, Radical Son, Roger Knox and Euraba, Ngambaa Dhalaay Dancers, Tingha Nucoorilma Dancers and Gomeroi Dancers.

Paying their respect, more than 600 people attended the newly completed amphitheatre area of Myall Creek for the ceremony on Sunday, including descendants of the perpetrators.

Visitors were reminded of the atrocities that occured and considered the steps towards reconciliation that have been taken thus far.

“They might be gone, but they are not forgotten”, said Elder, Sue Blacklock as she addressed the crowd. “There’s no more tears, because they are free; their spirits are free.”

Guest speaker and historian Professor Lyndall Ryan spoke of the fact that Myall Creek is one of the few examples in Australia where the perpetrators of such massacres were arrested and made depositions. Following two court cases there were convictions of seven men who were subsequently hanged.

Traditional song and dance was performed in the centre of the purpose-built amphitheatre before guests followed the winding path to the Memorial site.

Looking to become a Councillor?

The Committee, in collaboration with Council, was successful in obtaining a Federal Government grant of $30,000 to assist in the running of this year’s annual Myall Creek Memorial Ceremony and the hosting of the Sounds of Country concert at Gwydir Oval. The grant was made possible through the Bushfire Tourism Recovery Initiatives Program.

To nominate as a Councillor you must lodge a nomination form, either by delivering it to the Returning Officer or by using the Electoral Commission’s online nomination system.

Nominations can be lodged online from Monday 26 July and close 12 noon, Wednesday 4 August. Late nominations will not be accepted.

The NSW Electoral Commission’s online nominations system is now available at elections.nsw.gov.au 2

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Entertainment at the Sounds of Country community concert held at Gwydir Oval

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ARM AGAINST COVID-19 A COVID-19 vaccine is your best defence and our only way forward. Now’s the time to arm yourself, your family, your friends, your work mates, your community – someone you love.

Book your vaccination online or call 1800 020 080.

Find out when you can get vaccinated australia.gov.au COM MUN IT Y N E WS FO R TH E GWYD IR S H IRE AND S U RROUN DS

Authorised by the Australian Government, Canberra.

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COLLEGE Tradition of Orange Picking Continues CHAT Hi, I am Jannette and I am the Community College Coordinator for Bingara and Warialda.

If you’re an adult and you want to improve your digital literacy, then our Technology Skills Centres are for you.

Our Centres provide access to safe, supportive and subsidised digital skills training for: * School leavers who need to broaden their range of digital skills for work or further study * Adult learners who have a low level of confidence or who lack the digital literacy skills required to successfully complete their training * Unemployed or retrenched workers who wish to learn new digital skills to increase their chances of getting a job * Employed workers who need to upskill to be able to keep up with rapid technological change in the workplace * Business owners who recognise the need to embrace digital transformation in order to remain competitive * Adults living in rural areas who have a low level of digital literacy as a result of reduced or poor-quality access to technology * Mums and dads who want to learn the skills required to better manage and support the family’s use of technology * Seniors who wish to become connected for social, health and business purposes Give me a call 0438 546 519 or go to our website https://www. communitycollegeni.nsw.edu.au/

RTO 90027 Community College Co-ordinator Jannette Tan

The tradition of Orange Picking continues to recognise and remember the sacrifice of Bingara’s service men and women, 61 years after the first service was held.

On the last Friday in June residents and school children joined for a ceremony outside the town’s RSL Club, observing a minute’s silence and wreath laying before a prayer from Rev. Gordon Stewart and short service.

Picking commenced on the waving of the flag by Gwydir Shire Mayor John Coulton in unfortunate the absence of starter Adam Marshall MP. This year’s oranges were noticeably smaller than previous drought-affected years, but sweet, and enjoyed straight from the trees nonetheless.

Summer with her haul of oranges

Stephanie enjoying oranges from the tree

LIBRARIES HERE FOR YOUR NEEDS DURING COVID RESTRICTIONS Our click-and-collect service is still available at both Warialda and Bingara Libraries just reserve a book on our website as normal, and when you receive a notification you can collect it from our Click-and-Collect area outside the branch during normal opening hours. Please always wear a mask when inside the library or at our Click-and-Collect area.

Librarian choice: let us select books for you. We select the items and have them ready for collection at a time that agrees with you.

Home delivery: hesitant to come out and about? Do not be concerned we can arrange home delivery simply contact us to arrange delivery. Library staff will select and drop items at your home. Library staff will always wear masks and will not enter your home.

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SWEET LIKE SUGAR – WHAT WOODLAND BIRDS WANT In north-west NSW, efforts are underway to reconnect habitat in areas known or suspected to be used by the critically endangered regent honeyeater.

North West Local Land Services is working on strengthening linkages from the Barraba area, where successful regent honeyeater breeding has been recorded in recent years, to large forest remnants including Mount Kaputar and the Pilliga, where they were once abundant.

North West Local Land Services Senior Land Services Officer, Leonie Coleman said remnant riparian forests are important linkages and provide safe pathways across the landscape for many native animals.

‘Work will include revegetation with native, sweet nectar producing trees and midstorey shrubs such as callistemon and melaleuca,’ Leonie said.

This year, North West Local Land Services and project partners have revegetated 14ha between Mount Kaputar and Pilliga adjacent to the important remnant riparian forest along Eulah Creek. North West Local Land Services has an overall target to revegetate a total of 20ha by 2023.

‘While established trees and shrubs provide food and shelter for woodland birds, mistletoe is key to filling the food gap between flowering events,’ Leonie said.

‘Mistletoe is a key part of the ecosystem as the flowers are high in nutrients and utilised by a number of birds for food and nesting. In fact, the mistletoe bird feed almost exclusively on mistletoe fruit, digesting the sticky seed in under 20 minutes.’

North West Local Land Services is investigating a future program involving augmenting existing vegetation with mistletoe that would see food sources matured in five to seven years, rather than traditional revegetation that may take 20 years to mature.

This project is supported by North West Local Land Services, through funding from the Australian Government’s National Landcare Program.

Top: Mistletoe bird - male bird with distinct red plumage (credit BirdLife Australia)

For more information, contact Leonie Coleman on 0448 475 838, or visit the North West Local Land Services website, https://www.lls.nsw.gov.au/regions/north-west

Bottom: Needle leaf mistletoe Amyema cambagei – found in river she-oak (credit M.Fagg)

FUN-FLY TO TAKE FLIGHT OVER WARIALDA Warialda Fun-Fly 2021 is all set to go ahead on 28th and 29th August this year. COVID-19 permitting, the annual radio-control aero-modeller event will be held at the Warialda Airstrip.

A fun weekend is planned according to Club member Allan Asquith, with hopes of 12-15 pilots who will each bring a number of aircraft for the two day event.

“We’ve been having the fun fly for the last 16 years, other than last year,” he said. “The field has been getting better and better as time’s gone on, with better facilities and better grounds than we have ever had.”

“We have people coming from the Taree/ Wingham area, as well as those from Queensland, bringing all types of aircraft, including jets.”

The new amenities at the field have allowed for some competitors to stay on site, with others booking into local accommodation for the weekend.

Planes are radio controlled by a hand-held transmitter that communicates with a receiver within the aircraft. Replicating fullCOM MUN IT Y N E WS FO R TH E GWYD IR S H IRE AND S U RROUN DS

scale aircraft designs, they can have a wingspan of up to 3 metres.

The Club have their fingers crossed for suitable weather as excessive winds or rain could bring the fly to a halt.

The Fun-Fly follows on from July’s Warialda Wipeout, a competitor only event that was to be held on the 10th and 11th July.

Warialda RC Model Aircraft Club is encouraging visitors and spectators to come along. Food and drink will be available at the site.

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“We have a huge area to cover. That’s a huge area to cover for so few rate payers, but we manage to do it so well.

According to Cr Egan the satisfaction in the position of Councillor makes it all worthwhile.

“It’s a job that you do for love, and the community. That’s the reason I do it.”

Just what the position involves is totally up to you, she shares.

“If you want to do it and do it well, it is hours of commitment,” she says. “If you just wanted to go to a couple of meetings a month it would be a breeze, but I was never going to do that.”

CONVERSATION WITH A COUNCILLOR With Local Council Elections coming up in early September the Gwydir News caught up with current local Councillor Catherine Egan to look at her experience over the last 17 years representing residents across the Gwydir Shire.

Cr Egan’s journey as a Councillor began with the merging of Yalleroi and Bingara Councils back in 2004, when she decided she wanted to be part of that process.

“We worked hard to make that a combined effort and it’s something that united the community. I wanted to make it a strong Council so that we never, ever have to face another amalgamation again. That will be an ongoing battle, and we need to support each Council of the day to overcome that threat,” she said.

“I thought if I was going to do it, I will try to do it to my best, and you will get the best out of me.”

“It’s a job that you do for love, and the community.

That’s the reason I do it.”

As for highlights of her time representing the community in the role, she says the new Bingara Library is one of the things she is most proud of.

“That’s an achievement, but there is so many things to be proud of, when you think about.

We’ve achieved budgets for roads and covered a lot of work that makes you think, ‘we are a good little Council’,” she said.

“We do things that city councils never have to think about. There is so many things in the community that we have achieved. Keeping the community ticking along - our parks and gardens are so well done.”

It’s not just the big things that provide the rewards. Some of the smaller problems that can be overcome give just as much satisfaction.

Of the biggest challenges the role provides, Mrs Egan told the Gwydir News that there is one thing that has always been on the top of the list.

“Budget, budget and budget. Being able to produce all the things that are needed within a budget is so challenging. The challenge comes when you think of things that would just be so good, but when you weigh it up and realise that it might be great but not sustainable for the community.”

She says the position has been made easier with the harmonious way in which the existing nine Councillors have been able to take on the job. She added that having a cohesive working relationship with the staff of Council has greatly aided her in the role.

“I would like to give the staff a wrap. When you see the requirements for the work that they have to do; our staff are so committed. We have a fabulous staff for getting things done.”

Cr Egan hopes that the coming elections will see some younger people consider taking on a position and nominate for Councillor.

“The decisions being made are about their future, not my future. It’s a young peoples world and I would like to see some young ones put their hands up and make decisions that even their children will benefit from.

“It’s been a great community for me and my children, but now it’s up to the next generation to consider what’s best for their children.

On advice to potential candidates, Cr Egan had some wise words and suggests that patience with the processes of Local Government are a must.

“It’s so rewarding, if you are passionate about your community. It’s not one community over the other, it’s making it work together.

You will need to be very hard-working and give lots of hours to do it properly.

COVID CHECK-IN MANDATE EXPANDED ACROSS THE NORTHERN TABLELANDS USE of the Service NSW QR code will be mandatory at all workplaces and retail businesses from Monday 12 July. From 12 July, these businesses will need to display the Service NSW QR code and take reasonable steps to ensure people entering their premises check-in using the Service NSW QR codes or digital sign-in sheet:

• Gyms • Offices, including call centre • Manufacturing and warehousing • Universities and TAFE • Schools including teachers and visitors (such as parents and contractors) but excluding students.

• Retail businesses and supermarkets Individual shops within shopping centre • Shopping centres will also be asked to display QR codes at entry points where practical

Businesses such as hospitality and hairdressers that were already using the NSW Government QR code system will also need to ensure staff and visitors such as maintenance workers and delivery drivers check-in, when they resume services after the lockdown period.

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Bingara teen shaves rainbow mullet Warialda Preschool Gala - Help them Grow On Tuesday the 15th of June, year Written by Regan Chard - Warialda High School work experience

11 Bingara Central School student, Isaak Johnson, finally had the mullet he had been growing for the past 12 months shaved. Isaak shaved his recently dyed mullet, to raise money for Bingara’s Community Comfort, which is an organisation that helps ill people with travel so that they can get the medical care that they need.

Isaak’s aunty Kylie Johnson, and next door neighbor Jane Bilsborough, who have both battled cancer, where there and together they shaved Isaak’s hair in front of his peers at the school. Along side getting his head shaved, Isaak also brought a bucket of lollipops which were to be sold throughout the day. All profits from the day were donated to Isaak’s chosen organisation.

The total amount donated and raised from the shave was $945.60.

Isaak Johnson facing the school’s assembly before the big shave

FREE PRESCHOOL HERE TO STAY Free preschool is now a staple for NSW families with funding confirmed in the 2021/22 NSW Budget for community and mobile preschools reflecting the important part of development and preparation that early childhood education provides.

Treasurer Dominic Perrottet and Minister for Education and Early Childhood Learning Sarah Mitchell recently announced that the new Start Strong Free Preschool program will commence from January 2022.

The new program replaces the current COVID-19 free preschool program, which will conclude at the end of this year, meaning that there will be continuous cost-of-living support for parents and carers.

Warialda Preschool continues to provide many wonderful opportunities for our littlest learners of Warialda and surrounding districts.

Early childhood education is so important, especially in those critical two years before school.

Our dedicated staff provide a nurturing environment, high quality teaching and innovative inquiry-based programs.

Families were excited this week to hear the news that free preschool will continue next year under a new program, ‘Start Strong Free Preschool’ into 2022.

With this great news, we also are aware of the current issue of limited care options in Warialda. With the preschool being full to capacity, the committee and staff are always exploring options on how to cater for more children. This is where the idea of the ‘Help us Grow Gala’ originated.

Hannah Landrigan has been the driving force behind this year’s major fundraiser ‘Help Us Grow Gala’.

This is a community event to be held on Saturday 31st July at the Warialda Town Hall. Food will be provided by smoKING Barbeque. You can support this event by buying a ticket online or by purchasing a raffle ticket to win one of the many wonderful items donated by businesses.

The money raised will be going towards an outdoor imaginary and creative play space and gardens.

Mr Perrottet said the support for families and children has been a priority for the NSW Government over the last two years, with a commitment to removing a layer of financial pressure for many families.

“One of the first things we did in response to COVID-19 was to make preschool free, removing a layer of financial pressure for many families,” Mr Perrottet said.

According to NSW Member for Northern Tablelands Adam Marshall, every single preschool across the Northern Tablelands will benefit.

“Importantly, our most precious gift and future - our children - will continue to receive the early childhood education they need and deserve. It’s an important part of development and preparation, especially in those critical two years before school,” he said.

“Thank you to all the preschool directors, staff and committees across the region for your ongoing dedication to our littlest learners!”

Families will save up to $4,000 per year per child in preschool fees, easing cost of living pressures and helping with the balance of work and family life.

Up to 740 community and mobile preschools will benefit from this important investment. Department of Education preschools will also be supported to continue offering free preschool.

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RETURN AND EARN BACK IN ACTION AND CLEANING UP WARIALDA “At the height of operation, Warialda residents were averaging 53,000 bottles and cans through the Warialda service a month,” Mr Marshall said.

“The new RVM is conveniently located at Carlo’s IGA, making it even easier for the Warialda community to recycle their eligible drink containers and ultimately help the environment while also being rewarded for their efforts.

A RETURN and Earn recycling service is back in Warialda, with Northern Tablelands MP Adam Marshall announcing a reverse vending machine (RVM) is now operational at Carlo’s IGA on Stephen Street.

Between June 2018 and September 2020 a Return and Earn service operated at the Warialda Landfill, recycling almost 1.5 million containers.

Mr Marshall said the Warialda community had shown there was a high demand for this type of service.

“Users of the Warialda machine have the option to print a voucher for the refund amount, redeemable for cash at IGA, or they can opt for an e-voucher or payment into their PayPal or bank account by downloading the MyTOMRA app.

“They can choose to donate some or all of their refund to one of the charity partners listed on the machine “This is a great outcome for Warialda and I thank the management of Carlo’s IGA for its generosity in hosing the new RVM. Gwydir Shire Councillor David Coulton said he was very pleased IGA in Warialda had

Show us your guns: NSW permanent firearms amnesty NSW Police Force and Crime Stoppers are calling for residents to register or surrender illegal firearms and ammunition without being penalised for illegal possession, as part of the first ever permanent national amnesty.

The Amnesty will give Australians a chance to surrender for destruction unwanted or unregistered firearms, parts, and ammunition at no cost and without penalty for illegal possession with the ultimate aim is for safer communities.

This starts with the safe storage of firearms, and the handing in of illegal firearms and ammunition. Taking illegal guns out of the community can never be a bad thing.

The amnesty coincides with the launch of Gun Safe – a new online portal for managing firearms transactions in NSW. Designed with community safety top of mind, this platform is the first of its kind replacing manual licence applications with real time information and verification.

The portal will be linked to the acquisition of firearms in NSW and disposal of firearms locally and interstate. This risk-based system notifies the registry of unusual or unverified transactions which will reduce risk of harm in the community.

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installed a facility for the public to return and earn drink containers.

“Council performed this role for a short period however it is more appropriate that such a facility be provided by private enterprise,” Cr Coulton said.

“This facility will help keep these containers from our roadsides and creeks whilst providing economic returns for the customer.

“I congratulate IGA for the initiative and thank Adam and the State Government for the support.”

Sydney Kids Hospital Foundation is currently featured as the local donation partner on the Warialda machine with all donations received helping fund their important work in the local community.

Local recyclers can also support the Royal Flying Doctors Service, also featured on the machine as the state-wide major donation partner.

The Warialda RVM is located at Carlo’s IGA at 26 Stephen Street, Warialda and is open from 8am to 7pm daily.

For more information on Return and Earn including checking container eligibility or the status of your nearest return point, visit: www.returnandearn.org.au

“Gun safe, the new online portal will ensure that all firearms transactions are accounted for, giving the community peace of mind that police can access real time information when it comes to guns to help prevent crime and keep our communities safe.”

“We encourage NSW residents to take advantage of the amnesty to surrender their firearms, gun parts and ammunition, without fear of being penalised for illegal possession,” said Police Prosecutions and Licensing Enforcement Commander, Assistant Commissioner Scott Cook.

Participating dealers can now accept and record unregistered firearms through the NSW Police Force’s new Gun Safe platform.

Dealers using the digital platform can register firearms, prohibited weapons, gun parts and ammunition under the Amnesty.

“For firearm dealers, Gun Safe provides enhanced recording and reporting functions, and real-time information about firearms on the system,” said Assistant Commissioner Cook.

“The new amnesty enhances the services available to dealers on Gun Safe including more transactions, beyond buying and selling of registered firearms.”

“For police, the system gives us more oversight, so we know when, where and how amnesty guns are being handed in.”

More information about the amnesty and surrendering, registering or selling unwanted firearms is available from crimestoppers.com.au/firearmsamnesty

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Gwydir $23,510 GRANT DELIVERS MUCH-NEEDED JOLT TO WARIALDA SHOWGROUND MORE goose-neck trailers, horse floats and campervans than ever before will be able to hook into power and water at Warialda Showground, with Northern Tablelands MP Adam Marshall today announcing a $23,510 State Government grant to increase the number of outlets across the facility.

Mr Marshall said the improvement would allow a greater number of campers at the ground during major events like the Warialda Campdraft with new power and water outlets are being installed across the ground.

“Equine events in the Gwydir Shire are big business, drawing hundreds of competitors from both sides of the border and injecting thousands of dollars into the local economy each year,” Mr Marshall said. “This project is also the result of the ground’s new western stable block, funded by a $226,489 State Government grant, which necessitated moving water pipes and electricity poles and power outlets.

“During peak events, the ground can service up to 1,500 users. This improvement ensure as many of those people as possible can tap into essential services and enjoy the comforts of their camp sites after a big day in the saddle.”

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“While the showground is a prime venue for events which attract visitors to our shire, the level of maintenance needed to keep it functional also provides work for local tradespeople,” Mr Coulton said.

“Both the new stable blocks and these electricity and water upgrades have been completed by locals. It is our hope to have these latest improvements complete by the end of this year.

“It is very pleasing to have the support of our local member Adam and the State Government. Without this generous assistance we would have struggled to find the funds for these important works.”

Welcoming another cash injection at the Warialda Showground, Northern Tablelands MP Adam Marshall, left, with Warialda Showground Trust life-member David Coulton

Warialda Showground Trust life-member David Coulton said the Warialda P&A committee and board members took great pride in the ownership of the grounds and are very proud of the improvements made over the years by voluntary and local labour.

Australia Post traditional place names on new satchels Australia Post marked 2021 NAIDOC Week and its theme, ‘Heal Country!’ by launching new packaging that includes a dedicated space for the inclusion of Traditional Place names for customers who wish to recognise traditional Country on their mail.

The organisation is also reflecting its ongoing commitment to celebrating First Nations culture by wrapping a number of its Street Posting Boxes in Indigenous artwork with a design created by Darwin’s Marcus Lee of the Karajarri People.

Australia Post’s National Indigenous Manager and Noongar man Chris Heelan said the move to provide room for Traditional Place names on satchels comes after being approached by First Nations Gomeroi woman Rachael McPhail, and has come about as a direct result of customer feedback.

The newly designed Parcel Post and Express Post satchels, which also include an Acknowledgment of Country, have a nominated line below the recipient’s name to include a Traditional Place name above the street address and postcode. Traditional Place names can also be used on letters, provided they appear above the street address and postcode.

For tips on how to identify First Nations localities and sending guidelines visit auspost.com.au/traditionalplacenames 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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TREE CHANGE CAMPAIGN SECRET SUCCESS Bingara Meats Up For Research Sixty Bingara residents took part in a Meat Tasting event run by the University of New England, supported by Meat and Livestock Australia (MLA) and organised and hosted by the Bingara Lions Club on Monday June 28.

The event involved the participants tasting seven different pieces of beef. Each piece was cooked for the same amount of time and at the same temperature, then rested for the same amount of time before tasting. Participants then scored each piece on flavour, juiciness and overall enjoyment and then finally placed in a category of unsatisfactory, everyday grade, better than everyday grade or much better. The difference in each piece of beef was that they came from different breeds, farming locations or cuts.

The research is part of a Meat Standards Australia program that has been going for over twenty years and underpins the MSA grading system for meat sold in Australia that helps improve the quality of Australian meat on the market.

Organiser Scot Crispin would like to thank all participants of the event. The Bingara Lions will receive $1000 for organising the event and this will soon go straight into our local community.

More events such as this will be occurring in the future, with a possible lamb tasting event to be held hopefully later in the year.

Bingara Lions Club President Scot Crispin was presented with a cheque for $1000 from University of New England student, Stephanie

Support line for open for help and advice A free service that connects people with fully trained mental health professionals and can be used at any time, with no referral from a GP needed, has been unveiled. The Line has been created with rural communities in mind, where easy access to mental health services is not always available.

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The Gwydir ShireTree Change Campaign is gaining momentum with several families already making visits to our Shire to explore relocation opportunities.

In the first edition of the new Gwydir News we reported on the “ambitious campaign” undertaken by Gwydir Shire Council to attract new residents to the Shire. It seems that since that time the campaign has gathered a significant amount of interest from places such as Brisbane, Coffs Harbour and Ulladulla to name a few.

The first goal of the campaign was to build a subscriber list of over 2,400 people who may be interested in a tree change, then marketing the Shire to them specifically through social media. This goal was exceeded less than half way through the campaign and since then over 20 families have requested the Shire call them back to discuss the idea further, and to find out what the Shire may have to offer their families.

To date, four employers have been put in touch with these families with the view of filling positions the employers are having difficulty recruiting for. These positions have included farm work, education, hospitality and project management.

In addition to the marketing campaign, Council’s Manager of Business and Economic Development, Chris Turner, has been meeting with local real estate and stock and station agents to come up with ideas to promote the Shire to prospective real estate purchasers from outside the Shire.

Since the Campaign began local real estate professionals have reported an increase in enquiries and are now actively working to find more stock to sell as sales also increase.

An example of the advertising campaign to attract new residents to the Gwydir Shire

If you or someone you know is struggling you can call or text this confidential line to have a conversation with someone who can help.

The Support Line is free-of-charge and open from 9am-5pm every day of the week. On Tuesdays the service is open until 9pm.

Whether you’re a parent, a member of the community or a young person, the line is open to anyone who needs it – as often as they need it.

It could be that you’re being bullied and you want someone to talk to, or you could be a parent looking for advice on how to have a difficult conversation with your kids. Maybe you are just feeling a bit isolated and need

someone to talk to. We are here for you.

Call or text 0488 881 033 to get help today It is because of you, our Dolly’s Dream community, that we are able to provide this important service to the community. Thank you for all that you do to support us and enable us to make an impact.

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Gwydir Justin Kirkby Bob Hawke Landcare Award Finalist

NEWS

Important update from Warialda District Chamber…

Northern Slopes Landacare Board member Justin Kirkby of Amarula Farm, has just been announced as one of three finalists in the Bob Hawke Landcare Award.

After a massive effort from Chamber, Council and IDFS (Inverell and District Family Services), Warailda District Chamber say they have exhausted all avenues and are unfortunately unable to go ahead with a childcare centre in Warialda.

The Bob Hawke Landcare Award is a prestigious, national award that publicly recognises an individual involved in championing Landcare and inspires others to take action on their own property or through a Landcare group.

To proceed with the venture, consulatation determined that there just isn’t the population to make this viable, needing a population of over 5000.

The award recognises leadership and commitment in natural resource management and sustainable agriculture.

The winner will be announced at the 2021 National Landcare Awards gala dinner on Thursday 5 August, 2021.

Justin and Lorroi are also in the running for the National Landcare Farmer of the Year Award. Their passion for their land and their generosity in sharing their learnings with their peers is well known.

WHAT MEASURES HAD THEY GONE TO? THEY: • Secured, with the kind support of council, a building which would have accommodated the service.

• Engaged IDFS (not for profit childcare operator) to explore every possible avenue, and in the end the numbers just didn’t stack up.

• Went been on radio promoting and encouraging the prospect of this service for the community, and • Had some incredible offers of support in man hours and labour to get the building up to code.

Unfortunately after all of this the venture cannot go ahead BUT….they will continue to support and encourage anyone looking at offering an in-home service with the generosity of Council.

Get in touch… there is a fantastic package to support your journey of caring for our little people because #warialdasworthit.

Meanwhile the Chamber is looking for space within the Warialda CBD that would suit the establishment of a shared office/ shop space.

Warialda Chamber member, Laura Cush, says the idea would suit those that may want to showcase a sidehustle or may have thought of opening a shop or office but may not be able to afford the outgoing costs alone.

“There have been enquiries,” said Laura. “For the space we have in mind we need a number of people to mak the space work.”

Award nominee Justin Kirkby on his property Amarula Farm

The concept is currently working well in Uralla’s Little Birdy space which offers a unique shopping experience with 30+ shops under one roof, and hosts workshops, live music and kids art classes.

Anyone in need of an art or creative space, wholesale or office area or somewhere to meet now and then should contact the Chamber at: warialdachamber@gmail.com

LATEST DONATIONS BENEFIT YOUNG READERS AND COMMUNITY COMFORT Bingara Community Op-Shop has proudly donated to both the Bingara Library and the town’s Community Comfort organisation this month, bringing the total of their contributions to $7,000.

Just four months since opening their doors, the group have manage to spread their good fortune across the township, giving back to the very people who support them by way of either donations or purchases.

Bingara Library will use their $3000 windfall to purchase speech pathology approved readers and books.

Community Comfort will continue to nurture those with illness through by supporting them with travel and other suitable assistance.

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$12,647 ‘Yielded’ for Gravesend Public School community garden A FLOURISHING community garden at Gravesend Public School is serving up healthy fresh produce to local families, with Northern Tablelands MP Adam Marshall today announcing a $12,647 State Government grant to extend the greenery with an Indigenous ‘bush tucker’ component.

Mr Marshall said the community garden was one of the few beautiful things to sprout from the dust of drought.

“During those terrible dry years teachers at Gravesend identified struggling families needed help to access fresh produce,” Mr Marshall said.

“Sprawling garden beds now cover the school grounds with students learning to grow all manner of edible and non-edible plants in an innovative ‘paddock to plate’ program.

“Now a bush tucker track is being added to educate the community on the traditional uses of native plants in cooking, medicine

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and tool making.

cooking lessons,” Mrs Todd said.

“As part of their classroom education students will build the garden beds, plant, maintain and water seedlings and harvest the end product.

“By increasing our garden we will be able to grow more produce and support our community by sharing our facilities and building community mentorship opportunities.

“Principal Jackie Todd hopes this new garden will also develop in the school community that important life skill of growing and caring for their own food source.

“Already this garden has successfully encouraged a healthier diet amongst students, especially those that are fussy eaters. The gardens are open to everyone from the mobile preschool to members of the general public.”

“The Bush Tucker Track will also be part of our community initiative. It was devised in consultation with our AECG and our Local Aboriginal Education Ambassador.

“The aim is to promote understanding and appreciation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Histories and Culture.”

Principal Jackie Todd said the school community was very excited to be able to continue to build on its ‘Paddock to Plate’ Program.

“Last year our P&C supported the building of an Outdoor Kitchen which we use for

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Gwydir FAY GRIEVE SUCCESSFUL AT STATE LEVEL CWA

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Oliver Twist comes together for the North-West Theatre Company’s August theatre offer Whether its as the Charles Dicken’s novel ‘Oliver Twist’ or the famous Lionel Bart musical “Oliver!” or its award-winning movie sequel, the story of the orphan boy in the slums of early Victorian London, lives on in our memories.

Contributed by Jan Rose

The COUNTRY WOMEN’S ASSOCIATION is an organisation which has been long years established across Australia and has worked tirelessly to support country women in their lifestyles and personal endeavours.

At the 41st Academy Awards for 1968, Oliver! was nominated for eleven Academy Awards and won six, including Best Picture and Best Director. At the 26th Golden Globe Awards, the film won two Golden Globes: for Best Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy, and Best Actor – Musical or Comedy for Ron Moody as the master fence Fagin.

The CWA of NSW run an annual competition with selections from all CWA groups in this state. Specifically, this is the NSW State Handicraft Competition.

Fay Grieve from Warialda CWA heard about this event and decided to enter a beautiful square, crocheted, all-wool rug with about 30 flowers in tones of purple, pink, gold, green and put together in cream, which was entered from the Gwydir Group meeting at Yetman this year.

Judging took place at Bega where the Annual CWA Conference was being held – Fay was awarded First Prize State CWA competition.

This is no surprise to those who know Fay’s amazing skills in so many crafts. Local shows have displayed her prize-winning exhibits in areas of knitting, crochet, embroidery, quilts, rugs and pillows for many years At the Bingara Show recently, a comment from a person who regularly visits Sydney Show pavilions was made that Fay’s crochet item on display at Bingara would easily have won at that state show.

Congratulations Fay – well done!

The NWTC decided to take on a production of ‘Oliver Twist’ as a play adaptation in order to engage our senior and junior players into a fun play. Director Rick Hutton wrote the adaptation with ideas taken from both the novel and the musical.

Some of the orchestrations from the musical are used to change the scenes on the multi-layered stage and the cast remains ‘on stage’ for the whole show. Many of the players, both old and young are performing on stage for the first time. There is a lot of fun being had be all of the cast several playing multi-roles.

Newcomer, Amber Hall, is having a ball interpreting Mr Bumble the Beadle of the Parish Workhouse, while NWTC stalwarts Lee Loudon and Tanya Heaton enjoy some cross-dressing in both male and female roles.

And the kids are enjoying being in the roles of the Workhouse Children and as the members of Fagin’s gang of Pickpockets. Lachie McIntosh plays the Artful Dodger, and Ruby Miller is simply adorable in the title role of Oliver Twist.

Add to these Bill McIntosh as Fagin, his daughter Bella as Nancy, and Kai Stamer as the brutish Bill Sykes and you have just a few of the wonderful cast. This is live theatre at its community best with fun and frolics and many surprises.

Bookings can be made through the Bingara Visitor Information Centre and you can use your Government Recreation Vouchers to purchase tickets. There are four public performances, evening shows on Saturday August 14 and 21 and matinees on Sundays August 15 and 22.

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North West Theatre Company Film Club MOVIE OF THE MONTH Submitted by Rick Hutton – NWTC Publicity Officer.

REBECCA – 1940 NWTC Film NWTC Club Presents

‘Rebecca’ is hauntingly beautiful!

The North-West Theatre Company Film Club’s July movie offer is “Rebecca”. Rebecca is a 1940 American romantic psychological thriller film directed by Alfred Hitchcock. It was Hitchcock’s first American project, and his first film under contract with producer David O. Selznick.

NWTC Film Club Presents Sunday July 25th 4pm The Roxy Theatre

The film stars Laurence Olivier as the brooding, aristocratic widower Maxim de Winter and Joan Fontaine as the young woman who becomes his second wife, with Judith Anderson, George Sanders and Gladys Cooper in supporting roles.

The film is a gothic tale shot in black-and-white. Maxim de Winter’s first wife Rebecca, who died before the events of the film, is never seen. Her reputation and recollections of her, however, are a constant presence in the lives of Maxim, his new wife, and the housekeeper Mrs. Danvers.

“Rebecca” was theatrically released on April 12,1940 to critical and commercial success. It received eleven nominations at the 13th Academy Awards, more than any other film that year.

“Rebecca” won two awards; Best Picture, and Best Cinematography.

It became the only film directed by Hitchcock to win the former award.

In 2018, the film was selected for preservation in the United States National Film Registry by the Library of Congress as being “culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant.”

“Rebecca” will show at the Roxy Theatre, Bingara at 4:00pm on Sunday July 25. Non members of the Film Club are welcome to attend and join at the showing.

SAVE THE DATE FOR PULSE OF THE EARTH Pulse is back – a festival of fun, food, live music, markets, kid’s creative space plus lots of challenging speakers. Friday night is a regenerative film festival, then Saturday and Sunday at the living classroom.

Remember 2019 – a wonderful festival despite the weather – no dust this year. Highlights to include: • Music all day and into the night • Speakers under the broad heading “soil health, human health, your wealth” • Free camping and parking on the showground • Lion’s markets plus • Launch of newspaper (copy to all attendees) and showing of artist farmer scientist works of art Full details next month – save the date and invite your friends – make a weekend of it – spring out of winter.

Contact: Megs Stamer 0458549774, Garry McDouall 0428834281, Rick Hutton 0438355197 14

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ARTS NORTH-WEST PANORAMA PROJECT VISIT LIBRARIES through imagery, colour and media, while also capturing a moment in time, and serves a kind of visual historical document of a challenging time.

“It was originally meant to be a much smaller project, but when COVID hit in March 2020 we thought it would be a useful project because everybody was stuck at home,” said Panorama Project Manager with Arts North-West, Michele Jedlicka.

The Panorama Project, a collective arts activity from Arts North-West, engaging hundreds of people across the New England and North-West of NSW has been on display at Warialda library over the last couple of weeks.

What started with a small, personal sketchbook, delivered to each participant, ended as a travelling exhibition of all sketchbooks, transformed by the breadth of imagination, talent, and voices of this vast region.

The project provided a rare opportunity for a wide audience to understand the perspectives of people in New England North-West

“Sketch books were sent out and to be returned after a certain period of time. Participants could do anything they wanted to in them, with the understanding we would collect them and put them together in an exhibition that would tour local libraries,” she said.

With no limits the books explore all manner of creative methods to explore a massive variety of ideas.

Some books were totally transformed; pulled apart before being put back together. Some hold words about isolation, others are visual diaries or illustrators, retired businessmen, mixed-media artists and sculptors.

The exhibition will be moved to Bingara Library in mid-July before continuing on its tour of the New England North-West.

The Gwydir News will take a deeper dive into the Project in next month’s edition.

Coming to the Roxy Theatre in October 2020 Golden Guitar winners Felicity Urqhuart and Lyn Bowtell are bringing their world class performance to Bingara this October.

Tables and allocated seating available, with social distancing and other COVID-19 requirements to be adhered to. Dine and Discover vouchers can be used for tickets if purchase is made by the 31st August. https://www.trybooking.com/events/landing?eid=760037&

EXHIBITION SUCCESS The Old Court House Gallery would like to thank its patrons for supporting the current Simon Munro Wingaa-li exhibition.

Steering Committee member, Cr Francis Young says they have been pleased with the number of visitors to the Gallery, particularly over the Happy Days Orange Festival weekend.

To date, 14 of the 40 works in the exhibition have been sold with several others being seriously looked at. Wingaa-li has now wound up but watch this space for what is coming to the Gallery next.

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Bingara District Historical Society Heritage Walk As research began, the task soon became more substantial than first provisioned for. Several deadlines were extended, and responsibilities redeployed as Historical Society members moved on.

Society member, Mr Ted Sparke, headed the project and says that there was a multitude of contributors who were extensive in their contribution.

The Bingara Historical Society Heritage Walk was officially launched at the opening of the Orange Festival Carnival on Saturday 26th June.

The project initially began back in April 2013 when the Historical Society decided to put a proposal to Council to assist in installing picture boards and plaques showing the history of business premises along Maitland Street, Bingara.

“Secretary Kath and Stella Carnal designed the No 1 plaque, which was placed on the lawn at the front of the Bingara Museum,” he said. “President Jane Connolly (Oliveri) did hours of computer work setting out the original drafts, which went on public display in the dining room at the Bingara Showground in November 2014.”

Fay’s Lorry - Driver: Jack McEvoy

Harry Fay’s Store, Bingara – 1925 L-R: Sean bilsborough, Bert Fay, Vida Lanagan, Charlie Fay, Reg Smith and George Crawford THE

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Council staff have assisted the Historical Society to complete this project and tourist brochure has been compiled to provide guidance of the location of these signs.

Brochures are available from the Museum and Visitor Information Centre. The Heritage Walk runs along Maitland Street starting at the Museum.

The Orange Festival seemed the perfect occasion for the opening of the Walk, and

Bingara IGA takes trip down memory lane

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a presentation was made to Ted Sparke for his tireless research into the history of the buildings in Maitland Street, Bingara.

Call in to Bingara IGA and view the wall of historic photos depicting the history of H. Fay & Sons. Hung this month, the display was enabled by Susan hutton and can be found between the Electrical and Hardware Departments.

Fay’s 1934: Clothing Department

Fay’s Delivery Trucks – 1945 Drivers L-R: Doug Crawford, Alf East, Chas Saunders,Roy Fay and Lloyd Reading COMMUN ITY N EWS FOR THE GWYDIR SHIR E A N D SURROUN DS

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SCHOOL NEWS

St Joseph’s Warialda

Currently at St Joseph’s Warialda, 28% of the students identify as Aboriginal–Torres Strait Islander.

One of our focus areas for 2021 is building strong connections with our local Aboriginal culture and last year our Stage 2 and 3 students looked at historical and current Aboriginal issues. They visited the Myall Creek Memorial Site with class teacher, Ruth Anderson, and Aboriginal Education Assistant, Tianna Egan, and were privileged to have been led by Sharon Cooke, Manager of Indigenous Education – Catholic Education Office, Armidale.

Warialda High School

Since this excursion, students have been suggesting sites for a permanent outdoor Aboriginal space that will help students connect to Kamilaroi land. With the assistance of Mrs Egan, we have chosen the site of our former school bell, a grass area adjacent to our COLA and tennis court. We have been using this space unofficially to commemorate Sorry Day, National Reconciliation Week and NAIDOC Week.

SELFIES, SHOPPING AND SOPHISTICATION School leaders from across the state travelled to Sydney for a leadership conference at Parliament House. Students met with the Governor, as well as various ministers from across NSW. The current status of education, future career opportunities in parliament, as well as the Governor’s role in NSW were some of the topics for discussion. Students were treated to a tour of the Governor’s residence, indulging in a delicious high tea.

Thanks to Rachel and Ben for Sharing their experience with us.

Our children who identify as Aºboriginal have been planning the design for this space and will include a retainer wall with a bush garden, a yarning circle made of crushed gravel and space for Kamilaroi totems including a mural.

Our next step is for the children to come up with the final design to submit to the school community then the preparation of the site by levelling the surface and constructing the retainer wall.

WARIALDA PUBLIC SCHOOL Miss Jeffree continues to host the Busy Bee Kinder transition program. Miss Jeffree is so impressed with the impact of this program as students are already feeling extremely comfortable in our school setting and importantly, we are getting to know the students very well. It is exciting to see our Year 5 students to interact with these little people and start forming strong relationships in readiness to support them in 2022.

This term the boys and girls of 3/4 R have been studying Contemporary Abstract Artists from around the world. They spent time appreciating the works of various artists and experimenting using their specific techniques. They have worked very hard to produce some amazing artworks and cannot wait to show the final products.

MUSIC TO BRIGHTEN THE DAY Students in Years 8 to 12 made the most of a very welcome opportunity to perform for hospital residents and staff at the end of term. There were a few tunes from the Middle School Band, piano solos and vocalists. What a great way to start the week! To view some of the amazing performances of our talented students, head to the Warialda MPS Local Health Committee page.

PERFECT ATTENDANCE Congratulations to Jackson who picked up a shiny, brand new mountain bike just for coming to school every day!

Enjoy the new wheels, mate!

Dan van Velthuizen – Principal 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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Bingara Central School VISUAL ARTS EXHIBITION EXCURSION Stage 5 Visual Arts students have visited The Old Court House Gallery to view the Aboriginal artist, Simon Munro’s exhibition titled, ‘Guwaa-Li’, about the Art and Heart of Storytelling.

Students were able to see first-hand Simon’s works which were a mix of paintings, sculpture and printmaking. It was fantastic to see the way the artist portrayed a blend of cultures within a contemporary world. The local Gwydir area was also a common theme within his works.

THOMPSON CUP - 2021 Congratulations to all students who participated in this year’s Thompson Cup. •

Winning House - FRASER

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2021 Marching House Champion - BRADMAN (pictured above)

This year’s Age Champions are: JUNIOR PRIMARY GIRLS -Lily M and Chloe T, JUNIOR PRIMARY BOYS - Howie G 11 YEARS GIRLS - Scarlett S, 11 YEARS BOYS - Jarrod K SENIOR PRIMARY GIRLS - Ruby T, SENIOR PRIMARY BOYS - Jarrod P JUNIOR SECONDARY GIRLS - Zoe A and Mailee S, JUNIOR SECONDARY BOYS - Kye S SENIOR SECONDARY GIRLS - Casey W, SENIOR SECONDARY BOYS - Andrew B OPEN GIRLS - Karys S, OPEN BOYS - Will J QUEEN OF THE TRACK: SCARLETT S KING OF THE TRACK: JARROD P

Warialda Preschool INFANTS FROLIC Students from years K-2 entertained their peers as well as family and friends on the last Thursday of term 2 with performances in the annual Infants Frolic. Each grade dressed up and demonstrated their dancing abilities before they were joined by guests for an enthusiastic vesion of the ‘Chicken Dance’.

AFRICAN EXPERIENCE PERFORMANCE Children have the opportunity to explore the diversity of culture and traditions. All children on Monday participated in playing a variety of African instruments and learning about African homes, clothes and names.

FINE MOTOR SKILLS There are many ways in which children can practice their fine motor techniques and strength, doing so in fun child focused activities creates learning opportunities for all children to engage in. Some experiences programmed this recently included chalk grating and specific tools in the playdough.

PRE-READING SKILLS. Adding the felt board to the reading area has spark children’s interest in reading and retelling some of their favourite stories. We are going on a bear hunt is always a fun story for the children to interact with.

Enjoying the morning of dress-up, dance and music Year 1 student, Novak 00 18

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Warialda Preschool students enjoy Afican performand and improve fine motor skills They recenly participated in Beanies for Brain Cancer Week COMMUN ITY N EWS FOR THE GWYDIR SHIR E A N D SURROUN DS

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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. Email: editor@thegwydirnews.com.au

JULY 2021

28th

100 Mile Long Lunch – Gravesend

21st

Warialda Wombats General Meeting – 6:30pm, Warialda Golf and Bowling Club

28–29th

Warialda Fun Fly and Swap Meet – Warialda Air Strip

23rd

Warialda Presbyterian Church Soup and Damper Day – Presbyterian Church Hall

28–29th

Coolatai Quilt Show – Coolatai Hall, from 9:30am Saturday and 9am Sunday

29th

NW Film Club – ‘The Big Chill’, Roxy Theatre, Bingara

Bingara Lions Markets – from 8:30am, 24th Maitland Street, Bingara 24th

Legacy Street Stall – Maitland Street, Bingara, from 8:30am

24th

Gwydir Rugby Club – 10 years of the Rats

SEPTEMBER 2021

25th

NW Film Club – ‘Rebecca’, Roxy Theatre, Bingara

26th

Bingara Central School P&C meeting – 4:15pm Bingara School Library

2–3rd

Legacy Street Stall – Outside Citizens Centre, Maitland Street, Bingara

29th

Gwydir Shire Council meeting – 9:00am, Warialda Council Chambers

3–5th

Pulse of the Earth Festival – The Living Classroom, Bingara

31st

Warialda Preschool Gala – 6-11:30pm, Warialda Town Hall

4th

Local Government elections – various locations

31st- Aug

Raffaella Picotti Exhibition and winners of Travellering Quilters Exhibition announced – Ceramic Break Sculpture Park

4th

Carinda Father’s Day Markets – Carinda House, Warialda

11th

Pony Express Bike Ride – Upper Horton

11th

Opening – ‘Artists of Castlemaine’ Exhibition, Ceramic Break Sculpture Park

17th

Last day Term 3

17–19th

Warialda 200 – Mount Monomeeth Honey Festival – Warialda Recreation Ground

AUGUST 2021 11th

Bingara Men’s Golf AGM – 11am, Sporting Club

18th

13th

Black Friday Bingo Night – Warialda High School Fundraiser

25th

Upper Horton Pony Club Ribbon Day

14–23rd

Oliver Twist - North West theatre Company Roxy Theatre, Bingara. Various times and dates.

26th

NW Film Club – ‘A Bunch of Amateurs’, Roxy Theatre, Bingara

21st-22nd

Gravesend Campdraft

29th

Legacy Week begins

24th

North Star Trail Ride – North Star

Bingara Lions Markets – from 8:30am, 24th Maitland Street, Bingara

SAVE THE DATE 2-3rd Oct

Team Sorting – Upper Horton

9-10th Oct

Black and white art workshop with Hugh McKidd – Claypan Fuller Gallery, Barraba

16th Oct

Warialda Christmas Carnival Trivia Night

16th Oct

Bingara Anglican Church Flower Show

18–24th Oct Get Online Week – local libraries

COOPER & SMITH OPTOMETRISTS Moree and Goondiwindi

Next visit to Warialda is on Wednesday 25th August For appointments, contact the Warialda Medical Centre on 6729 1520 Next visit to Bingara is on Thursday 26th August For appointments, contact the Bingara Medical Centre on 6724 1900 COM MUN IT Y N E WS FO R TH E GWYD IR S H IRE AND S U RROUN DS

23rd Oct

Felicity Urqhuart and Lyn Bowtell – Roxy Theatre, Bingara

23rd Oct

Warialda Hospital Auxillary market night

12th Dec

Bingara Hospital’s Carols by Candlelight

19th Dec Santa Visit – Bingara RSL Club

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villages, and the Local Roads and Community Infrastructure program which is assisting councils in every corner of the country to deliver priority local road and infrastructure projects to support jobs and boost the resilience of local economies and to help communities bounce back from the pandemic.

I’m particularly proud and pleased with the progress we’ve collectively made over the past two years in regional health, in the areas of workforce distribution, changes to GP and allied health training and positive improvements to how bush doctors are remunerated.

Coulton’s Catch Up COMMITTED TO THE PARKES ELECTORATE You’d be aware by now that as a result of the recent Cabinet reshuffle, I am no longer the Minister for Regional Health, Regional Communications and Local Government.

I am proud of all the programs and changes I was able to deliver during my time as Minister, such as the introduction of the Regional Connectivity Program which will improve broadband access to many small towns and

While I am disappointed to lose my ministerial role, I remain as committed as ever to delivering for the Parkes electorate. I will continue to turn up each and every day for the wonderful people of this electorate. You are the people who have put me in Parliament for the past 14 years, and to you I am very grateful.

KEY MEASURES NOW IN PLACE The Coalition Government is continuing to secure Australia’s recovery from COVID-19 with a number of key measures in effect as of 1 July.

More than 10 million low-and-middle income earners will be eligible to receive tax cuts

worth up to $1,080 for individuals or up to $2,160 for couples.

Small and medium sized businesses will benefit from a tax rate drop of 25 per cent, the extension of the instant asset write-off and the temporary loss carry-back regime, and an increase in wage subsidies so hiring an eligible job seeker is supported by up to $10,000.

First home buyers and single parents now have the opportunity to enter the housing market, with an additional 30,000 places available to eligible applicants under the Coalition Government’s First Home Loan Deposit Scheme, the temporary New Home Guarantee program, and the Family Home Guarantee.

The YourSuper comparison tool is now online, giving Australians access to a single, trusted and independent source of information to compare fees and returns.

The Government is also slashing red tape for skilled workers who’ll now have an easier time working across states and territories.

Together, these comprehensive measures will put more money in the pockets of hardworking Australians and help support the creation of jobs.

FUNDING BOOST FOR BIG RIVER DREAMING PROJECT Murray-Darling Basin communities in the New England Electorate are set to benefit from a $300,000 grant under the third round of the Coalition Government’s Economic Development Program.

Deputy Prime Minister and Member for New England, Barnaby Joyce joined with the Minister for Resources and Water, Keith Pitt to announce the grant to Gwydir Shire Council.

Mr Joyce, who is also Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development, said the Economic Development Program grants help strengthen and diversify the economies of local communities impacted by aspects of the Murray–Darling Basin Plan.

“The $300,000 grant will fund Stage 2 of the Big River Dreaming Project, currently being undertaken by the Gwydir Shire Council. The project was selected to receive funding under Round 3 and will help communities by using local suppliers and resources, as well as through local knowledge, to drive the best outcomes for our region,” Mr Joyce said.

Minister Pitt said the Big River Dreaming Project was part of ongoing announcements regarding round 3 of the program. “I will announce further successful projects to create new jobs in the Murray–Darling Basin communities as these are approved and finalised,” Mr Pitt said.

“The approved projects will create new jobs as they are delivered, as well as enduring employment opportunities, increase the capacity of communities to diversify and strengthen their local economies, to help them manage their current and future economic challenges and changes,” Mr Pitt said.

Mr Joyce said, “Across the Murray-Darling Basin, people have been dealing with the biggest water reform in Australia’s history along with drought, demographic change and commodity price change.This funding recognises the pressures many people in the Basin’s rural and regional communities are under, and seeks to create new economic activity and job opportunities for impacted communities.

“Close to $39 million of funding has already been approved under Rounds 1 and 2 of the program for a wide range of activities throughout Murray-Darling Basin communities,” Mr Joyce concluded.

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In Memorium John Andrew CRONIN 13.11.1981 – 31-07-2015 In memory of a much loved husband, Dad and son.

Remembered always, Renae, Mitchell, Sienna and Mum

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Parish-based Sacramental Program for - 2021

Town Water Supply Rejected for Warialda Rail

The churches of St Patrick’s Warialda and St Mary’s Bingaraare calling for eligible children to enrol for the sacraments of Reconciliation, the First Holy Communion (August 15th), and Confirmation (October 22-24).

Father Thaddeus will run information meetings in the weeks before the programs commence. Baptised children are eligible to join the in the receiving any of the sacraments. Children in Years 5 and 6 who have made their First Reconciliation and First Holy Communion, and any adult are eligible to join the Confirmation program. The Bishop of the diocese visits our Parish every two years. He will also meet with the Confirmation candidates prior to the conferring of the sacrament. Please contact Fr Thaddeus for further information: (02) 6729 1116 or Email: warialdaparish@armidale. catholic.org.au

The results of a survey proposing a town water supply for Warialda Rail were returned with a strong consensus against the plan.

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The survey, which was undertaken in March and April this year, was taken to all Warialda Rail residents and absentee ratepayers after the issue was taken to local member Adam Marshall MP by a local resident.

The Australian of the Year Awards recognise individuals who are changing lives and Australian society for the better; someone whose challenges and triumphs are manifested in their life experience and personal journey, beyond their career achievements.

A person who has taken risks, done the hard yards and been a pioneer in their field, positively impacting the lives of others.

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Of the returned surveys, 70% were against the proposal with the remaining 30% voting for the town water supply. At the recently held community meeting there were no supporters of the proposal.

There was some concern amongst the community that if the scheme was to go ahead, residents who did not require the service would be required to pay regardless.

Overwhelmingly, most residents have only ever needed to buy water was during the recent drought when many of the area’s bores ran dry. This has not been an issue in the past, and so the scheme was seen by many as having a low need.

When the matter was taken to the June Council meeting it was deemed that no further action will be taken on the matter.

The Hon. Adam Marshall MP, Member for the Northern Tablelands will be advised of the outcome of the survey.

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Every U3A Balance ‘n’ Bones Monday 8:00am-9:00am,

Bingara Community College

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TENNIS CHAMPIONSHIPS OVER FOR ANOTHER YEAR run more smoothly next year. Also, with the extended program we offered, players were able to play much more tennis - a real bonus. I would like to thank all players on the standard of tennis played and their patience and forbearance with us and the new system.

A huge thank you goes out to all sponsors in appreciation for their continued support.

... with Jan Miller The Bush Bash Open Tennis Championships are over for another year.

A great tournament was played with a lot of really top tennis in all divisions. This year 82 players travelled from Melbourne, ACT, Sydney, Central Coast, Brisbane, Port Macquarie, Tamworth, Gunnedah, Warren, Inverell, Barraba and Bingara.

Many of the players have been coming here for many years now and we look forward to their annual visit - it’s almost as much about the camaraderie as the competition.

It started out, as usual, on Saturday morning, with rain and wet courts, Almost too wet to play on – but start we did, only managing to get a couple of hours play in before the courts around the service lines were resembling a cow paddock. Play was suspended for the remainder of Saturday to allow for a bit of drying time.

We were all back on Sunday morning and it looked promising and with some of our visiting players on the rollers and helping with line-marking. Play resumed around 10:00am, continuing into the night under lights.

Monday morning, back to the courts at 7:00am and now with a team of volunteer visitors helping to get our faithful old clay courts ready for another days play.

We were underway at 8:00am – a super human effort – and our massive thanks and gratitude to those concerned (Bob Balmer and Pat Staunton who worked with Steve rolling andmarking those lines. There was absolutely no way Tony and Steve could have done it on their own).

Play continued until just after 5:00pm and I applaud everyone who stayed on to finish their matches, even when many had long drives ahead of them to get home for work the following day.

The new computer-generated system that we trialled this year proved to be quite a learning curve for us but I’m sure it will

Event Sponsors: Bingara IGA & Hardware: Open Championship - Men’s and Women’s Singles.

Bingara IGA & Hardware and The Imperial Hotel: Open Championship - Men’s Doubles, Women’s Doubles and Mixed Doubles.

Bingara IGA & Hardware and Meat on Maitland: Specials - Singles, Doubles and Mixed Doubles Bingara Veterinary Clinic and Fossickers Way Motel: B Grade - Men’s Singles; Women’s Singles; Men’s Doubles: Women’s Doubles and Mixed Doubles McGregor Gourlay Agriculture Services and JA McGregor Livestock & Property: C Grade - Men’s Doubles; Women’s Doubles and Mixed Doubles.

Ray White Rural Bingara: Veterans Doubles.

Other Sponsors: Bingara Pharmacy; Ivan Galvin; Lenore, Dewberry Lane; HopwoodMiller; Gwydir Shire Council; Bingara Post Office; Bingara Central School; Bingara Lions Club; and Bingara Sporting Club.

Congratulation to all our Winners. 2021 Match Results are: Open Men’s Singles - Winner: Martin Russell, Runner-up: Jon Kubler Open Women’s Singles - Winner: Taya Powell, Runner-up: Sarah Cross

Special Mixed Doubles - Winners: Susan Officer and Pat Staunton, Runners-up: Ludmila Crowther and Joel Palmer B Grade Men’s Singles - Winner: Daniel Helsdingen, Runner-up: Aaron McNamara B Grade Women’s Singles - Winner: Majella Goulston, Runner-up: Eliza Hansen B Grade Men’s Doubles - Winners: Josh and Paul Cottee, Runners-up: Aaron McNamara and Josh Parker B Grade Women’s Doubles – Winners: Ellie Wade and Jessica Wade, Runners-up: Matilda Carey and Majella Goulstone B Grade Mixed Doubles – Winners: Remy Smith and Daniel Helsdingen, Runners-up: Jessica Wade and Paul Staunton C Grade Men’s Doubles – Winners: Josh Cottee and Jack Young, Runners-up: Josh Bennie and Andrew Clark C Grade Women’s Doubles – Winners: Alix Wade and Ellie Wade, Runners-up: Charmaine Best and Nicole Dixon C Grade Mixed Doubles – Winners: Ellie Wade and Josh Bennie, Runners-up: Charmaine and David Best Veterans Doubles – Winners: Rob Balmer and Phil Somerfield, Runners-up: Andy Goulstone and Brendan Kelaher Raffle Winners: Alice Patterson, Lil Steiger, Cookie East, Gail Galvin, Robin Coss, Hedley Brookes, Bec Mack, Tom Mellor, Bob, Jim Kinder, Sheree Dederer and Charmaine Best.

100 Club No. 1 Winners - Chloe Young, Pete Balmer x 2 100 Club No. 2 Winners – Pete Anderson, David Armitage and Lil Steiger

Open Men’s Doubles - Winners: Daniel Nash and Luke Powell, Runners-up: Masood Ahmed and Masroor Ahmed Open Women’s Doubles - Winners: Isabelle Moore and Majella Goulston, Runners-up: Ludmilla Crowther and Sarah Cross Open Mixed Doubles - Winners: Taya Powell and Martin Russell, Runners-up: Sarah Cross and Daniel Nash Special Single - Winner: Andrew Goulstone, Runner-up: Masood Ahmed Special Doubles - Unplayed, but as the 4 players concerned are from the same Sydney club this match will be played there and their club will inform us of the result.

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Veterens Doubles winners, Rob Balmer and Phil Somerfield THE

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Annual Off-Road 200 Fast Approaching for Warialda

Wes Ball wins Scutt Cup A great round of golf from Wes Ball saw him hold Danny Capel off to win the Scutt Cup in Bingara last month. With a 65 Nett, both players will be scrutinized by the handicapper.

A good field of 21 players contested this year’s Cup and Richard was pleased to hand it off to the winner.

Two local players (Slim Peebles and Tex Wright) also represented Bingara at Mungindi on that same weekend for the Northwest District Sand Green Championships with Tex winning the district Vets prize. Congratulations Tex. Unfortunately, Covid outbreak in Sydney has caused the cancellation of Pennants in Bingara recently.

Bingara Men’s Golf AGM is to be held on Saturday 8th August at 11am. Happy Golfing!

Scutt Cup winner, Wes Ball recieving his trophy from Richard Scutt

WPS – PSSA NORTH WEST RUGBY LEAGUE CHAMPIONS

The dates are set for the 2021 Hunter Rivmasta Off-Road 200 Warialda, to be held over the 18th and 19th September at Mount Monomeeth. Running since 1990 the event is one of the highlights of the calendar for the Gwydir Shire.

The Warialda Motor Sports Club committee is well on track to produce the biggest little race of the year after a few years of heartbreak. This will be only the second time the event has been held since 2015 thanks to year’s of drought and more recently COVID-19.

Congratulations to the Warialda Public School Boys Rugby League team who are the 2021 PSSA North-West Rugby League Champions.

The boys most recent victory, with an 18-12 defeat of Westdale in an epic grand-final at Tamworth’s Scully Park sees them become one of the top eight teams in the state. In the lead up to the grand-final the team defeated Gunnedah 22-18 before overcoming Tamworth in a tight scoreline of 8 – 6.

Making up the successful side were: Fullback – Sam Lyons, Wing – Jock Kirkby, Centre – Alec Michel, Centre – Kingston Hall, Wing – Gus Stewart, 5/8 – Maison Cory, Halfback – Ryli Ireland, Lock - Darcy Mitchell (c), Second Row - Darcy Hawkins, Second Row - Max Barwick, Front Row – Ned Jones, Dummy Half – Roley van Velthuizen, Front Row – Chayse Cooper, Interchange – Harry Hawkins, Interchange – Harry Brooks, Interchange – Banjo Mitchell, Interchange – Mason Nieddu.

Saturday’s racing will set the benchmark for the two-day event, starting with the prologue. It promises to always be an exciting exhibition of racing with the big guns keen to stamp their authority, before moving into the inaugural ‘Big Wheel Top 11 Shootout’. This event is run in honour of Warialda’s legendary icon and most cherished member Terry Rose.

The Warialda track offers full catering facilities and great spectator viewing, so take the family along and get bitten by the off-road racing bug for only $10 per car.

Racing is set to get underway from 9am on both days.

Warialda Primary School’s Champion Rugby League side 26

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Gwydir YOGA FOR EVERY-BODY Anytime is the perfect time to try something new or to add something extra into your wellbeing regime. So maybe it’s time to try YOGA under the expert guidance of teacher Karen Bishton and benefit from her 25 years experience.

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RUGBY SEVENS OLYMPIC TEAM ANNOUNCED

Yoga is both preventative and therapeutic to the body and mind as it strengthens and generates movement through the body.

It builds strength and helps to maintain mobility, and through controlled breathing and focus, the mind benefits as well. Yoga all is about developing body awareness, increasing the ability to relax and learn skills to improve your sleep patterns and really sharpen your focus, and increase endurance physically, mentally and emotionally.

One regular yogi - Anne commented, “After a major health issue in my life 6 years ago I found yoga. The benefits have been enormous. Karen’s encouragement, support and belief in my capabilities have ensured I continue to achieve my goals.”

Mark said, “The main reason I started going to yoga was at the insistence of my wife who could see I was getting so wound up with the pressures of work and drought. I kept going because I realised the benefits of stretching and breathing to free up the tightness and strain that your body develops from stress and lack of beneficial exercise’.

There is a never-ending list of reasons why people come to a yoga class, sometimes it’s simply to meet others in a relaxed fun environment. With a selection of times and classes at The Gwydir Health Hub in Bingara, there should be something for everyone. www.selahyoga.com.au FB: Selah Yoga Instagram: selahyogakaz

Following their visit to the region in March residents of Gwydir Shire may be interested in supporting Australian Women’s Sevens team which was recently announced as the team strive for Gold in Tokyo.Your support and well wishes can be forwarded to the following email address.

Nominate a particular player or just wish the entire team good luck.

Send your message to Harrison.wakeling@rugby.com.au

WOMBATS ANNOUNCE NEW COACH The Warialda Wombats are pleased to announce the appointment of Ben Kennedy as the new Senior Football coach for the 2022 season.

After starting his junior days for the Warialda Wombats, his playing career has spanned over the last decade.

With this year seeing Ben take on the coaching role for the U9’s junior Wombats side.

For Ben the opportunity to take the reins as the senior coach is exciting and he is looking forward to stamping his own mark at the Wombats in 2022.

Kennedy already has a strong knowledge of our playing list for the 2022 season which will be beneficial as we ramp up our recruiting over the next few months.

The committee would like to wish Ben success in guiding the mighty red and black back to its former glory.

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Gwydir WARIALDA NETBALL SEASON WRAP-UP Warialda Netball Association held their Senior Grand Final competition on Wednesday 23rd June at the Warialda Stadium.

In a very close B-grade game, Rim Rattlers narrowly defeated Odds and Ends, 22 to 21 goals. A-grade saw Not 3 Feet defeated Stand Beside, 20 to 7 points, in what was an extremely fast paced event!

MVP’s are chosen from the grand final game by the umpires every season. Jasmin Cuell and Jack Digby were declared the notable MVP’s of these games.

Throughout the season an MVP is also awarded to a male and female player each week. Chosen by the duty team each week, points are tallied up at the end of each

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game. Dylan Butler and Georgia Strang were the worthy recipients of the MVP awards throughout the duration of the season.

netball continue in Warialda please c ome along to the meeting and take on a committee position.

Every year a Sportsmanship Award is presented to a player who displays fairness, honesty, respect and kindness throughout the time of the competition. This year, Ruby Mitchell was the well deserving recipient of this trophy.

Congratulations to everyone who took part in the Wednesday night competition this season.

Thank you to Ruth Smith for umpiring the finals.

A special thank you to Lucy Locker who ran the Junior Competition and set up, closed and umpired the Senior Competition every week.

At the next AGM (date TBC) all positions will be declared vacant. If you want to see

Warialda Netball Association’s Kearni Reynolds presenting the Sportsmanship Award to Ruby Mitchell

PILATES WITH BINGARA U3A

“I used to suffer quite a bit of lower back pain at one time particularly when I worked in an office,” she said. “Since strengthening my abs from Pilates, I don’t really have any problems at all with my back.”

Bingara U3A has been running a Pilates class for a number of years now, since our previous instructor retired. The hour-long class runs weekly every Saturday morning from 10:00am in the Gwydir Health Hub on Maitland Street.

“The other aspect of it which would particularly appeal to women is that many of the exercises target the fat bits round your middle,” she said.

Contributed by Bingara U3A

Pilates was developed by Joseph Pilates, (1880-1967) from Mönchengladbach, Germany. and was created in the 1920s for the purpose of rehabilitation after injuries of various types.

Joseph developed a system of exercises which were intended to strengthen the human mind and body. Some of the first people treated by Pilates were soldiers returning from war and dancers such as Martha Graham and George Balanchine, to strengthen their bodies and heal their aches and pains.

Joseph Pilates was perhaps the first influential figure to combine Western and Eastern ideas about health and physical fitness. He researched and practised every kind of exercise he could. This ranged from classical Roman and Greek exercise regimes to body-building and gymnastics.

Overall, Pilates aims to enhance physical strength, flexibility and coordination as well as reduce stress, improve mental focus and foster an improved sense of well being.

Bingara U3A welcomes all new participants. If you come like what you see, you will need water and a mat, as a significant amount of the workout takes place on the floor.

“That is an extra benefit for some of we older people” said Ros, “in that we can all now get up off the floor without too much trouble.”

Pilates runs weekly on Saturday from 10am–11am at the Gwydir Health Hub on Maitland Street. Cost is $5 per session. Classes are a mixed group of both men and women.

Contact Ros at: bingarau3a@gmail.com for further information.

There are a range of health benefits claimed by Pilates exercises: • improved flexibility, increased muscle strength and tone, particularly of your abdominal muscles, lower back, hips and buttocks (the ‘core muscles’ of your body).

• balanced muscular strength on both sides of your body, enhanced muscular control of your back and limbs.

Ros Moulton, Secretary of Bingara U3A, has been doing Pilates for around 15 years.

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 or 6724 2000.

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