gresford news september 2013

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

September 2013

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

For 6 weeks over August and September 1917 a strike gripped the Eastern states of Australia. Among the

100,000 striking workers were Ben Chifley, elected Prime minister of Australia in 1945, and Joe Cahill who became Premier of NSW in 1952. Read about the strike and the role men and boys from the Gresford district played in its outcome in our history feature this month.

Tom Jim Leake and boys at Mortlake.

Premier’s letter 1917 strike

Strike breakers camp General Strike 1917

The Volunteers of 1917

SOCIAL BOWLS WEDNESDAY: BBQ AT NOON

BOWLS 1PM COST $10

MEMBERSHIP IS NOW DUE FOR 2013-2014

WEDNESDAY 7-00PM FRIDAY 7-00PM SEAFOOD RAFFLE 7.30PM SUNDAY 7-00PM

CHINH and JIMS’

BISTRO OPEN 5-00pm

FRI - SUNDAY

and CHINIESE

United Asian cuisine Australian Vietnamese. Thia

The Gresford News Community DiaryThurs 5 Sep Craft open house, CWA Hall, 1.00pmSat 7 Sep Gresford Parents Group’s Trash & Treasure day, Gresford School of Arts, 8.00amSun 18 Sep Gresford Community Market, Therese Doyle Hall, Park St East Gresford, 9.00am to 1.00pmTues 17 Sep Paterson Allyn Garden Group meet, 10.00amSat-Sun 6-8 Sep Pedalfest, around DungogTues 10 Sep GAPS AGM, School of Arts hall, 7.30pmSat 21 Sep Gresford Vacy Football Club Presentation Day & AGM, Gresford Sporting Complex, 10.00amSat 21 Sep Noel Jupp talk – Observaions of a lifetime, James Theatre, Dungog, 2.00pmTues 24 Sep Making Cards, CWA School Holiday Workshops, CWA Hall, 9.30amWed 25 Sep Cooking, CWA School Holiday Workshops, CWA Hall, 10.00amWed 25 Sep Slash & Stitch, School Holiday Workshop, Therese Doyle Hall, East Gresford, 11.00amSat-Sun 28-29 Sep Allynbrook art showSun 29 Sep Free Bush fire safety community workshop, Gresford Fire Station, 9.30am to 1.00pmFri-Sun 11-13 Oct Planet Dungog, music & arts festival around DungogSat 12 Oct Gresford District Landcare Group annual fieldday & dinnerSat 12 Oct Cooking Demonstration – Scones & Sponge Cakes, CWA Hall, 10.00amSat 12 Oct Y.O.T.S Dinner and Charity Auction, Gresford School of Arts, 6.30pmSat 19 Oct Bull’s Horns Ball, Gresford P&C Assoc major fundraiser, Gresford Bowling Club, 7.00pm Sat 19 Oct Vacy Blues & Roots Festival, Farmers Hotel, Vacy Sat-Sun 30 Nov-1 Dec Team Penning, Gresford Showground (earlier events in Dungog)Fri 6 Dec Claim the date: RSL Christmas Dinner, Gresford Bowling Club, 6.30pm 1st Mon each month Gresford Community Group Meeting, 7.30pm, Hotel Beatty, all welcome! (not Jan)

1st Tues each month Gresford District Landcare Group Meeting, Hotel Beatty, 7.30pm (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’s2nd 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, 10.00am3rd 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, 7.30pmEvery Wed, Fri & Sun Gresford Bowls Sport & Recreation Club Raffles, from 6.30pmEvery Mon & Fri (school terms) Gresford Pre-School, Gresford Community Hall, 4938 9288, 9.00amEvery Thur Happy hour and free pool and jukebox at the Hotel BeattyEvery Fri Cricket Club Raffles at the Hotel BeattyEvery 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, 10.00amEvery 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.

✃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:

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financesThe resford NewsG Visit www.gresfordnsw.com.au for local information and the ‘Gresford News’ online

Gresford News Notices

Needle stick warning A recent incident on the grounds of

the Gresford School of Arts is a timely reminder for people to to be vigilant about the potential for needle stick injuries. An observant community member found a black syringe box

containing a needle in the playground area of the School of Arts,

disposed of it in the bin and later informed preschool staff. Preschool

parents were later made aware of the find. It is a reminder that all of us

need to be vigilant in reducing hazards in all locations and especially

where our children may play.

Regards Kel Merriman, Secretary Gresford School of Arts

Info Pack Available Just the thing for new and prospective

residents, as well as investors and prospective new businesses. The pack contains indicative property prices, a

copy of the local Telephone Directory, contact details for schools, train times, information about upcoming events, a map of the area, copies of the Dungog

Chronicle and one of our local community papers among other things.

Available from the Visitor Information Centre cnr Dowling and Brown Street in Dungog or by phone 4992 2212 or email [email protected]

Gresford Parents Group

Trash ‘n’ Treasure Market Day

Gresford School of ArtsSat 7 September, from 8am

All proceeds to Gresford Preschool and Playgroup to upgrade the playground.

Donations of items can be dropped at Gresford School of Arts on Fri 6 Sept.

Gresford News audio version is available for

visually impairedIf you, or someone you know, would

like to receive this service contact Gresford News on 0412 372 687

Dungog Shire CouncilGREEN WASTE CLEAN UP16 TO 20 September 2013

Dungog Shire Council is providing a Kerbside Green Waste only Clean Up for Residential premises within the

50km SIGN POSTED town areas of the following villages: Dungog, Clarence Town, Gresford, East Gresford,

Paterson, Vacy and Martins Creek.Collections will commence on Monday 16 September. Residents are requested to put their Green Waste out

the weekend prior, at their normal weekly collection point.Two cubic metres of green waste will be accepted

from each household.Acceptable items are:

• Garden Prunings and tree limbs no longer than 1.8 metres and 250mm in diameter.

• Lawn clippings and loose material must be in sturdy cardboard boxes.

• All green waste must be securely tied with rope or string (not wire) into bundles.

• All material must be of a manageable size for one person to lift.

Loose items, large tree stumps, treated timber or materials in plastic bags will not be accepted.

The contractor and Council have the right to reject any material that they consider unacceptable.

Enquiries ~ JR RICHARDS & SONS ~ 02 6555 7007

1080 & Pindone Accreditation Course

9.30am Tues 15 OctoberTocal College

1080 and Pindone are the 2 main vertebrate pesticides used for the

control of rabbits, foxes and wild dogs. The Mid Coast Livestock Health and

Pest Authority will be holding 1080 & Pindone Accreditation Courses, which will allow participants to purchase and use 1080 & Pindone products subject to

meeting the requirements of the relevant Pest Control Order.

Bookings essential. Contact the Mid Coast LHPA on 4932 8866. The course costs are covered for rate payers within

the Mid Coast LHPA region.

Slash & Stitch – turn old T’s & jeans into wearable art 25 Sept 11am, Therese Doyle Hall

Dawn Thompson will lead this slashing, bleaching, remaking class.

Ages 13+ Holiday FUNVisit dungogcommunitycollege.org.

or call 4992 1133

FARMERS HOTEL VACY

Farmers Hotel... where the beer is too good to spill! Ph 4938 8106

Whats Happening at the Farmers...Vacy Blues and Roots Festival – 7 BANDS

19th October 2013Get your tickets early as tickets are limited

For more info go to bigtix.com.au Or contact Farmers Hotel Vacy

Tuesday nights – social darts at the Farmers Hotel. Starts at 7pm $5 For 4 games

Austar at the Farmers – Come and watch any of your favorite sports on our 3 TVs

Thursday nights bistro – Lamb rumps with veg & mash or chips & salad $16

We now have a courtesy bus that will pick you up and drop you home, so just ring the pub.Come into the famers and try our great food

Bistro hours Lunch from Friday to Sunday Dinner from Thursday to Sunday

FUNCTION BOOKINGS AVAILABLE

Buses will be running from Maitland Train Station to Vacy from 10.30 am and returning from 10.30 pm back to the station for a small cost.

The Farmers hotel will also run a mini bus picking up and dropping off in the areas from Paterson to Gresford to Martins Creek and Vacy

Admission CostTickets are $38.50 pp orFamily Tickets $85.00 2 adults and 2 children under 16 (kids under 5 free)

This will be a great day so get your tickets early. Tickets available at Farmers Hotel Vacy phone 4938 8106 or online at www.Bigtix.com.au

Find us on Facebook: Vacy Blues and Roots Festival

TheG resford News • September 2013

Letters

A new chemist for the districtHi, My name is Kenny Ganesh and I will soon be opening up a new Chemist in Paterson. I thought I should take up this opportunity to introduce myself and write a few words about the new Chemist.

I’ve been working as a pharmacist in Sydney for the past 5 years and have recently been looking to open up my own Chemist. When I happened to drive past Paterson one day, I noticed the amount of people in the local area and the lack of a Pharmacy for over 17kms. The beauty of the town, people and the surrounding scenery immediately captured my heart and I knew that Paterson had to be the location for my new Chemist.

It’s been a long road, however I hope to open shop in early October with opening hours being Monday to Friday 9-6 (closed 12.30-1.30 for lunch). As time goes on and if the business gets busier, I would like to open on weekends as well.

I will be selling all your standard prescription medicine from a low $5.90 along with a range of Natural Health, First Aid, Baby Care, Skin Care, Cold/Flu, Painkillers and more. I will also be more than happy to match prices with any other Chemist, so please support your local Chemist and help me make it a success.

If you have any questions or require any medical information please feel free to drop in to Paterson Chemist at 16 King St, Paterson. I look forward to becoming a part of your community and meeting each and every one of you!

Kenny Ganesh

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First Steps on the art trail


What’s on the Shelves?by Glenda Smith

The Last Great Dance on Earth Sandra GullandNapoleon Bonaparte’s wife Josephine is usually seen as a minor player in the great man’s story, but in this book, the final of a trilogy, she takes centre stage. Through letters from others and diary entries of her own, she reveals the jealousies and treacheries of the court, as well as the infidelities by her husband that tormented her. She also chronicles the historical events that affected their lives.

Gulland’s scholarship is impressive, but not necessarily evident in the writing of this novel. She admits to simplifying the political situation of the time in order to focus on her heroine, and to editing letters and accounts to maintain the narrative thrust. The result is a highly readable and relatively light exploration of a fascinating life.

Unsurprisingly, Josephine is portrayed very sympathetically, as are her son and daughter, but Napoleon’s family are seen as grasping and ruthless. They saw Josephine as unworthy of the greatness bestowed on her by their family name, so it is ironic that through her son by another man she outshone them all – Through Eugene, Josephine’s progeny live on in most of the royal houses of the world today.

DVD Releases available in September• STAR TREK: INTO DARKNESS • GREAT GATSBY • BIG WEDDING • SNITCH •

SEAD MAN DOWN • ADVENTURES IN ZAMBEZIA • THE CALL • THE PLACE BEYOND THE PINES • DRIFT • SONG FOR MARION • THE ICEMAN •

RED LIGHTS • RETURN TO NIM’S ISLAND • CHASING MAVERICKS • BEST MAN DOWN • STILL MINE • THE KARATE DOG • BREAKOUT •

ONE SMALL HITCH • MY LAST DAY WITHOUT YOU • OFFSPRING SEASON 4 •

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 Winter Trading Hours Shop Take Away Cafe’ Mon – Tues 7 am – 5 pm 8.30 am – 3 pm 8.30 am – 3 pm Wed – Thur 7 am – 7 pm 8.30 am – 7 pm 8.30 am – 4 pm Friday 7 am – 8 pm 8.30 am – 8 pm 8.30 am – 4 pm Sat – Sun 7 am – 7 pm 8.30 am – 7 pm 8.30 am – 4 pm

Last pizza orders 30 minutes before closing time, grill and fry orders 15 minutes before closing time.If on the night trade warrants, closing times will be extended

Take away fOOD OPen fOR bReakfaST, lunCH & DinneRGourmet fresh cut sandwiches and real Milkshakes availableBBQ Chickens – Ice – DVDs – Grocery – Ice Creams – Drinks

Around 30 people attended a meeting convened to consider establishing an Art Experience in and around the three villages of Gresford, Vacy and Paterson. Local resident Jim Doyle is the creator of the concept and he has enlisted the help of Vacy resident and local businessman Graham Murphy.

The pair spent a few weeks speaking with locals and found a groundswell of interest and support for the idea.

“The area is blessed with artists, galleries and talented people capable of bringing this event to fruition” said Jim Doyle after last night’s successful meeting at the Therese Doyle Hall in Gresford. Therese was Jim’s mother, a celebrated artist and patron of the arts. Jim is undertaking this exciting project to honour his mother who always had time for art in all its forms.

“The next step is to establish a number of committees to consider a suitable date, potential venues, the scope of the art prize/s and how to promote the event.” said Graham Murphy.

It is envisaged that there will be an Archibald style prize for the best landscape of the region with a substantial cash prize to attract top artists. It is likely that there will also be competition covering photography, sculpture, wood crafts, jewellery and glass making with categories to attract artists from school age to the top of their profession.

“We welcome input from the community and business people who would like to become involved.”

Jim can be contacted by email: [email protected].


Iconic local nurseryman, Noel Jupp, will be the first featured speaker in a series of talks highlighting the knowledge and insights of some of our local ‘living national treasures’.

The event, ‘Noel Jupp: Plant Man – observations of a lifetime’, organised by Dungog Community College, will take place from 2 to 5pm on Sat 21 September at the James Theatre in Dungog.

Noel Jupp was recognised with an OAM in 2009 for his services to the natural environment. His nursery on the bank of the Allyn River in East Gresford is home to some half million native plants grown from seed that he gathers locally and across the Hunter Valley. Many of these local provenance plants are used to repair riverbanks and sites degraded by mining and development.

Throughout his life Noel has been a keen observer of the diversity, characteristics and history of the vegetation of this region. Without formal training he has learnt by close observation, questioning and sitting himself down with lots of books.

The talk at the James Theatre will be split into two sessions with a short tea break

between them. Noel told me he intends to spend the first half developing an historical overview of the landscape “starting off about 500 million years ago”. The second half will cover some of the significant remaining vegetation types in more detail. “We are very fortunate to have this wonderful environment and we need to understand it and keep it healthy.” he said.

John O’Brien from the Dungog Community College explaines that “Noel is a great example for the way passion for a subject drives understanding and knowledge.” “One of the great treasures of Dungog Shire is it’s natural vegetation and Noel’s passion has led to a unique and detailed knowledge of it.” “Quite simply

no one knows our local natural world like Noel, and no one who is interested in the land round here or its history should miss this event.”

You can book for the event or find out more by calling 4992 1133, email [email protected], or go online towww.dungogcommunitycollege.org.auCost is $35/$25 conc.

Dungog Community College’s September program also includes: z Get To Know Your Digital SLR Camera – secrets, settings, techniques, answers with Robyn Moore. Sat 14 Sept z Time Management with Linda Echentille. Find those missing hours. Set real priorities. 2 evenings 23-24 Sept z Blogging For Fun & Profit – Storm the digital world over two evenings. 11 & 16 Sept z Slash & Stitch – turn old T’s & jeans into wearable art – with Dawn Thompson (at the Gresford Gallery) during the school holidays on the 25th.

And stay tuned for the Dungog Food Affair on 1 & 2 November and the party of the year, A Masked Ball, at the James Theatre on 16 November, featuring as MCs the incomparable Michael Winchester & comparable John O’Brien.

Special Event Features Noel Jupp - Gresford’s Plant Man

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Don’t miss a talk of a lifetime with Noel Jupp at the James Theatre, 21 September


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H U N T E R V A L L E Y , P O R T S T E P H E N S & N E W C A S T L E

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School Holiday Workshops (September 24 & 25) Once again we will be conducting our ever popular workshops for children from 5 years to 15 years. The Workshops will be held in our rooms at 12 Durham Rd, East Gresford.

On Tuesday, September 24 we will have Card Making with Jan Godwin from 9.30am to 2.30 or 3pm. Children are asked to bring their own coloured pencils, textas, glue stick, lunch and a drink. Jan will provide all other materials necessary for the children to make wonderful cards which they take home at the end of the day.

Wednesday, September 25 will see the children cooking with Dotti Hilliard from 10am to 1pm. Children are asked to bring an apron and a drink. Lunch is provided.

The cost for the Workshops is $5 per child per day. To reserve a place please call Marie Williams (Secretary) on 4938 9441.

Election Day: Saturday, September 7. The CWA ladies will be in attendance on the day and have wonderful Devonshire Teas available as well as a Trading Table. Why not take this opportunity to purchase an early Father’s Day gift!

Wrap with LoveWrap with Love is a not for profit organization. It is a non-denominational, non-racist and non-political organization. Over twenty non-denominational and non-political aid agencies collect Wraps from the Wrap With Love warehouse in Alexandria, NSW, and distribute them to those in greatest need. The Newcastle and Lower Hunter Area is very active and holds an annual Knit-In at the Lake Macquarie Art Gallery in July each year.

The pictured wraps were knitted by members who thank Marcia Frances for assembling them and crocheting the squares

together. Robbie Thornton kindly delivered six completed wraps to Wrap with Love. Wraps are made to a formula, twenty-eight 10 inch squares. Four squares wide and seven squares long. All knitted wraps use 8ply knitting wool. Wraps can also be made up of patchwork squares. Well done ladies.

Next Meeting Thursday, September 5 at 9.30am. New members are always welcome - just come along, everyone is welcome. You will find us at 12 Durham Rd, East Gresford (next to the Police Station).

Craft Open House 1.00pm, the first Thursday of the month after our meeting. Why not join us for a ‘crafty’ couple of hours whilst enjoying a cuppa and chat with like minded ladies.

Book Club meets 2nd Saturday of the month at 3pm in the CWA rooms. You do not have to be an active member of the CWA to join, everyone is welcome. The next meeting is September 14 and the book for September is Wanting, by Richard Flanagan.

Jan’s saying for the month. Life is not waiting for the storms to pass. It’s about learning to dance in the rain.

GRESFORD CWA NEWS http://gresfordcwa.wordpress.com

Mitch Ulrick 0421 014 789

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Providing professional taxation and accounting services to the Hunter

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Income Tax Returns Accounting Bookkeeping Audits Advice on buying and

selling businesses Superannuation Advice and

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Gresford office is open Monday,

Tuesday and Wednesday at 1 Durham Road East Gresford

Please call 4938 9284 or go to www.addisonpartners.com.au

Leona Clements (Bookkeeper)

Westley Neilson (Director)

Gresford office is open Wednesday and other times by appointment

Leona Clements (Bookkeeper)Jane Thomson (Director)

Graeme Ferguson

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“Yatta” Torryburn Via Paterson 2421Tel 4938 9448 Fax 4938 9626

Email [email protected]

What an inspiring morning we had with Mark Adamson and Mark Cant from The Heritage Plant nursery at Paterson on Tuesday 17th August. Their wealth of knowledge about their plants and the state of the horticultural industry was so revealing. Forty years ago it was difficult to get into a TAFE to study horticulture it was such a popular field to be in and today you are lucky to find a TAFE that is willing to continue the course because so few students are interested. How sad for our well-being.

On a brighter note, Mark Adamson told of a study where gardens have been planted in and around housing apartments in cities where violence is a known problem . The gardens have a passive effect on those that live in the apartments and there are now positive signs that the violence has been greatly reduced.

I am happy to report that within the beautiful Paterson Allyn Valley we have discovered through our garden club a wealth of interest in gardens and the desire to learn is abundant. We continue to attract new members and we now have almost sixty keen garden lovers belonging to our group.

Our next meeting will be at a park-like garden in Brandy Hill. If anyone would like to join our group, then please let Janie Chandler know ph. 4938 9189. We meet the third Tuesday of each month from 10am for approximately 2 hours.

Tip for the month. Feed hydrangeas now. If you would like blue ones, then you will need to add some fertiliser with aluminium sulphate to the soil. It is more difficult to turn blue to red but can be done by locking up the aluminium with a dose of fertiliser with phosphorous. Something else some of us have been unaware of. Do not wait until winter to prune hydrangeas. It must be done after they have flowered around February March. You will get more flowers next season if you prune early!

Janie Chandler

PATERSON ALLYN GARDEN GROUP


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Greetings to Culture Vulture readers. We have had a taste of Spring time in the Valley, time for the artists to take their brushes and paints out doors to capture the magnificent scenery in our district.

This is the third year for Gresford artists Eric and Robyn Werkhoven to curate a dramatic and provocative themed exhibition at Newcastle Art Space Gallery. Again in October this year a number of our local artists, Dawn Thompson, Laura Jefferson, Michael Garth, Judy Henry, Christine Pike, Katherine Sullivan and Robyn & Eric Werkhoven will be joining the group exhibition with other Hunter professional artists who have been invited to face the challenge to create an artwork interpreting and exploring the subject Nightmares. The exhibition will include - photography, painting, printmaking, and sculpture. The artists’ works will reveal diverse interpretations and emotional responses, glimpses into the shadowy and delusional world of the human psyche. Though some of the artists have chosen to portray the lighter side of nightmares, exploring the familiar imagery from our childhood memories of the “bogey man under the bed” and monsters with popping eyes.

The sculptor Michael Garth, who has recently presented a brilliant solo sculpture exhibition at Maitland Regional Art Gallery, will also be exhibiting in Nightmares. His work titled “Fabulous or My Father’s Nightmare or Secrets too Long Kept”, is created from bronze, bone and recycled timber. Michael says about his sculpture “When I was an adolescent I had a recurring nightmare that I had killed someone and hidden the body, but couldn’t remember where or when.”

Prize winning artist Christine Pike has chosen to depict a mine explosion. Christine grew up in a mining family, their

ART NEWS

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worst nightmare was the fear of such a catastrophe happening.

Eric and Robyn Werkhoven present a series of collaborative drawings in their distinctive style, exploring the realm of human vulnerability and sin.

Nightmares will be a “must see” exhibition, giving the viewer a further insight into the foibles and follies of the human mind. The Official Opening is on the Saturday12th October, time 4pm onwards public most welcome. We are honoured to have the indomitable writer, actor and film producer Michael Winchester to open the exhibition with an entertaining and thrilling performance.

Michael is best known for his roles in television series Prisoner, Sons and Daughters, Brides of Christ and Country Practice. Michael is one of the main creative forces behind Bathing Franky, an independent feature film shot in the Hunter Region.

The exhibition will be open to the public from Thurs 10 - Sun 27 Oct at Newcastle Art Space Gallery 246 Parry Street Hamilton East. Hrs: Thurs-Sun 12-5pm. Further information about the exhibition Robyn Werkhoven on 4938 9572.

ART NEWS: The Touring Blake Prize: until 29 Sept, Cessnock Art Gallery – 16 Vincent St “Named after the visionary artist and poet William Blake, The Blake Prize is the oldest national prize in Australia dedicated to spirituality, religion and cultural diversity.

Art News: Robyn Werkhoven 49389 572

or email: [email protected]

ART NEWS

For details Ph 4931 5257


Does a trip along Paterson River Road to Mount Rivers or Lostock conjure up images of lush green paddocks, cattle grazing contentedly or the pristine Paterson River running beside the road? Maybe - but more likely you will think of the narrow winding carriageway, the lumps and bumps in the tar, the sharp corners, the worry that a large vehicle may come around one of the blind corners at any time or how your car’s suspension is coping with the rough road.

Most local residents and many visitors have taken a road trip up the Paterson River Road, perhaps to Lostock Dam or even further up to Carrabola. For many people this is a regular trip to and from work, school, shopping or social and sporting events. Members of the Lostock Progress Association have been concerned

about the deteriorating state of the Paterson River Road for some time now.

In October 2012 the chairman of the Association, Colin Dent emailed the Dungog Council informing councillors of the dangerous state of the road from Gresford to Lostock. Mr Dent highlighted the busy nature of the road especially on holidays and weekends when cars towing boats and caravans were making their way to the popular Lostock Dam. Visitors were often unaware of the dangerous nature of the road and local residents were concerned that a serious accident is a very real possibility. Following some temporary and ineffective pothole patching and spraying of overhanging vegetation, a public meeting was held in early February this year to discuss options for

the group to pursue in an effort to improve the road.

Over 30 people attended the meeting with some definite opinions. Many were concerned that there had been no real improvement of the road since 1969 when the Lostock Dam was being built. Past repairs were appreciated but had been temporary and ineffective for the long term. A petition calling for the Dungog Council to upgrade the road was tabled at this meeting. The petition was signed by over 180 concerned citizens. This petition and a letter from the Association were presented to Dungog Council, as well as copies being sent to state and federal politicians. The Lostock Progress Association received a letter from Dungog Mayor Harold Johnston in March saying there had been an

Community feature ...story and photos by Rowena Dillon

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The State of Paterson River Road!


Community feature

inspection of the road in early February. The Association was disappointed to read that there was no budget plans to upgrade, widen or straighten Paterson River Road. In recent months there have been efforts by the Council to reduce some of the dangers on this road with tar patching and vegetation control, which the Lostock Progress Association has acknowledged as positive.

However, the residents of the local area and members of the Lostock Progress Association remain concerned about the safety of a busy road which they claim to be one of the worst in the Shire. They will continue to lobby the Dungog Council to make major and long term improvements to the Paterson River Road a priority – hopefully before there is a major accident. If you do travel on Paterson River Road for any reason please take care!

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Thirsty Thursdays 4.30-6.30Happy hour with complimentary bar snacks

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For 6 weeks over August and September 1917 a strike gripped the Eastern states

of Australia. Nearly 100,000 workers were involved and this paralysed the railways, the wharves, collieries, gas and electricity production and even the abattoirs. Surprisingly, many men and boys from the Gresford district and indeed from most country areas in NSW played a significant part in the resolution of this strike. The story of this involvement is not well known and I was indeed fortunate recently to discover some rare photos evidencing a Gresford “connection”.

The strike began in the Sydney railway workshops. At the time the railway was the State’s largest employer with around 48,000 workers. Discontent had been developing among the skilled tradesman for quite some time as the railways had nearly 6000 men away in the A.I.F (WW1) and these men had not been replaced even though the railways were particularly busy with the war effort. Meanwhile wages had been frozen and the cost of living, driven by war time inflation had increased by 23% between 1914 and 1917. This discontent was waiting for a spark and this came from the introduction of the “new” American job card which recorded the times for jobs undertaken by the tradesmen.

In 1917 the union movement was not centrally organised and union leaders were generally conservative and not minded to stoppages. The rail union leadership was also of the view that any dispute would be confined to the workshops only and would be soon resolved by negotiation. They were wrong and the strike spread spontaneously, fanned by widespread discontent. Many union leaders attempted to keep their members on the job but it was not to be. Support for the strikers came from many in the broader community and there were large public rallies including an attempt by a crowd of at least 20,000 (Melbourne Argus) to march on the Federal parliament – then based in Melbourne.

The conservative State and Federal governments panicked and the press ran conspiracy theories based on events abroad (i.e. Russian revolution) of communist inspired revolutionary upheaval. The NSW government however realised they held an ace card and they determined to take a tough “no negotiation, no compromise” approach.

The ace card was the “country” and they knew that out there they could call on a large reserve of “King and country” patriotism. The tide of the war had not yet turned for the Allies and the Government also knew that the timing of this strike would not sit well with country folk. NSW was also in drought and country men were available. Indeed they were the only ones with the necessary skills and experience of hard manual labour to act as strike breakers in the industries affected.

Advertisements were placed encouraging country men to come forward as volunteer replacements to take on the work of the strikers. As many of the younger men were away with the A.I.F what they got was a Dads’ army of older men with some younger married men and lots of boys. Quite a few men and boys went down from the Gresford area for what they saw as a big adventure. For the boys particularly it was their first time in Sydney; they were part of something important and they would

recall and tell of their experience for the rest of their lives.

By early September there were nearly 6000 “replacements” alone in Sydney and for obvious reasons the Government and press preferred to call them “volunteers”. The union movement at the time wasn’t sufficiently organised to establish picket lines and the term “scab” had not gone into general use. Men were camped at the SCG, at Mortlake gas works and some 1200 were camped at Taronga park zoo. The irony of this last location was not lost on the volunteers or the strikers!

Photographers toured the camps producing postcards and taking photos of groups as mementos. Volunteers were allocated to various areas; wharves, workshops, abattoirs, wagon teams as necessary. My father, (as a boy) accompanied his father (Tom) to the tram workshops although it is doubtful if either had ever seen a tram before. It is reported that they had the time of their lives in the company of other bush fitters and

q Gresford District Historical Society r“Volunteers”


blacksmiths and management was particularly keen not to upset them in any way. Management would look askance at trams going back into service with running boards twitched on with fencing wire and at other “rugged” but effective repairs - but knew better than to complain.

Relations between the strikers and volunteers were generally friendly and both groups respected each other as working men do - but were happy to play games on each other. Story has it that some Gresford men were allocated to the wharves to load wagons from a warehouse. One of the men was Jim Leake - one of the younger married men. Jim was from Chad’s creek and he was a man of exceptional athleticism and strength with a reputation for taking money from anyone unwise enough to bet that he could beat Jim over a 50m dash while he (Jim) was handicapped by carrying a full coil of fencing wire around his neck. On this occasion a group of strikers had gathered to see how these new chums handled the work. All goods then were in 50kg bags and this was thought to be a fair

thing for a man – these days it is 25kgs and with a warning! Jim decided to play to the gallery and came out of the warehouse with a bag on his shoulder. He made a great show of staggering about with his knees knocking and indeed others had to rush to his aid to unload him. The strikers were delighted to see a well set up man having such obvious difficulty and roared with laughter. A crowd quickly gathered, certain that he would shortly fall on his face and be carried off. Jim next strode out confidently carrying a bag on each hip and with the greatest ease casually flicked them onto the wagon. The strikers knew they had been “had”, but were also aware that there might be an encore. They were not disappointed because Jim then showed them how it was done by carrying three bags (150 kgs) – one on each hip and one on his shoulder. For this he earned genuine applause from men who knew that this was a considerable feat.

By Sept 9th the strike had been broken and the strikers were forced back to work. The government and other employers took a hard line and many men were not

re-employed, or if re-employed then only on greatly reduced wages and conditions. One striker (Ben Chifley) who had worked on the railways since 1903 was re-employed only with drastically lowered wages and conditions. Ben became Prime minister of Australia in 1945. Another man Joe Cahill had his cards marked, “agitator” and was never re-employed. Joe became Premier of NSW in 1952.

All volunteers were given a certificate of thanks signed by the Premier.

q “Our Stories” Feature r

Please keep those stories coming because it is YOUR stories of characters, identities and events that add the human factor to our history. The “bounty” for every story we publish in the Gresford News is now $50. So, there is a definite incentive to send your story in to the Gresford District Historical Society Inc., P.O. Box 96 East Gresford. Please do not send them to the editor of the Gresford News. Note, our next meeting is on Monday, 9th Sep at 10:30 am in the RSL rooms.

2013 Annual Field Day and Landcare DinnerSaturday 12 October

Field Day: 9am –1pm St Mary’s Hall, AllynbrookLandholders are invited to a free field day sponsored by Dungog Shire Council, Gresford District Landcare Group and Local Land Services, which will provide key information on:

• BiologicalcontrolofGiantParramattaGrass• TreatmentofGreenCestrum• AfricanOlive

Principal speaker for the field day and Landcare dinner will be David Officer, a researcher from the Department of Primary Industries. David has been working on ground breaking research for the eradication/control of Giant Parramatta Grass (GPG) through a naturally occurring fungus.A site visit has been organised nearby, where participants can learn first hand about new treatments for GPG - followed by a sausage sizzle and more talks at St Mary’s Hall.

LandcareDinner:7pmStAnne’sHall,ChurchStreet,GresfordSaturday night, following the field day - $35 per person. BYO. Soft drinks and a free glass of wine will be included in the dinner. At this event, David Officer will be talking about the biological control of other weeds, including madeira vine.

RSVPfortheLandcaredinnertoPennyon49389365orPeteron49315257.Forthefieldday,phonePaulMinett,DungogCouncilon49957777


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✔ Same day Treatment - 7 days ✔ Workers Compensation ✔ Veterans Affairs ✔ Medicare (EPC) scheme (Costs $3) ✔ Massage & Acupuncture ✔ Student / Senior Discount ✔ Discounts for regular sessions ✔ Home / Onsite visits ✔ All health funds are covered ✔ 23 years experience ✔ Drs referral not always necessary

Call Billy Wrigley on 0414 849 670 or 4938 9729to discuss your Muscle, Nerve, Joint or any

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Contact Stewart or Scott26 Durham Road, East Gresford NSW 2311

Ph. 4938 9204 Facsimile 4938 9517


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2013 PRESENTATION DAY& Annual General Meeting10am Saturday, September 21st

**Note the new earlier start time**All members, family & their guests are welcome

Gresford Sporting Complex(This is the first Saturday of the school holidays.)

All players will receive a trophy.A charge of $2 per person per car (up to $10 max) will be collected at the gate. A ticket for lunch will be issued to each person in the car and each ticket will go in the draw for a meat tray. *Lunch will be provided by the club.*~ Families are encouraged to bring a cake/dessert to share. ~

Free Amusements by: Tropo Entertainment from 12 noonCactus Kabin Jumping Castle, Gladiator Joust, Sumo SoccerBYO esky, chairs, rug • Stay for a picnic with your team

Gresford Vacy Football Club IncEND OF SEASON ~ only the finals to go.Our Small-Sided Teams (U6s to U11s) have hung up their boots for 2013 but three of our competition teams are vying for a run in the Grand Final. The top four teams in each division will play off for a position in the Grand Finals on September 7th.

Our Under 15s are in second spot on the ladder and are only one point behind Minor Premiers Kurri Kurri.

They are very evenly matched to Kurri Kurri and have every chance of making the grand final. The Under 17s are in third spot as are All-Age Men #1. Only four points separate the top four All-Age teams.

Our All-Age Women and Under 13s both finished 5th and our Under 12s finished 6th.

Unfortunately our All-Age Men #2 side failed to scale the ladder and came home in 8th position.

A great effort from a great club! Good Luck to everybody playing in the finals.

COMP TEAM (Grade) Position Won Lost DrawnAll-Age Women (H) 5th/10 8 9 1All-Age Men #1(E) Scorps 3rd/8 8 5 1All-Age Men #2(R) 8th/8 1 13 0Under 17s (C) 3rd/8 8 3 3Under 15s (E) 2nd/7 10 1 1Under 13s (H) 5th/8 6 5 3Under 12s (E) 6th/8 3 9 2


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PETER EVANS & ASSOCIATES

SOLICITORS

‘Looking after people in business is our business’

Peter Evans is descended from a farming family located in the Gresford area prior to 1840 and is keen to assist

residents, farmers and business in the area with all their legal needs.

We can help you with:

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PHONE: 4926 4788

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ATTENTION: FARMERS, GRAZIERSAND HOBBY FARMERSARE YOU GETTING THE MOST

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EAST GRESFORD MASSAGE CLINIC

LEANNE ATKINS 0427 389 72231 Durham Rd East Gresford

•Therapeutic Massage

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Pregnancy Massage

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Health Fund Rebates•

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Anglican Parish of Gresford PatersonGlendonbrook Road Gresford NSW 2311Telephone (02) 4938 [email protected]

september serVICe tImes sunday mornings 1 8 15 22 29 St Anne’s, Gresford 7.30 9.30 8.30 St John’s, Vacy 9 St Paul’s, Paterson 9.30 9.30 9 St Mary’s, Allynbrook 10.30 St John’s, Lostock 11.30 St James’, Martin’s Ck 8 St Paul’s, Eccleston 11.30

Weekday mornings St Anne’s, Gresford at 7.30am [Check weekly pew bulletin]

Gresford Community Group – August meetingGresford community markets Judy reported 31 stallholders attended in July. There will not be a theme at the August markets, with 35-40 stalls booked, and a similar number expected in September. She noted the toilet needed urgent attention, and the pew storage was a problem. A markets’ sign is to be erected. Fr Stephen to request the Catholic parish for the use of St Helens’ car park.

TD Hall rentals General discussion on the scale and impact of a rental adjustment. The personal rental be increased to $15/wk, from 1 October next. Community rental be also raised by the same amount from 1 October.

Suicide awareness meeting Martin to represent the community group at the meeting on 12 August

St Anne’s riverbank maintenanceThe condition of the riverbank and the need for regular

maintenance was discussed. An earlier decision to maintain the site is to be reversed.

Pedestrian crossing Correspondence received and noted.

Local Government referendum Jane Chandler represented the Community Group at a meet-the-mayor session to discuss the local government referendum and local issues. She brought back 10 shrubs, which are to be planted around the TD Hall. She also encouraged the Council to consider planting crepe myrtles in townships throughout the shire, a move supported by the meeting. Jane also spoke about the merit of shade trees at the skateboard rink.

Skateboard rink steel Endeavours to sell the surplus steel will continue.

TD Hall plans Brian spoke about the hall development plan and its status.

West Tankers are a family owned and operated business servicing Newcastle, Hunter Valley and surrounding areas. We are able to meet the requirements of specialised and remote customers.

Your fuel will be delivered on-site when you need it. We arrange our schedule to suit you. It doesn’t matter how remote you are, we pride ourselves in supporting remote customers and providing diesel when you need it – with delivery 7 days a week

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Gresford News August Crossword

July 2013 crossword answers

St Helen’s Catholic Parish Gresford

WEEKEND MASS TIMES

StHelen’sGresfordSaturday Vigil 6.30pmLocal contact 4992 1477 Chisholm Region Office

Contact 4933 8918

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 news september 2013

Documents

gresford school of arts

month gresford rural

gresford bowling club

gresford community market

gresford sporting complex

cwa hall

park st east gresford

pm cost