June 22 2023 Gwydir News

NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH INITIATIVE FOR WARIALDA

Many Gwydir Shire residents will be familiar with the Neighbourhood Watch logo and program, with the organisation about to mark 40 years in operation in NSW. Whilst utilisation of the service has waned in recent years, this seems to be on the cusp of being reversed.

made to 000. However, if the incident is non-emergent, residents are asked to call the Police Assistance Line on 131 444. The phone responder on this line has the capacity to determine the urgency of the situation to decide when to dispatch officers to the scene. At the completion of the call, an event number should be recorded by the caller. This allows easy follow-up where needed.

Warialda resident, Natalie Taylor, riled by a recent attack on a neighbour’s property and personal safety, has instigated the introduction of a Neighbourhood Watch group in town. Whilst lamenting that as a community residents can feel hamstrung by a lack of actions that can’t be undertaken to deter crime, Natalie is quick to highlight there is a bounty of resources and assistance that can be drawn on to discourage and prevent criminal offences

Drawing on knowledge and guidance from New South Wales’ (NSW) Neighbourhood Watch State Secretary, David Whatmore, attendees at the initial information sessions were reminded that the core business of Neighbourhood Watch is crime prevention combined with the equally important component of neighbours watching, supporting, and caring for neighbours. In addition, the role of NSW state office of Neighbourhood Watch is not an overarching body, but a coordinating body, providing support, advising groups what is happening elsewhere, and what might work in your own local area.

David emphasised that each neighbourhood comes with it’s own needs and challenges - what happens in suburban Sydney by way of criminal activity will not be the same as what happens in rural and remote NSW. However, nearly all incidents of crime coincide with a lack of reporting. Attendees were urged that if they see something occurring that looks unusual or out of place, they should report it to NSW Police. David concedes that residents may feel unsupported due to the lack of local police numbers, however nothing can be to remediate the situation if police are not made aware of activity within a town or community.

The process of reporting should not be instigated through your local police station, primarily due to the lack of resources at their disposal. If a true emergency is taking place, then calls should be

Perhaps the most interesting point David made was the ubiquitous comment from the public, “the police won’t do anything”. Whilst the blame may be easy to lay on those who are at the “coalface” of crime, the NSW Police are equally as frustrated at the lack of conviction of offenders. Magistrates are generally reluctant to hand down a custodial sentence, instead handing out fines combined with a good behaviour bond, despite repeated offences.Again, this issue comes back to the community - if residents are not happy with sentencing practices, take the matter to the local member and ask them to have sentencing laws reviewed.

Practical advice from David to thwart potential theft is simpleensure your belongings are locked - from the house to the car. If items are left in a car, ensure people can’t see it.To assist NSW Police, there is a closed circuit television (CCTV) register which allows businesses and residents to register their CCTV should footage be sought for criminal activity. You can register here: https://www. police.nsw.gov.au/online_services/register_my_business_cctv_ details

Following the initioal information session, a committee was formed at a subsequent meeting. Whilst the wheels are in motion, Natalie is keen to have more residents onboard, particularly some younger members of the community, not only to voice their concerns and raise issues, but for practical matters such as assisting with setting up sensor lighting. If you wish to be a part of this initiative, please contact Natalie on 0447 075 246.

Left: Daid Whatmore, Neighbourhood Watch NSW State Secretary David Whatmore with wife Mel

Bingara Fire Station to remain open: Minister confirms future

Northern Tablelands MP Adam Marshall has welcomed a response from the Minister for Emergency Services about the future of the Bingara Fire & Rescue NSW station, which confirmed it would remain open and a recruitment campaign commenced to find more local firefighters.

Last month Mr Marshall put a question on the notice paper asking for a “cast iron guarantee” that a closure of the station was not on the cards.

“I welcome the Minister’s guarantee to not just keep Bingara Fire Station open, but to actively recruit new firefighters, so that in the event of a fire or disaster, the people of Bingara and district are properly equipped and supported,” Mr Marshall said.

“This is a win not the region, but the truth is it never should have come to this.

“Bingara may be a small community but lives out here are just as important as ones in the big city and just as deserving of adequate fire protection.”

Mr Marshall said the local recruitment drive, in conjunction with Gwydir Shire Council, was now underway and three potential firefighters had already been found.

“This is great news, but we need to keep a close eye on Fire & Rescue NSW to make sure they follow through and honour the commitment the Minister has made,” Mr Marshall said.

“I know in the past that a number of locals have approached Fire & Rescue NSW to sign up only to be told they weren’t recruiting but now is your chance.

“I encourage Bingara locals who want to keep the fire station open to think about signing up.”

- Media release from Adam Marshall MP

Above: Adam Marshall with firefighters outside Bingara’s Fire and Rescue NSW station.

Bingara Multipurpose Service receives boost to personnel

Bingara Multipurpose Service (MPS) has recently had a boost both to its personnel and position appointments, with three major announcements made public in the last two weeks.

Joanne Thornton has been welcomed into the role of Health Service Manager, and brings with her extensive Emergency and Critical Care experience. As a Health Service manager, Joanne’s role will encompass: leading the day to day operational management of the MPS; driving and enabling multidisciplinary teaming and resourcing activities; collaborating across the community to integrate delivery of a range of services; and managing facility services to enable delivery of high standards of care and services.

Jennifer Trigger has been appointed in the newly funded role of Clinical Nurse Educator. Jenny has been working at Bingara MPS in the role of Clinical Nurse Specialist for many years, having originally hilaed from England where she workied in London specialising in Paediatrics.

Sue Mack has been appointed permanently in the position of Rural Generalist Practitioner. Whilst recently employed in the role as a temporary appointment, Hunter New England Local Health District (HNELHD) provided extra funds to ensure her permanancy. Sue is the first Rural Generalist Nurse Practitioner in New South Wales.

As a small rural town, Bingara is indeed fortunate to secure the caring and compassionate services of three amazing nursing professionals.

Above: Joanne Thornton Above right: Jennifer Trigger Middle right: Sue Mack

A drover’s life is nought a lonely one

Many southern Gwydir Shire residents and visitors will have come across Brian Glendinning and his herd of 1050 cattle as they wend their way towards Bingara and further south west to Dubbo. Overseeing and controlling the operation, Brian seems a formidable bloke - at ease on a dirt bike, and master of his canines.

With droving in his blood, Brian has a passion for the job he does, enjoying the connection he has with his horses and dogs. Whilst workers come and go, his interaction with the animals is a constant.

Having originated this journey at the Inverell saleyards three months ago, the herd will be in the Gineroi / Bingara area for close to two weeks. Currently off the main road, there is an abundance of grass for the cattle to forage and clear around the Gineroi Fire Shed and the power station. Brian will then take the cattle across the Gwydir River out towards The Living Classroom before heading south the other side of Bingara.

Although nights have been crisp, the days have been glorious, and based on first perception, it seems Brian loves every moment of the task. It’s only when you delve deeper into the conversation that you discover the frustration of the job, based on the ignorance of drivers he interacts with. It seems the plethora of grey nomads on the nation’s road network are the least well-informed about the rules and regulations regarding the droving plant.

Whilst utilising the Travelling Stock Routes (TSR) or “long paddocks” as they’re colloquially known, Brian has ensured signage has been placed in abundance and clearly, well in advance of the herd each day. The stock are moved during daylight hours, and are under effective control from Brian and his 25 dogs. Yet, despite this, many road-goers feel it necessary to navigate their way through the herd as quickly as possible, or without due regard for the possible change in movement of the cattle. As a result, both cows and dogs have already been killed and injured on the journey.

With the negatives dispensed with, droving presents as a life wellsuited to hard-working outdoor folk. When asked about the need for workers, Brian notes he is happy to pay to have others on the journey with him. Requisite qualities are being gentle of nature, particularly with animals, ability to keep a clean camp space, and preferably riding experience with own saddle.

It has been a delight to pass by the herd a few times over the last week - wonderful to see that some rural traditions are still in play in 2023. If you see Brian and the herd, give them a wave as you pass, ever so gingerly, but don’t be offended if he doesn’t wave back - it’s an all-encompassing responsibility when on the road

Above: a portion of the herd make their way towards Bingara, from Warialda on Monday

Below left: Brian Glendinning camped with cattle at Gineroi

GWYDIR SHIRE COUNCIL UPDATE

MAITLAND STREET

Council is currently trialling pedestrian refuge islands at the intersection of Maitland and Cunningham Streets Bingara. The island profiles have been set out using sand bags and will be in place for approximately six weeks. If you have feedback, please contact Council at mail@gwydir.nsw.gov.au before July 31.

PLUNKETT STREET

A new building has been delivered to a Council property in Plunkett Street, Warialda. The building will be used as accommodation as needed including housing medical professionals. There are now three buildings on this land. The first, will be a disability services facility, the second will be available for respite and managed by Naroo Aged Hostel and the third when completed will be the semi detached accommodation.

Local girls represent Country NSW

On Sunday 18 June, Amelia Kilmore from Bingara, Darci Ford from Warialda and Aila McBain from Glen Innes play together for the Warialda OzTag team which travelled to Coffs Harbour in February this year. The three girls have since been chosen to represent the NSW Country side in the recent Country versus City tournament.

The girls as a team had only trained together twice, so it was an extremely proud moment to watch the team go undefeated in all three games, with final scores being 3-3, 3-3 and 4-4. This ensured their entry into the Grand Final, where, despite playing their hearts out, came away with a loss, 6-2.

As Amelia’s Nan I can speak for all the teams’ parents, grandparents and family who went along to cheer the girls, we are all so very proud of thei effort.

Shout out to all the trainers and coaches, and a special tremendous thanks to our Warialda coaches Robbie Kilmore and Wayne Ford for putting their time in, showing the girls how to have fun in what they love playing.

- Submitted by Leanne Kilmore

Left: temporary pedestrian refuge islands in place, corner Maitland and Cunningham Streets, Bingara

Right: New buildings in place in Plunkett Street, Warialda

Top right: Aila McBain, Amelia Kilmore, and Darci Ford

Right: The Country NSW team

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

JUNE 2023

24th Gwydir Shire Council shopfront regarding the Bingara Soldiers Memorial Hall Development Application, 9am-5pm, Bingara Library.

25th The North West Thetre Company Film Club presents The Guernsey Literary & Potato Peel Society movie, 4pm, The Roxy Theatre Bingara

28th Bingara Swimming Club AGM, 5pm, Bingara Library

30th Orange Festival commences with orange picking from 12pm at Bingara RSL, Finch Street Bingara.

30th Grease Movie Night 7pm, Roxy Theatre, Bingara.

JULY 2023

1st Orange Festival, Bingara. 10am-3pm

2nd Bingara Golf AGM, 11am, Bingara Sporting Club

13th Bingara Disability Inclusion Advisory Committee Meeting, 11am, Bingara Public Library

22nd A Very Merry Christmas in July, Warialda Golf and Bowling Club, 6pm.

30th Potluck Community Dinner, Warialda Anglican Church Hall 6pm. All welcome.

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.

JULY 2023

31st Legacy Appeal Week Street Stall, Bingara

SEPTEMBER 2023

1st Legacy Appeal Week Street Stall, Bingara

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

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

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

25-29th Bingara Veterans Week of Golf. Welcome drinks from 4.30pm 24 September

OCTOBER 2023

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

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

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

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

NOVEMBER 2023

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

DECEMBER 2023

1st Bingara Special Events Christmas Festival, 6pm. Further details TBA

8th Warialda Christmas Carnival, Details TBA

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

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

Church Notices

ANGLICAN CHURCH

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

Warialda: St Simon and St Jude Anglican Church, Warialda - Every Sunday - 9:30am

Coolatai: First Sunday each month3:30pm

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

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

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

Do everything in love..

Corinthians 16:14