The Gwydir News 29 June 2023

BINGARA’S ORANGE FESTIVAL“SQUEEZE THE DAY”.

Coextending a significant length of the grass verges of Finch Street Bingara, is a profusion of primarily navel orange trees. Their significance is often unknown to visitors to the town, a handful of whom blithely pick the citrus fruit.

The trees were planted in the 1950’s as a living memorial to the servicemen and women from the area who gave their lives in the First and Second World Wars. In conjunction with a bushrock and bronze plaques located outside the Bingara RSL Club, they serve their dedicatory purpose well.

Their conservation and preservation is the delegation of the students at Bingara Central School, who employ the moniker of The Orange Police whilst ensuring the trees are well patrolled and cared for.

As a culmination of the citrus fruit-bearing season, every year a special commemorative service is held amongst the orange trees to herald the commencement of the Orange Festival. Students and visitors are invited to pick oranges as needed, sharing the crop equitably. In 2023 the service will commence at the front of the Bingara RSL at 11am on Friday 30 June.

If a more intimate setting is preferred, you can head to the Bingara Community Op Shop from 5pm until 8pm for a $5 hot soup, admire the orange lantern display, join in with the ukulele group singalong, or stay warm close to the chiminea.

Carmen Southwell, this year’s Festival Coordinator, is understandably excited about the line-up of events, stating “Bingara has not had an Orange Festival of this size in quite some time – it is great to see such a fabulous number and variety of offerings available to attendees this year.”

Festival-focused food and entertainment contributions commence Friday evening, with a special screening of the classic movie, Grease, starring Olivia Newton-John and John Travolta. Offered at the heritage-listed Roxy Theatre, a diner dinner option featuring Boston beans, beef sliders, mac ‘n’ cheese and plenty more is available with a movie ticket for $15 commencing at 6pm, or a movie-only ticket for $5 commencing at 7pm.

If a retro diner setting is more preferred, the Roxy Café will be open from 5pm, serving Ravi Gill’s delicious curries. The café will also be open for the duration of the Orange Festival events on Saturday, and from 8am until 2pm on Sunday.

Saturday 1 July kicks off at a mid-Winter suitable 10am and will feature two standout live bands, the Rockin’ Bodgies and Lawrie and Shelley Minson. In addition, the Sydney Swing Katz and perennial crowd pleasers, the Memphis Moovers will entertain attendees the entire day.

The musical entertainment is complemented by over 60 stalls, unlimited childrens’ amusement rides for $15, paid entry to the Bingara District Museum, Bingara Fire and Rescue Station information, face painting, balloon twisting, costume competition and a plethora of other fun activities. Many local shopfronts will also offer specials and their own “orange touch” to trading on the day. The final event of the day is the street parade, commencing at 2pm which will feature vehicles from local authorities, businesses, car clubs, volunteer groups and other participants.

TraxFM will be broadcasting live from the festival over the course of the day, so if you can’t make it in person, tune your radio to FM88.0 to get a feel for the atmosphere.

On reflection, in a day and age where the world seems to be in a hasty rush to move forward, Bingara’s Orange Festival is a pleasant distraction, where a weekend is instead spent celebrating times of yore.

Above: The Sydney Swing Katz in action, 2022 Left: One of many orange trees in Finch Street

Gwydir Shire Council works update

BINGARA FOOTPATHS

Several footpaths in Bingara have undergone earthworks over the last few months, with the removal of existing footpaths. The plan was to have the concreting crew following behind them as they went. Unfortunately, the concreting crew were required to undertake remedial works elsewhere in the state. Following a slew of misfortunate events following on from this directive, the concreting crew have only made their way back to Bingara this week. Residents should notice the new footpaths now being laid in a timely manner.

BOMBELLI STREET TREES

Following a query as to the state of Bingara’s Bombelli Street in general, with a request for works to improve beautification, Gwydir Shire Council staff recently undertook an investigation of the existing trees. Unfortunately, they were found to contain grubs and rot, some of which were causing damage to public infrastructure.

Council staff have been required to remove fallen branches from these trees several times in the past. As such, in order to maintain public safety, a decision was made to have them removed.

SHIRE-WIDE BRIEF POINTS UPDATE

County Boundary Road - drainage contract project management, contract expected to be completed in July 2023.

Local Emergency Management Committee - completion of Emergency Evacuation Centre Audits and preparation of draft Pre event Disaster Recovery Plan for consultation.

Warialda Asset Protection Zone - spraying of eucalypt regrowth completed.

Cunningham Street Bingara pedestrian refuge - sand bag trial postponed until mid-July. Survey done. Set-out survey to be conducted within the next fortnight.

Warialda bicycle safety course fencing will be done to mark of the area of 54x8.5m, currently designing the park, survey to be conducted within the next fortnight, with an updated cost estimate.

Warialda town signs audit - waiting for Transport for New South Wales to give back the results of the audit.

Traffic Committee agendas - Warialda off-road 200 (site inspection to be organised with NSW Police and organiser), IGA disability parking.

Horton Road - to be sealed and completed by the end of next week (dependent on weather).

Getta Getta - 5km sealed this week, carting for the next section underway.

IB Bore Road - 1 km section sealed, which will mark the sealing of 6 km out of 20 km job.

North Star Public School- carpark designs done. Meeting to be organised with the School Principal to obtain feedback.

Gulf Creek Road – steel inspections for the base slab and apron conducted and deemed satisfactory. Concrete pour for slab and apron completed.

North Star Road - 2.5 km starting from chainage 49.615 is sealed, concluding the resheeting job.

Trevallyn Landslip - blocks are being made and organising transport for delivery.

Flood Damage

- River Road grading and resheeting 16km (one week left),

The unsealed centre of Bombelli Street will now be blended with additional gravel that will be compacted and bitumen sealed. New trees will then be planted with tree guards installed, inline with other tree scaping works that have taken place around town already.

- Currangangi Road grading and resheeting 16km (two weeks left)

- Glen Arthur Road resheeting 3km (three days left)

- North Star Road – Heavy patching

Graders - Baroma Road, Noumea Road, Gulf Creek Road.

Above: photos of the state of the removed trees

Above: attendees at the weeds as soil indicators workshop

Collaboration of knowledge, technology and support at The Living Classroom

When an opportunity arises to share knowledge, technology and support in the ideal indoor / outdoor setting, Gwydirians are quick to join in. Thus was the initiative conducted at The Living Classroom in Bingara on Friday 23 June. A collaboration between the Southern Queensland and Northern New South Wales (SQNNSW) Hub, the New South Wales Department of Primary Industries (NSWDPI) and Gwydir Shire Council offered local landholders and farmers a two-way educational experience to assist with their land and stock management based on a better understanding of seasonal and climatic factors.

Following an introduction by SQNNSW’s Janelle Schafer, attendees were given hands-on guidance in the use of some of the tools available to them to help with the ever-challenging issue of climate variablilty, even on a micro scale.

Participants were introduced to the climate dogs, Enso, Indy, Ridgy and Sam - digital canines created by Agricultural Innovation Australia and the Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) who round up rainfall and drive variability across Australia.

Kel Landfield from the NSWDPI then introduced the app developed by the department which allows landholders, farmers and anyone with an interest in monitoring local weather conditions to record and store condition reports of their land. Called Farm Tracker, it provides a visual and data- filled record and reminder of the state of the land in the past, and can be utilised as often or as little as you wish to use it. It also provides direct links to other resources and services.

Whilst The Gwydir News was unable to stay for the duration of the day, from early impressions, it was going to be a fantastic opportunity to learn and share plenty. Northern Slopes Landcare Association will be posting a series of updates outlining how to access some of the tools in the coming weeks through their Facebook page. Alternatively, call on 6724 2052 or email coordinator@nsla.net.au for more information.

Below left: resources available to farmers and landholders to assist with seasonal conditions.

Above: Kel Langfield and Janelle Schafer welcome attendees

Telstra Innovation and Ag regional forum

NSW Farmers in conjunction with Telstra invites members and non-members to the Telstra Innovation and Ag Regional Forum being held on Wednesday, 12 July 2023 at 5:00pm at the Moree Services Club.

Demand for ag technology is growing as farmers become more aware of how it’s being used to improve on-farm efficiencies and increase profits. Telstra, including their specialist Regional Network Advisors will discuss the latest advancements in connectivity solutions (from 4G and 5G, Internet of Things, networks and the latest satellite solutions), while also answering your questions on important issues like the upcoming closure of Telstra’s 3G network in June 2024.

Guest Speakers from various Agtech companies such as

- Telstra

- Zetifi

- Farmbot

- Smart Paddock

- CSU

- Optiweigh

This is a not to be missed opportunity to engage with Telstra Regional Network Advisors and Regional Engagement Managers who are happy to discuss:

- 3G closure

- Future connectivity solutions

- Cyber security

- Local connectivity issues

- Updates on new technology

This event is open to anyone in the general public that wishes to attend, however registration is mandatory for all attendees, due to limited seating and numbers for catering purposes. To register simply visit the link below.

https://form.jotform.com/holleyt/nswf-telstra-regional-forumrsvp

A Bizclean “well done”

Ian & Rebecca Baker.

This coming October Ian will have been with Bizclean 20 years, Rebecca Baker 18 years in July!!

- submitted by Ann Willis

I am truly grateful for their continuing support and loyalty. Ian delivers to Tamworth, Moree, Goondiwindi, and Inverell taking great care of his vehicle. Rebecca heads up the laundry making sure work flows efficiently, old machinery keeps on keeping on and supplies are stocked. She has even become a bit of a mechanic herself. They both have a great deal of common-sense plus are willing to have a go at whatever is asked of them. Ian taking on maintenance of machinery and rental equipment when he has time. They have been a constant source of encouragement and security. This business would not survive without them. Thank you both. Ann Willis, Bizclean.

Right: Ian and Rebecca Baker, an integral part of the Bizclean business

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

30th Orange Festival commences with orange picking from 11am at Bingara RSL, Finch Street Bingara.

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

JULY 2023

1st Orange Festival, Bingara. 10am-3.15pm

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 Progressive Community Lunch, starting at the Warialda Anglican Church Hall 12noon. 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.

AUGUST 2023

26th Annual Bingara Race Day. Details TBA.

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

SEPTEMBER 2023

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

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

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.

Church Notices

ANGLICAN CHURCH

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

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

Coolatai: First Sunday each month3:00pm

Minister Steve Cimarosti, can be contacted on 6729 1501

CATHOLIC CHURCH

PARISHES WEEKEND MASS SCHEDULES

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

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

Bingara: Every Sunday – 8:00am

WEEKDAY MASSES

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

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

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

UNITING CHURCH

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

PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

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

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

A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity.

Proverbs 17:17