*Hay Shire Council Nominees * Are you Progressive? * New Business Showcases Local Produce * Shooters Success

*CA4SE Update * Hay Lions Reunion * Photographic Entries * Junior Magpies Photos

Edition 14 - September 2012

The NSW 5 Stand State Titles were recently held at Majura Park Gun Club in Canberra, and Hay shooters scrored extremely well Darren Macartney is now the NSW 5 Stand Champion after winning a shoot off with Hay’s Junior shooter Jayden Roe by 1 target. Jayden also won the Junior 5 Stand Championship. Casey Jacka is the NSW 5 Stand Ladies Champion after winning a shoot off with her mum Jan Jacka by 2 targets. Results: NSW Champion and Over all winner: Darren Macartney Junior 5 Stand Champion: Jayden Roe NSW Champion Lady Shooter: Casey Jacka A Grade: 2nd was won by Simon Gee Ladies: 2nd was won by Jan Jacka

Pictured in the photo at left (from left) Casey Jacka, Darren Macartney, Simon Gee, Jan Jacka & Jayden Roe. NSW Champion Darren Macartney is pictured on the right. Photos courtesy of Jan Jacka

NOMINATIONS OPEN! Six a side soccer for kids in

Years 3- Years 7

Hay soccer club is starting a Monday afternoon soccer comp for kids in Hay, starting at 4pm. All you need is a team of 6 with 1 or 2 subs. Teams can mixed. There will be a cost BUT it will minimal. The 6 a side competition will be run like a mini

comp, with a grandfinal at the end. Games will be 20 minutes (10 minute halves).

The competition will start after the September school holidays

Kids if you are interested please either call Tessa Pynor on 69934 449 or shout out to her when you see her around! Please Note - it is a requirement that

you wear shin pads.

Tessa Pynor -Hay Soccer Club

Next Months Topic: FOOD & DRINK

The ‘Concerned Citizens Group’, responsible for the recent community forums held in Hay, are hoping to become a formal group, under the name “The Hay Progress

Association”. This will be a whole of community based group, which everyone in Hay is invited to join. Application forms are available at “Hay HUB” in Lachlan Street, and completed forms can also be returned there. A committee

will be formed by a selection progress, but we want as many members as possible. The Association will attempt to have a Hay Shire Council members at each meeting to liaise between the Progress Association

and Council, and hopes to work together towards a better future for Hay. The more members involved, the stronger our voice as ratepayers.

Remember - ‘People Power Works!’ The group are hoping to see lots of forms filled in and lots of ideas for our next meeting, which will be publicised locally.

Further Information: Tessa Pynor or Lynne Curtayne

This months entries are from (top left) Julie Darlow and (top right, & left) Mischelle Schiller.

Mischelle’s photos are from the Maude lagoon

Picture: TARA ASHWORTH

IF six people died on a stretch of road anywhere in Australia in a two-year period, millions of dollars would be poured into fixing it. Yet six people commit suicide in a small country town and “no one gives a damn”, Hay shire councillor Peter Dwyer told yesterday’s forum. Mr Dwyer drove the 3½ hours from Hay, population 3500, to attend the event because his community desperately needs help and he’s not prepared to rest until they get it. His best friend, a fellow councillor, was among six residents who took their lives in an 18-month period, along with a 14-year-old girl, a businessman in his 50s, the bread delivery man, a roustabout in his 30s and a retired shearer. “It’s not something we’re proud of,” Mr Dwyer told the audience. “These suicides rocked the foundations of our community. Just as we were recovering from one, another seemed to happen. “It’s even harder in a small community where everyone knows each other and, coming off the back of drought, it was another kick in the guts.” Mr Dwyer has been on the council at Hay for 17 years and also operates the school bus run. Watching his community “suffering big time” without adequate support services, Mr Dwyer called a public meeting and the Community Action for Suicide Elimination group was born.

Its aim was to address suicide and mental health issues in a way that empowered the small community and gave them the tools to help and support one another given the dire lack of medical and support services in the rural region. “At the end of the day no one gives a rat’s backside about Hay; we don’t even have a doctor,” he said. “We had one counsellor one day a week and another flown in once a fortnight ... gee, thanks for your help.” With the help of an anonymous donation, the Hay group sought out Tasmanian-based organisation CORES — Community Response to Eliminating Suicide — which delivers suicide intervention training and skills for community members. The CORES program has provided services to more than 25 communities and trained more than 3700 people in suicide intervention. “Our X-factor is our community,” Mr Dwyer said. “We have about 50 community members trained in the one-day intervention course and our goal for the Hay area is to have 200 trained by 2013. “Our belief is that one day of your life may save the life of someone some day.” To this end, the Hay group is organising a fund-raising ride from Tasmania to Hay in April next year to raise awareness of suicide and to reduce the stigma. He said his visit to Albury was part of an ongoing mission to raise awareness of Hay’s plight and other communities like his. And he said suicide prevention began with talking. “You have to be outspoken on this issue,” he said. “We have to lift the profile on this, we have to get it on people’s tongues; we have to talk about it.” Article reproduced with permission of the Anthony Bunn, Chief of Staff, Border Mail www.bordermail.com.au Post Script: Nick Parkhill, grandson of Hay resident Mrs Rita Parkhill has contacted DY and invited him to meet with Kevin Humphries MP, the NSW Minister for Mental Health.

Story by Jodie O’Sullivan

two7eleven invited each nominee for a position on Hay Shire Council to provide a short statement on why they should be elected. Local elections will be held on Saturday 8th September

I came to Hay in 2005 with my then partner now wife Carol, after many years working in Rural Queensland towns with Wesfarmers Dalgety and Queensland Cotton.

In 2007 liking the vibrant Hay community and optimistic about it's future we became ratepayers purchasing a house. At that stage I had little interest in politics and never thought I would.

What changed ? Hay changed - people started leaving, optimism declined, stress increased and our house and business values became vulnerable.

I want to be part of fixing these problems and part of bringing optimism to this proud 150 year old plus Murrumbidgee community.

I can't make any promises other than I have an open mind to work with other elected councilors to do our best for the interests of the Hay Shire residents.

I will share some of my positions with you in brief

• Ensuring your elected councilors lead Hay Shire policy debate not the bureaucracy -

• Recognising ratepayers are major stakeholders • Keep seeking opportunity for the benefit of Hay

Shire even if it's hard - Complacency is unacceptable at any level of Government or Bureaucracy -

• Persistence dealing with complicated issues such as Jobs, Basinplan, Health Services, Mental Health, Roads, Lifestyle and Education -

• Embracing modern technology for communication reducing expensive Shire funded travel + accommodation -

• Cost benefit review of the relationship between Hay and Holroyd Council to see if Hay Shire is getting adequate value for the money being spent maintaining it.

I am standing for election to Hay Shire Council on September 8th. If elected I will endeavour to bring a positive outlook to Shire Business. I will

do my best to represent the wishes of the Hay Community. This is the first time I have nominated and it will be a steep learning

experience

Editors Note: These nominee comments have been reproduced in full, and without alteration. The invitation to provide comment for this months magazine was made to each nominee

Hay matters to me; my family have been here since the 1870s. I was born here and moved to the NT in 1979. I worked for the NT Dept of Health, Diabetes Australia and the Central Aust. Division of General Practice in areas of policy, research and medical services administration. I came back 6 years ago and like many people here I have family, I work , I volunteer, I own property and pay rates. That is my investment in this community. I have nominated for Hay council elections because I am concerned about the direction this town is going. I would like to see more transparency about Councils decision making and flow through between community consultation and decided outcomes. And accessibility. Access is not always physical; it is also about social isolation – and that concerns me deeply when we have a sizeable frail and aged sector, and groups of people from culturally diverse backgrounds and those with few family supports in our town. The town seems to have lost its vibrancy and as a business owner I don’t believe that we can continue to blame the drought. Its a lingering despair about health and other services provision, about whether or not people can choose to stay here and raise their children with limited job security and no long term vision for new industry and development. We need our jobs, we need our population to stay here and to grow again. I think Hay matters to you too.

For Our Town For Our People For Our Future

I was born in Hay and lived most of my life in Hay.

I am very concerned about the decline and depression of our town and would love to be able to become involved through council to help Hay once again

become a happy vibrant community. I would also like to be a voice for the people of Hay to be heard in Council and to have more say and be more

proactive in community affairs Congratulations to all the nominees on voting day and

good luck to everyone

I have lived in Hay all my life and have been self employed as a building contractor for the past 36 years. Hay has been good to me and by standing for Council I feel I am endeavouring to give something back to a community and town that has so much to offer, but we must all be united to make sure we keep our medical services to a high standard and try and attract new services such as dental and visiting specialists. Maybe we need to offer incentives to try and attract new business to Hay and create new employment possibilities. The bottom line is you would not find a better place to raise a family here, as everything is catered for, from sport to schooling and beyond.

Name: Jenny Dwyer Age: 30 Position: Seeking Hay Shire Councillor Experience: My family moved to Hay before I was old enough to remember. I attended Hay Public School & Hay War Memorial High School before studying at Charles Sturt University for four years to obtain a Bachelor of Pharmacy. I returned to Hay and worked as a qualified Pharmacist at Japps Pharmacy for over seven years before leaving the managing position to start a family with my husband. I ‘stay at home’ with our 15-month-old daughter, having chosen not yet to return to full-time work. I have been interested in nominating for Hay Shire Council in previous years but did not stand due to work commitments. Aim: Representing local people to make a difference in the best interest of the community, ensuring Hay prospers now and into the future. Why?: I have an invested interest in the future of Hay. Hay

is my home and I want it to remain that way. I want to

ensure all is being done to sustain, nurture and grow the

Hay community with particular regard to industry, health

and education.

2012 Council Elections. On the 8th of September the enrolled residents of the Hay Shire Council will be required to cast votes as to who they wish to have represent them on Council. (Hay Shire Council) It is pleasing to see that thirteen people have nominated for the eight positions that are available, all of whom I am certain have the interests of the whole of the Hay Shire Community at heart and would have much to offer. At the moment a Local Government Review Panel is looking in to the operations of Local Government. I believe many changes will confront the newly elected council during the next four year term. Issues that were identified in the Community Strategic Plan must be continually brought to the attention of the other two levels of government. (Health, law & order & education) The Hay Shire Council area relies for its existence on two main industries, agriculture and tourism. Both of which are weather dependant. With the end of the millennium drought things are improving and I believe with a positive attitude toward our more traditional as well as new innovative ideas our fortunes will take a turn for the better. I am sympathetically aware of the needs of the whole Hay Shire Council area and residents and will work to the best of my ability to represent all rate payers. I wish the other candidates all the best.

Pictured are just some of the impressive display recently exhibited by the Group. Below is Pat Woods, with the

handcrafted raffle prize.

Full photo gallery can be viewed via the two7eleven Facebook page

AIM FOR CHANGE I was born in Hay and attended school at the Hay War Memorial High School. I have a Degree in Environmental Science with First Class Honors and a PhD. I also have a Graduate Diploma in Urban and Regional Planning and I have more than 10 years working experience with Local Government as a Director of Environmental Services and a Building Inspector. I am running for Council as there clearly needs to be a change in thinking within Hay Shire Council. Not everything needs to be contracted out. What has it come to when the council is even considering contracting out the mowing of its own lawns at the park? This type of attitude needs to change now. The short term gains obtained by this attitude are eroding away the very fabric of our community. Why can’t Council be the largest employer in town? The work still needs to be done! The wages stay in town then! It should be the policy of Council to carry out its own work wherever possible and not become totally reliant on external contractors. Contractors play a vital part in the day to day operations of all councils, however once they are the only suppliers left the short term savings quickly disappear from the community. Most of the day to day running of Council is not controlled by the elected Councilors, there are strict rules that apply. However, Councilors bring about change mainly through Policy and Budget Control which provide the direction for Council to operate under. If elected I will do my best to bring about the directional change required to keep the community of Hay viable into the future. But to do this we need change now. So at the upcoming election make your vote count and aim for change. Consider carefully all the new applicants and Vote 1 Roger McGrath

Authorised by Roger McGrath

I am a fifth generation Hay person, married to Bruce Summers and we have 3 sons and 5 grandchildren.

I have been a business women in Hay for 36 years, with the honest, integrity and intestinal fortitude to stand up and be counted when dealing with bureaucrats, whether State or Federal. I have been a Councillor service the people and community of Hay, without fear or favour, for the last 22 years. I have always been accessible to the ratepayer, and make decisions in an unbiased and transparent manner. All I can honestly do is be proactive in our wonderful town. Everyone has to be positive and make

the best of our resources, ie the river and tourism, as well as secure development and employment, which is critical to our survival. There are a lot of challenges facing Local Government in the next 20 years, to deliver services, infrastructure and financial stability effectively in Regional and Rural Councils. You need a knowledgeable and dedicated candidate at Hay Shire to be your voice, so Vote 1 Pat Fayle.

CASE members have participated in a number of activities in recent months. In June, Coralanne Walker from CORES in Tasmania travelled to Hay and ran two one-day suicide intervention workshops for 32 locals. Participants were from a wide variety of backgrounds and all provided positive feedback. The course aims to reduce the stigma of suicide, encourage people to talk about suicide and teaches people new skills they can use to prevent someone taking their own life. Further training courses are being planned for November and anyone interested in doing the course can contact Peter Dwyer on 0417 272 684. Also in June, Rodney Cole from Wesley Lifeforce taught seven CASE members about telephone counselling people contemplating suicide. Members learnt how to discuss these issues over the phone as well as recognising the signs of a crisis or despair in social media such as Facebook. The CASE group has a crisis hotline for anyone to ring if they want to talk to someone about suicidal thoughts or just have a chat. The phone number is 0499 111 839. If this number is not available CASE encourages the use of Lifeline 13 11 14 or 000 for an ambulance. In July, Peter Dwyer travelled to Sydney to attend and present at the Post-vention Conference. DY presented CASE’s model to a group of 60 people and highlighted their achievements and goals for the future. DY spoke with Jerry Reid from Washington Suicide Prevention Centre in the USA who was encouraging and spoke enthusiastically of the model that Hay has set up. Recently DY was invited by Nick Parkhill (CEO, ACON) to a regional suicide prevention forum held in Albury. The forum was one of 14 held across NSW and included people from Albury, Wagga, Canberra and various surrounding communities. The purpose of the forum was to discuss the programs and services that are working well and what needs to be improved. Participants at the forum were encouraged by CASE’s model and believe it is a good approach for a community. On 19th August the Blackdog Institue passed through Hay on their annual charity bike ride to Alice Springs. The Institute’s ride aims the lift the profile of depression and CASE hosted morning tea at the Service’s Club for the riders. Upcoming Events: Hay Show – 8th September. CASE table and raffle for the donated quilt will be drawn World Suicide Day – 10th September R U Ok? Day – 13th September 13th October - Trivia night for the charity bike ride from Tasmania to Hay CORES one-day training – November. Compiled by Julie Darlow

Elizabeth Kelton started off happy to ply her locally

produced jams and preserves at the Lions markets, but she soon knew she needed a

permanent home for the wares of a growing list of

contributors to her Lachlan street store.

“I wanted to promote Hay and to show that there are some talented people out there, “ she says. Elizabeth’s little shop is overflowing with a wide range of items all produced locally by talents Hay-ites. Her list of contributors is vast and growing rapidly. Jane Eames, Robyn Howard, Barb Giddins, Betty McGrath, Michelle Owen, Beth and

Angela Coffey, Llana and Alan Pocock, Julie Crocker and Gina Haines have all already provided items for sale via commission. “Kristy Morris is also supplying a range of handmade candles very soon. If it’s made in Hay, I will stock it in the shop” Items can be part of a larger collection, or supplied singularly, and most goods on display are unique and hand crafted. The growing list of items available include baby clothing and rugs, jams, jewelry, cards, clocks, Hay branded ornaments, soaps, stickers, embroidery & appliqué, door hangers, bags, furnishings and tea-towels. Arriving soon will be children's headbands, and carved wooden snakes. Elizabeth has been pleased with sales so far. “I sold out of knitted ponchos really fast”

she says. She also has big plans for the future. “I am expanding into the shop next door too” she told me. “It will be filled with second hand furniture and clothes” At present, Elizabeth is accepting donations of second hand clothes, and a portion of these proceeds will be donated to Hay’s Can Assist committee, who will use the funds to support local cancer patients. There is also an impressive range of pre-loved school uniforms available. Elizabeth has arranged her shops opening hours around her work as one of the ‘Lolly-Pop Ladies’. Opening hours are 9.30am to 2.30 pm Monday to Friday, and 9.30am to 1pm each Saturday.

Hay Lions recently held a reunion of their 1982 Reserves and Seniors premierships, and the 1992 Under 17s, Reserves and

Seniors Premierships. Many former players returned to Hay for the home game, and a few had a run - Pictured at top left are Richard Falconer, Peter Christensen, Peter Dyer, Blue Pearson and Daniel Davidson

(Photo courtesy Jane Symons & Jade Duggan) Top right: Ron Headon, Frank Cranage & Buck Howard

Bottom picture: members of the premiership winning teams

The Hay War Memorial High School girls AFL Team celebrating their State Title win Photo - courtesy Kate Hicks

St Mary’s school celebrated Book Week St Mary’s school celebrated Book Week St Mary’s school celebrated Book Week St Mary’s school celebrated Book Week with their annual Parade.with their annual Parade.with their annual Parade.with their annual Parade.

Pictured at left are Reagan Duggan, Chloe Pictured at left are Reagan Duggan, Chloe Pictured at left are Reagan Duggan, Chloe Pictured at left are Reagan Duggan, Chloe Weeks, Savannah Pryor, Mikayla Hurst Weeks, Savannah Pryor, Mikayla Hurst Weeks, Savannah Pryor, Mikayla Hurst Weeks, Savannah Pryor, Mikayla Hurst

and Isobel Hugginsand Isobel Hugginsand Isobel Hugginsand Isobel Huggins Photo courtesy Tara DixonPhoto courtesy Tara DixonPhoto courtesy Tara DixonPhoto courtesy Tara Dixon

Peter “Parra” Montgomery’s story continues - Photographs from Parras private collection

Chapter 8 MOVING INTO THE HIGHWAY

INN Take a chance! All life is a

chance. The man who goes farthest is generally the one who is willing to do and dare.

The sure-thing boat never gets far from the shore

Dale Carnegie

One night at the Hibernian in late 1984, I had a discussion, which was to change my life dramatically. I was working behind the bar for a match between the Hibernian and the Highway Inn Darts teams. The Highway Inn publican, Kevin Goldspink, after a few beers and asked me if I would drop him off at the Highway Inn on my way home. When I pulled up at the Highway Kevin said to me – "I’ve got a business proposition to put to you." "What’s that Kev?" I enquired. "How would you and Pat like to come into

partnership with Ann and I, and buy the

freehold of the Highway Inn, with the intention of building a Motel on the adjoining block". To say it stunned me would be an understatement. "I’ve got no money, Goldy", I told him. "All I’ve got is my house". "That’s all you need," he replied, "We’ll take out a mortgage over the Pub. Really you don’t need money and it is a good opportunity that can’t miss." "Kev, I won’t say no outright." I replied, "but at the moment it’s 1% yes, and 99% no. Let me sleep on it and discuss with Pat". I first met Kevin in 1980 at the NSW Leagues Club in Sydney. He was attending a Kangaroo reunion and I was at a Country Rugby League Meeting. The meeting was conveniently held the day after the 1980 Grand Final, which saw Canterbury defeat Eastern

knock backs, until we received a sympathetic ear from the ANZ Bank. ‘No problems’, we were told by the Bank Manager, so we signed contracts with the owner of the pub, lodged the 10% deposit – as required - and set the settlement day as February 14, 1985. The day of settlement came around quickly. The money was required to be lodged with the Commonwealth Bank at Noon. Then came the news that hit us like a SledgeHammer. Bob, the local Manager rang us, and told us our Finance had been ‘knocked back’. It seems that the local Manager did not have the authority to approve loans of more than $50,000, - despite giving us a letter telling us that everything was OK. Kevin got onto the phone to the Regional Branch headquarters in Wagga Wagga and asked for an explanation. He was told by the Bank that it was the ‘Bank’s prerogative to refuse the loan.’ "Sure" Goldy told him, ‘but you should have informed us three months ago before we had be given the green light by the local branch Manager". Kevin pointed out to the Regional Manager that if the loan was not approved, he would make sure everyone in Hay would know why – and who was to blame. As well he would contact the Regional Press, radio and television, and would be seeking compensation for refund of the deposit we had lodged. It must have stirred the pot, because at 4.55 pm on February 14, we received advice the loan for the Pub had been approved. The ANZ Regional Manager, however, told us that under no circumstances would the loan for the Motel be approved. He also told us that every piece of furniture in the Pub, every beer glass and fitting was subject to a condition which they became the banks if the loan was defaulted. Make

Suburbs in the decider. Goldy was drinking with another former Kangaroo - and ex Canterbury player - John Rhodes. I was with CRL Life Member Johnson Bowden who lived at Batlow. "Have you met Goldy", Johnson asked me, "Nope", I replied, "Then come over and I’ll give you a knock down". We had a shout with Goldy and Johnny Rhodes, discussing football – as you do when you get with celebrities. Little did I know then, that Kevin and I would end up as great mates and partners in a business that lasted almost 21 years. Kevin, Ann and family moved to Hay mid 1981, taking out a lease of the Highway Inn. In 1984, he had a vision to build a Motel on the vacant block of land that adjoined the pub. The Highway Inn was a good pub. It was a working man’s pub with my kind of people as its customers. It had good patronage from the Rodeo Club, the Pigeon Club, Stock Carriers and Transport operators, the DMR, the railway workers and market gardeners. Contemplating a move away from the Public sector into the private Business World, Pat and I had travelled past the vacant block of land in Murray Street that we had earmarked for a Motel, and we would say to each other - "A Motel there can’t miss". I often remember a mate telling me - "You can’t make a quid unless you are working for yourself". After plenty of discussions Pat and I decided to cut the lifeline of the Public Service adrift and take up the Goldspinks offer of a partnership. Pat has always been a ‘rock’ for me. She has clear thinking and an optimistic view of life. She is a perfect balance for me, and we have shared plenty of good and bad times together. But, as they say, what does not kill you makes you stronger, and I am a better person through my partnership with my best mate, Pat. The stressful part of buying the pub was just around the corner. We approached a couple of Banks for finance, but received

you wonder how blokes like Charles Schindler the third, Allan Bond and Christopher Skase managed to secure Bank finance. When asked why the Motel loan wasn’t approved, the Bank replied "We don’t consider it to be viable". Goes to show how much the Bank knew in those days. Anyway, the sale of the Pub had gone through, much to our relief, and we considered we had a good deal We had a ‘Change over Party’ that night, and our great little mate Jimmy Doyle put his hand up to work the bar. Kev said, ‘C’mon Parra, let’s me and you meet and greet the customers, Ann and Pat can get in behind the bar with Doyley". Now my Pat had never worked behind a bar. As a matter of fact she had never been a ‘pub girl’ and was very nervous about pulling a beer – without a ‘chockers’ bar keeping an eye on her. We were shouting the old and new customers – so it was easy because money wasn’t changing hands. Pat pulled a few beers with frothy heads, which you tend to do when learning, and others with no head. She had her first shock of the Hotel Industry when she poured a Middy for regular Bob Rosewarne. Bob told her "If you ever give me another beer like that one love, I’ll pull your eyeballs out". Pat was stunned, but it was a good introduction to the Hotel game. She took a little time to pick it up, but within a couple of weeks she was going great guns. She ended up being a popular figure behind the bar, and enjoyed the work right up until we disposed the pub on September 14, 2005. She often reminded Rosie of his statement and they had a good laugh about it. By the time we were out of the Pub she had the respect of the customers and they loved her. She could mix it with the best. Gee, I was proud of her. During our time in the Pub we had good and loyal bar people. Doyley was great. He could always be relied upon to help out in the busy times. Jimmy is a terrific mate, and people loved working with him. He has a heart of gold. The world would be a much better place if there were more ‘Jimmy Doyle’s". He, to me, epitomises what an Australian bloke is – true blue, trustworthy and reliable Kath Stewart gave us great service at the time of our takeover, and Debbie Donohoe, who could almost pass as a clone of Kath with her mannerisms and patience, followed her into the job when Kath resigned to move into school administration. Leonnie Laracy, Shirley (Kem) Falconer, Kerry Mansfield, Donna Whitehead, Tom Smith, Johnny and

Hard working men who loved their Club, and the Pub… President Jack McCormack was a regular at the Highway, as were most of his boys. Blokes like - Digger Cole, John Hall, Bob Rosewarne, Lindsay Black, Jack Best, Jack and Pat Gannon, Garry Congdon, Peter and Paul Edwards, Johnny Campbell, Hec Domaille, Bob and Peter ‘Axe’ Rosser, Robert ‘Blue’ Cam, Brian Joyce, Ernie Ackling, Bob Wilson, Kevin Perks, Jimmy ‘Brick’ Bradford, Denis Fitzgerald, Rob Lees, Noel Corliss, Ian Auldist and Bob Johnson . And that is not to mention the women, Eunice, Leanne and Dianne Congdon, Dot Cam, Maud McCormick, Yvonne Domaille, Bev Edwards and others who were always ‘there’ doing plenty of fund raising – and behind the scenes work. The Rodeo Club was terrific on Fridays, Saturday and the Sunday lunch sessions – but we needed a major football code to help us survive the winter. Then, from out of the blue, a prominent Hay Cutter approached us and asked if we interested in taking on the Rugby Union Club. Were we interested – too bloody right! We made a bid, which was successful – and the Highway and the Cutters formed a partnership which was to last until we sold the pub at the end of the 2005 season. What a winner the partnership proved to be. The Cutters was easily the best sponsorship the Pub had entered into. The Officials, Players, supporters and visitors were an absolute treat to be involved with. We NEVER had any trouble, and in those heady early days, the till in the small bar kept ticking over at a very good rate. In the early days, we would go through at least a DOZEN flagons of Bundaberg Rum after a game. And that was not counting the number of kegs. The players were the Rum drinking champions of the Riverina – and it earned the Cutters a "Bundy Club of the Month" Award Visiting teams would join in with the locals and usually hung around until about 8-30 or 9-00. The after match ‘Awards Presentations" is the same for every Rugby Club – and it is certainly something all sports should look at. It creates great harmony within the competition. The Union boys are big on tradition – and it is a tradition to wear a tie to the after match function. I love the tradition, and it is what makes the Cutters a great Club. The Club has it songs which can be raunchy at times – but they were not offensive unless you let them be. Actually, the first meeting to form the

Nola Redenbach, Daryl (Frizzle) and John (Pole) Richards, Dianne Butler, Christine Byrnes, Michelle Harrington, Alix McFarland, Angie Richards, Peter Marks, Natalie Martin, Greg Selby, Jim Ovens, Robin (Gogs) Flattery, James Bisset, Roy Sullivan, Sam Fallico, Rosalind Andrews and Marg Myers gave us loyal and reliable service over our 20 and a half years in the pub (Hope I haven’t missed any!!!!) And that’s not counting Kevin and Ann’s children, Brett, Linda and Paula , and my Michael, Sharni and Janine who helped us out on occasions The Highway Inn Hotel with its small bar, and outside women’s loo, soon became known as the last Male Bastion in Hay. A place where blokes could go, talk sport and work without worrying about women folk in the bar. The Walls of several Male Domains had been knocked down when the female of the species was allowed to compete on an equal footing with ‘blokes’ We had Tee Shirts made up bearing the words –

“Highway Inn Hotel – Hay’s Last Male Bastion.

*Six a side cricket – GONE, * Wrong Bias Bowls – GONE

* Highway Inn Hotel – HANGING ON” It was done in good humour – we were NEVER a sexist pub. Women were always welcome, but chose not to frequent the pub. Their choice. When they did come they preferred to use the back Ladies Lounge – and the Beer Garden, to the front bar. The Pub secured the sponsorship of the Magpies in 1982 and we held that sponsorship right up until 1992. Kevin coached the team for three years ‘gratis’ – and I continued to be heavily involved in the Magpies administration. In 1993, the Magpies committee decided to switch sponsorship to the Hibernian Hotel which had been the ‘spiritual heart of the Club in the sixties and seventies. To say the decision hurt us – both financially and loyalty wise – would be understating it. But, we were given an opportunity, and, despite being told we had put in the highest bid, the headquarters of the Club was moved down town. That’s democracy. But it left a sour taste in our mouths. We both thought that we had made solid contributions to the success of the Club in our ten year period. Kevin had introduced the game "Kick-a- Ball" to the town, and it was a great money spinner for the Club. Although losing the valuable Rugby League sponsorship was going to hurt us, we still had the Rodeo Club on board and they were very good – and loyal, with a good thirst.

Cutters Club was held at the Highway Inn. I had been in discussions with Matt de Dassell about the prospects of forming a Club, along with (from memory) Tony Coffey, Tim Edwards, Mick Kehoe, Stuart Hodgson, Matt ‘Yabby’ Ireson and Ed Lilburne. A couple of games had been played at the Park between the Hay High School and a Barbarian team and there was interest. We were under offer to sell the pub in 1990, so I suggested to Mat de Dassell that the Club approach the South Hay Pub which they did - and it was accepted. Sunday was Funday at the Highway. We had a great Sunday crowd with the bar usually packed from about 11.30 am. Regular Sunday customers were Merv Fayle, Mick Hyde, Mick Rutledge, Blue Daley, Bill Eason, Peter (PRTM) Matthews, Ron Prevett, ‘Shoulders’ Thompson, Les Clifford, Boyd Bowen, Tom Smith, Brian Joyce, Chuck Harrington, Mark Breen, Don Butler, Dick Miller, Mario Gargaro, Bill Pryor, Eddie Gregory, Garry North, Anthony and George Bennett and Mark Biggs – as well as the Rodeo crew, led by the Boss, Jack McCormack. It was a laugh a minute with characters like Breeny, Chuck and Blue keeping the laughs rolling, with sideline quips thrown in by PRTM, Rut, Merv, Shoulders, Dick Miller and Smithy when things settled down. I loved my Sunday session in the Pub. It was relaxing, and good fun. Poor old Pete Matthews copped in EVERY Sunday. But he loved it, took it and kept coming back for more. The joint was packed until about 2 o’clock, before the night crew started rolling in at about 5.30 –led by Bob Rosewarne, Denis Fitzgerald, Graeme Doyle, Rod Greenway, Pole Richards, Lee Young, Brian Scandalero, the Watkins boys Peter (Horse) and Mark , Mick Harrison, Ray Miller, Pod Parr and Sonny Carter, and the Hathaway boys Bobby and Ron. Whilst The Highway Inn was never the ‘legend’ pub in town, probably not even in the top four for sales we had a reputation as a friendly working mans pub, heavily involved in sport – and a place where people could go for a great beer in good atmosphere without having to put up with loud music and being hassled. I can remember just three blues in all the time we ran the pub – and they were settled very quickly. I recall just after we took over the pub, Jim Doyle and the late Gordon Lucas had a dust up in the beer garden. Gordon had been baiting Doyley and Jim had had enough.

told Dicko to go. He asked me for a seven – and I told him no, it was time for him to go. I ignored him for about twenty minutes and started stacking one of the bottle fridges. Jim Bradford said "Look out Parra, he’s coming around". I looked up and there was Dick. Wild eyed, pipe in his mouth and he threw one at me, knocking my glasses off. I grabbed him by the wrists, and he said – with his teeth clenching the pipe, "Let me go you bastard and I’ll job you", To which I replied, "I know you will, and that’s why I’m not going to let go!. "Dick, Wake up to yourself. I can’t believe you left your pipe in. You must have been confident of a victory" I laughed. Don’t know what happened to Dicko. Someone told me that he had passed away in a retirement village in Hillston, but I never had that confirmed. Dick was one of those characters I have spoken about in another chapter.

There wasn’t much in it, but they got down to wrestling on the lawn. John Redenbach’s dog, Bidge, was also a faithful companion for Doyley, and as Jim and Luke battled it out, Bidge joined in to give Doyley a hand by attacking Gordon. The ‘blue’ was broken up with Ann turning the garden hose on them to ‘cool them’ down. Dick Dickinson (Dicko) was a regular during the day. He sat in the same spot in the corner, sinking sevens like they were going out of fashion. He would lob at about eleven, and you knew when he had reached his quota, as he would start talking to himself, and laughing. Most of the time he would know when he was ‘ready’ .."Goin’ home" he would say, Goin’ home" and he would waddle off to his home at the Showground in the Gun Club caretakers cottage. This particular afternoon, Ann Goldspink told Dicko that he had had enough and she wouldn’t serve him anymore – and it was time to go home. It was a change of shift, and I came on at 4 pm and Ann informed me that she had

Chapter 9 Joy in the Morning

Izumi slowly navigated herself through the hallway, checking each room as she went. At the end of the hall, lay a pile of suitcases, stacked against the right side of a closed door. Izumi turned the handle, and found it had been locked. Her mother was in there, she was sure. The night before, Izumi remembered that Anna said it was the room she had had as a girl. Her hurt voice broke the silence. "Please let me in." The only reply to her plea, were the sounds of the waves on the beach. Loneliness filled her being, and echoed through every nerve of her body, making Izumi feel sick inside. Holding her stomach, she ran to the front door, and lost what little food she had, to the bush beside the steps. Anna had heard her daughter standing in the hall, but said nothing. Hatred had grown inside of her heart as a tall tree, rooted in bitterness. She cast off her daughter's love as a dirty rag, as something to be despised. This had been the upbringing that Izumi's parents had given her. Surely, the poet David, had someone like Izumi Mizukiyo in mind when he wrote these inspired words: "Oh that I had wings like a dove! for then would I fly away, and be at rest. Lo, then would I wander far off, and remain in the wilderness. Selah. I would hasten my escape from the windy storm and tempest." Anna's hate drove Izumi into the night. She wandered onto the beach, rigidly staring at the waves. The thought crossed her mind to end it all, here and now. No more trouble, no more pain. "No one cares whether I live or die," she thought. Izumi slowly approached the water. Suddenly, Izumi was aware that she was not alone. She saw someone standing beside her,

looking down into her face. She turned to leave, but a familiar voice halted her retreat. "What on earth were you trying to do?" Izumi looked up to see the young man who introduced himself as John Johannes on the bus. Izumi's mind and heart were numb. Silence was the easiest reply. "Answer me!" John was becoming more alarmed by the moment. She hung her head. By this action, John knew he had guessed right. Partly out of relief that he had been there to stop her, and partly out of anger for what she had just tried to do, he began to quickly pace up and down the beach. "Why is it, that every time I run into you, I have my heart broken?" His pace became slower, however, for Izumi began to cry. She sank to the sand, burying her head in her knees. With a deep groan, John sat down beside her. "Don't cry. God hasn't forgotten you, even though it feels like it right now." John looked at the hidden head, still crying into her lap. "Don't believe me? Let me tell you something. I was fast asleep, minding my own business, when a strange feeling woke me up. Do you know what it was?" John asked her, hoping to make her respond. The crying became quieter. Content that his distraction was working, he continued. "I had the most acute attack of loneliness that I have ever experienced. The feeling was so strong, that I almost couldn't breath. (glancing at Izumi) I went for a walk to get some air, and found you here." Izumi had stopped crying and was listening to what he said, though her head was still hidden. "And glad I am, that I found you when I did. The world would have been a sadder place, if you were no longer in it." Izumi peeked out from her hiding place. He smiled the smile Izumi had remembered so well at the

airport. "You see, God sent me out here, at two in the morning, to stop you. He KNEW you were lonely, and pulled me out of bed to prove it to you. As Christ said: 'Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they?'" (Matthew 6:26) Izumi was comforted by that thought, and wanted to tell John so, but she was still to shy to come out of hiding. John was content that the danger had been averted, for the moment. "You must promise me something, and I want to hear you say it. You must promise me never, ever, to attempt that again," he said sternly. John heard a muffled "I promise," come from her direction. "Speak louder," he half shouted, hoping to extract her head from the lap. "I promise!" she exclaimed, forgetting to hide her face. "That's more like it," said John, a bit more relieved. "You know, whenever you need help, you should ask God. I think He has proven to you that He can help, and is willing to help, if you will only ask. The Bible says: 'Ye have not, because ye ask not.' (James 4:2)" John continued, seeing the girl was listening. "But take care not to have sin in your heart, for 'If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me' (Psalm 66:18). God is only obligated to hear the prayers of the righteous, and if I were you, I would make sure that group included me." John paused, "Would you like to become a Christian? It's the only way to stop something like this from ever happening again." Growing concerned that he was going too fast for her, he decided to remain silent, and give her a chance to speak. She remained quiet for so long, that with a disappointed heart, he turned his eyes to the bay. Gathering all the courage Izumi

A novel by

Judith Bronte

could muster, she asked, "If I became a Christian, would that mean God would have to listen, and answer, when I ask?" John, more relieved than his face showed, nodded his head, and looked at the small girl sitting beside him. "Confess all known sins to God, right now, and ask Him for the Holy Spirit. Then, believe that He will keep His word, for 'God is not a man, that He should lie'" (Numbers 23:19). John paused, "Do you understand what I'm talking about?" Izumi understood. She had heard Anna curse God time and again, for doing- or not doing- something she had ordered. If God did not hear her mother, because she had sin in her heart, then Izumi knew what sin was. "I understand more than you think I do," she responded. John smiled again, "That's a good sign," he thought. They bowed their heads, and with John's help, Izumi surrendered her life to Jesus. When they had finished, John looked up, and noticed a bright- eyed face staring back. "Thank you, I feel much better," she said happily. "If she feels this good, then she did understand what I was saying," thought John, more relieved than he was before. "Look," he said, pointing to the horizon, "a new day, for a new beginning." "A new day, a new beginning, and a new year," Izumi revised. John raised his eyebrows. "Is today your birthday?" he asked. Suddenly, aware of what she had just said, Izumi nodded silently. Many times, when the special day arrived, Izumi had kept silent, for her mother had made it clear that she did not want to be reminded of "that day." "How are you going to celebrate?" asked John, momentarily forgetting Izumi's hateful mother. However, Izumi's silence, soon reminded him. "This child breaks my heart," he thought to himself. "Do you think your mother would miss you for a few hours today?" Izumi looked up, wonderingly. "I don't think so." "I'll come by your house at (glancing at his watch) eleven this afternoon.

We'll go somewhere and celebrate your birthday, OK?" Izumi wanted to say something, but could not. No one had ever taken an interest in her birthday before. Up till now, she had always celebrated it by herself. The fact that she was alone on that day, of all days, always made her loneliness more acute than usual. Here was someone who wanted to spend "that day" with her! The thought was more than she was prepared to take. Burying her head in her lap, she began to cry once more. John patted her on the head. "Poor kid." After ten minutes passed, and Izumi quieted down, John looked at his watch again. "You had better go home now... say, what is your name?" It had never occurred to him to ask, before now. Izumi giggled. She had been wondering when that question would occur to him. John smiled, for it was good to see her happy again. Izumi got up, brushing the sand from her uniform. She made a small bow, introducing herself. "Watakushi no name wa, Izumi Mizukiyo desu." Covering her mouth with her hand, Izumi giggled to see John's puzzled expression. "I said, 'My name is Izumi Mizukiyo.'" "Nice to meet you," he said, getting up, and brushing the sand off his blue jeans. "Your name is quite a mouthful. What does it mean?" "'Izumi' means 'beautiful fountain' and 'Mizukiyo' means 'pure water.'" She was embarrassed, but he had asked. John looked into her face. The sun's morning light shone softly, illuminating her blue eyes. "It suits you well," he said quietly, with a half smile. Izumi blushed. She was about to say "thank you", when he interrupted her thought. "You had better go home and get some sleep. Until eleven," he nodded in her direction, and abruptly walked away. Izumi ran home, with a happy heart, hastily returning to the refuge of her room.

Legal Disclaimer: The characters and events depicted in these love stories are fictitious, and should not to be interpreted as medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Any similarity to actual persons, living or dead, is purely

coincidental. Copyright: These original love stories are copyright © 1998-2011 by Sarah L. Fall

(a.k.a. Judith Bronte). All rights reserved. Reproduced with permission

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