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MERRIWA RINGER Thursday 6 September 2012

Published by: MERRIWA CENTRAL SCHOOL

Bow Street, Merriwa 2329 Ph: 6548 2119 Fax: 6548 2534

Email: [email protected] Online: www.merriwa-c.schools.nsw.edu.au

Issue 28Issue 28: : Thursday 6 September 2012

Last week, local student Jade McConnell attended the National WorldSkills competition with more than 500 other students from across Australia. After the three days of extensive testing Jade was announced the winner for her category, the best in Australia. Jade also represented Merriwa Central School as a finalist at the State Training Awards last Tuesday. Jade would like to thank her Business Services teacher, Jane Hegarty and Robert Smith and the staff at Merriwa Pharmacy, who have provided her with invaluable workplace training, and her family for their support.

More Inside


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MERRIWA CENTRAL SCHOOL

Important Dates SEPTEMBER Friday 7 - Secondary Formal Assembly –

8.55am Monday 10 - Year 11 Exams Tuesday 11 - Year 11 Exams Wednesday 12 - Year 11 Exams - Upper Hunter Rugby Festival –

Primary & ROAR boys with the ARU

Thursday 13 - Year 11 Exams - Benefactors Morning Tea Friday 14 - Year 11 Exams Thursday 20 - Year 12 Farewell Assembly Friday 21 - Last Day Term 3 OCTOBER Monday 8 - Staff and Students return for

Term 4

PRINCIPAL’S REPORT It was a great turn out for our Fathers Day Breakfast on the primary campus. The bacon and egg rolls went down a treat and made for a very pleasant get together. Thank you to our P&C and the extra “volunteers” who assisted with the BBQ. I hope a few Dads were surprised by some special gifts purchased from the P&C stall on Friday. A special thank you to Julie Russell and Cassie Constable for organising these Fathers Day events. National Award Jade McConnell has been awarded the National Title of Business Services Student at the National WorldSkills Competition held in Homebush on the weekend. Jade‟s performance at the WorldSkills Competition is an outstanding achievement. It once again highlights that students from a small country school can achieve success on a national stage. Merriwa Central School has a strong tradition in developing vocational skills in partnership with the local community. The school based traineeship program is an outstanding program which equips students with real world skills to an industry standard. Jades success in the WorldSkills Competition is a testament to the value of this program at Merriwa Central School, and the commitment and professionalism of her teacher Mrs Jane Hegarty. School executive changes Over the coming weeks there will be a few changes to secondary staff responsibilities. Mr March will relieve as Deputy Principal for the next six weeks whilst Mr Johnston is on leave. As a result Mrs Hegarty and Mr Creamer will share the relieving Head Teacher responsibility during this time. Mr Johnston will relieve as Principal for the first four weeks of Term 4 whilst I take some leave. In addition we welcome Miss Hellessey to our school who will fill a temporary English vacancy. Up periscope Secondary students join the Navy next week as they head off to HMAS Watson at the South

Head on Sydney Harbour. Students will tour the naval base and check out the state of the art navigation simulator used in the training process for naval personnel. Merriwa students are the only students in the Hunter to access this training facility as part of our MEGS program. Once again we aim to provide a fantastic range of opportunities for our students. Wedding Wishes Staff and students send best wishes to Mr Johnston and Miss Reiner on their Wedding Day this Saturday. I‟m sure it will be clear skies and a wonderful day for the event of the year.

Darren Noonan Principal



FATHER’S DAY BBQ Last Friday Merriwa Central P&C put on a fantastic breakfast for our fathers to celebrate Father‟s Day. Fathers joined with their children for breakfast of bacon and eggs, lovingly cooked by our P&C. It great to see so many busy dads making the time to come, chat and break bread. Many thanks go to our P&C for their wonderful effort.

I hope our dads enjoyed their special day. We appreciate everything you do throughout the year.

Jodie McAlister Teacher

2/3 ASSEMBLY ITEM

At the Primary Assembly the 2/3 class sang the song „Captain Cook‟ using puppets and props. They enjoyed learning this as part of their HSIE studies this term.

Michelle Willis 2/3 Class Teacher

BRONZE AWARDS It is very pleasing to see more students achieving the level of Bronze Award. This week awards were conveyed to Cody Turner, Christian Beveridge, Elaina Sormaz, Jesse Watson, Thomas Amidy, & Paige Dewson. Congratulations to these achievers!

WORKERS OF THE WEEK

Workers of the Week for Week 7 are Blake Tritton & Ruby Wong (4/5), Tara Cox & Jack McAlister (5/6), Jayden Shadlow-Walls &



Molly Wong (2/3), Josie Porter & Christian Beveridge (1/2), Mervyn Turner, Sarah-Jayne Large & Paige Whitby (Kindergarten).

UNIVERSITY OF NEW SOUTH WALES AWARDS

On Friday Harrison Amidy, Molly Wong, Giann Folpp & Ruby Wong received certificates for their performance in various Educational Tests including Spelling, Science & Writing. Results included certificates of Participation and Credit Achievements. Well done!

THANK YOU!

At the Friday assembly Mrs Strachan and the Kindergarten class gave a lovely farewell to Mrs Hourn. Mrs Hourn is a practicum student from the University of New England and has spent the last 4 weeks working with the Kindy class. She has shown great enthusiasm for her

professional learning and we have been very lucky to have her. We wish her the best of luck in her teaching career and hope to see her in the future.

ASSEMBLY This week the 1/2 class will be performing at assembly. Parents and community are welcome to attend. Assembly begins promptly at 9.15am.

Rebecca West Assistant Principal

P&C NEWS Merriwa Central School P&C would like to thank all the Fathers that came along to celebrate Father‟s Day with a special breakfast at Primary campus. Thanks also to the mums that made it all possible by coming along to help.

The P&C are having a street stall on Friday 14 September and any donations would be greatly appreciated on the day. These can be sent into the office at either campus.

Julie Russell



Name: Jodie Mulholland Year Group: 8 Favourite Subject: English/Art/Ag Best personal achievements: Passing all of her assignments this year. Future aspirations: A policewoman in the canine unit. Year advisors comment: Jodie has been working very hard this term and should be proud of having passed all of her assignments. She is a trusted friend and enjoys spending time outside of school with her friends and buggy driving.

STUDENT OF THE WEEK

NATIONAL WORLD SKILLS Last week Jade McConnell represented NSW in the National World Skills Competition held at Homebush in Sydney. She was competing in the VET Business Services competition. This competition was held over three days from 29 August – 1 September. Jade was required to complete a number of tasks that would be typical of an office environment over the three days. Her work was set up as a scenario where she was an Administration Assistant and each day she arrived at work where there were a number of tasks that had to be completed in required time frames. These tasks ranged from mailing producing flyers, completing the banking, making phone calls, presenting an OH&S training talk, petty cash reconciliation, tax invoices, faxing, photocopying, performance appraisal

interview, mail merges, setting up a filing system, etc. Some tasks had to be completed by certain times during the day and she had to cope with interruptions and technology that was playing up. Jade worked efficiently and was able to complete her work effectively during all three days. She remained calm and organised and was a wonderful ambassador for our school, region and state at the Australian competition. The presentation ceremony was held on Sunday 2 September at the Capital Theatre in Sydney which was an exciting evening with entertainment provided by the Urban Dance Centre and the Australian Institute of Music. Winners of the Bronze, Silver and Gold medals in each category were announced by Shane Jacobson (of “Kenny” fame). Jade competed



ROAR Athlete Profile

Name: Bailey McNaught Year Group: 7 Favourite Subject: PE Favourite sport: Rugby League Favourite team: Sea Eagles Favourite player: Daly Cherry-Evans Best personal sporting achievement: Getting into the Semi‟s this year Who inspires you: My family Advice to young players: Don‟t stop trying Why is ROAR valuable?: It gives you an understanding about all the different sports Captains Comments: Bailey is a committed member of ROAR. He always turns up to training, eager to learn new skills and just have fun.

ROAR - Respect. Ownership. Awareness. Rewards

against students from Western Australia, Northern Territory, Queensland (2 students), Victoria and another New South Wales student. It was an exciting moment when Jade was announced the winner for her category in Australia. Well done Jade and congratulations on a wonderful achievement.

STATE TRAINING AWARDS Last Tuesday night I had the opportunity to represent Merriwa Central School at the NSW State Training Awards where Jade McConnell, one of our students was selected as a finalist. Interviews were carried out earlier in the year and from the nine regions in New South Wales, three finalists were selected in the category of best VET in Schools Student for NSW. Each finalist received a certificate and cheque for $500.

Jane Hegarty VET Coordinaor



CAREERS NEWS Year 12 News Coal & Allied and the Royal Agricultural Society of NSW Foundation Scholarships are available to Hunter Valley students interested in careers supporting rural and regional NSW. Hunter Valley students wanting to build careers that will help strengthen rural and regional New South Wales can apply for scholarships thanks to a new partnership. The partnership offers five scholarships worth $5,000 each in 2013, 2014 and 2015 with applications for the 2013 scholarships now open until 30 September 2012. To be eligible for the 2013 scholarships, applicants must: Be enrolled in or applying for study in

any accredited tertiary course at an approved Australian education provider.

Have resided in the previous 12 months in the Local Government Area of the Upper Hunter, Muswellbrook, Singleton, Maitland or Cessnock.

Demonstrate an involvement in the community and a commitment to building a career that directly benefits rural NSW.

Be an Australian citizen or permanent resident.

Demonstrate how a scholarship would assist them in achieving their education or training goal.

Not have previously completed a degree or diploma.

Applications close 30 September 2012. For more information about the Coal & Allied Community Development Fund sponsored scholarships, contact Royal Agricultural Society of NSW Foundation Executive Officer Jocellin Jansson on 9704 1234 or via email [email protected]. UNSW Co-Op Scholarships. The 2013 UNSW Co-op Program Scholarship online application system is open. Applications close 30 September. Apply now www.co-op.unsw.edu.au/login. Careers Advisory Service The Careers Advisory Service is an annual initiative which gives students and their

families' up to date information about the range of career and study options available following the release of the High School Certificate results. The two services offered by the website are a phone-in service and an email service, as well as a vast range of online resources covering options for school leavers. Visit http://www.cas.det.nsw.edu.au/ Open 20 to 24 December. Gap Year on a Cotton and Winter Crop Farm. Auscott Limited is a large vertically integrated company that farms, processes and warehouses cotton and packs grain for export. It invites applications for position based at the Warren farm for the 2013 year. These positions involve all aspects of cotton and winter crop production. There is also the opportunity for the right person to be offered a full time position at the end of the year or after their studies have been completed. An attractive wage is on offer for the successful applicants. Send resume to: Farm Manager Auscott Limited PO Box 160 Warren NSW 2824 Or email: [email protected]. Endeavour Energy Apprenticeships Endeavour Energy is looking for Distribution Powerline Workers. At the end of their apprenticeships, apprentices will have achieved a Certificate III in Electricity Supply Industry – Distribution and a Certificate III in Cable J o i n i n g . V i s i t h t t p : / /endeavourenergyca reers .nga .net .au/?j a t i = 8 B C C 6 5 7 8 - 4 9 3 A - C 6 A 3 - 8 C A 5 -64AF4FCC07BD. JMC Academy Undergraduate Scholarship. Undergraduate scholarships cover tuition fees for the first year of the degree. To be considered for application students must receive a minimum ATAR of 65. Applications c lose 7 December. V is it : http://w w w . j m c a c a d e m y . e d u . a u / A b o u t /Undergraduate-Scholarships.cfm

mailto:[email protected]

http://www.co-op.unsw.edu.au/login


http://www.jmcacademy.edu.au/About/Undergraduate-Scholarships.cfm




Schindler Apprenticeship. Schindler are offering electrical fitter and mechanical apprenticeships. Applications for 2 0 1 3 a r e n o w o p e n . h t t p : / /www.au.schindler.com/aus-index/aus-newpage-64/aus-kg-careers/aus-apprenticeships.htm Thomas & Coffey Wollongong Apprentice Intake Apprentices for the Fabrication, Mechanical and Building Services (Electrical, Carpentry, Plumbing and Air Conditioning) Departments are sought. For more info contact Maree Healey on [email protected] or call (02) 4200 5200. http://thomascoffey.nga.net.au/f n t _ i n f o _ p a g e . c f m ?JobID=1235&info_mode=new_app&MemberID=0. 2012 HSC Apprentice and Trainee Intake Every year over the holidays, between terms 3 and 4 1300 Apprenticeships and Traineeships run a recruitment intake where they interview students that are looking to start apprenticeships or traineeships. This year they are targeting Carpentry, Electrical, Plumbing, Horticulture and Manufacturing trades and business, financial services, warehousing and medical traineeships. For information visit http://1300apprentice.com.au/ Questions can be directed to Chad on 9715 7344 or email to [email protected]. The Good Universities Guide The website provides news on University and TAFE courses as well as Apprenticeships and Traineeships. Visitors to the site can also search for Institutions, Courses, Scholarships and Careers. Preparing for University Open Days: http://www.gooduniguide.com.au/Latest-

news/Preparing-for-university-open-days. Five Uni Myths Debunked: http://www.gooduniguide.com.au/Latest-

news/Five-uni-myths-debunked News for Apprentices and Trainees: http://www.gooduniguide.com.au/Latest-news/News-for-apprentices-and-trainees

F o r m o r e i n f o v i s i t h t t p : / /www.gooduniguide.com.au/Latest- Years 10, 11 & 12 Apprenticeships Commencing January 2013 covering: Automotive Mechanical Technology

(Specialising in Light Vehicle) Certificate III.

Automotive Mechanical Technology (Specialising in Motorcycle) Certificate III.

Automotive Sales (Specialising in Parts Interpreting) Certificate III.

Applications close Sunday 16 September. For more information and to apply online, visit: www.trivett.com.au/apprenticeships

Essential Energy Apprenticeship Intake Essential Energy employs apprentices in power line workers and/or electrical technicians. Visit http://www.essentialenergy.com.au/content/appren. University/College Open Days Petersham College Open Day 15

September, 2012, 27 Crystal St Petersham.

The Hotel School Sydney Open Day on 15 September, 2012 [email protected]

Bedford College - 54 Parramatta Road Glebe open day 15 September 2012

[email protected] Campion College 8 September 2012 8-14

Austin Woodbury Place, Old Toongabbie NSW [email protected]

Australian Catholic University 8 September 2012 25A Braker Rd. Strathfield [email protected]

Macquarie University- North Ryde Campus 8 S e p t e m b e r 2 0 1 2 [email protected].

If you have any career questions please contact me at Merriwa Central School.

Jane Hegarty Careers Advisor


http://www.au.schindler.com/aus-index/aus-newpage-64/aus-kg-careers/aus-apprenticeships.htm



http://thomascoffey.nga.net.au/fnt_info_page.cfm?JobID=1235&info_mode=new_app&MemberID=0




http://www.gooduniguide.com.au/Latest-

http://www.gooduniguide.com.au/Latest-

http://www.trivett.com.au/apprenticeships

http://www.essentialenergy.com.au/content/appren

http://www.essentialenergy.com.au/content/appren







CASSILIS PUBLIC SCHOOL

Angus Morton - Angus has earned the award of Student of the Week for representing Cassilis Public School so magnificently on the 3-6 Canberra excursion, at Regional Athletics and Touch Footbal l. Last W e d n e s d a y h e

competed at the AWD Regional Athletics Carnival and showed true determination in each event that he participated in. Angus never gave up and at all times he did his best. It was inspiring to see his confidence and sporting ability shine through. Angus also showed true sportsmanship by encouraging other competitors. He gave it his all and smoked them! Congratulations Angus, you are truly deserving of the award for „Student of the Week‟.

Angus at the Regional Carnival Angus did a brilliant job last Wednesday at Woodbury. His events included the 100m, 200m, shot put, discus and long jump. Angus finished 2nd in discus, 3rd in shot put, 6th in 100m and 7th in 200m. He also commented that his favourite part of the day was everything! We are very proud of your achievements. The Relay Team has done it again! Taine, Thomas, Brady, Tarnisha and Sarah beat their time, from both the State Carnival in 2011 and the Zone Carnival held two months ago, by a massive 4 seconds! They were just pipped at the post by Ellerston on the smallest of margins.

Congratulations to the team...we are all very proud of your achievements. The final times were:

Ellerston P.S 1:03:47 Cassilis P.S 1:03:50 Crowdy Head P.S 1:06:45 Hannam Vale P.S 1:09:82 Wollombi P.S 1:09:88

The team now qualifies for the State PSSA Carnival on Wednesday, 17 October and Thursday 18 October.

Google With Google now weighing an impressive 505kg, he has earned a trip to Coolah Central School this Wednesday at 1pm to do some socialising and for the leading team (Sarah, Taine, Brady and Thomas) to practice their skills. Thank you to Sue McGoldrick and Sally Staniforth from Coolah Central for their assistance.

Merriwa Springtime Show Students are busily taking photos, finishing artworks and working out costumes for the Talent Quest (Bonny and Tarnisha) for the Show next weekend (15 and 16 of September). Good luck to all our entrants and hope you get a chance to visit the show.


CASSILIS PUBLIC SCHOOL

Back to Cassilis Weekend The P&C will be cooking a delicious lunch for the visitors of the Back to Cassilis, on the Saturday of the long weekend. All family members are strongly encouraged to come along and help out! The P&C is a very valuable group which greatly supports all students at this school. Huge thanks also to the Cassilis Bowling Club for their very generous sponsorship of our touch football shirts. These will look brilliant with „Cassilis‟ and numbers on the back.

Drums Our djembe drums arrived last week and Friday afternoon was a lovely time to have our first practice and start learning the techniques involved. All students and staff had a great time!

Performance Night Performance Night is confirmed for Wednesday, 24 October at 6pm in the Cassilis Hall. The night will include musical performances (guitar, piano and drums) and also drama performances. It promises to be a fun night so come along! Thank you to the Upper Hunter Shire Council for letting us hire the hall free of charge. Guitar Guitar lessons are on this Wednesday afternoon with Mrs Goodman from 2-3pm. It has been a great success. K-2 News Wow! It is hard to believe that there is only 3 weeks of school left, however we look forward to continuing to work hard towards our learning outcomes.

Spelling and Sound Work This week for spelling Fish will be doing sound revision. Platypus will be looking at the „ou‟ sound and Kangaroos will be looking at the „are‟ sound. Fish tricky words are „about‟ and „an‟, Platypus Tricky Words are „my‟ and „no‟ and Kangaroo Tricky Words are „millilitre‟ and „litre‟. Maths In maths this week all children will be looking at Mass. They will compare the masses of two objects and describe mass using everyday language. Students will also predict which objects would be heavier, lighter, about the same and check their prediction. They will have to give reasons as to why they think an object would be heavier than another. Science Last week in science, students looked at the difference between chocolate and popcorn both before and after heating it in the microwave by using their senses. Visual Arts Last week for art, students made Sunset Silhouette Scenes by cutting black and yellow cardboard and pasting it on orange cardboard. Awards This week the homework award went to Jack Sumpter-Cornish. Congratulations Jacko and keep up the wonderful work! 3-6 News For Sentence A Day this week we are focusing on verbal nouns (verbs ending in „ing‟). Our new Accelerated Literacy texts have arrived and I am really looking forward to starting the book orientation this week. In maths, patterns and algebra is the focus this week. Students will also be participating in the Mathletics Challenge over the next two days. For science, we are starting our „Melting Moments‟ unit which will continue into term four. This will include lots of fun learning activities and experiments.

Katie Bell Principal


ST JOSEPH‟S PRIMARY SCHOOL

Last week Anne Marie and I attended the ACER conference which focussed on School Improvement. This conference was a fabulous opportunity for the two of us to familiarise ourselves with the latest research around the world and to network together and with other people from school settings to look at ways to implement change to bring about sustainable improvement. We have returned very excited about what we have learned, and what project we might embark on in the near future. Many of the things spoken about, we are already doing through our National Partnerships program, which is reassuring and affirming.

This week we have many visitors in our school from the CSO. They are here to validate our school as part of the School Evaluation and Development process (SEVDEV). As they complete their time here they will leave us with a report which will affirm the great things we are doing and make some suggestions for directions to go from here... again focussing on school improvement. I look forward to sharing results with you in the upcoming P&F meetings and through the newsletters. This week is also Child Protection Week. We have placed white balloons on our gate to symbolise that we as a school community are very conscious of the need to protect our children and to surround them in an environment which is safe, secure and loving. There was a wonderful meeting of parents, grandparents, children and staff last Friday as

we celebrated Father‟s Day with the traditional breakfast followed by Liturgy and the Literacy and Numeracy activities with our dads. Thanks to all who organised the various events and to those who participated. It was another lovely community event.


ST JOSEPH‟S PRIMARY SCHOOL

The annual Public Speaking competition was also held last week and as always the children really impressed their teachers and the audience with great skills in this area. Well done to our finalists who will now go on to compete in the Regional Public Speaking Competition held at St James Muswellbrook. Have an enjoyable week. Spring is certainly showing her true colours today as I sit in my office typing this...the garden beckons! Congratulations to the following award winners: K Kiesha-Lee Taylor - for super sentence

writing. Bobby Keegan – for a great sunflower

picture.

1/2 Madelaine Thrift – for her great

contribution to classroom discussions. Amy Redgate – for always offering

assistance to others in the classroom. Piper Cropper – for her settled approach

in writing activities. 3/4 Sophie Inder – for a super speech on

Australian animals. Gaby Nicholls – for an amazing speech on

Australian animals. 5/6 Thomas Nairne – for a totally awesome

week with an awesome attitude. Tamasyn McNaught – for a super effort

with your speech on advertising. Clancy Martin – for a sensational speech

on advertising. Playground Champion: Reba Claxton – for being kind and caring

in the playground. Principal‟s Awards: Rosemaree Nairne - for participating in all

school activities willingly and with maturity.

Audrey Gill - for her bright and confident

conversation with others.

Helen Whale


MERRIWA ACTIVITY CENTRE After School and Vacation Care

Catering for 5 – 12 year olds

As you read this we have almost come to the end of week 8, how excited the children are that its only now 2 weeks until the holidays!! I am excited too. Parents and caregivers will be able to find the holiday program in next week‟s Ringer! We will be going on two excursions this term both in week 1 on Wednesday and Thursday. Wednesday 26 September we are taking a trip to Cessnock. Firstly we are stopping at the Hunter Valley Gardens where there is holiday fun based on the children‟s movie Happy Feet! There are interactive shows, jumping castles, still art performers, treasure hunts and much more.

The MAC children will be fortunate enough to see the interactive stage show, and have a walk through the gardens completing a treasure hunt. We will tean be going on to the Cessnock Zoo, where we will have a BBQ, see exhibits and shows like a reptile show, monkey feeding and we are given a bag of feed (each!) to take with us to feed kangaroos, birds and baby animals like goats etc. I personally cannot wait!

We then have an exciting day back at MAC with the dress up theme “Cowboys” and Indians‟ (I think it suits a lot of our children) and we will make a hobby horse, play themed games and watch a cowboy movie! We have cooking day, cards at Gummun Place with the residents (always a favourite of the kids), trip to the skate park, and so much more.

We only have six days of care available this Spring holidays so it‟s first in best dressed for 20 lucky children.

We are looking forward to having lots of company over the holiday break. Please encourage families and friends to be aware MAC is here to assist children school aged, that need care. If you have a niece, nephew or grandchild with you these holidays and they are bored consider sending them to MAC for the day. We have so much fun, interact with lots of children and experience lots of activities for low cost. It costs $32.00 for a day including all that‟s programmed, excursions incur and extra fee of $3, but please bear in mind Centrelink family discounts! You could be paying as little as $3 a day!! N e w enrolments are a l w a y s w e l c o m e . Come in and grab a package today.

Activity Centre CRN (after school care) is 555 014 702K. Vacation Care CRN 555 014 708J. Contact Centrelink to find out about your Child Care Benefit (CCB) or contact MAC for more info.

Lucy Naef with Jo and kids!


REMINDERREMINDER

The last Ringer for Term 3, 2012, will be Thursday 20 September.

The Ringer will resume in Term 4 on Thursday 11 October

The deadline will be 12 noon Monday 8 October as per usual.

ANGLICAN NEWS Calendar of Events. A great big thank you to our Guild ladies, what a splendid casserole lunch we enjoyed on the 26 August. Well done ladies. To all the Fathers in Merriwa, hope you had a wonderful Fathers day last Sunday, you are all loved so very much!!!!!! I imagine that some of you received from your children the wonderful art made at Messy Church. It was a great afternoon, families sharing & caring…. Good news we have…7 debs for our ball on the 10 November. Start thinking about your dresses ladies & tickets will be available soon. Our very talented Fiona Hedges will be coaching our Debs & their partners in the art of dancing. Do you remember Rev‟d Mandy & the 40hour famine..well she managed to raise $200 & some more to come after a cupcake day at the High school this week. Take your mind back to the article & it said that $40 could feed a family for a month …so there we are! Well done Rev‟d Mandy & all who donated to the fund. Church Services. Friday 7 September: 10am Eucharist Holy Trinity with discussion & sharing.

Gummun: 11am Extended Eucharist. Date for your Diary. 100 years celebration St. Luke‟s Widden 8

September 11am. Bring and share lunch. Ph. Jeannie Harris 6547 0520.

14 September: Ecumenical service at Denman at St. Bernard‟s Catholic Church, 7pm. Come along and join with the folk of Denman for this occasion. Theme is Spring to Life.

First Thursday of each month: Guild Meeting 2.30pm

Last Friday of each month: Messy Church 3.30pm

Last Saturday of each month: Men‟s Breakfast, 7.30am.

Reflection: Above all, let us never forget that an act of goodness is in itself an act of happiness. It is the flower of a long inner life of joy and contentment; it tells of peaceful hours and days on the sunniest heights of our soul. True Joy is Serene.

Rosalie Drew


MESSY CHURCH A great afternoon was had last Friday at Messy Church and WOW, was it messy! The vegetable modelling was a big hit. Helping to provide this activity, with the donation of vegetables was from Keith at IGA, this was greatly appreciated. The frosted grapes did not get time to dry as they were so delicious. Potato printing was a hit with young and old, as well as the grape vine book marks, colouring in, play dough and our “Jesus – I am the true vine” banner. Thank you to all the wonderful people who helped set up/clean up, looked after the craft tables, the church service, and the delicious meal that was provided by the wonderful ladies in the kitchen. The next Messy Church is happening again on the 28 September (school holidays) and the theme will be “Joseph and his coat of many colours.”

Carol Bowman

MAYOR FOR THE DAY Merriwa Central School Student, Molly Wong, recently took part in, and won the Upper Hunter Shire Council‟s “Mayor for a Day” competition.

Merriwa students Tara Cox and Emily Large also took part and finished as runners-up. Well done Girls!

Lucy Johnson & Mike Wong


THANK YOU! Last week I had the privilege of competing with over 500 students from over 30 different regions across Australia in the 2012 National WorldSkills competition.

I would like to say a huge thank you to my Business Services teacher, Mrs Hegarty, without whom I would not have had this amazing opportunity. You have been by my side for over a year since the beginning of my WorldSkills journey and I am so thankful. Another huge thanks goes out to Robert Smith and the staff at Merriwa Pharmacy, who have provided me with an amazing workplace to support my training in Business Services. I would also like to thank all of my teachers, family and friends who supported me all the way. Without the support of these people, I would not have been so successful in the competition. Thank you again!

Jade McConnell

RECIPE OF THE WEEK SPICY CHICKEN SINGAPORE NOODLES

Ingredients 2 tablespoons kecap manis 1 teaspoon mild curry powder 1 garlic clove, crushed 2cm piece ginger, peeled, grated 4 chicken thigh fillets, trimmed, thinly

sliced 1 tablespoon sesame seeds olive oil cooking spray 1/4 Chinese cabbage, shredded 2 carrots, cut into long, thin strips 1 red capsicum, thinly sliced 4 green onions, thinly sliced 220g packet Singapore noodles

Method Combine kecap manis, curry powder,

garlic, ginger and 1 tablespoon water in a small bowl. Place chicken in a ceramic bowl. Add 1 tablespoon marinade to chicken and stir to coat. Cover remaining marinade and set aside.

Heat a wok over high heat. Add sesame seeds. Stir-fry for 2 minutes or until golden and toasted. Transfer to a bowl. Spray wok with oil. Add half the chicken and stir-fry for 3 minutes or until golden. Transfer to a bowl. Repeat with oil and remaining chicken.

Spray wok with oil again. Add cabbage, carrot, capsicum and half the onions.

Stir-fry for 2 minutes or until cabbage begins to wilt. Add noodles, chicken, reserved marinade and toasted sesame seeds to wok. Stir-fry for 2 minutes or until heated through. Divide noodle mixture between bowls. Sprinkle with remaining onions and serve.

www.taste.com.au


MORTGAGE CHOICE NEWS More than one way to buy your first home. First homebuyers may be unaware that there are more ways than one to get into the property market. Consider co-ownership Sharing property ownership between two or more people, such as a friend, family member or de-facto partner, lets both parties pool their resources to pay a deposit, maximise borrowing power and share property buying and management costs. Legal guidance is essential when considering this approach. Find your feet with a family equity loan Parent/s can act as the loan guarantor for a homebuyer, by agreeing to let the homebuyers use the guarantors‟ property as security. Having a guarantor will not help to increase your borrowing power but it will help to bridge the deposit and upfront expenses gap and it will likely help you avoid having to pay lenders‟ mortgage insurance. Anyone who is considering being a guarantor for a property loan is advised to seek independent legal and financial advice beforehand. Most lenders will insist on this, prior to accepting a guarantee. Take advantage of the new Government incentives. From 1 October this year the First Home Owner Grant will increase from $7,000 to $15,000 on newly built or off the plan properties, with a value of up to $650,000. The grant will remain in place until 31 December 2013, but from 1 January 2014, it will drop back to $10,000. First home buyers who purchase a newly built property or vacant land to build on may also

be eligible to receive stamp duty exemptions/concessions. Home before investment is not a rule people who want to get into the property market but may have been priced out of buying a home in the area they want to live may consider purchasing an investment property before a home. A clever investment property purchase and a little patience could see these homebuyers-to-be residing in their desired suburb sooner. Hopefully, after a while, the equity built up in the investment property can be used to purchase a home. Lenders will lend money against equity, depending on the rest of the borrower‟s financial situation. Before making any decisions, speak to an accountant and/or financial planner to weigh up the cost versus benefit of this strategy. Australia‟s largest independently-operated mortgage broker, Mortgage Choice has a national network of hundreds of franchises supported by Group and State Offices. Its loan consultants write almost one in every 20 home loans in Australia by providing professional guidance on, and choice of, products offered by an extensive panel of leading lenders. Many provide a broader service, helping customers source commercial and personal loans, asset finance, deposit bonds and risk and general insurances. Mortgage Choice head office pays franchisees the same commission rate for the home loans they write, regardless of the rate paid by the lender selected by a new customer, so they work in each customer‟s interests to source a product tailored to their unique needs. So, why not let our local team find the bestsolution for your individual needs. Contact Lauren Murphy at Mortgage Choice on 0408 480562. Or visit www.mortgagechoice.com.au/hunter1 for more information.

Lauren Murphy

http://www.mortgagechoice.com.au/hunter1

http://www.mortgagechoice.com.au/hunter1


DISCLAIMER

Views expressed by contributors are not necessarily endorsed by the Publisher, Merriwa Central School. No

responsibility is accepted by the Publisher or its Committee for the accuracy of information contained in articles. The

advertising of and use of product names does not constitute recommendations or endorsement by the Publisher or its Committee. Advertisers indemnify the Publisher and its

Committee against all liability claims or proceedings whatsoever arising from the publication.

DI’S CLOTHING PATCH We have new season fashion and accessories in store now with Summer and Spring stock starting to arrive. Some of the new items include: Goodiwindi Cotton Polo‟s and T-shirts Dresses ¾ Pants and Shorts Elliman Cotton and Linen Shirts and Dresses Corfu Skirts and Shorts Back Bay Men‟s Polo Handbags and Wallets Ladies Footwear And this is just a few items from the new Spring/Summer line that have arrived already. So come in for a look to see what is in this Spring/Summer, with new stock arriving daily. Don‟t forget our “End of Winter Sale” is still on with 40% off ladies wear and 30% off Children and Men‟s clothing.

Di Inder

MERRIWA TYRE AND SERVICE CENTRE This week we would like to talk about servicing of your vehicle and the benefits of having it serviced regularly. Even if your vehicle does not do a lot of kilometres and only runs around town your engine oil still needs to be changed and your vehicle needs to be checked over for wear and tear such as steering components, brakes, suspension, all fluids in your vehicle, tyre pressure, tyre tread and your lights need to be checked regularly. If you drive your vehicle on long trips most of the time, then the manufacturers service recommendations can be followed with confidence, but if you only do short trips all the time then we would recommend that you have your car serviced every 6 months regardless of the kilometres travelled. If you tow with your vehicle a lot we would recommend that you have your car serviced under the severe conditions recommendations in your service book or about every 10,000kms. By servicing your vehicle regularly you‟re more likely to find problems before they become a very pricey problem. Servicing your vehicle improves the life and performance of the vehicle and usually gives you a problem free ownership of the vehicle. Merriwa Tyre and Service Centre is equipped and qualified to service and repair all makes and models of vehicles, and we can carry out service book servicing of vehicles under new car warranty. Glenn can help with all your enquires, he has had 39 years of experience and has a very diverse knowledge of the motor vehicle trade. Glenn‟s knowledge covers all aspects of the mechanical trade from car‟s, 4wd‟s, trucks, tractors, bikes and small motors. Our head serviceman Brad has been in the Mechanical industry for 15 years and trained with Toyota so has extensive knowledge of the automotive industry. With an extensive range of spare parts and a great team we can deliver you with the service you require and deserve.

For all your servicing needs or enquires drop in and see the experienced team at Merriwa Tyre and Service Centre. Your vehicle will thank you.

Glenn Hunt


PEST ANIMALS BENEFIT FROM IMPROVED SEASONS

The Livestock Health and Pest Authorities (LHPAs) are encouraging landholders to report pest activity, following predictions that pest numbers will increase due to favourable seasonal conditions experienced during Autumn and Winter. According to Tim Seears, LHPA Project Manager for Pests, landholders are reporting increased numbers of feral pigs and rabbits across most of NSW over the past 12 months. “Pest animals, in particular rabbits and feral pigs that rely predominately on pasture for their diet, commonly do very well in the period following improved seasonal conditions, and this is what we‟re currently seeing,” he said. “With a relatively mild Winter, and good potential for Spring growth, we are expecting further increases during Spring – the most obvious being feral pigs and rabbits. “If left unchecked rabbits can quickly build into plague proportions severely limiting pasture growth, with prolonged activity restricting revegetation and causing erosion. Feral pigs, when left in high numbers, will cause significant damage to crops as well as erosion and associated water quality problems, but may also prey on lambs. “Increases in prey populations, as a result of improved seasonal conditions, means predator species such as wild dogs and foxes are also likely to increase in numbers. This can have adverse flow-on effects for livestock production, native wildlife survival and ecosystem stability.”

Mr Seears said landholders should implement proactive measures now to curb potential pest increases before it‟s too late. “Reactive pest control is ineffective as damage will have already been inflicted and pests are harder to control when numbers have or are increasing,” he said. “Land managers need to work together for better results through coordinated long‐term strategic control efforts where possible, to help reduce the costs and improve long‐term effectiveness. “LHPA Rangers can assist landholders with on ground advice or coordination of broad scale pest control programs.” Mr Seears also encouraged landholders to remain vigilant and report pest activity to their local LHPA to assist LHPAs with planning and directing resources to assisting landholders in problem areas. “There are a number of avenues for reporting pests to the relevant agencies – LHPA ratepayers should report to LHPA Rangers, while licensed hunters of the Game Council report hunting activity on public land to the G a m e C o u n c i l . F e r a l S c a n , www.feralscan.org.au/, is a community website that allows users to map sightings of pest animals and record the problems they are causing in their local area,” he said.

Kylie Neville 6391 3720

http://www.feralscan.org.au/


HUNTER MUTUAL BONUS FOR 27 MERRIWA ORGANISATIONS

Twenty-seven sporting and community organisations in Merriwa have shared nearly $6,500 from the Community Mutual Group‟s Community Partnership Account (CPA) scheme this year. Representatives of most of the groups attended a presentation ceremony at the Merriwa RSL Club to receive their cheques, triple the amount of last year‟s distribution. The Accounts were introduced in 2009 to give Community Mutual Group members the opportunity to benefit their favoured community organisations. Through the scheme, members nominate a charity or community organisation they wish to support at their local branch. At the end of the financial year the nominated organisation receives a figure equivalent to one per cent of supporting members‟ average annual balances. This comes at no cost to nominating members. Hunter Mutual Merriwa Branch Manager Trudie Byfield said the scheme had yielded around $1,500 last year but was now much better known in the local community. “It‟s become incredibly popular and the bonuses are really welcomed by the organisations concerned,” she said. “They are all run by volunteers who have to work so hard to raise funds. The feedback we have received is, that to be given a bonus like this without having to fundraise for it is greatly appreciated.”

Just some of the organisations to benefit from the Community Partnership Accounts this year include Merriwa Rugby League and Merriwa

Junior Rugby League, Merriwa & District Rescue, Merriwa Pre-School & Kinder, Anglican Parish of Merriwa, Merriwa Tennis Club, Merriwa Central School Parents, Merriwa District Education, Merriwa PAH & I Association, Merriwa Railway Society and Trinity Markets.

Yvonne McNaught (St Joseph‟s P&F Association), Max McNaught (Merriwa Junior Rugby League and Netball Club), Matt Morgan (Merriwa Senior Rugby League), Trudie Byfield (Hunter Mutual Merriwa Branch Manager), Kylie Telfer (Hunter Mutual Merriwa)

Trudie Byfield 6776 6823


VETERINARY NEW WITH ANTHEA The office will be closed on Friday 14 September for the local show starting Friday afternoon. Puppy Preschool will start on Wednesday 10 October for 3 weeks from 5.30pm. Please call to confirm your place. Remember, when travelling with animals in your vehicle, legally they are to be restrained. When you go to get out of the vehicle ensure that you have taken the keys out before getting your pet out, otherwise you could be locked out and then waiting on the side of the road for a long time! Some of us will know that for next time, luckily our roadside assistance cover was paid up!!!!! On a better note, luckily, the above incident happened on the way home and not on the way to Tamworth where Anthea was successful after a long spell for Valley View Kingfisher in being sashed Champion Show Hunter Pony. Ava Peel was also on fire, winning her rider class off the led. She must have got her riding skills from her Mum (Kristen) who got Reserve Champion Show Hunter Galloway, Champion Show Hunter Hack & then went on to be sashed Supreme Show Hunter Hack. Well done to you all for a very successful day at Tamworth Showground. Julie also was successful on the weekend completing the Denman Charity horse ride without any incidents!

Just remember that kittens are all cute & cuddly until they grow up. This is when you need to take responsibility & have them desexed so that you can enjoy them a lot longer knowing that they are not out & about breeding more unwanted kittens. It also helps reduce the spread of infectious diseases

amongst cats, such as cat flu & feline aids. It is a simple day surgery, so if you don‟t want kittens & the headache they can bring please call the office to book in, before cat breeding season arrives.

Canine parvo virus that affects dogs of all ages. The virus attacks the intestines causing blood stained diarrhoea, uncontrollable vomiting & severe abdominal pain. Dogs will often die from severe dehydration despite intensive veterinary care. It‟s not necessary to have direct contact with other dogs for the disease to be spread. The virus is so persistent that the infected dogs‟ environment needs to be thoroughly cleaned with a potent disinfectant to prevent spread to other dogs. Outbreaks occur regularly throughout Australia in the Summer months. The virus can remain in the ground for up to ten years. Prevention is as simple as having your dog vaccinated. Treatment is costly and may not always be successful. Don‟t take the risk when it‟s as simple as an appointment with us to have the vaccination. Call us today to discuss.

Now is the foaling season it is important to remember to remove caslicks before foaling, and to ensure adequate nutrition for your mare & foal. Also ensure that vaccinations for your horse eg (tetanus) is up to date 4 weeks prior to foaling & also drenching the mare before foaling. We now can offer worm egg counts for those who are interested.

Anthea has Racing NSW commitments on Monday 17 September 2012. Until next week keep up the good work girls.

Anthea Wright with Julie, Megan, CC & Offsiders


MERRIWA HOME HARDWARE Back again for another bit of dribble. Well, our Fathers Day dogalogue has finished, but on a high note, hopefully everyone has picked up a copy of this weeks Hunter Valley News and found yet another dogalogue. Yes, our early spring dogalogue starts this week and as usual it is packed with heaps of great bargains for everyone. Same old story though, first in best dressed. While there were plenty of people extremely happy, we did have a few people left disappointed during our previous dogalogue, some of the stock in store had sold out and warehouse stock was all gone as well. Again, get in early! So have you sprayed your lovely crop of bindii yet? What do you mean “no”? Get out there and do it now, the bindiis are starting to crown and will soon begin seeding so come down to Merriwa Hardware and get some bindii killer, get yourself back home and the get your wife to spray the bindii. Actually, it‟s probably a better move if you sprayed the rotten weed yourself. Have you been out the back to visit our new Garden Centre? Cassie and Max have done a fantastic job in tidying up and reorganising to make the area very user friendly. Even more pots are now available in an assortment of rich colours. The range of Northcote pots and planters we have in stock is brilliant. We also have a wonderful fountain and a great stoneware setting. The setting consists of a table and 2 bench seats all 2.4m long in a sandstone colour. Both the fountain and the setting are from Northcotes Statement series. The Statement series products are made from a cement and fibreglass composite which makes them very strong yet light in weight. Well that‟s it for this week. Did you know? Jade McConnell won gold at the National World Skills for Business Services VET in schools. Best in the nation. Go Jade!

Ray McConnell & the crew

FIND OUT ABOUT MINING THREATS Merriwa Healthy Environment Group (MHEG) will be holding an information stall at Merriwa Show, on September 15 and 16. You are welcome to call in and ask any questions you have about coal seam gas, coal mining and how they could threaten the quality of life on Merriwa Plateau. We will have maps of the local Oxley Basin ground water resources and other aquifers, and soil fertility, marking areas that are already under threat. If you are interested in contacting Government at any level about these matters we can provide you with details of how to do this. Our group is one of many throughout the country who are massively concerned about where all this mining is leading us. At our Show stall you can find out about other groups in the Hunter and Mid-West who are all fighting to preserve food producing land and natural habitats. In line with this, MHEG will shortly be showing “Bimblebox”, a film about a high conservation natural refuge in Queensland that is under threat. Its themes are applicable across the board, to all landholders in Queensland and NSW who are using their best efforts to stem the tide of coal mining and CSG. Bimblebox features the music of Geoffrey Gurrumul Yunupingu.

Ted Finnie MHEG


THE SHOW IS ALMOST HERE! Well it‟s not long to the Show, eight days to be precise, and work is gearing up at the Showground to have everything just right for the 2012 Show. The only agricultural show left in Upper Hunter Shire, Merriwa Show is in its 104th year. It‟s a real, true country grassroots Show, reflecting the great spirit of our community, with fun for everyone. Organisers have been fine tuning a program of events that promises to be the most spectacular for many years. To find out what Merriwa Show has to offer, go to www.merriwashow.com.au or phone 0498 378 500. Show President Rob Tindall said: “We can offer this impressive line up of entertainment, thanks to massive support from members of the local community - and of course from our sponsors.” As well as its usual attractions the 2012 Show will feature Extreme FMX aerial bike displays, live music from Tamworth, Merriwa‟s Got Talent, puppet shows, Big Dog, woodchopping, the Young Farmer Challenge, sideshows, rides, stalls, displays, heaps of horses and livestock, campdrafting, a junior rodeo- and that‟s not all. Popular NRL legend Paul Harrigan will open the Show on Saturday afternoon. Merriwa 2012 Springtime Show is a Coal and Allied community project. It also has major support from NAB agribusiness, Hunter Mutual, Rockwell Livestock and Property and MacCallum Inglis. Hunter Mutual‟s “Merriwa‟s Got Talent” quest on the Saturday afternoon will showcase singers, dancers, musicians, jugglers and magicians as they compete for serious prize money. To take part, you need to enter before the Show - entry forms are at all Hunter Mutual branches, at Merriwa Pharmacy, or on www.merriwashow.com.au. Also on Saturday is the Show‟s unique, Young Farmer Competition, designed by locals to test farm work skills. Eight young farmers (male or female) compete in a series of challenges on the day, for a final pointscore and substantial prize money. Check the website for more details.

Over the weekend the horse section will hold a range of keenly contested events, including ASH (with a challenge), heavy horses, All Breeds, riders and hacks. Campdrafting and a quad-draft will feature on the Friday from 3.00pm, with showjumping all day Sunday. Then there are the stud and prime cattle, Merino and prime sheep, produce, spectacular pavilion arts and crafts, dogs and pets, dog jumping, sideshows, rides, showbags - the list goes on. Merriwa Show President Rob Tindall and local earthmoving contractor Michael Nutt take a break during work at the Showground on Saturday. The Nutt family have been supporters of Merriwa Show for three generations.

Note: Due to a computer malfunction in the Show offices, some details in the Art section were not saved to the 2012 Schedule. Please note that the following are the correct details: Section K – Art Sub-Committee: Mrs A Kraefft Captain, Mrs J Heming, Mrs R Higgs, Mrs A Kemp, Mrs L Moore, Mrs M Munro, Mrs M Penninger, Mrs E Salama, Mrs C Shannon, Mrs C Whitelaw. Entry Fee: Classes 1-7 $0.50 per entry, children 16 & under no entry fee. Prizes: 1st $3.00, 2nd $2.00. Award cards for First & Second. Entries: will be accepted in the Fairfax Pavilion on Friday from 2.00pm to 4.00pm, and Saturday morning before 9.00am. All entries to be clearly labelled on the back with name, address, phone number and class number. Entries can be left clearly labelled and accompanied by the entry fee at Di‟s Clothing Patch, Bettington Street, Merriwa, until 12 noon on Friday. Entries must be

http://www.merriwashow.com.au



collected after but not before 4.00pm, Sunday. Presentations: 11am on Sunday in the Rodgers Pavilion. Special Prizes Prize for Best Entry Open Classes 1–7

donated by Mrs I Molyneux. Prize for Best Local Entry, Classes 1-7

donated by Mrs J Heming (Restricted to artists living within Upper Hunter Shire)

Prize for Best Entry, Senior Citizen, Class 8 donated by Mrs H Hunt, Good Looks Nail and Beauty.

Prize for Best Entry, Classes 9-13 donated by Mrs A Kraefft.

Prize for Best Entry, Classes 14-17 donated by Mrs C Shannon.

Prize for Best Entry, Classes 18-20 donated by Mrs B Frampton.

Conditions of Entry - 1. All care and no responsibility will be accepted for the loss or damage of exhibits and is the responsibility of the exhibitor to collect their exhibits at the end of the Show. 2. Entries are open to all artists and must be the original work of the artist, not previously exhibited at Merriwa Show. 3. All entries in the Open classes are to be framed and wired ready for hanging and clearly labelled on the back with the artist‟s name, address, phone number and class for entry. 4. Should the exhibitor wish to sell their entry, the sale price should be clearly stated and 10% commission is payable to Merriwa PAH & I. Association. 5. Organisers have the right to photograph any exhibit to promote the show. 6. Organisers reserve the right to withhold a prize if, in the opinion of the judge, a suitable standard has not been submitted. 7. A coloured class entry slip must be attached and completed to all art work.

Open Classes 1. Sculpture 2. Drawing 3. Traditional style painting 4. Contemporary style painting 5. Water colour painting 6. Print makling 7. Digital art Senior Citizens 8. Any medium, exhibited by Senior Citizen, over 65 years. Children‟s Classes - Children‟s entries are to be marked with their name/age/school. (This is for sorting purposes at the completion of the show). 16 years & under 9. Sculpture 10. Drawing 11. Painting 12. Print making 13. Digital art Please note: Classes 14 to 20; Children‟s art entries (Drawings & Paintings etc) are encouraged to be no larger than A3 art paper.

Primary (Years 3-6) 14. Drawing 15. Painting 16. Digital art 17. Sculpture

Infants (Years K-2) 18. Drawing 19. Painting

Preschool Class - Child not yet at School. 20. Any art in any media

Rob Tindall President


MERRIWA DISTRICT EDUCATION FOUNDATION

Applications for the 2013 year of grants are open to any students who reside in the old Merriwa

Shire boundary and are available from Jane Hegarty at Merriwa Central School or the Education Foundation website. Applications close on 30 November 2012 and for any further information please contact one of the committee members who are listed in our Ringer sponsorship box. The Merriwa District Education Foundation would also like to extend an invitation to any citizens of Merriwa and its district to a lunch celebrating ten years of assistance to students in our district. The Merriwa District Education Foundation would like to invite interested citizens of Merriwa & district to lunch at The Plough Inn Café Cassilis on Sunday 23 September, 2012, at 11am to celebrate ten years of supporting Merriwa‟s youth to achieve their tertiary education goals. RSVP: 15 September to Jane Hegarty via email - [email protected] or phone 6376 1052.

Below is a brief report from one of our past recipients:

Emily Wightman - Since finishing school in 2009 I began tertiary study at the University of New England. I was studying a Bachelor of Sports Science while residing at Earle Page College. In 2011 I decided to move out of college and move to Newcastle where I continued my study externally while working part time. At the end of 2011 I changed my degree to the Bachelor of Exercise and Sports

Science (Clinical Exercise Physiology) and returned to Armidale where I worked at the Presbyterian Ladies College. In March this year I received a Diploma of the Sciences and I am continuing to live in Armidale while I complete my studies.

Jane Hegarty



CWA AWARENESS DAY 2012- “90 YEARS OF ACHIEVING”

The Country Women‟s Association (CWA) of New South Wales, part of the largest female lobby group in Australia, in its 90th year, will recognise inspirational Australians and award these individuals with State Honorary Memberships at this year‟s CWA Awareness Day Wednesday 12 September 2012. The 2012 inductees selected by the CWA have all made significant contributions and created opportunities for regional and rural Australia. CWA of NSW President, Elaine Armstrong says, “For the first time in CWA history we will awardHonorary Memberships and some of the recipients of these honorary memberships will be men. It‟s a commemorative year for the CWA and we are looking forward to recognising those individuals who have made a difference

Top Quality local beef and pork delivered to the Upper Hunter every second Friday

PLEASE PLACE ORDERS BY 5PM MONDAYS FOR FRIDAY DELIVERY

For Order Forms Ph. 65485170 or 65485008

Fx. 65485181 [email protected]

SPECIAL

Whole Rumps (5kg) $12.50/kg

Crumbed Steak $9.50/kg Delivery Friday 14.09.12

and contributed to our proud ninety year history,” she said. Alongside the 10 State Honorary Memberships, each branch will select and award an Honorary Membership to a local community member. Local branches throughout the state will host a wide range of CWA Awareness Day initiatives and celebrations in more than 400 branch locations. CWA of NSW Executive will present the 10 State Honorary Members at the annual CWA Awareness Day, Wednesday 12 September 2012 at 9.45am for a 10.00am start at CWA of NSW Head Office, 11 Greenknowe Avenue, Potts Point.

Anna Redden


HELLO FRIENDS OF IGA Thank you for coming down on Market Day, it was once again very successful and it was good to see so many of you in one day.

Special Offer on Tefal Essentials Plus Range; Shop in store from now until October 21 and receive a bonus hole punch for every $20 spent in your new Tefal leaflet, collect 5 hole punches or spend $100 dollars in a single transaction and buy the new Tefal Essentials Plus range for reduced prices saving over $230 over the complete set.

While in store this week be sure to keep an eye out for the “Buy Me” Community Chest Specials. Most catalogue specials this week do contribute to the Community Chest. So look for this message and help us support the community.

The Weekly Grocery Specials Catalogue starting Monday September 3 and continuing until Sunday September 9 is in store now and there are savings of up to 50% off. So it‟s definitely a good idea to take advantage of the specials this week. The Fresh Food specials are something to have a look at; some prices are so low that

the products will be walking out the door. The specials this week are as follows so take notes: Beef Bolar Blade Roast, $7.99 per kg. Beef T-bone Steak, $15.99 per kg. Pork Butterfly or Medallion Steaks, $15.99

per kg. Primo Country Style Leg Ham, $10.99 per

kg. IGA Corned Beef Silverside, $5.49 per kg. Pre Packed Brushed Potatoes 5kg, $4.99

each bag. Granny Smith Apples, $2.99 per kg. Kiwifruit (product of New Zealand), 5 for

$2. Strawberries 250g Punnet, 2 for $4.50. This week in the liquor there are specials to take advantage of, with many of your favourites at prices you like. The specials this week are as follows: Low price on top drops! Coopers Original

Pale Ale and Pure Blonde Premium 24 packs and Victorian Bitter 30 packs, for the low price of $43.99 each.

2 for $30 Multi Buy on selected 750ml wines, including Oyster Bay Sauvignon Blanc, Taylors Estate Shiraz, Wynn‟s Coonawarra Estate Cabernet Shiraz


Shop 1/17 Bridge Street www.jtsrealty.com.au

Muswellbrook NSW 2333 [email protected]

Ph: 6541 5331 Fax: 6541 0330

25 Cullingral Street – $159,000 Situated in easy walking distance to the local shops, doctors and clubs this is an ideal investment or for someone looking to down

size. There are 2 good bedrooms, lounge with reverse cycle air conditioning and an eat in kitchen. The kitchen and bathroom are

both in good condition. At the rear of the home is a single garage

on a large fenced flat block. This is a very well-priced brick home and well worth an inspection.

35 Vennacher Street – $249,000 Situated in easy walking distance to the main street and schools,

and sitting on a 1227 sqm block this 4 bedroom home is ideal for further development. The property did have DA approval to put 2

more homes on the site which has lapsed. The home is in good condition with 4 large bedrooms, a laminex kitchen and a lounge.

This would easily rent for $280 a week while you developed the

block. The yard is flat, fully fenced and has a single garage. This

is a great development opportunity in an expanding town. 39 Vennacher Street – $249,000 Located in a very convenient position close to the main street and

local schools, and situated on a 971 sqm corner block this is an ideal development opportunity to do a dual occupancy. The home

has 3 big bedrooms, 2 with built in robes, a huge open plan living area featuring polished floor boards, r/c air and a near new

kitchen. The bathroom has also been renovated and the house

painted throughout. There is a rent potential of $290 a week plus the option to put another home on the site, this is a perfect one for

the smart investor.

Merlot, Secret Stone Sauvignon Blanc and Brown Brothers Chardonnay.

2 for $22 Multi Buy on selected 750ml wines, including Clancy‟s Shiraz Cabernet Merlot, Jamieson‟s Run Chardonnay, Wyndham Estate Bin 444 Cabernet Sauvignon and Wyndham Estate Bin 555 Shiraz.

Selected 700ml Spirits For $33.99 including Jonnie Walker Red Label, Smirnoff Red Label, Bundaberg Rum, and Canadian Club Whiskey.

Bundaberg Rum, Jim Beam, Canadian Club and Jonnie Walker Red Label 10 packs, 2 for $65.

XXXX Gold 24 packs and Carlton Mid 30 Packs, $35.99 each.

We hope to see you this week, as you enjoy the bargains to be had. Quality and Freshness is always ensured in IGA, with a 200% guarantee that has stood for 10 years, that‟s something you can trust. You‟ll find our friendly service, market fresh food and a range that suits you is just how the locals like! I would also like to congratulate, on behalf of everyone in Merriwa IGA, Megan and Steph on turning 18 in the past weeks, and wish them luck as they complete their schooling.

Daniel Hogan

http://www.jtsrealty.com.au/



* When reporting an incident to the Police, always request and record your Incident Reference Number

LHPA SUPPORTS STATE WILD DOG APPROACH

The Livestock Health and Pest Authorities (LHPA) congratulate the Minister for Primary Industries, Katrina Hodgkinson, on the release of the new state-wide Wild Dog Management Strategy yesterday. Ian Donges, Chair of the LHPA State Management Council, said the LHPA is pleased to be part of the Strategy which aims to improve coordination between all players in wild dog management in NSW. “This Strategy represents the first high level framework for wild dog management in NSW and is an important step in delivering better outcomes from current investment in wild dog control,” he said. “The Minister has been able to achieve an important milestone in bringing together all the parties involved in wild dog management in NSW and developing the key principles and practices for improved wild dog control.” Mr Donges reiterated the organisation‟s willingness to work with the Minister and parties represented on the Strategy to implement the Strategy‟s objectives and deliver better outcomes for NSW landholders.

“The LHPA is very aware that wild dogs are becoming an emerging issue for many landholders and communities across NSW and as we‟ve previously said, we‟re committed to assisting them manage wild dogs and their impacts,” said Mr Donges. Under the Rural Lands Protection Act 1998 the LHPA‟s primary role in wild dog management is to assist landholders control wild dogs, a declared pest species, on their land, through consultation, coordination and the development of wild dog management plans. The LHPA is also responsible for the provision of 1080, a primary control pesticide. Local LHPAs have allocated significant funding to provide direct service provision to assist landholders with wild dog control on private land, including aerial and ground baiting programs, trapping and shooting. The Strategy can be found on the NSW Department of Primary Industries website at: www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/pubs/wdms or for more information on wild dog control contact your local LHPA office.

Kylie Neville 6391 3720

http://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/pubs/wdms


Entries Close 12 Noon on Monday 17 September

This month the theme is:

The winning photo this month will receive a $50 Book pack provided by the Little Sprouts Reading Day

Committee

The competition is open to amateur photographers of all ages. The winning photo will be published in the Ringer on 30 August and will receive a prize donated by our sponsor. All entries will

be displayed at Merriwa Pharmacy after the winner is announced.

Each month will be a new competition with a new theme and prize!

Email your entries to: [email protected] or drop them into the office to be scanned.


WOOLBROOK INDUSTRIES

A while ago I was talking to a local who is involved in transport with large trucks and also other machinery, all of them involving big diesel engines. He was complaining about what a hard business transport is, and indeed it always has been, which is not to say that nearly everything is not difficult these days. I said that I had myself driven all kinds of trucks except road trains and B Doubles, that I had owned trucks, that I had sold trucks, and at times had made good money out of them. He looked at me very hard, obviously wondering whether I was a fool or knew something he didn‟t, so I explained I had never made much money from driving them, even less out of owning them, but that I had done quite well out of selling them, and he knew enough of my background to then understand what I meant. Indeed many years before when I was in the truck selling game a dealer for the company I was working for had sold his father one of our big V10 prime movers, and the man I was talking to that day commented that it had been a good truck. The conversation set me thinking about how correct I was because, one way or another, I have been connected with trucks most of my life which is a good while because I am close to 85 as I write this. It also set me thinking, as I often do, how much everything, including the

trucking industry, has changed in those 85 years. I have always liked trucks, perhaps even been fascinated by them, and my earliest recollections, going back to when I was about 6 years old, will always include the local mailman, Rube Hardy. We lived far out in NSW between Carinda and Brewarrina where I was born, and Rube came twice a week, every Sunday and Thursday afternoon. He drove what to me, as a small child, seemed an enormous truck but which in fact was probably no more than a five tonner, or eight at most, by today‟s standards. He not only brought the mail, and took ours away, but also, as a general carrier, a great variety of other goods ranging from bread to groceries to fuel to steel posts and wire. Up till about 1935 fuel, whether petrol or kerosene (diesel was little used in those days), came in rather flimsy wooden crates containing two four gallon containers (also rather flimsy) commonly known as kerosene tins which were all, after fulfilling their primary purpose, put to a great variety of other uses. Then 44 gallon drums came into use and I admired the ease with which Rube twirled those heavy drums around his truck and how expertly he dropped them to the ground on their edge so they did not burst.


Woolbrook Rural Industries Max Wurcker 6548 2150

Nearly everything for farmers at rock bottom prices! Conventional & electric fencing, pumps,

spraying equipment, poly & PVC pipes, generators, tanks, silos etc

Visit our very comprehensive website:

www.woolbrookrural.com.au

In later years I also wondered why such an odd size as 44 gallons was chosen and whether it had anything to do with the American gallon, which is smaller than ours, before finally realising that it was our very earliest metrification since a 44 gallon drum hold 200 litres exactly. Steel posts also came into use about 1935, or at any rate it was about then that my father started buying them. Rube Hardy also carted wool and did so in combination with his mail runs as far as possible. I used to watch with interest from a safe distance as the wool bales were loaded, marvelled at how high they were stacked, and with what comparative ease considering how heavy they must be. When loaded Rube would throw heavy ropes over the bales and pull them as tightly as possible using what I now know to be a truckie‟s knot, though later while in the Navy I was taught a variation of it, the lamb shank, which I mostly use these days. However, he obviously thought the ropes were still not tight enough and, since things like dogs, chains and tie down straps were unknown at the time, (or perhaps he was too thrifty to buy them, remember we were still in the depths of the Great Depression at the time) he used another method. He simply inserted a length of pipe

under the rope, twisted it till it was so taut you could have played a tune on it like a violin string and the bales were deeply creased where the ropes passed over them, then secured the pipe to the same rope it was tightening with another short piece of rope. It was a crude and very effective procedure, and one which I have often used myself in emergencies, picking up a piece of stick or almost anything to twist the rope. Looking back on it he must have been grossly overloaded at times though I doubt whether there were any transport inspectors anywhere in Australia those days, or if there were they would have been unlikely to come closer to us than Dubbo. Many years later I sometimes thought of Rube Hardy when my German employers came out with their favourite sarcastic comment about our Transport Industry: “Australians will overload every form of transport except a wheelbarrow”. When using a wheelbarrow these days I often overload it, perhaps just to spite the Krauts, even though some of my distant ancestors were Krauts too, though I do like to think that a few generations and Australianisation have mellowed us.

Max Wurker

CJ’S Cuts In your home by a qualified hairdresser.

Clipper Cuts $7 Men’s $15 Ladies $25

Pre-School & Primary $10 A travel charge per residence visited applies and

depends on distance travelled. The best time to call

is evenings but an answering service is available

Ph Carla on 6548 8531


MELS TIP FOR THE WEEK Here‟s one for music lovers with a computer. Have you tried Web radio? There are literally thousands of stations available and any type of music. They all offer 24/7 hours of uninterrupted music – no ads, no announcements and definitely no opinionated talk jockeys. Go to Shoutcast Radio Directory at www.shoutcast.com and pick one of the dozens of genres listed. Then pick again for a sub genres. For example click on Decades and then choose from hundreds of stations offering everything from the 40‟s to the 90‟s and more. Another tip – leave the web music running for security while you are out. Shady types may then think the house is still occupied. Check out web radio stations – all you need is a computer and some decent speakers. Which brings me nicely to the next item (you knew there would be a catch didn‟t you!)

Great Sounding Computer Speakers - Nowadays a computer (or laptop or Tablet) is used for much more than computing. They are complete entertainment centres. Many web sites have sound or music tracks and you can play your downloaded tracks, CD‟s, or web radio in the background or use your computer as you main music system. And Gamers need good sound to enjoy the game to the full. But you are getting sub standard sound when you rely on just the built-in speakers or most small and tinny add-ons. There are many plug-in speakers to choose from but as usual we have selected the best value product to stock. I have bought this product myself and can vouch for great sound with deep bass and plenty of volume. Quality is fine and they look terrific in polished black. Logitec Speaker System Z323. Two ported satellite speakers give 360 degree audio evenly in all directions plus a mains powered, ported down firing subwoofer. High power handing of 30 watt RMS for good sound and bass without distortion. Has dual RCA jack and 3.5mm jack input to connect MP3 music players, & DVD players direct plus an integrated headphone jack. Must check these out - all for only $79.95.

Instant Travel Insurance - Travel Insurance is a must when going overseas and now you can get it at the Post Office. Cost is made simple at

$5 a day for UK, Europe, Asia, NZ and South Pacific or $10 a day for the rest of the world. Excess is $100 per event. You can go to auspost.com.au/travelinsurance for full details or check out details in the PO. The handy pocket folder (it‟s on our back counter) contains your insurance card, FAQs and a product disclosure statement. Remember, Merriwa PO is your one-stop-shop before travelling overseas – you can get Passports, PP photos, foreign cash, travel insurance, travel Visa cards, USA padlocks, international power boards and more.

New Load & Go Travel Card - There are many cards available to suit overseas travel but this new one from AusPost offers all the best features in one card. It is a multi-currency, multipurpose reloadable Visa card that can be used to purchase goods in store or over the web or withdraw cash at any Visa ATM worldwide. You can load up to $10,000 on the card in Australian dollars at the PO and then transfer on the web into any of the five currency wallets on the card. Reloading can also take place on the web, at the post office, over the phone or by bank transfer. All these features in one card answers the problems found in the other cards. When buying the card we will need ID, your mobile phone number, a memorable word and a PIN number which you can change later. Minimum initial load is $100.

Wildfire Best Smartphone - HTC now have a good reputation for worlds best practice in smartphones and have won several awards. We have always liked their HTC Wildfire and now the reputable Aussie PC Authority magazine places it top of the A-List for budget smartphones. They describe the Wildfire as “looking and feeling like something a lot more expensive - big phone features, small price”. It sports a 5MP camera, flash, Andriod 2.1, multitouch and HTC‟s Sense UI. And Merriwa Post Office has the HTC Wildfire at the best price around – in black or white for $145.

Multi Charger - These sold out quickly last time but now they are back in stock. A multi phone charger with fly leads for most brands that can connect to car 12v socket, USB port or mains

http://www.shoutcast.com/


OUTLANDER 500 DPS- NEW MODEL

FEATURES: POWER STEERING

INCREASED COOLING CAPACITY DOUBLE A-ARM FRONT SUSPENSION

RRP: $11,990.00 SPECIAL INTRODUCTORY PRICE:

$11,300.00 INCLUDING GST

TAKE ADVANTAGE OF OUR 2013 MODEL INTRODUCTION SPECIAL

MERRIWA TYRE AND SERVICE CENTRE 141 BETTINGTON ST

MERRIWA NSW 2329

PHONE:65482078

CALL FOR AN OBLIGATION FREE ON FARM DEMO

with included adapter. Yes, an iPhone plug is included and it will carry data as well as charging. In a solid carry case you won‟t find this many features at anywhere near the price – only $19.95.

Looprope Straps Remember the Octopus Strap? It would do the job but had a nasty habit of springing back and hitting you in the face – or worse still, eye. But if you have a ute, truck or roof rack then some type of elastic strap is handy and quick for holding stuff down. Have a look at the LoopRope we have in stock. It‟s elasticated like the occy strap but has a second cable of looped elastic alongside and uses stainless steel clips on the ends. The clips can also be used on the

intermediate loops. One look at the product in stock will make things obvious. We have various lengths of LoopRope in stock including spare SS clips. For example, a 4 foot strap with two clips is $27. Come check it out.

Open from 8am – 5pm weekdays 9am – 11am most Saturdays

Postmasters thought for the week: Don‟t wait for storms to pass – learn to dance in the rain.

Vivian Green

Mel Gillott & Kerry Anne with Colleen & Kylie


The Merriwa Community News is available to charity groups or non-funded, not for profit organisations and

anyone wishing to advise of a special event (birthday/anniversary/etc). If you would like to make use of this

free service, please contact us prior to 12pm Mondays.

TOUCH FOOTBALL AGM The AGM for Merriwa Touch Football will be held on 10 September at Merriwa Sports Club from 6.30pm.

Kate Blackadder

MERRIWA DISTRICT PROGRESS ASSOCIATION INC

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

The Annual General Meeting of the Merriwa District Progress Association will be on Wednesday 26 September at the RSL commencing at 6pm. Everyone with an interest in the community is urged to attend. The normal monthly meeting will follow the AGM. Support the organisation which supports your community.

Beron Arden-Wood Secretary 6548 2245

LEGACY BADGE DAY & STREET STALL Legacy will be holding it‟s annual Badge Day & Street Stall on September 7. Your support in donating goods for sale, purchasing a badge, or purchasing goods from our stall would be very much appreciated.

Maree Goodear

MERRIWA TENNIS CLUB The Merriwa Tennis Club are looking for interested past, present and new players to join in a night competition to commence on Monday 17 September. (If enough teams register Thursday night). Enter as a team of 4 players (2 men and 2 ladies), a pair (1 lady & 1 man) or as a single player to be placed into a team of 4 players. Nominations close on 10 September, 2012. Team names to be left at Merriwa Pharmacy or with Loretta Cooper on 6548 2679. Children are to be at secondary school to play in the competition.

Loretta Cooper

ADFAS LECTURE The next ADFAS lecture will be held in Scone's Council Rooms, at 6pm for a 6.30pm start on Tuesday 18 September, 2012. This is an exception to usual venue due to the Scone Art Prize. A fascinating subject combining history, geography, historical persons of interest, and fine food in exotic settings! "Cooking for Kings", by Mr Ian Kelly. Don't miss out!

Bev Atkinson ADFAS Ph: 6545 3005

CLAIM THE DATE

Cassilis Community Clearing Sale being hosted by Cassilis Public School P&C to be held on the 27 October at Cassilis War Memorial Park All entries welcome (livestock, machinery, produce, sundry items). Please call Jo Morton on 6377 4563 for more details.

Jo Morton

MERRIWA DISTRICT PROGRESS ASSOCIATION

The MDPA reminds every enrolled resident to vote in the Local Government Elections for Upper Hunter Shire this Saturday and make their vote count. Local Polling Places are: Merriwa School of Arts, Bow St, Cassilis Public School and Bunnan Memorial Hall. Voting is between 8 am and 6 pm.

Beron Arden-Wood Secretary 6548 2245

THANK YOU

The Children and Educators of Merriwa Pre-school would like to say a big thank you to Merriwa Central School and the Committee of Little Sprouts for the excellent planning and continuation of such a great Community initiative. We look forward to Little Sprouts continuing next year and many years after that.

Merriwa Pre-school Assoc Inc


OH&S WHITE CARD A two day course is being run at Merriwa Central School covering the OH&S Construction Induction course for industry by TAFE Outreach on 15 & 16 November. Cost $40 per person. Payments must be made to the Merriwa Central School at the Secondary Office by 25 October to secure a place. For further information please contact Jane Hegarty on 6548 2119.

Jane Hegarty

SPRINGTIME LITURGY OF HOPE AND RECONCILIATION

The Catholic parishes of the Upper Hunter Region invite the people of Merriwa to a Springtime Liturgy of Hope and Reconciliation to be held at St Bernard‟s Church Denman on Friday 14 September commencing 7.00pm. Following the Liturgy there will be supper for all in the Moylan Centre. For further information contact Sister Brigid 6548 2123.

Sr Brigid Linehan

MERRIWA PRE-SCHOOL TOY / CRAFT DRIVE

Merriwa Pre-school currently has a fundraiser running; we would like to give members of the community the opportunity to purchase toys and gifts from catalogues through the following companies: Kangaroo Parent Direct, Modern Teaching Aids and Educational Experience. Please call into the Pre-school to collect a catalogue – simply choose the toys & gifts that you would like to purchase and complete the order form (preferably on the company‟s web site along with your credit card details). Please no cash to Pre-School. Pre-school will receive a voucher for 20% of the total value of all orders, which will enable us to purchase educational materials for our children. Please place your order online or drop it into Pre-school before Friday 22 October 2012. Thank you,

Jill Martyn


MERRIWA SENIOR CITIZENS ASSOCIATION We will be having a games day on Tuesday 18 September and have invited members from Scone and Denman to visit. The usual format will apply - morning tea on arrival, indoor bowls etc, then a lovely lunch with hoi after lunch, raffles, lucky door prizes and a trading table. This is always a fun day so come along and join in. Please let me know numbers.

Mary O’Neill

MERRIWA RSL SUB BRANCH Members please note a change of meeting date. Our next meeting will be held on 16 September at 10.30am to be followed by the RSL Club‟s AGM. Your attendance would be appreciated.

Mary O’Neill

MERRIWA ANGLICAN CHURCH DEB FUNDRAISERS

The Merriwa Anglican Church Debs will be holding some fundraisers in the coming weeks. These consist of: 100 Clubs, available at Max‟s Country Cuts

and This „n‟ That. Street stall on Saturday 13 October.

Donations of cakes etc would be greatly appreciated.

Car wash on Saturday 27 October from 8.30am at the Rural Fire Station/SES Quarters.

Chocolates on sale. Please support the girls in making their fundraising successful.

Fiona Hedges

MERRIWA BOOKIES This month‟s book club meeting will be at Caroline‟s Café on Thursday 6 September, from 7.00pm to 9.00pm. Look forward to seeing you there.

Jayne Cronin

2012/13 LITTLE A’S REGISTRATION AND FUN DAY

The registration and fun day will be held on Friday 21 September from 3.30 to 5pm. There will be a special guest From LANSW. Come see and join in some fun activities. Followed by BBQ/refreshments. Season starts: Monday 8 October from 5.30pm. No. 2 Sports Oval, Brisbane Street, Merriwa. Cost: $55 per child per season.

Zoe Jamieson

URGENT - NON EMERGENCY MEDICAL CAR SERVICE

The Service desperately needs new drivers to enable us to continue. Some current drivers are retiring and others only want to do fewer or shorter trips. If you can give even one day a week to transport local residents to medical appointments it will be a great help. Please contact Tania Adams 65 482 358 or leave a message at the office (Bottle Museum building) on 6548 2653. Trips are to appointments in Newcastle and in between from Merriwa. Occasionally to Sydney, Tamworth or Dubbo. If new drivers do not volunteer the service will at best be curtailed from the present 3 vehicles. We did have 4 cars at one time but again shortage of drivers forced us to reduce to 3. Last year we transported 413 clients which shows how important it is to the community. Please consider giving some of your time.

Bryan Baker

MERRIWA RINGER Thursday 6 September 2012 MERRIWA RINGER Thursday 7 June Page 39

NAME PHONE

Andy Carrigan 6548 2646

Anthea Wright Veterinary Service

6548 2452

Beauty on Bettington 6548 3030

Boardman Peasley Pty Ltd 6543 3600

Bricklayer Block layer 6548 2591

Cassilis Bowling Club 6376 1002

Cassilis Public School 6376 1009

CJ & JM Vero 6548 2303

Colles Manufactured Homes Pty Ltd

4353 3606

Craig McPherson Haulage 6548 2663

Cross Country Merriwa 6548 2106

Curls & Swirls 6548 2499

Curtis, Irving & Gant 6543 2433

David Houlahan 0429 485 119

Dean Hancock - Master Farrier

0488 591 723

Di’s Clothing Patch 6548 3023

Festival of the Fleeces 6521 7046

Hair Indeed 6548 2666

Hanckel Hay Sales 6548 5168

Hunter-Central Rivers Catchment Management Authority

6542 4444

Hunter Mutual 6548 2651

Integratedliving 6548 3062

MA Macdonald & Co 6548 2226

McConnell’s This ‘n’ That 6548 2889

Melaleuka Rural Services 0429 131 339

Merriwa Activity Centre 6548 2082

Merriwa Amateur Swim Club

6548 8510

Merriwa Anglican Parish 0429996769

NAME PHONE Merriwa Caravan Park 0418 668

402

Merriwa Catholic Parish St Vincent de Paul

6548 2086 6548 3092

Merriwa Central School Primary office Secondary office

6548 2101 6548 2119

Merriwa Central School P&C Association

6548 2119

Merriwa Cricket Club 0428 485 110

Merriwa Darts Competition

0428 899 749

Merriwa District Education Foundation

6376 1052

Merriwa District Health Non-Emergency Medical Transport

6548 2653

Merriwa District Progress Association

6548 2245 6548 3060

Merriwa Engineering 0427 476085

Merriwa Home Hardware 6548 2077

Merriwa Healthy Environment Group

6547 6048

Merriwa Junior League & Netball

0437 482 375

Merriwa Little Athletics 0427 799 22

Merriwa Magpies Rugby League Football Club

0411 800255

Merriwa Newsagents 6548 2031

Merriwa Pharmacy 6548 2213

Merriwa Post Office 6548 2042

Merriwa Pre-School & Kindergarten Association

6548 2083

Merriwa Race Club 0427 482 095

Merriwa RSL Club Restaurant

6548 2157 6548 2295

Merriwa Rotary Club 6548 2025

Merriwa Springtime Show

0402 484 018

Merriwa Sports Club Restaurant

6548 2028 6548 3228

Merriwa Surgery 6548 2305

Merriwa Tennis Club 6548 2679

Merriwa Traders - IGA 6548 2315

Merriwa Tourist

Welcoming Centre

6548 3201

NAME PHONE

Merriwa Tyre & Service Centre

6548 2078

Mortgage Choice - Lauren Murphy

0408 480 562

Painter Decorator 0402 943 918

Panorama Motor Inn 4943 3144

Pitt Son & Keene Elders 6548 2307

Plough Inn 6376 1220

PT Pest Control 0428 482 332

Rockwell Livestock 6548 5100

Russell’s Earthmoving 6548 2246

Scott Witton Building 0427 761 169

St David’s Uniting Church 6548 5131

St Joseph’s Primary School 6548 2035

Stokes Dr Bronwyn After Hours

6532 5013 6532 5000

Tash Holden Communications

6548 5002

Trinity Markets 6548 2323

Upper Hunter Shire Council - Merriwa Branch

6521 7000

Welderup 6548 2500

Whale, Mark 6548 2389

Woolbrook Rural Industries 6548 2150

Don‟t see your listing here? Then you need to contact The Ringer to organise your sponsorship for 2012!


COMMUNITY HELPERS AND SUPPORT FOR LITTLE SPROUTS READING DAY

Little Sprouts would like to acknowledge all the people who are the real reason for the success of our recent Reading Day. Special thanks to Mayor Lee Watts for her

continual attendance and support for all of our Readings Days

Merriwa branch of the Upper Hunter Shire Council. The Shire assists and supports Little Sprouts in numerous ways

Adam Johnston for his great MC duties on the day, (just the man for the job)

Ben Rogers and Kasey Drummon (NRL) Matt Johnston (Union) Chris Brennan (Country Rugby League) Aaron Creamer (Karate) Christine Scott (Zumbatonic) Zoe Jamieson and Jenny Longstaff (Little

Athletics) Justine Whitney and Felicity Orton (Youth

Centre) Cassie and Connie Constable (I‟m sure

they don‟t need to see another hot dog for a while!) Thanks ladies

Rebecca West (Dance) Merriwa Central School ROAR boys and

other high school student helpers Carol and John Bowman (Mainly Music) Darley Horse Stud Community Mutual Group for their hands

on assistance on the day Shirley Bevan and Sue Shearman Teachers and children from all of our local

schools for their enthusiastic participation Lucy Naef for her construction of the

Olympic Torch used in the Reading Relay and Merriwa Activity Centre for the loan of some of their equipment

CWA What an enormous effort, supplying all those 900 delicious biscuits. They were so popular! Also many thanks for use of the CWA rooms

Thank you especially to each and every one of our wonderful readers and business houses who participated. You made the day! This is the absolute highlight to have you participate in our reads every year without fail. Thank you!

If we have unintentionally left out someone, we are sorry. Please let us know and we will be proud to acknowledge you also. We wanted to share with you a small selection of the chants that the children created and shouted out enthusiastically on the day John Lannen and Early Stage 1, Saint Joseph‟s : “Reading is cool, We learn at school. It‟s a great tool, Reading and school. It‟s so cool!” Rebecca Pascoe and Year 1/2, Merriwa Central School “We like to dance, we like to play, But reading with Reggie, We could do all day. Read with your family, Read with your friends, „Cause reading makes us champions!” Yes it does! Thank you, Merriwa.

Jill Martyn on behalf of

Little Sprouts Team


REMINDER

The deadline for all articles and advertisements is Monday Noon, for distribution on Thursday

On September 8 Make a healthy choice and

Vote 1 For

Deidre Peebles

As you representative for The Upper Hunter Shire Council

Authorised by D. Peebles

Printed by The Merriwa Ringer

WILLIAMS CONCRETE SPRING SPECIALS

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DELIVERED (WITHIN TOWN LIMITS)

TOPSOILS AND TOP DRESSING AVAILABLE

NATURAL AND CRUSHED AGGREGATES

BAGGED CEMENT, CRUSHER DUST, BEACH, BRICKIE, PAVING AND FILL

SANDS

CONCRETE BLOCKS LARGE AND SMALL!

CONTACT PATRICK 0417 462 767

CANINE COMFORTS

Australian Made - New Materials All Seasons Practical Dog Wear, Beds, Leads,

Halters etc. Right size - Right Price

Australian made Oilskin Dog Coats.

See Atholl or Tina at the 2012 MERRIWA SHOW

or phone 0428733179 for any early orders


WOOLBROOK RURAL INDUSTRIES MERRIWA

NURSERY AND IRRIGATION

Depot Road, Merriwa

WOOLBROOK RURAL INDUSTRIES: Please

call Max Wurcker

6548 2150

REMINDER

The deadline for articles and advertisements for the Merriwa Ringer is

Monday 12.00pm

MELBOURNE CUP GARDEN PARTY LUNCHEON

Chris and Bill Wild will be hosts for a Melbourne Cup Garden Luncheon at „Mountain Station‟ Homestead on Tuesday 6 November, 2012. All proceeds for the day will go to the Merriwa Hospital Auxiliary.

Start gathering your friends to enjoy a luncheon and put a tick on the calendar for Tuesday 6 November. You will be enjoying a scrumptious lunch in a beautiful garden setting, you could wear your best dress and hat or your comfortable jeans and shirt. Our mystery judge will be announcing the „best dressed couple‟ and the „best hat‟ on the day. Our host Bill could be up to a few tricks too – you could see a few horses running around making for an authentic setting !!!

The cost will be $15 per person, BYO alcohol, $2 and $5 sweeps and lots of prizes and fun. Tickets will be available at Di‟s Clothing Patch. Sweep entries also available at Di‟s Clothing Patch, so if you can‟t come on the day you can still be in a sweep. Tickets are essential so the ladies know the numbers for catering.

Come on Merriwa. Let‟s have a great Melbourne Cup Luncheon in a rural setting with proceeds going exclusively to purchase equipment for our Merriwa M.P.S.

We have a fantastic M.P.S. facility and staff and our Auxiliary has recently purchased equipment for $6,190. The kitty needs to be replenished.

It‟s worth a trip to the luncheon just to check out the beautiful garden at the „Mountain

CASSILIS BOWLING CLUB Friday night fun: Friday night is darts night – 7pm start – names to club by 6.45pm. Friday night Snack Bar – The Two Ds Affordable family meals. Friday night raffles: Meat trays, Vege trays, Schooner Draw, Joker Draw, Members Draw. Last week‟s results: Members Draw: $60 – Bill Stokes -

unclaimed - $65 next week Joker Draw: $1080 – Denise Day –

unsuccessful - $1126 next week.

Station‟ homestead. More in weeks to come about our luncheon. In the meantime spread the word, tell your neighbours and your friends and get them to come along.

See you at the homestead on Tuesday 6 November.

Book this date.

Elaine Sparrow

6548 8560 Merriwa Hospital Auxiliary Secretary


Vote 1

For RON CAMPBELL

To represent you

Authorised by R .Campbell

Woodlands" Merriwa, NSW 2329

MERRIWA RSL CLUB The Members Lucky Badge for $650.00 was not won on Friday at 8.30pm the number was 521, this week it jackpots to $700.00. The 7pm draw for $680.00 was not won the number was 269, this week it jackpots to $700.00. The 9pm draw for $260.00 was not won the number was 71, this week it jackpots to $280.00. LTPS/12/03880. The Sunday Morning Badge Draw for $500.00 was not won last week the number was 146, this week jackpots to $550.00 and will be

drawn between 11.30am and 1.30pm and you must be present to win the money. LTPS/12/03880. The Friday 8.30pm badge draw and the Sunday badge draw both now commence at $500.00. Coming Events Saturday 6 October - The Classic Creedence Show, tickets: $15.00 single $25.00 double on sale now. In the Bistro on pension day we now have a choice of a couple of senior‟s meals for $7.50, but you must show your senior‟s card to be eligible. The Merriwa Magpies Presentation night will be held on 22 September starting at 6.30pm. Tickets are now on sale at the RSL Club and will close on Thursday 20 September; $25.00 a single, $45.00 a double includes 2 course meal and music. Grand Final Day at the Club – all members of the RSL „footy tipping‟ competition are invited to attend the club to watch the NRL Grand Final on the big screen, drinks and finger food from kick off.

Matt Morgan Secretary/Manager

Tai Chi – (will resume in September – watch this space). Low impact exercise. Excellent for relaxation, balance and reducing high blood pressure. Gold coin donation. Come along and join us. See you there. Reminder: Memberships are now due for renewal. Internet - Check out our website at www.cassilisbowlingclub.com.au. Facebook - The club now has it‟s own Facebook Page, so please check it out and like us. Coming Events will also be advertised on this page as well as the web page (as soon as there is a confirmed date for them).

Hilary Parker

http://www.cassilisbowlingclub.com.au/


MERRIWA SPORTS CLUB Saturday 1 September Saturday Members Draw 423 won - Next

week $100 Winners Jackpot 57291 not won - Next

week $1360 Free Tickets - Jess Morgan Dinner - Des Snelgrove Bowls Raffle - Noel Barwick Markets Raffle - Eva Towler Sunday 2 September Sunday Members draw no295 not won -

Next week $850 $20 one off prizes no294 not won and

no296 not won. Transport Service is available Friday and Saturday. Don‟t take the risk and drive when for $3 per person you can be chauffeured home. To access the transport service you must book through the Sports Club to check availability of the service. Saturday 22 September Rock n Mash - 8:30pm, Free Show. Members and Associations Looking for a venue to hold your meetings etc? The Sports Club may be able to assist. Please contact the Club for further details.

Bingo Every Thursday Night, commences 7:00pm. Win Sporties vouchers for meat and other business houses + Super 39 $100 Gift Voucher. The Sporties - Chinese/Australian Restaurant Smorgasbord last Sunday in the month. All you can eat Entree‟s Mains and Dessert. $18 Adult $12 children under 12. Shan and Jinna also have lunch time specials $7.50. Open for lunch Wednesday to Sunday 12noon to 2:00pm. Dinner Tuesday to Sunday 5:30pm to 9:00pm. Closed Mondays. Reopens 5:00pm Tuesday. For bookings and take away ring 6548 3228.

LADY BOWLERS NEWS On Wednesday 29 August a team went to Scone for Bowls for Others Day. Our team played Scone RSL and had a good game but I hear Shirley Collison was on fire again. At home it was an all men‟s Mufti Day (where were all the ladies who weren‟t in Scone). Hope we have a good roll up for our next Mufti Day on 12 September. Coming Up Monday 10 - September monthly meeting Wednesday 12 - September mixed mufti. More next week.

Beatrice Voysey & John Rindfliesh


Now available at Cross Country Merriwa Please call us for a quote and enquiries today

Ph 6548 2106


MERRIWA JUNIOR RUGBY LEAGUE U/6‟s Under 6's played Singleton Red on Saturday for the grand final game of the season. I'm sure next weekend the kids will be lost with no more footy. Mathew, Jackson, Dylan and Clayton played a brilliant defensive game once again, with the Singleton side off loading a lot of balls. Our boys did a fantastic job keeping the opposition try less for most of the game. Player of the game went to Mathew. Mathew was a standout with his defence, pulling off plenty of textbook one on one tackles, and as always ran the ball up with style, making plenty of metres towards the try line and crossing over the try line for one great try. Well done Mathew. I would like to thank the parents of my under 6 year old boys, for bringing them to training and match days, having such a small lot of boys it sure does make it easier when they all show up. I thoroughly enjoyed coaching them and will probably be lost myself for the next few weekends. I had lots of fun.

Belinda Keane

U/8‟s Our under 8 boys played their last game in Muswellbrook on Saturday. It was great to see everyone there for their last game. Each and everyone of the boys played an exceptional game. Fantastic tackling, runs, defence and most importantly they enjoyed themselves. A lot of hard work and training has paid off. Thank you Karen for coaching on Tuesday and Friday nights and to everyone able to show their support to the boys. Hope to see you all again next year.

Zoe Jamieson

JUNIOR RUGBY LEAGUE & NETBALL CLUB This year‟s presentation will be held at the Sport's Club on Sunday 14 October at 11am with a BBQ lunch to follow. We hope to see all players and family attend. I would also like to thank Brock Morgan and Paul Medd for their donation to the club on behalf of Ausgrid.

Amanda Attenborough


MERRIWA FITNESS CENTRE Membership renewal for the gym can be completed at the Merriwa Pharmacy. Fitness Classes starting next week - Starting from Monday 10 September there will be the following classes running at the Bowling Club auditorium. Please ensure you are a member of the Bowling Club before attendance. Mondays and Wednesdays at 3.30am „Golden Age‟ class for those „more experienced in life‟ who would like to improve their general fitness and well being. Mondays and Wednesday at 5pm „FunFit‟ class for all ages and fitness levels, this will be a basic but fun work out for the whole body. For both classes; Cost $10 per session. Please bring water, exercise mat and 2 small hand weights (1-3kg) if you have them.

Annie Rodgers 0408 482 778

UPPER HUNTER VETERAN’S GOLF We had excellent weather and a well prepared Aberdeen Golf Course for 22 players to play the final round of our 2012 Association Championships. Our Champions for this year are as follows: A Grade - Phil Ledgerwood, B Grade - joint winners - Bill Hunter, Graham Guest, C Grade - Mal Bruce. Congratulations gentlemen. In todays stroke event the winner was Mal Bruce 60 nett, runner up was Terry Mitchell 65. Ball Comp. winners were: N. Kelly 66, G. Guest 67, L. Barton 68, D. Goodworth 69, J. Bancroft 70, G. Smith 71, R. Auld 72, G. Gray 72, C. Solway 73, D. Dowell 73, J. Elder 73. Nearest the Pins 4/13 J. Elder, 7/16 R. Davidson, 9/18 D. Stair. Putting Comp. - D. Goodworth 24 putts. A warm welcome to new member, Jeff. Harrington, of Scone.

Graham Turvey


MERRIWA PONY CLUB The Jamboree will be held at Cassilis on 8 and 9 September. Dinner is available and should have been pre-ordered through the Cassilis Pony Club. An order form was emailed to everyone. Not long to go before the Merriwa Show! Junior cutout and campdraft events are on Friday 14 September starting at 3:30pm. Entries need to be in ASAP, check out the Merriwa Show website for further details. District classes will start at 8:30am on Saturday 15 September. These classes include riding, hack, parent and child pairs, fancy dress, quietest child‟s pony, flag, bend and barrel races. For further details c h e c k o u t t h e w e b s i t e : www.merriwashow.com.au. Upcoming dates: 8 & 9 September - Jamboree Cassilis 14, 15 & 16 September - Merriwa Show 30 September - 5 October - Zone 7 Pony

Club Camp . Happy Riding.

Tanya Ninness

MERRIWA CRICKET CLUB The Merriwa Cricket Club AGM was held last Thursday and we had a really good turn out. All positions were filled with Justin Parker taking on President, Neville Blackadder Vice President and Kate Blackadder Secretary/Treasurer. Murray Wright decided he would give Neville a much needed break from the captaincy, taking on the roll. The Royal Hotel will hold a meat raffle on behalf of the Cricket Club on Thursday nights, starting the 13 September. With every raffle ticket you buy, you receive an extra ticket for the chance to “Grab the Queen of Hearts”. You will have the chance to win $100 and if not won will continue to jackpot. The Cricket Club presentation/sign up day will be held at the Royal Hotel on 22 September for a bbq lunch at 12noon. All old and new players are welcome to attend. If you are interested in playing, please come along. Any interested junior players are welcome to attend as well. The next meeting will be held at the Sports Club on 13 September at 6.30pm.

Kate Blackadder



When was your

last termite

inspection?


SEPTEMBER

Wednesday 5 Anglican Women‟s Spring Celebration

NSW Farmer‟s Association Annual Dinner - 7.30pm - Merriwa

Thursday 6 Merriwa Childcare Development Group Meeting - 6.30pm -

RSL

40 Hour Famine Cup Cake Day

Friday 7 “The Hunger Games” - Merriwa Movie Mania - 6pm

Men‟s Bowls Club Mudgee Visit

Legacy Badge Day & Street Stall

Saturday 8 Zone Pony Club Jamboree - Cassilis

St Luke‟s Centenary Celebrations - Widden

Upper Hunter Shire Council Elections

Sunday 9 Zone Pony Club Jamboree - Cassilis

Wednesday 12 Show Ground Working Bee commences

Friday 14 Show Ground Working Bee ends

Merriwa Springtime Show

Merriwa Central School P&C Street Stall

Saturday 15 Merriwa Springtime Show

Sunday 16 Merriwa Springtime Show

Monday 17 Entries close for “Get Caught Reading” Photo Competition

Tuesday 18 Entries open for “Everything Equine” Photo Competition

Thursday 20 Last Ringer for Term 3 - Resumes October 11

Friday 21 Last Day of Term 3

Little A‟s Season Registration and Fun Day

Saturday 22 Merriwa Magpies Presentation Night

Sunday 23 Men‟s Breakfast - 7.30am

Friday 28 Messy Church - Parish Hall - 3.30pm

Saturday 29 Back to Cassilis Reunion weekend commences

Men‟s Shed Breakfast - 7.30pm

Sunday 30 Zone 7 Pony Club Camp commences

Messy Church - 3.30pm - Anglican Parish Hall

Back to Cassilis Reunion weekend

OCTOBER

Monday 1 Back to Cassilis Reunion weekend

Public Holiday

Friday 5 Zone 7 Pony Club Camp ends

Saturday 6 The Classic Creedence Show - Merriwa RSL Club

Sunday 7 Denman Farmers Markets

Monday 8 School resumes for Term 4

Little Athletics season commences

BAR, BISTRO ACCOMMODATION

PH 6548 2235

Thursday

$11 chicken schnitzel night,

normal menu also available.

Friday

Happy hours 5-7pm ,

Pick the Joker $3,500 was not

won by Col Cronin, jackpots to

$3,600.

Saturday

Publicans punt Monique did no

good, Jack‟s bet on Saturday.

Between 4.30 and 6.30 pm

Social Club draw . Happy Hour

3 to 4pm, $2.80 middies

$3.90 schooners. Mexican

night assorted dishes plus $5

Coronas, main menu also

available.

Sunday

$12.50 roast, baked veg and

gravy, normal menu also

available.

Tuesday

$11 rump night, normal menu

also available.

Wednesday

Between 4.30 and 6.30pm

Social Club draw. $10 pasta

night, normal menu also

available.

SOCIAL CLUB DRAWS

$100 was not won by no 72

Josh Amidy on Wednesday,

$150 was not won by no 86

Darryl Malone on Saturday,

Jackpots to $200 on

Wednesday.

Austar now connected. All

Football, NRL, AFL, &

Rugby Union live as well

as Motorsports and Friday

Night Boxing.

Dining room open for lunch 7

days a week, with 10 meals

for $10 each. Dinner 7 nights

with main menu and daily

specials

Bar snacks every day

4.30pm

9kg gas bottles refilled for

only $34.99

Bags of ice $3.50

published by: merriwa central school ph fax : merriwa2 … · 2020. 11. 27. · jack mcalister...

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