The Gwydir News 7 September 2023

WARIALDA WAR MEMORIAL POOL SEASON OPENING DELAY

In 2022, Gwydir Shire Council engaged a contractor to paint the 50 metre and wading pools. This paint job failed, with the paint lifting in many places in both pools and Council notifying the contractor immediately. The contractor took full responsibility for the failed works citing faulty materials. Council and the contractor agreed that instead of closing the pool during the swimming season the contractor would return in the off-season to redo the job.

Council has been contacting and chasing up the contractor since midMarch 2023. The contractor has now finally committed to commence works on Wednesday 19 September. These works will include sandblasting and cutting the surface of the pool shells back to concreate and tiles and then repainting with a different paint material. All costs associated with this redo will be borne solely by the contractor.

This process will take 10 – 12 days which impacts the scheduled opening of 2 October 2023. This is very disappointing and unfortunately beyond Council’s control.

In the meantime, Council staff and other contractors are busily planning improvements and commencing maintenance and repairs at the Warialda Swimming Pool.

Close inspection identified interior decay of the Elm at the western end of the amenities building. A contractor has removed this tree along with other stumps within the pool grounds, and trimmed all of the trees to improve safety and enhance the overall appearance of the facility. Other planned works include refurbishment of the canteen area, installation of doors on changerooms in the female amenities, construction of a shade structure adjacent to the male amenities, installation of table settings, replacement of the shade structure at the western end of the pool, new safety and entry signs, and replacement of the starting platforms.

These improvements will be a great benefit to users this swimming season. Council is looking forward to a bumper summer and welcome those outside Gwydir Shire to share our swimming facilities.

Feedback sought for Gwydir riverfront, Bingara

The Soil Conservation Service has now provided Gwydir Shire Council with a site summary and draft designs for the rehabilitation of the riverbank upstream of the Campbell Bridge, Bingara (see designs below and next page).

Proposed works will include:

1. Utilising imported rock to create two rock groynes to deflect flows away from the bank. This would include reclaiming some of the eroded bank by way of constructing a retaining wall, and shaping and filling in the area between the wall and the existing bank;

2. Construction of a rock drop structure downstream of the Gwydir River so that over the bank future flows can be better controlled and directed;

3. Installation of a diamond grid drainage system (including turf) for the low-lying area adjacent to the bank;

4. Mass plantings of suitable native plants to increase hydraulic roughness and resilience of the left bank in readiness for future flood events.

Gwydir Shire Council invites residents and readers to provide comment and feedback. Please make contact through mail@ gwydir.nsw.gov.au or telephone one of Council’s offices on 02 6729 3000 or 02 6724 2000 or write to Locked Bag 5, Bingara NSW 2404.

Gwydir Shire Council Engineering

Gwydir Shire Council’s (GSC) Engineering Department have undertaken the following works over the past week, in various locations through the Gwydir Shire:

Warialda: working with Transport for New South Wales (NSW) to replace and install new road signs around Warialda.

Gulf Creek: culvert work is now complete on the timber bridge replacement project and crews are reinstating the road.

County Boundary Road: the first three kiolometre section from the intersection of County Boundary Road and Croppa Moree Road is localised for the construction to commence. Drainiage works are in progress.

“Hollymount”: Allan Cunningham Road, between Bingara and Warialda - culvert works continue, with the road crew currently shape-correcting the southern end of the project.

Getta Getta Road, North Star: ten kilometres sealed, with the next five kilometres now underway with crushing and laying. Polycom is being added to two kilometre sections.

IB Bore Road, North Star: crews are stabilising the next one-and-a-half kilometre section, carting for a two point two kilometre section, and have laid a one-and-a-half kilometre section.

Maintenance grading: this is being undertaken on Forest Creek Road, Goat Road, Innesvale Road, Melrose Road, and Gineroi Road.

Finally, following enquiries from residents about water cartage, GSC’s Engineering Department have compiled a list of suppliers, who are available for the service in the Gwydir Shire, as shared on page three.

DAMAGED FOOTPATH MARKET STREET WARIALDA

Council are seeking feedback from residents and rate payers regarding the footpath and trees along Market Street in Warialda.

The footpath in its current state has various sections which are badly damaged, caused by the roots of several mature trees located beween the kerb and the footpath. The trees are in a healthy condition, and would only need to be removed if residents do not wish to have a concrete footpath.

If you would like to have a say on the matter, please contact mail@ gwydir.nsw.gov.au or telephone one of Council’s offices on 02 6729 3000 or 02 6724 2000 or write to Locked Bag 5, Bingara NSW 2404.

Top: new culverts in place for the timber bridge replacement at Gulf Creek Road.

Above, middle: Floodway six at Gil Gil Creek, County Boundary Road. Bove, bottom: damaged footpath in Market Street, Warialda

Community (and its humble heroes/heroines) underpin the success of North Star campdraft -

Submitted by Bernadette Allport

When you start to discuss the concept of organising a campdraft , it’s helpful if you unearth community heroes , (though they’d never describe themselves as such ).

Helpful because when committed, they do whatever it takes to make it happen so others can be competitors and spectators in this great sport of Campdrafting.

So to the organisers Rick and Angela Swan and team - North Star Charity Campdraft was a wonderful success , a fruitful exercise, a social connection with much laughter and sharing the renewal of friendships. It reflected organisation and people working together, volunteering and offering hospitality .

Some amazing equines performing skilled and applied horsemanship and lively livestock participation, a great spectacle to watch the keenly sought after round points and final places , the results of which you will find on the Facebook page of the North Star Charity Campdraft.

Congratulations to all who attained a placing and trophies in the various drafts offered but importantly to all who competed, you are all winners really to participate in the first place .

A great highlight was the multi-teamed Feedlot Teams Challenge, very competitive and worth repeating at future Campdrafts.

North Star Sporting Club offered night time dinner and refreshments and the North Star Branch of CWA kept people fed and watered with delicious food over the three days .

Night time entertainment were the Friday night competitors Draw, a firm favourite and evoked much curiosity and entertainment when mystery boxes are often not what the package says!

Saturday night auction items were ably auctioned by both the Ray White Auctioneers and Ben from Lehman Stock and Property, all masquerading as fast campdrafters and they extracted a substantial amount of bids and money towards the charity beneficiary of this Campdraft The Westpac Rescue HelicopterService .

There was much encouragement, laughter, sharing of stories and inspiration everywhere you looked, from the hardworking yard men working the cattle to the competition yards , the great lady announcers, the courteous behaviour of the spectators and competitors alike - such a pleasure to observe .

To the Owen and Uebergang families your generous offer of cattle to Campdraft is so appreciated .

Heroes rising to make sure others benefit in so many levels.

Above: competitors ar North Star’s Charity Campdraft

Photos: RC Photography, Moree.

Spotlight on Warialda Historical Society

Warialda Historical Society is the local group of volunteers that takes care of the museum in Plunkett Street Warialda. We are a committee under the auspices of the Gwydir Shire Council.

Many items relevant to Warialda and district are on display. The museum is open on Saturday mornings from 10am until 12noon. Information about afterhours access to the museum is available at the Warialda Visitor Information Centre.

The 2023 Annual General meeting was held in August. The current Executives are:

President - Fay Cains;

Vice Presidents - Mel Jenson and Danny McCudden;

Treasurer - Tim Smith;

Secretary - Georgina Smith.

Members enjoy access to the Ancestry website. Members are involved in volunteering to help preserve and restore local history. This includes local buildings, sites of interest or historical value and artefacts. Research into family history or other information is also offered to the community. Fees do apply to some services.

The Society always welcome new members and there are many projects to be worked on should anyone like to join. If you are interested in finding out further information, please email the Society at warialdahistoricalsociety@gmail.com

Above: The former Masonic Lodge, now home to the Warialda Museum and Historical Society..

Photo: Georgina Smith.

A note from the Editor

It is with mixed emotions that I advise the readers and followers of the Gwydir News that I will be leaving the position as News Administrator, finishing my tenure on Friday 15 September 2023.

Gwydir Shire Council is currently undertaking an analysis of the best way forward for the Gwydir News, with the careful consideration of several factors. An announcement as to its format will be made in due course.

I have thoroughly enjoyed my time in the position, particularly the interactions I’ve had with many stakeholders and colleagues, and wish both the newspaper and the Gwydir Shire Council the very best for the future.

LAST WEEK FOR VOLUNTEER GRANT APPLICATIONS

We are fast approaching the deadline for this year’s round of Volunteer Grants, with the 2023 round closing at 5pm AEST on Friday 8 September.

These grants are designed to help volunteer organisations pay for equipment, promotional activities, fuel costs or other expenses so that they can continue to provide services to their communities.

Grants of between $1,000 and $5,000 are available, and eligible organisations within the Parkes electorate can download an EOI form via the Media Release on my website: https://www.markcoulton.com.au/volunteergroups-encouraged-to-apply-for-grants-2/

PHARMACIES FACING THE FALLOUT

From Friday 1 September, Labor’s new 60 Day Dispensing laws take effect, meaning that for some medicines customers will be able to receive twice as much at one time than they could previously access.

Changes to dispensing laws will drastically impact the viability of pharmacies such as White’s Pharmacy, which is the only pharmacy in the town of Lightning Ridge in northern NSW. Last week I visited Rhonda, who has been running this pharmacy with her husband Garry for more than forty years. She is very concerned about how this change will impact them and their community.

As a result of the change to 60 Day Dispensing Rhonda will have to order more stock all the way from Sydney, and elderly customers will be visiting less frequently, making it more difficult to assess their health needs. Rhonda also has concerns that people may stockpile medications, which have to be destroyed if they are not used.

In apparent recognition of the unintended consequences of 60 Day Dispensing the Community Pharmacy Agreement has been brought forward, and my hope is that this facilitates negotiations between pharmacists and the Labor Government which lead to better outcomes for all. I will be continuing to monitor this space.

STUDENTS MEET THE SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE

I was thrilled last week to have the opportunity to introduce the Speaker of the House of Representatives, the Hon Milton Dick MP, to some of the schools in the Parkes electorate as part of the Parliament in Schools program.

The Parliament in Schools program was launched last year and is a bi-partisan initiative which aims to bring an experience of Parliament and greater knowledge of Parliamentary procedures to students across the country.

Last week students at Bullarah, Rowena, Pallamallawa, Gravesend and Croppa Creek were able to meet the Speaker and learn more about our Parliament. It is my hope that many more students from across the Parkes electorate will have a chance to learn more about our democracy through this program in years to come.

Below left: Federal Member for Parkes Mark Coulton with Speaker of the House of Representatives the hon Milton Dick MP at Croppa Creek Public School. Below right: Federal Member for Parkes Mark Coulton with Speaker of the House of Representatives the hon Milton Dick MP at Gravesend Public School.

It’s My Party (and I’ll Die if I want to)

Meet Debbie and Ted

Debbie Patterson and Ted Wilkins are characters in the North West Theatre Company’s upcoming play, It’s My Party (and I’ll Die if I Want to)

Debbie Patterson is performed by Tanya Heaton who has been in many of the Company’s productions since 2014. Tanya has starred in The Curious Savage as Miss Willie, Gosforth’s Fete as Milly Carter, Murdered to Death as Pierre, Blithe Spirit as Ruth Condomine, You, the Jury, as Mrs Hughes, The 39 Steps as Annabella Schmidt, Margaret and Pamela, in Louisiana Ladies as Truvy Jones, in Shadows as Susan Peak, in Oliver Twist as Mrs Sourbury and in Jungle Books as Akela, the Grey Wolf.

Debbie is Ron and Dawn’s elder daughter. She is in her thirties, unmarried and a very successful interior designer. Like her brother Michael, she also has a secret in her life which she hasn’t got round to telling her parents.

Ted Wilkins is an undertaker and will be played by the well-known Garry McDouall who has appeared before in An Artist, Farmer and Scientist Walk into a Bar and Shadows.

Ted has also been invited to the party in his official capacity. As far as we no he has no secrets in his life.

Debbie Patterson and Ted Wilkins will be guests at the party mentioned in the play’s title. It’s My Party and I’ll Die if I Want to, will show at the Roxy Theatre, Bingara on September 9th, 10th, 16th and 17th 2023. Tickets are available now online at www.roxybingara.com.au or from the Bingara Visitor Information Centre.

Gwydir ARTS + HEALTH

North West Theatre Company Film Club MOVIE OF THE MONTH

Jasper Jones is the NWTC’s Film Club offer for September.

The North West Theatre Company Film Club offers a wonderful 2017 Australian film Jasper Jones as their September feature Hugo Weaving and Toni Collette lead the film adaptation of Craig Silvey’s beloved novel, which director Rachel Perkins has handled with care and sensitivity. Jasper Jones is an Australian mystery drama. The film was released in 2017 and is based on the 2009 novel of the same name.

“Silvey’s bestselling 2009 novel Jasper Jones was greeted with none-too-faint praise, lauded in some circles as Australia’s own To Kill a Mockingbird. The arrival of a feature film from the director Rachel Perkins – on the heels of several successful stage adaptations – raises the question: can the same be said of the movie adaptation? Is this our Mockingbird?” wrote Luke Buckmaster in The Guardian newspaper’s review.

The film is set in the year 1969. Charlie Bucktin is a 14-year-old boy living in the fictitious rural town of Corrigan, based on the real rural town Corrigin in Western Australia. Charlie spends his days with his best friend Jeffrey Lu, a Vietnamese boy who shares Charlie’s love of intellectual banter. Eliza Wishart, a local girl, and daughter of the mayor of the town becomes more and more endeared towards Charlie.

On Christmas Eve Charlie is unexpectedly visited by Jasper Jones, an outcast in Corrigan due to his Aboriginal heritage and rebellious lifestyle. Jasper begs for Charlie’s help and leads him to his private glade in the bush. Here Charlie is horrified to find the dead body of a young girl, Jasper’s girlfriend Laura Wishart, battered and hanging from a tree. Jasper, aware that he is likely to be blamed for Laura’s murder, convinces Charlie that they should hide the body, so they throw it into a nearby pond, weighted by a large rock.

A search for the missing girl is soon organised, focused on the idea that she may have run away. Jasper is interrogated roughly by the local police, but he soon escapes. Meanwhile tension builds in the town, as parents fear more disappearances, and townspeople search for someone to blame.

Submitted by Rick Hutton – NWTC Film Club Secretary

Jasper believes that Laura’s murderer is Mad Jack Lionel, a reclusive old man who is rumoured to have done terrible things in the past. Jasper determines to confront Lionel on New Year’s Eve, and together with Charlie, goes to his house. Lionel manages to defuse Jasper’s aggression, and the full truth comes out.

On review aggregator Rotten Tomatoes, the film holds an approval rating of 77% .

C.J. Johnson of ABC Radio gave a positive review, calling the film “engrossing, surprising and moving, and obviously made with great care and love.” Sarah Ward of Playground also gave a positive review. Screen writer Shaun Grant won a national award for the Screen Play for Jasper Jones

The film will show at the Roxy Theatre on Sunday September 24 at 4pm.

Cup Winner link to Bingara

Brett Dodson has trained horses for Damien and Gavin Galvin over the years at Coffs Harbour. Brett has formed a close friendship with the Galvin brothers and this gave him the urge to support the Bingara Races, being the Galvin boys’ hometown race meeting.

Brett and his fiance Sally Taylor, who trains “Camerlengo” came to Bingara for the 2023 Bingara Cup, making the round trip from Coffs Harbour a most successful one by winning the Bingara IGA Bingara Cup on Saturday, 26/08/2023. Good friend Damien Galvin and race sponsor John Bishton were among the excited connections after the race with BJC President Daryl Burling missing the grapevine tips.

Gold for Jarrod Petrus

Bingara Central School’s Jarrod Petrus was yesterday awarded the gold medal for the 14 Years Boys’ javelin competition at the NSW Combined High Schools State Atheltics Carnival at Homebush, Sydney.

Jarrod threw a remarkable 39.74m to take out the title.

Congratulations Jarrod, from everyone in the Gwydir Shire!

Top: Bingara Cup Winner, Camerlengo.

Above, middle: Brett Dodson, John Bishton, trainer Sally Taylor, Damian Galvin and Daryl Burling

Above, bottom: John Bishton and trainer Sally Taylor.

Photo bradleyphotos.com.au

Warialda Netball Association Grand Final Results

Warialda Netball Association held their grand finals on Wednesday 30 August, which yielded the following results:

B-grade winners : Odds and Ends

Players’ player: Georgia Chappell

Best and fairest boy:Ed Tutt

Runners-up: Underdogs

Best and fairest girl: Lilli Lane

Players’ player: Lachlan Mac

Sportsman award: Kodie Rice

A-grade winners: PSPC

Runners-up: HSC

Chloe Rose wished to thank everyone for their participation in the 2023 netball season, conceding it was a fabulous year. There will be an annual general meeting held later this year, where all positions will be opened. Any interested party can attend - details will be announced when avaiable.

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

SEPTEMBER 2023

8th Warialda Golf and Bowling Club’s Kids Disco, 6pm8pm. “Yellow” theme.

9th Myall Creek Hall 100 year celebration. Phone / text 0427 453 083.

9th Warialda two person ambrose open medley, Warialda Golf Course, shotgun start at 10am. Contact 6729 1192.

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

9th Warialda Anglican presents Annual Women’s Dinner, 6.30pm for 7pm start. Anglican Parish Hall.

9th NWTC present It’s My Party and I’ll Die if I Want to. 7.30pm, The Roxy Theatre. $25/$20. Tickets: 6724 0066 or roxybingara.com.au

10th NWTC present It’s My Party and I’ll Die if I Want to. 2pm, The Roxy Theatre. $25/$20. Tickets: 6724 0066 or roxybingara.com.au

10th Ceramic Break Sculpture Park exhibition opening. 12 noon - 5pm. Gold coin donation. Call 6729 4147.

13th Indian Myna Bird Control Workshop, Bingara Showground, 1pm-4.30pm. Call 6724 2052.

15th Croppa Creek Crop Tour. Nominations to Andrew Stevensonson 0428 549 427. $20pp

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

16th Weaving and Waabii workshop at Ceramic Break Sculpture Park, 10am-2pm. $105.00 per person. Bookings: kerry@cbreaksculpturepark.com.au

16th NWTC present It’s My Party and I’ll Die if I Want to. 7.30pm, The Roxy Theatre. $25/$20. Tickets: 6724 0066 or roxybingara.com.au

17th NWTC present It’s My Party and I’ll Die if I Want to. 2pm, The Roxy Theatre. $25/$20. Tickets: 6724 0066 or roxybingara.com.au

17th Art in Ag Markets, North Star Hall. Enquiries: 0427 919 900 or 0427 763 161

19th The Business of Biodiversity, Glenavon, Gravesend, 9am - 3pm. Call 6724 2052 for details.

19th Warialda Historical Society Meeting, Warialda Museum, Plunkett Street, 5pm.

19th Gwydir Shire Council Public Meeting regarding proposed demolition of Bingara structures, The Roxy, 6pm.

21st The End of Winter, The Roxy Theatre, Bingara, 7pm. Bookings via Trybooking.com, $25

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

24th Warialda Neighbourhood Watch Community Event. Warialda Apex Park, 10am - 2pm.

25-29th Bingara Veterans Week of Golf. Welcome drinks from 4.30pm 24 September. Contact Judy 0428 241 415 or Tim 0427 291 672.

29th-1/10 1973/74 Warialda Senior Rugby League Reunion. Chog 0427 291 602 or Bryan 0497 129 080.

OCTOBER 2023

3-5th Holistic Grazing with Brian Wehlburg, The Living Classroom. Bookings: https://tinyurl.com/562t628p

4th Warialda Neighbourhood Watch, Warialda CHSP, 36 Hope Street Warialda, 10am.

11th Aladdin and his Magic Smartwatch, 10.30am, Warialda Memorial Hall. Bookings: TryBooking.com

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

17th Warialda Historical Society Meeting, Warialda Museum, Plunkett Street, 5pm.

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

19th Warialda Golf and Bowling Club AGM, 6.30pm.

21st Warialda Honey Festival, Warialda Recreation Ground, 3pm-8pm.

29th 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.

NOVEMBER 2023

1st Warialda Neighbourhood Watch, Warialda CHSP, 36 Hope Street Warialda, 10am.

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

25th Line dancing social, Bingara RSL, 1pm-5pm. Newcastle DJ Ian Duke.

DECEMBER 2023

1st Warialda Christmas tree lighting and Carinda House Christmas Matkets, from 5.30pm. Tree lighting at 8.15pm.

6th Warialda Neighbourhood Watch, Warialda CHSP, 36 Hope Street Warialda, 10am.

8th Warialda Christmas Carnival, Details TBA

9th Bingara Special Events Christmas Festival, 6pm. Boom Crash Opera

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

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

29th New Years Eve Music Muster, Bingara Showgrounds. Bookings: https://tinyurl.com/yn86apsf

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.

“Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.”

Colossians 3:13