gresford news june 2014

TheG resford NewsNews of the communities of the Paterson and Allyn River Valleys

June 2014

The Gresford News is a Gresford Community Group project. Circulation 800 – Donations appreciated and most welcome. Thank you!

Above:Graham Murphy, Chairman of the 3 Village Art Festival,

presenting a Nikon Camera to Jack Laurie of East Gresford. Jack won the Kid’s Challenge over the

weekend. He had the first correct sheet filled out. Jack is only 7 years old. The Kids Challenge had questions

about the art in each venue, questions about the artist and also had to answer questions about the villages as

well as sights along the road between villages.

Right:Opening night at Tocal Agricultural College.

Photo: David Oliver

3 Village Art Festival

The 3 Village Art Festival had its official opening on Friday night the 23rd May at Tocal Agriculture College. The opening night attracted over 400 people who turned out to support a local initiative.

Graham Murphy Chairman of the festival said “In our wildest dreams we could not have expected such an incredible turnout by so many local residents and guests from all over the Hunter and Sydney. We had a fantastic night viewing art by some of Australia’s best artists and photographers. Many months of planning went into organising this festival and the success of the opening was a reward for an incredible effort by our organising committee.”

Read more about the 3 village Art Festival inside.

Visit www.gresfordnsw.com.au for local information and the ‘Gresford News’ online.Gresford News audio version available for visually impaired. Phone 0412 372 687 for this service.

The Gresford News Community DiarySat 14 Jun Gresford CWA book club, Gresford CWA, 3.00pm

Sun 15 Jun Gresford Community Markets, Therese Doyle Hall, Gresford Rd, East Gresford

Sun 15 Jun Jim Lyons Jazz Band, Hotel Beatty, East Gresford, 1.00pm

Tues 17 Jun Paterson Allyn Garden Group meet, 10.00am

Sat 21 Jun Masked Ball, James Theatre, Dungog, 7.00pm

Sat 28 Jun Termites, Trees & Your Home workshop, Therese Doyle Hall, East Gresford, 9.00am

Sat 5 Jul Agog! A Feast of Foreign Films, James Theatre, Dungog

Sun 20 Jul Bush Fire Safety, Community workshop, Vacy Fire Station, 9.30am

Fri 1 Aug Muzza Harton – Bush Poet, Hotel Beatty, East Gresford

Tues 12 Aug Gresford School of Arts AGM, Gresford School of Arts Hall, East Gresford, 7.30pm

Tues 19 Aug CWA International Day, country of study is Botswana

Sat-Sun 13-14 Sept Polo, Tabbil Creek Polo Ground, Dungog

Sun 21 Sept GAPS’ latest play, Gresford School of Arts, 2.00pm

Fri 26 Sept, Sat 27 Sept, Fri 3 Oct, Sat 4 Oct GAPS’ latest play, Gresford School of Arts, all at 7.30pm

Sat 11 Oct Gresford Annual Y.O.T.S Dinner and Art Auction

Tuesdays Spring/summer mixed Tuesday nights tennis, 7.30–9.30pm

Mon/Tues Social ladies tennis starts, Mon or Tues mornings, Gresford Tennis Courts, 9.30–11.00am

Friday afternoons Junior tennis coaching, Gresford Tennis Courts

1st Mon each month Gresford Community Group Meeting, 5.30pm, Hotel Beatty, all welcome! (not Jan)

1st Wed each month Gresford Rural Fire Brigade meeting, station, 7.30pm

1st Thurs each month CWA Gresford Branch Meeting, CWA rooms, East Gresford, 9.30am (not Jan)

2nd Mon each month Gresford Historical Society Meeting, RSL Rooms, 11.00am (not Dec, Jan or June)

2nd & 4th Mon each month Family & Child Health Clinic, Paterson school of Arts Hall, 4932 9768 for appt’s

2nd Tues each month Gresford District Landcare Group Meeting, Hotel Beatty, 7.30pm (not Jan)

2nd Sat each month Book Club, CWA rooms, East Gresford, 3.00pm (not Dec or Jan)

3rd Fri each month Gresford Public School P&C Meeting, school library, 10.00am

3rd Sun each month Gresford Community Market, Therese Doyle Hall, 9 til 2 (not Dec, Christmas Fair 1st Sat)

Last Thurs each month Gresford District Agricultural Society Meeting, Showground Luncheon Pavilion, 7.30pm

Every Wed, Fri & Sun Gresford Bowls Sport & Recreation Club Raffles, from 6.30pm

Every Mon & Fri (school terms) Gresford Pre-School, Gresford Community Hall, 4938 9288, 9.00am

Every Thur Happy hour and free pool and jukebox at the Hotel Beatty

Every Fri Cricket Club Raffles at the Hotel Beatty

Every Fri (school terms) Yoga for active bodies with Donna Cavanough, Therese Doyle Youth Hall, 9.00 – 10.30am

Every Wed Gresford PlayTime, children 0-5 & carers, Gresford Community Hall, 4992 2401, 10.00am

Every Sunday The Gresford Congregational Church welcomes you, 10.30am

To contact Gresford News: email [email protected] or call Brian Doherty on 0412 372 687 or Jane Richens on 0425 339 856. Postal Address: PO Box 99 East Gresford 2311. Deadline for stories and ads 20th of the month. For text – Word format preferred. For pictures – .jpg format preferred (not in word). Please keep us informed about activities in the area – a paragraph or two and photo.

✃Please support your local newsletter and contribute anonymously or use the slip below and place your donations in the boxes provided in Gresford. I would like to make an annual donation to the Gresford News:

Name Amount

Address

financesThe resford NewsG

Letters To The EditorGresford NSW websiteCongratulations, you have a great website. I manage the website for the Hartley Valley Community, (www.hartleyvalley.org.au) near Lithgow and I can see how much work you’ve put into this.

Through your website I have found the gravestone of my Great Great Grandfather, John Bush, former teacher and Postmaster of Gresford. His fifth child to Ann (nee Steer), was Mary Catherine, born 9th May, 1859, who married William Lachlan in Newcastle in 1879. Their first son, Frederick, also born in 1879, a boiler maker, (died in 1938), married Catherine Elisabeth Campbell in 1909 in Bundaberg, Qld. They had 5 children, the youngest of whom, Mavis Gloria Lachlan, (1924) was my Mother. She married Reginald Thomas Green, engineer, of Flemington Melbourne in 1951. I was born in Brisbane in 1952, and my brother, Peter in England in 1955.

Being new to this family history business I’m very impressed with all the information so easily available on the Internet, and your site is especially informative. This is something we haven’t yet tackled in Hartley though

we are just starting an Oral History project through the Hartley District Progress Association. I’m also inspired to visit Gresford, now that it has so much significance to my family’s history.

Cheers Diane

The Missing MPOn the 18th March, 2014, I received a letter from Mr Bob Baldwin relating to mobile phone and internet communication. In that letter Mr Baldwin objected to a quote in the Gresford News of an article in the Maitland Mercury relating to mobile phone coverage. If you would like a copy of Mr Baldwin’s letter, please drop me a note via the Gresford News.

Mr Baldwin’s letter was the subject of discussion at the April meeting of the Gresford Community Group, the publisher of the Gresford News. I was asked to reply to Mr Baldwin’s letter as it had been sent to a number of local citizens, some of whom are members of the GCG. I did this on 10th April.

My letter, which I wrote as from a long standing acquaintance of Mr Baldwin (indeed I was a preselector

at his successful election as a Liberal Party candidate), pointed out that his letter was not in accordance with the facts. The GCG members were concerned that the results of the survey conducted by the Gresford News and the detailed map related thereto which had been sent to Mr Baldwin had been ignored. I expressed my understanding of the possibility of Mr Baldwin having been misinformed or not being aware of the information sent to him by the Editor of the Gresford News. Various other matters not relevant to the mobile phone matters were also mentioned, but they are not relevant here.

However I should mention that I told Mr Baldwin of the GCG’s concern at the lack of his communication with this part of the electorate which the voting analysis shows is one of his strongest supporters.

In closing, may I say that contributions to the Gresford News by Mr Baldwin will not be ignored, as my letter to him has been ignored.

Martin AddisonPresident, Gresford Community Group

Gresford Notices

The Dungog Masked BallSaturday 21 June, James Theatre

See local acts John O’Brien, Michael Winchester, Donna Cavanough in

their latest show at the ball. Tickets:www.dungogcommunitycollege.org.au

Third Sunday of the month

Gresford Community Markets

next market

Sunday 15 JuneTherese Doyle Hall, Gresford Road, East Gresford

Quilting and Embroidery Class

Every 2nd Tuesday of the month 10am–3pm

Rhonda Eddy from Southern Cross

Needlework & Quilting East Maitland holds a class

at Gresford CWA Hall Durham Road.

All welcome - any levelPhone Rhonda and let her

know what you would like to do.

Booking essential for catering purposes.

Phone 4936 6600 Next class Tue 13 May

Dungog ChiropraCtiC

CliniCI treat most musculoskeletal

complaints including back and neck pain, sciatica, headaches, migraines

and limb pain and pins and needles.

HiCaps and eftpos facility is available so patients can claim

direct from their healthfund and just pay the gap.

Located at Dungog Community Hospital on Hospital Road in Dungog

phone no: 4992 3766

Shane Moss B.Sc. M.Chiro.

Gresford NewsCLASSIFIEDS

DEATH NOTICEDoris May Grundy 6th May 2014

Of Morisset Park, formerly of Vacy. Dearly loved wife of Danny (Dec.). Loving mother and

mother-in-law of Glen and Michele, Mark (Dec.), loving grandma of Kristy and George, Paul and

Joy, Russell and Morgan, Tim and Vesna. Dearest great grandmother of Bastien, Aiden, Violet and Floyd. Loving sister of Olive. Aged 85 Years. The

Celebration of Her Life took place at Lake Macquarie Memorial Park, Ryhope.

Advertise in the GRESFORD NEWS CLASSIFIEDS

Classified Ad Rates are:Standard line listing $2.50 a line

or $10 for 5 linesContact the Gresford News [email protected]

or 0412 372 687

MIKE DOYLE HORSEMANSHIPHorse Starting (breaking)

Problem Horses

Starting horses on cattle to give them confidence

Low stress and effective cattle handling

LessonsDemonstrations

Clinics

Mike Doyle 0418 503 939

St Helen’s Catholic Parish Gresford

WEEKEND MASS TIMESSt Helen’s GresfordSaturday Vigil 6.30pmLocal contact 4992 1477 Chisholm Region Office

Contact 4933 8918

AGOG! Feast of foreign filmsSaturday 5 July

A day out in the dark to visit the joys of Foreign Films

James Theatre, Dungogwww.jamestheatre.com.au

NW HitchcockCarpentry &

Tiling ServiceWall & Floor Tiling

Home Maintenance

& RepairsRenovations

Over 25 years experiencePhone Neal

0418 684 98549389125

ABN 95 790 884 781Licence no. 111201C

TheG resford News • June 2014, p 6

PLANT HIRE & EQUIPMENTCOMMERCIAL INDUSTRIAL RESIDENTIAL RURAL

An extensive range of machines

and earthmoving equipment

to suit every aspect of the

Building & Construction Industry

Supply all forms of quarry product

Contact:

Paul Mastin 0418 499 471Head Office 02 4938 8135

DIVISION OF DREEGAN BUILDING & CONSTRUCTIONBASED IN THE HUNTER VALLEY

ABN: 56137525494

Using water from the Allyn River It is now three years since the Allyn River Water Users Association reminded readers of the rules which govern the use of water from the Allyn River. In those three years many properties have changed hands. New people now live along the river and water licences have been transferred.

Set out below are the laws and rules which apply to the river. These laws are contained in the NSW Water Management Act, as amended. The Department of Primary Industry, Office of Water, controls the operation of the Act and through its officers works closely with the Allyn River Water Users Association.

Laws• Pumpingforstockanddomestic

purposes is permitted at all times.

• Stockwateringdoesnotincludethefilling of dams to support a commercial livestock operation or the growing of vines or crops.

• Allpumpingforirrigationandcommercial purposes must stop when the flow gauge at Halton is at or below seven (7) megalitres a day on a

falling river and there is no visible flow at the gauge at Flying Fox Lane (Cease to Pump).

• PumpingmayresumewhenflowatHalton is at or above fifteen (15) megalitres and there is a visible flow at Flying Fox Lane (Commence to Pump).

• Therearetwotypesofirrigationlicence: A1 class and A2 class. Read your licence carefully to check which class you have and remember if you don’t have a licence you can’t irrigate.

HistoryFormed in 1965, the ARWU Assn is a voluntary association of licenced irrigators. The annual subscription is $5. In times of low or no flow, the committee meets every Monday evening and anyone who is a member may attend. Members vote to fine tune pumping hours before Cease to Pump applies. This is to try and keep the flow at Flying Fox Lane going for as long as possible. Citizens report perceived breaches of pumping rules to committee members rather than to the DPI, thereby ensuring that the matter is first dealt with at a local level.

Sometimes a breach of the law occurs through ignorance. But on occasions a person acts wilfully and illegally and there is no alternative to talking to the DPI. The committee has a combined irrigation experience of over one hundred years and knows most of the tricks people try. In recent years satellite information, local plane and gyrocopter pilots alert neighbours and after dark travellers have been very helpful.

If you need to contact the association here are the committee members.

Peter Lawrence 4931 5257 President

Martin Addison 4938 9424 Secretary/ Treasurer

James Bird 4931 5283 Delegate

Rodney Hipwell 4931 5259 Delegate

Lester Alexander 4938 8012 Delegate

Each delegate has an alternate, but there are vacancies and we are short two delegates. One from Halton to the Sawmill Village and one from Camyr Allyn bridge to Flying Fox Lane. Contact Martin Addison if you are keen to help.

Martin Addison


Come into our friendly local salon today and enjoy one of our many services we offer. From amazing cut and colours to beautiful long lasting gel nails and amazing bridal packages. We stock a large range of retail from the amazing keune and ghd to the new and fabulous silk eyelash extending mascara.

Come in today, you will be amazed!!

49388386

Open: Tue,Thurs,Fri 9-‐5 -‐Wed 9-‐8 Sat 8-‐12 Call today for your appointment!!!

Gresford Residents Being Left BehindLee Watts, independent candidate for the state seat of Upper Hunter said she was shocked that the residents of Gresford do not have basic mobile phone coverage and in many cases struggle to even access landlines and free to air television. She experienced the issue first-hand during her visit to Gresford, having to find a phone booth to make phone calls.

“Gresford is hardly a remote township and it is unacceptable that the community don’t have basic mobile coverage and they are right to feel angry. The government should not be neglecting this area simply because it is a small population and considered inconsequential to their votes” said Lee Watts. “Residents have said they feel like second class citizens, but they pay the same taxes as everyone else and should have access to basic technology. They have fibre optic cable throughout the valley, but no connections.” she said.

“Everyone in this electorate should be treated fairly and it is not fair that they should be left without power for four days or be without landlines for two weeks, it is third world and shows what happens to small communities when these services are privatised. It is frightening to think about emergencies and no access to basic communication or power. Access to mobile coverage should be available no matter where you live in this electorate. There should be mobile towers that service the community; they are much cheaper than maintaining land lines so that should be made available immediately and utility providers should be more accountable for their lack of service and support of this community.”

“This is definitely something I will push for if I am elected as the local state member,” she said. “I’ll be at the doors of the utility providers and the Ministers until it is fixed.”

Lee Watts has served on the Upper Hunter Shire Council as a Councillor, Deputy Mayor and Mayor. She is running as an independent candidate for the State seat of Upper Hunter against the sitting Nationals member, George Souris at the 2015 State Election.

“I experienced firsthand the lack of mobile phone coverage when I pulled up for an appointment at Gresford. It’s not ok that there is no mobile coverage in our

country towns. We pay the same taxes and should get the same basic services”.

Emily Reibel of Tenambit, Maitland graduated from Newcastle University on the 1st May, 2014 with a Bachelor of Nutrition and Dietetics with Distinction. Emily is the daughter of Ray and Wilma Reibel of Tenambit, the grand-daughter of Jack and Peg (decd) Reibel formerly of East Gresford and Bruce and Glenda Saxby of East Gresford.

Emily Reibel graduating from Newcastle University with her grandparents Bruce and Glenda Saxby.

Proud Grandparents


Gresford Post Office StoreHome of the Crossroads Cafe

162 Durham Road Gresford (Cnr Lostock & Durham Road)Phone 4938 9239

Open 7 days from 7.00 am

Take away fOOd OPen fOr breakfaST lunCH and dinner

Gourmet fresh cut sandwiches and real Milkshakes available – BBQ Chickens – Ice – DVDs – Grocery – Ice Creams – Drinks –

dVd releases available in June• 12 YEARS A SLAVE • GRUDGE MATCH • THE MARKED ONES • MANDELA •

• ROBOCOP • LAST VEGAS • ARE WE OFFICIALLY DATING? • LABOR DAY •

• TOKAREV • TRACKS • 3 DAYS TO KILL • A WINTERS TALE •

• OUT OF A FURNACE • LEGEND OF HERCULES • SPACE WARRIORS •

What’s on the Shelves?

by Glenda Smith

When asked about the scope of this novel, and whether it gave her a sense of freedom, Geraldine Brooks replied that she found it overwhelming, and sometimes needed a break from it – an understandable reaction given that the time frame ranges over centuries, and the research would have been extensive.

Her protagonist is Hannah Heath, who is an expert book conservator, and the physical features (such as a wine stain) of the precious medieval manuscript she is given access to act as triggers for the stories of the people who came into contact with it, working backwards in time.

Basing her work on a real manuscript, the Sarajevo Haggadah, Brooks uses her understanding of historical crises and her love of books to interweave the adventures of her heroine with the imagined stories of people who have acted as the Haggadah’s protectors. The result is a tour de force of dramatic narrative conveying a deep appreciation of human strengths and frailties, and a dissertation on the history of religion. Brooks is always enlightening, and well worth reading.

People of the BookGeraldine Brooks

Find out about termites in Gresford and more...from Dungog Shire Community College

Termites affect 1 in 3 Australian homes, and the damage can be insidious until it’s too late. Termites, Trees and Your Home is Peter Hill’s terrific little class that gives you the information to get to grips with those wily beasts. Learn new methods of prevention, identification and nest location. Discover the different species and their target woods. Find out how to make and install your own cheap and effective bait stations. Although this isn’t a DIY to termite control, it’s fascinating and empowering, and participants who complete the course will be given access to termite bait supplies so they can carry out their own treatment program.Sat 28 June 9am-4pm, Therese Doyle Community Hall, East Gresford. Cost: $82 (plus $25 for textbook and notes payable to tutor on the day).

First Aid is that essential skill that could make a difference. We have two courses in June: one is over two Thursday evenings, 12 & 19 June, 6-9pm. The other is on Saturday 21 June, 9-3pm. The course is being taught by our regular trainer Sonja

Medcalf and costs $160 for full certificate and $140 if you’re renewing your certificate. This is the accredited course that might save a life one day.

Frock up for the Masked Ball 21 June. Book yourself or book a whole table (tables of 6 and 12 preferred) – tickets $70 each. The band is booked, the MCs are rehearsing, the menu is settled and the auctioneer is limbering up. Find out how you can become a ball sponsor.

Remember all proceeds go to the community college, bringing educational opportunities to our shire (such as first aid, a termite course, social media 4 business, time management, ceramics, photography, jazz education, Community Services Diploma, Aged Care, and a great deal more).

Book into computer courses before the end of the financial year. Social media for business is schedule for 26 July. Also small group computer sessions: Word, Excel, photo editing & more. Visit www.dungogcommunitycollege.org.au.

Platinum SponsorBlackwoods – Singleton

Silver SponsorsBunnings - Maitland

The Good Guys - Maitland

Gabes Cleaning ServicesAddison Partners Accountants

Race Track SponsorsDungog Veternary HospitalRural Retirement SpecialistsThe Nelson Resort - Nelsons Bay

Stewart Everett Mitsubishi & Caltex

MAJOR Sponsor

Thanking our valued sponsors for their generous

support of a very successful day with a RECORD return being distributed to

15 community Groups this year.

GOLD Sponsor

Bronze SponsorsStockers And Partridge – Paterson

Bowe And Lidbury – Maitland Dillon And Sons – Dungog

Goods In KindLawrence Livestock Transport

Kentan Machinery – Hexham

Goldsprings Earthmoving And Heavy Haulage

Coates Hire John Redgraves - Hay - Scotts Flat

Brad Cowie Real Estate Scott Brown - Electrician

‘Gresford Billycart Derby is supported by Dungog Shire Events’


Mitch Ulrick 0421 014 789

VACY LIC. NO. 198606C / ABN 67 123 581 183

EMAIL [email protected]

Plumber Drainer

Gas Fitter Roofer

3.5 t Excavator 8 t Tip Truck

SERVICING ALL AREAS

Martin Addison Community feature...by Rowena Dillon

Martin Addison’s family have had a long association with the Gresford area beginning in 1912 with Martin’s grandfather being the manager of the Maitland branch of the CBC bank. In those days a bank manager knew all his customers personally and many of the CBC’s customers were property and business owners from the Gresford area. Therefore Martin’s grandfather was very familiar with this area, the families, their financial and personal circumstances.

In 1937 Martin’s father, Dr Addison bought the property “The Falls” on the beautiful Allyn River. At the time, the property was one of more than 20 working dairy farms on the Allyn River, worked by share farmers over the years and continued to operate as a dairy until the late 1990s.

In 1944 Martin first visited “The Falls” with his father and he moved there to live with his family in 1974.

Martin has been involved with many groups and organisations over the years and he has a long list of roles and positions he has fulfilled for our community.

Some of his major contributions have been to sport for the youth of our area. Martin was one of the founders of the Gresford/Vacy Junior Soccer Association and also was a founder of junior cricket in the area. He has made major contributions to both junior and senior cricket. He was a founder of the Hunter Valley Junior Cricket Council, was a selector and coach for many local and representative cricket teams, also being an elected life member of Hunter Valley Cricket Council and Dungog & District Cricket Council, as well as holding executive positions on several sporting bodies as his children were growing.

The list goes on with Martin being involved with many community organisations such as The School

Martin Addison


of Arts, The Show Society, The Parish Council, Rotary, Dungog High School, Gresford School P & C, Sydney Grammar School, Dungog Arts Festival, Allyn River Water Users, The Community Group to name a few. Through his profession as an accountant Martin was the voluntary auditor of many committees, at one stage conducting up to 19 free audits each year for various organisations in the area.

Martin feels that the most important attribute Gresford has is the outstanding community focus and dedication of people to local causes and he himself is a perfect example of this dedication and commitment. In Martin’s opinion there has always been a sizeable core of community minded people to support the 27 committees in this area.

Martin feels that Gresford people are always willing to support a new idea and get behind a project. Examples of this have been the Billy Cart Derby and the Art Show. Martin has seen that often a very diverse group of people can work together towards a common goal.

Martin was grateful for the support he received when he opened his accountancy business which he operated from 1975 till 2006. He was grateful that many people were willing to give him a go in the early years of his business.

Schooling was another plus Martin cited for the Gresford area. He feels that in general the educational experiences his own and other children received at Gresford and Dungog were excellent.

He was also pleased that his children were well catered for with outside school activities such as Pony Club, netball, cricket and soccer. He and his wife Carolyn were always actively involved in their children’s education and sporting pursuits which he feels that made those experiences more rewarding for the children and provided positive parent interaction.

On the down side Martin feels that the aging population of the area and the lack of opportunity for young people is of concern. The demise of many of the small businesses over the years has also been to Gresford’s detriment.

The deregulation of the dairy industry had a very negative effect on the area with most of the original 22 dairies on the Allyn River closing down now leaving only one still operating above “The Falls”. Martin also feels that local people don’t seem to socialize together as much on a casual basis.

Martin would love to see the re-establishment of small businesses in Gresford and he would definitely like a doctor and chemist again in the area. However, he is realistic and realizes that many people in the area have to leave town each day to find employment and therefore do their shopping and other business out of town as well.

As a businessman, farmer, family man and community supporter Martin has had a great deal of experience in the culture of Gresford. He has made a huge contribution over the years to the growth and development of Gresford, particularly with regard to junior sport in the area, and his efforts have not gone unnoticed.


All Records Broken At 2014 Billy Cart Derby And Easter FairBeing blessed with perfect weather, a huge crowd, of mainly extended families with lots of the younger generation, enjoyed a fun filled day of activities. This year a record 60 carts and 116 entries were received, and there was also a full area of market stalls. Entries came from as far afield as Port Macquarie, Jerrys Plains and the Grand Champion , Jim Manoliadis, came from Port Kembla.

Most local community and sporting groups were involved with Cow Pat Lotto, Gum Boot Tossing and stalls of all sorts.

The Derby Committee was most grateful for the generous support of our loyal sponsors, most of whom have been associated with the Derby for many years.

It was most pleasing to receive help from other local groups including the Gresford Vacy Football Club, Gresford School P & C and Gresford Pre- school. As promised earlier, the groups that contributed to the running of the derby most would receive the larger share of the profits.

A total of $11,350 is being distributed to 15 local organisations. These include Gresford/Vacy Football Club, Gresford School P & C, Gresford Preschool,

Gresford Junior Cricket Club, Therese Doyle Community Hall, Maitland St Johns Ambulance, Tennis Assoc., CWA, Rural Fire Service, Historical Society, Anglican Guild Sport and Recreation Club, School of Arts, Gresford News and Paterson Pony Club.

As is seen above, The Gresford Easter Fair and Billy Cart Derby is truly the biggest total community event of the year and a wonderful showcase of the

spirit of the community minded residents of the district. Our major sponsors, Glencore and The Hotel Beatty along with Dungog Events, a committee funded by Dungog Council, are sincerely thanked for their most valuable support.

The exposure through the media and to visitors makes everyone envious of our special village.

Ken Chandler for Gresford Billycart Derby Committee

Perfect weather helped to bring out the crowds at this year’s Easter Billycart Derby


Fully Licenced Café / Restaurant4938 8305

3 Village Art FestivalThe weather was perfect on Saturday

and people flocked to all four venues to enjoy the inaugural 3 Village Art Festival. Graham Murphy, Chairman of the festival, couldn’t have been happier with the outcome. “Our event was unique in as much as we had four venues in 3 villages over 2 days and we had no idea how many people would turn up but we had no need to worry as all four halls were full of people from early morning up till closing time.”

“We had people who came from Sydney just to be part of our exciting Art and Photography Exhibitions. Saturday ended with great music and quality wines at Camyr Allyn Winery by Dungog Duo Springtide who entertained visitors with an incredible range of music and instruments till late in the afternoon. Sunday had even more people attending with numbers into the thousands as people took advantage of our great eateries throughout the 3 Villages. No one expected the numbers to be so high. Restaurants and cafes had to call in extra staff to handle to influx of visitors to our area. The comments from all visitors

were positive, many were excited to have an art show somewhere other than the vineyards. Many people from Maitland and surrounding areas were attracted to the area for the first time and many stated they will be back to spend more time here.”

The festival had market stalls, kid’s entertainment, vintage farm machinery

and classic cars which added greatly to the festival mood over the weekend. All venues had lucky door prizes and one local resident Mrs Rosalie Lawrence won a $900 art print by local artist John Bradley, many other winners took home a range of books and other merchandising by artist Natalie Jane Parker and Photographer David Oliver.

Mr Murphy said “Our mission statement was to promote our local artists, bring tourists to our beautiful villages and introduce visitors to our local eateries and producers, we have done this and exceeded all expectations.”

“The festival could not have been as successful without some great financial backing by some very generous sponsors and our hard working committee who took a dream and made it a reality. I want to thank these people and the many people who generously gave their time to help us over the weekend, you made our job so much easier. And to all of the residents of Paterson, Vacy and Gresford who believed in us and gave us such tremendous support.”

Graham Murphy opening the 3 Village Art Festival at Tocal Agricultural College


Debt Collection Solutions AND ALL YOUR CREDIT MANAGEMENT NEEDS

David Cains - 0419 215 782• Ph: 4926 2499 • Fax: 4929 5298 [email protected]• Level 4, 6 Bolton Street Newcastle 2300 www.gcsarms.com

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Drawing – Charlotte Farnworth$200, Addison Partners

Pastel – Penny Wood$200, Maitland framing gallery

Modern Contemporary – Michael M Harvey$500, Sentral Education

Watercolours – Paul Durell$500, Peter Drayton Wines

Acrylic – Elanor Anson$500, Gabes Cleaning

Oil – Colin Richardson$500, Commonwealth Bank Australia

Jnr Photography – Zo LennonCamera, Nikon

Adult Photography – Wendy ManwarringCamera, Nikon

Local Subject – David Oberdorf$1000, DARACON

Open category – Cath Varcoe$2000, DARACON

Visitors viewing the art at Gresford School of Arts Hall. Photo: Rosita Richardson

Photographer David Oliver and local resident Chris Wokes at Vacy Photographic exhibition.



Raffle Winners:

Wendy Mesley, North Sydney, chose the David Oliver photograph

Carol Ashton, Martinsville, chose the John Bradley print

Sue van Gaal, Melbourne, chose the Natalie Jane Parker print.

Jack Laurie, East Gresford, won the Kid’s Challenge prize a Nikon Coolpix S3600 camera and case.

Congratulations to all of our winners. The diversity of our winners in the raffle gives a good indication how far some of our visitors came from.

Cheers Graham

Enjoying the entertainment by Springtide at Camyr Allyn Winery

CWA member, Cathy Hurst, admiring aboriginal art works

Art on display at Tocal Agricultural CollegePhoto: David Oliver

Jim Doyle proposed the Art Festival as a tribute to his mother, Therese Doyle, a local artist, photographer

and community worker. Photo: David Oliver

Vacy Rural Fire Service BBQ at Vacy


q Gresford District Historical Society r“Scare at Gresford” ~ the Governors’ rampage

“Scare at Gresford” declared the Maitland Mercury of 17th Sept 1900

The report went on to say the usual stock sales on Friday were deserted as most made for their homes for the protection of their wives and families. It also reported large numbers of people slept at the residence of H.H Brown at Coulston on the Friday and Saturday nights and also at Hancock’s and Beatty’s hotels. (Hancock’s was the Cross Roads hotel on the corner of Church St. and Lostock Rd.; destroyed by fire in 1922)

There was good reason for all this concern, for the Governor brothers (Jimmy and Joe) were back in the Gresford area, and news had just come through that they had held up and robbed Daniel Cowley’s and Edward Lawrence’s at Lostock. They had also boasted at Cowley’s that the police “would not catch them in 7 years”.

This boast had credibility as the Governors had previously lived in the Gresford area for some years and had a very detailed knowledge of the district. At the time news of their murderous rampage was widespread and as they appeared to be motivated to avenge grievances and insults (real or imagined) arising from past associations, the heading, “Scare at Gresford” would have been an understatement.

Over the years much has been written about the injustices that may have motivated their rampage and this includes a Thomas Keneally novel and movie titled, the “Chant of Jimmy Blacksmith”. Little if any mention is given to the significant “Gresford connection” in this saga.

Jimmy was born in 1875 and Joe about 1877 in the area around Leadville – near Dunedoo NSW. Their parents were Tommy and Annie (nee) Fitzgerald. Annie was born to an aboriginal mother and white father- Jack Fitzgerald an Irish stockman. Little is known of Joe’s early life but Jimmy received some schooling at Gulgong and could read and write. He later proved very eloquent in leaving derisive comments and notes for the police.

By 1886 the Governor family were living in the Gresford district with Tommy and his sons working on various properties on the Paterson and Allyn rivers. Farm labour was scarce and although the work was reasonably well paid the Governors’ need for money was lessened by their knowledge of how to live off the land.

In 1890 Jimmy comes to the attention of the law for “horse sweating”, (the equivalent of joyriding in a car today) and of trashing the school classroom at Gresford. It is not known if he had ever attended the school. As a result he is sent to a boys’ reformatory – a ship called the “Vernon” moored off Cockatoo Island in Sydney. Despite all this he later re-appears as a well respected blacktracker attached for some years (from 1896) to the Cassilis police.

Jimmy’s troubles increased when he moved to the Gulgong area in 1898 and married a white woman (Ethel Page). This marriage attracted much criticism from Ethel’s family (and others) and they were subjected to racial taunts. Matters came to a head in 1900 when Jimmy took a fencing contract with the Mawbey family at Breelong near Gilgandra. Jimmy was assisted in this work

by his brother Joe, Jacky Underwood, Jacky Porter and his nephew Peter Governor.

Ethel had been employed to do the housework at the Mawbey’s and Jimmy was stung by her reports that the women at the Mawbey’s had taunted her. Late on the evening of the 20th July 1900, Jimmy and Jacky went to the homestead to confront the women, (the Mawbey men were away at another house on the property) and after an argument Jimmy and Jacky lost control and killed 3 women, 2 of the children and seriously injured a 4th woman. Two younger children in their cots and 2 boys one of whom who had escaped to raise the alarm were unscathed. Jacky Underwood probably saved the 2 boys by telling them to keep quiet but he had killed one of the older children and seriously injured a woman who was later able to testify against him. Having suffered a fall from a horse some years before he walked with a limp and was quickly rounded up. Jacky was hanged at Dubbo gaol on 14th Jan 1901.

Joe Governor had played no part in the murders but was “pressed” to flee with Jimmy. The pair were to lead the police and an estimated 2000 civilians on a chase through some of the roughest country in NSW. They were superb bushmen and with Jimmy’s tracker experience they were largely untraceable employing tactics such as walking along the tops of post and rail fences, through mobs of sheep and walking in each others footprints.

By now Jimmy was intent on avenging past insults and he and Joe committed 4 more murders (and 2 serious woundings) at properties where Jimmy had worked and

Civilian posse & trackers on the trail of the Governors at Stewart’s Brook 12/9/1900.


q “Our Stories” Feature r

accumulated grudges. Previously many bushrangers had gained a measure of public sympathy but the nature of their crimes incensed the community and they were given no shelter. Snr Sgt Forrest who

previously had been the first police officer to be stationed at Gresford led a heavily armed posse out of Muswellbrook.

After running north as far as Moree the brothers turned South East to head for the

Mt Royal Range and the Barrington Tops area that they knew so well. Heading down through Stewart’s Brook they came out at Carrabolla and robbed 2 families. They then moved over to the Allyn River and robbed

Joe at the Caledonia Hotel Singleton

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another house, (vacated earlier by a family who feared for their lives) then held up 2 sawyers and took their provisions. They also helped themselves at recently vacated houses on the Williams River. The police meanwhile were right on their tails and the pair were surprised at a spot on the Lagoon Pinch trail which provides access onto the Barrington Tops. This spot is still called Governors’ lookout.

At Cobark, (near Gloucester) Jimmy was reported to have raped the 15 year old daughter of a settler. This was the final straw and from then on the police and armed civilians relentlessly dogged them and were anticipating their movements by hiding in isolated huts waiting for the outlaws to arrive. This strategy paid off and on 13th Oct 1900, (on the Forbes river - West of Kempsey) Jimmy was shot in the jaw losing 4 teeth. Jimmy and Joe decided to split up with Joe heading back down through Barrington Tops and the Gresford area towards the Aboriginal reserve at St. Clair.

With Jimmy severely wounded capture was inevitable and on 27th Oct 1900 Jimmy was surrounded near Wingham by armed civilians including 3 generations of the Moore family from the Allyn river. Given gruel and tea Jimmy announced that he was

glad he hadn’t been captured by the police stating, “they couldn’t run down a bloody poddy calf”. He was not mortally wounded and being an extremely fit man he quickly recovered even after taking a full charge of 45 shot gun pellets in his back and buttock. Later he was moved to Wingham and then by steamer to Sydney for trial. He was found guilty and hanged at Darlinghurst Gaol on 18th Jan 1901.

Joe meanwhile had moved quickly and 4 days after Jimmy’s capture was at Carrowbrook, close to St. Clair. A Carrowbrook grazier John Wilkinson and his brother George surrounded Joe at his camp before daylight. Joe made a run for it but

John Wilkinson fired hitting him in the head and killing him instantly. His body was taken to Singleton and displayed before a large and curious crowd at the Caledonia hotel. An inquest was later held at the hotel. In a bizarre scene locals struck wax matches on the soles of Joe’s feet and for no compelling reason the authorities also had his head removed and sent to Sydney. His headless body was buried 1 metre outside the Anglican Cemetery at Whittingham.

The Governor’s reign of terror had lasted 103 days and included 9 murders, a rape, 5 serious woundings, 7 armed hold ups and some 33 house robberies plus the stealing of several horses. They were declared outlaws in the Government Gazette of 23rd Oct 1900 with £1000 each on their heads and were pursued tenaciously by the police and various civilian armed groups over an area of 120,000 sq. km. They were indeed the last and most notorious outlaws in NSW and indeed Australia.

Previous stories from this colum are available as a book, “Gresford Connections Vol 1”, from McDonald Bros. Maitland and local shops in Gresford at $15. Next meeting of the Historical Society is 10.30am, Mon 2 June in the RSL hall.

Plaque at the spot where Jimmy was captured

q “Our Stories” Feature r


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Our AGM was held at Judith Clarke’s Vacy garden and it was so inspirational to see what can be achieved on basically rock and precious little top soil. Judith had countless plants we had assumed would not grow in our soils and they have survived with very little water. Ten years ago Judith and her husband cleared by hand 10 acres of woody weeds from the hill behind Vacy. The original property was covered with red cedar and rosewood trees. Judith told us that she only uses dynamic lifter, blood and bone and potash on her garden beds and

waters her fruit trees, native and ornamental trees from her bio-recycle watering system. Judith has a passion for salvias which do extremely well in our soils and so much of her time is dedicated to potting plants to raise money for the Red Cross Association. We decided that Judith is a “Local Living Treasure”!

Penny Kater and Peter Brecknock, our resident horticulturists discussed some current garden problems including web caterpillar that loves some of our natives, in particular callistemon “Little John”. You will either need to cut it out or

spray with Dipel, or even spray your cold cup of coffee over the plant! Their is a black sooty scale which is affecting some natives at the moment and white oil can be sprayed on affected trees. It is a good time of the year to take tip cuttings from hydrangeas. Pot them into sand and you should have good flowering plants later this year.

Our next meeting will encompass the subject of watering and the many different systems that are available to us.

Yours perennially, Janie Chandler

Our meeting was held at Judith Clarke’s Vacy garden. A beautiful garden to wander and an amazing woman.

Paterson Allyn Garden Group


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Making Silage and HayWith forecasts of an El Nino later in 2014 now is the time for stockowners to be planning for dry conditions and an uncertain feed outlook. Making silage and hay and using it efficiently is one way farmers can prepare. It can also help cover the seasonal winter feed shortage.

Neil Griffiths, Technical Specialist with the Department of Primary Industries said it is important to understand feed quality, what cattle need and what supplements may be needed. “You want to make, or buy, good silage that stock want to eat and not feed that cattle walk past. There is a lot of science in the art of good silage making.”

“For instance, poor silage may simply be the result of using lower quality input materials like over-mature pasture, or fodder crops with low sugars. Alternatively, it may be due to problems in the timing, wilting and baling process. Other problems may be the result of poor fermentation or air getting into the silage.”

The keys to making good silage and hay is covered in a Top Fodder course being run over 3 days at Tocal College in June 24 - 26. This is a hands on course looking at a range of silage and hay. It includes the Top Fodder silage manual, written by a range of experts in silage and animal production.

An opportunity exists for discounted silage testing as part of the The Grasslands Society of NSW 2014 NSW Hay and Silage Feed Quality Awards. The Topfodder course will explain how to take samples and what the results mean.

For more information about the Top Fodder course contact 1800 025 520.

No NBN In Gresford RegionIn a media release on 20th May, Bob Baldwin, Federal Member for Paterson, said “I can announce that the National Broadband Network (NBN) will be rolled out using fibre and fixed wireless technologies across parts of Pitnacree, Tenambit, East Maitland, Marshdale and Stroud Town.”

“This announcement continues the momentum of the NBN rollout in New South Wales with over 131 500 home and business owners already able to connect to the network.”

“NBN Co spokesperson Trent Williams, said more people in New South Wales were now a step closer to receiving fast, affordable and reliable broadband.”

“The NBN can open up opportunities for families and business owners to participate in the digital economy. Fast broadband can help deliver improved access to e-health resources, online education, teleworking opportunities and entertainment on demand.

“For many farms, homes and businesses in rural and regional New South Wales the rollout of the NBN will provide access to internet speeds and bandwidth that many in the big cities take for granted.”

“On average it takes around 12 months from the start of construction until residents and business owners can access services over the NBN from phone and internet providers.”

Maps showing the areas to be covered by the network are available at: www.nbnco.com.au/rollout/rollout-map. If you have a look you will see there is nothing available for the Gresford region at the moment – we live in hope.


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Weekday mornings St Anne’s, Gresford at 7.30am

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NSW Government gives thumbs up for Renewable Energy TargetThe Renewable Energy Target (RET) has been in the news lately with the NSW Government Submission to the Review of the RET breaking ranks with other NLP governments by declaring its strong support for the national renewable energy target. – “Mike Baird gives backing for renewable energy target” SMH, May 29 2014

The NSW government review included the following statements: “It is projected that the current RET will generate a further $18.7 billion worth of investment in renewable energy infrastructure in Australia to 2030.” “The NSW Government is committed to increasing energy security through diversity, particularly through increasing the supply of energy from renewable sources. Having a diversity of supply can help to protect energy customers from price sensitivity associated with fuel inputs, such as gas prices.” “While acknowledging the net cost to consumers of the RET in the short term, a number of analysts have found that over the long term overall electricity prices are lower with the RET.”

Before this announcement was made Gresford News received the following

contribution form Graeme Walters a Solar Citizens volunteer and regular visitor to Gresford.

Renewable Energy TargetThe Renewable Energy Target was set up by the Howard Government in 2001 to reduce pollution from Australia’s emission intensive power sector and to develop Australia’s clean energy sector as part of combatting the effects of climate change. It sets a goal for the amount of energy that Australia should generate from renewable sources, like solar and wind. It also provides a small subsidy from the Federal Government to families installing solar. The Labor Government expanded the target with the support of the Coalition to ensure at least 20% of Australia’s electricity comes from renewables by 2020.

Since 2001 the RET has generated around 24,000 jobs and $20 billion of investment. Over 5 million households have solar on their roofs- and that number is growing. Solar is helping families take control of their power bills and do their bit for the environment. The RET has ensured a vital solar industry employing over 18,000 workers.

Without a strong Renewable Energy Target, it will be more expensive and harder for families to go solar. The target is currently under review and it is important that it is kept or extended in order to keep solar strong; to help families take control over their bills and do their part for the environment; to help businesses employ more workers in local jobs and to insure investment in sustainable energy projects in Australia.

Solar Citizens is an organization protecting the rights of solar owners, supporters and installers and is currently organizing campaigns in defence of the Renewable Energy Target. One campaign is a petition to be presented to Prime Minister Mr Abbott in July. You are welcome to sign it by visiting the web site. www.solarcitizens.org.au.

In late April I had the pleasure to visit East Gresford and was delighted to see roof top solar installations on many establishments and took the liberty of leaving Solar Citizen leaflets to encourage membership. Solar Citizens is aiming to increase its membership to 200,000 and I would encourage you to be one of them.

Graeme Walters


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GRESFORD CWA NEWS

What a fabulous weekend for the 3 Village Art Festival. We manned The Gresford School of Arts and Tocal College showing visitors the attractions in our part of the valley.

The profits from our stall at the Billycart Derby have gone to the Gresford Public School to help with their Arts Day which also includes students from

Paterson and Vacy schools.Our secretary Valarie Smith travelled with members of the Hunter River Group to Griffith to attend the Annual CWA Conference. We look forward to her report.

BOOK CLUB meets on the second Saturday of the month the book for discussion in June is “The Round House” by Louise

CWA member Liz Jones with the winning painting in the 3 Villages Art Show...”Ladie’s Well” by the artist Colin Richardson.

Dotti Hilliard & Peter Doyle at the Gresford School of Arts, 3 Village Art Show

The Gresford CWA meets on the first Thursday of the month at 12 Durham Road at 9.30a.m. Come and join us.

WEB: http:/gresfordcwa.wordpress.com

Erdich. Please come and join us 3.00pm. afternoon tea and a lively discussion. Books for discussion are listed on our website. For further information email Glenda Smith at [email protected].

SAVE THE DATE International Day on the 19th August at St.Anne’s Parish Hall, Church Street, Gresford.

Robyn Thornton, President.


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GRESFORD BILLY CART DERBY “GUM BOOT TOSS”Gresford Vacy Football Club has again had the privilege of hosting the annual Gum Boot Toss at the Gresford Billy Cart Derby. The event was hotly contested with a record 268 competitors trying their luck before the field had to be closed to conduct the Age Champion Toss-Off. The new category of “Seniors” was added to the age groupings, by popular demand, to represent adults who ‘felt’ they were over fifty-fivish. This produced our first Senior Age Champion but only the gentleman contestant fronted for the ‘Toss-Off”. Maybe the Senior Lady Champion didn’t feel over 55 any more. The record of 40.2 metres, set in 2012, still stands but maybe for not much longer. A group of Tocal students and friends have the record distance in their sights and had multiple attempts. They have vowed to return next year.

Several 2013 Age Champions returned to defend their titles with Vacy’s Gemma Dooley(Ladies Throw) retaining her crown and Paterson’s Rigby Vane-Wood(15-18y Male) retaining his. The coveted title of ‘Champion Tosser’ and winner of the ‘Golden Gumboot’ went to a young Newcastle lady, Isobel Prince, who was

holidaying with family friends at Eccleston. Ten year old Isobel won her 7-10years Age Championship with a throw of 16.51 metres and then went on to throw 20.19 metres in the ‘Toss Off’ which was the biggest single % increase in the series and secured her the title and trophy. Isobel’s older brother, younger sister and father had all competed in the Gum Boot Toss but failed to make the distance.

The ‘Golden Gum Boot’ trophy is produced by GVFC Committee member, June Falk, who personally selects only the best used gum boots and mounts them on locally grown recycled hardwood. They are gilded and varnished to perfection and mounted with the football club logo. They are

held in high esteem by the winners.

Gresford Vacy FC has never viewed the Gum Boot Toss and Derby as a fund raiser but more as an opportunity to promote our presence and activities to the local community. We do however make a few dollars on the day and have, in the last few years, been the grateful recipients of a ‘share’ of the ‘profits’ from the Derby. This year we were approached, along with other groups, to take a more active roll in the Derby and provide some input to the Committee meetings and supply manpower to help set-up, run and dismantle the Derby. Our club was happy to assist and President, Damien Crouch and Vice President Jim Doyle attended many of the Derby meetings and organised a group of GVFC volunteers to assist on the day. Following the Derby GVFC was requested to provide the Derby Committee with a project from our ‘wish list’ that required funding. We nominated the safety nets that we’re erecting behind our goals as our most current project and are very pleased to report that the Derby Committee has viewed our proposal most favourably. We wish to express our sincere thanks to the organisers for the opportunity to run the Gum Boot Toss and support the Derby.

Gresford Vacy Football Club Inc

Champion Isobel Prince


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Quad SafetyThe 2014 Tocal Field Days had an emphasis on quad bike safety. A special presentation was made by trainer, Matt Brett regularly through each day to further awareness of the importance of safe riding of quad bikes and the use of quad bars.

“The response from the public and those visiting the Field Days was very positive. All those people whom Mr Brett spoke to strongly supported the use of quad bars or similar protective devices. The benefits of these devices are very clear for all to see.” Dr Cameron Archer, Tocal Principal said.

“One landholder said that he had bars on his quads for some years but had felt that he was on his own, with other owners he knew dismissing their value. Another landholder commended the College and Field Days for placing so much emphasis on quad bike safety.

“Quad bikes used in the wrong situation and often for quite innocent purposes are deadly machines and must be treated with great respect. Quad bars will certainly alleviate some of the risks involved if an operator finds themselves in trouble. The best way of course is to avoid situations where the machine may overturn.

“I recall the enormous resistance from car manufacturers when seat belts were first mooted, but eventually they became mandatory despite the protestations from the motor industry.” Dr Archer said. “I hope the day is not too far off when rollover protective devices are mandated for quad bikes.”

“Quad bikes are now the cause of the largest numbers of deaths on Australian farms, and result in many non-fatal

injuries as well. In 2013 there were 59 on farm deaths, with 15 of these due to incidents involving quads. There were nine deaths relating to tractors and in the same period there were two deaths involving horses.

Any death is one too many and we must strive to make our farms safer. Mandating protective devices on quads would be a great step forward,” Dr Archer added.

Tocal College runs courses on the safe use of quad bikes, giving people the opportunity to evaluate the risks of quad bike use and then develop skills for their safe use on farms and elsewhere.

Registrations / enquiries: 1800 025 520 or 02 4939 8881 to speak to Kim or email: [email protected]


Mobile phone coverage The meeting heard the letter Martin wrote at the community group’s suggestion to Bob Baldwin, MHR.Brian referred to plans for communications towers for Paterson. He said Optus had lodged an application to construct a tower at Paterson with DSC in 2009, but it had lapsed. Countrytell had also lodged applications, which had been approved by DSC. Countrytell intend to provide 4G wireless broadband in Dungog Shire but they have advised progress is being delayed by lengthy negotiations with landowners.

TD Hall management plan update Martin to organise a site meeting with the surveyor and building consultant. George tabled a detailed site plan showing access requirements.

2014 directions/GCGPeter spoke about the recent telecommunications’ survey and its value and the role the News could play in speaking more directly about community needs. Martin encouraged George and Kirby to speak to their respective groups about the merits of this approach. Brian pointed out the

resourcing and legal implications of taking positions. Issue to be continued at the June meeting.

Treasurer’s reportThe News photocopier is on a 4-year rental expiring in August. The question to lease or purchase would be discussed when costings were complete.

Markets’ report Kirby proposed more signs for the markets and offered to make some for June; also to cost flag-style signs; that Martin seek supportive landowners.

Winter meeting times The winter meeting time will change to 5.30pm, concluding by 7pm – effective June meeting.

ANZAC Centenary Picnic in the Park Stephen outlined the plans for a community picnic on 25.5.15 at Orana Park.

TD Doyle Hall gardens Martin said he would tend the gardens in future.

Pre-school Kirby said the pre-school would not be fund-raising at Bunnings.

Shade cloth Kirby encouraged the community group to re-consider erecting the shade cloth at the skate park as a result of talking to local skateboarders.

Gresford Community Group – April meeting

Next General MeetingMon 2 June at 5:30pm Hotel Beatty

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Gresford News June Crossword

May 2014 crossword answers

Tourism & Hospitality Award Sponsored by Dungog Visitor Information Centre WINNER Gumnut Glen Cabins, RUNNERS UP Flying Duck Café & Settlers ArmsRural Producers, Manufacturing & Industry Award Sponsored by Lovey’s Supa IGA Plus Liquor WINNER T & R Steel, RUNNERS UP Paterson Service Station, Automotive Repairs and River CaféProfessional Services Award Sponsored by Shine Hair and Beauty WINNER Dungog Veterinary Hospital, RUNNER UP Addison PartnersTrades Award Sponsored by Bunna Bunoo Olive Grove WINNER Wayne Smedley Plumbing, RUNNER UP Groves Of GardeningOutstanding Employee (Under 25 Years) Award Sponsored by Rotary WINNER Emily Baker, RUNNERS UP Laura Saunders & Tamara LyeOutstanding Employee (Over 25 Years) Award Sponsored by Settlers Arms WINNERS Wazza Coe & Charmaine Dickson, RUNNER UP Alisha ReevesRetail Award Sponsored by Dungog Veterinary Hospital WINNER Country Elegance Gardens & Gifts, RUNNER UP Lovey’s Supa IGA Plus Liquor Customer Service Award Sponsored by Hunter Region Business Enterprise CentreWINNER Williams Valley PharmacyRUNNER UP Davey & OlsenGolden Axe Award Sponsored by Tar 10WINNER Wangat Lodge, RUNNER UP Fosterton Farm BakeryOutstanding New Business Award Sponsored by Hunter Business Chamber WINNER Norris IT, RUNNER UP Safety CheckBusiness Leader of the Year Award Sponsored by Mai-Wel Labour Force Solutions WINNER James Lovegrove, RUNNER UP Stuart BerryChamber Members’ Award Sponsored by Addison Partners WINNER Shine Hair & BeautyOverall Business Excellence Award Sponsored by Dungog Chronicle WINNER Country Elegance Gardens & Gifts

Dungog District Chamber of Commerce Business Awards Congratulations to winners and runners up:

gresford news june 2014

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