published by: merriwa central school ph fax …...weekend masses st anne’s - merriwa 1st, 3rd...

MERRIWA RINGER Thursday 6 May 2010

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 12Issue 12: : Thursday 6 May 2010


A rich learning environment in a friendly Christian atmosphere

All enquiries welcome

Principal - Helen Whale Ph 6548 2035 P&F President - Cassie Porter

St Joseph’s Primary School

Merriwa

Merriwa Branch/ Merriwa District Council

President: Chris Kemp Ph: 6548 5150

Fax: 6548 5065

Secretary/Treasurer: Peter Campbell

Ph: 6548 5126 Fax: 6548 5053

New members welcome

MERRIWA SPORTS CLUB LTD

Club Opens Monday and Tuesday 3:00pm Wednesday to Friday and Sunday 12:00pm Saturday 11:00am

Thursday Night 7:00pm Bingo Friday 5:00pm - 7:00pm Happy Two Hours and Free raffles

Saturday - 8.00pm Monster raffles and members’ badge draw Sunday: 5:00pm to 7:00pm meat voucher raffle and members’ badge draw.

The Sporties Chinese/Australian Restaurant 6548 3228

Dine in or Take Away. Banquets and Function catering available.

Lunch Specials

Lunch: Wednesday to Sunday. Dinner: Tuesday to Sunday

6548 2028 Golf, Bowls, Squash, Putt Putt, Darts and Pool ATM and Club Keno

NSW Rural Fire Service Liverpool Range Zone

Upper Hunter, Liverpool Plains & Gunnedah Shires

Phone: 1800 081 166Fax: (02) 6747 1489

REPORT ALL FIRES ON “000”

‘Proudly Supporting the Merriwa Ringer’

Services

Holy Trinity Merriwa

7.30am Mon Wed Fri

Morning Prayer 5.30pm Wednesday

Evening Prayer 9am each Sunday 10am each Friday

St Columba Cassilis

11am 2nd & 4th

Sunday

The Reverend Mandy

Wheatley

6548 2218

Sunday Services

1st Sunday/month Bible Study Fellowship - 6.00pm Prayer Time 5.00pm 2nd Sunday/month Worship service - 11am 3rd Sunday/month Friendship service - 6pm Prayer Time 5pm 4th Sunday/month Communion service –11am 5th Sunday/month Worship service 11 am - Prayer time 5 pm. SUNDAY SCHOOL each Sunday during school term commencing 9.30am. Contact Miss BJ Campbell 6548 5131 a/h

Mr Ron Campbell 6548 5153 0428 485 153

WEEKEND MASSES St Anne’s - Merriwa 1st, 3rd & 5th weekends, Saturday 6.30pm 2nd and 4th Sunday, 8.30am St Joseph’s - Cassilis 2nd and 4th weekends Sunday, 10.00am St Bernard’s - Denman 1st 3rd & 5th weekends Sunday 8.30am 2nd & 4th weekends Saturday 6.30pm

Parish contact numbers Parish Priest - Fr Des Harrigan

6548 2086 or 0411 984 945 Convent -6548 2123 St Vincent de Paul -

6548 3092

If you need assistance from

Ambulance - Police - Fire including Hazardous Incidents

DIAL 000

Merriwa Phone Numbers

Police (Administration only) Police Mobile Police Assistance Line Fire Brigade (Administration only) Hospital Rural Fire Service (Administration & Duty Officer) SES Emergency Number Merriwa Rescue Squad

6548 2203 0408 293 423

131 444 6548 2005 6532 5000

1800 081 166

132 500 6548 2538

New South Wales Fire Brigade

Station 393 Merriwa Smoke Alarms Save Lives

Business 6548 2005

Emergency 000

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.

6548 2082


MERRIWA CENTRAL SCHOOL

Coming Events

Term 2 Week 3

May

Friday 7 Scone Horse Sports

Week 4

Tuesday 11-Thursday 13

NAPLAN

Thursday 13 Year 9 Parent information session—Laptops 6.30pm

Friday 14 Sydney Morning Herald Public speaking competition

Junior Zone Cross Country

Week 5

Monday 17 - Friday 21

Year 11 Half Yearly Exams

Thursday 20 Year 10 & Year 7 Immunisation

Friday 21 SRC Presidents to visit the Governor

I had the pleasure to attend a rather unique P&C function at Scone High School last week. The staff and community members have a strong tradition of quilting and patchwork. The patchwork exhibition was opened by Mr Ian Anderson, School Education Director on Friday evening. Year 9 Laptops All students in Year 9 will be allocated the new DER “blue” laptops over the coming weeks. An information evening for students and parents will be held next Thursday May 13 at 6.30pm in the Library. It is essential that students and parents attend the information session before the laptops can be issued to students. Year 10 Work Experience Year 10 students complete work experience this week. Work experience is a great opportunity for students to explore the realities of the workplace in their chosen areas of interest. Often the allure of a chosen career does not match the reality of many students which is a valuable learning experience in itself. Thank you to the local employers who support the work experience program and to Miss Brennand for her organisation. New Interactive Whiteboards Last year the school installed four interactive whiteboards to engage students in learning through the introduction of new technology. Teaching staff are growing in confidence around the many applications for the new whiteboards. Interactive whiteboards will be installed in a further four classrooms this year. At around $10,000 each it is an expensive process to install them in all classrooms at once. By this time next year it is anticipated that all primary classrooms will have interactive whiteboards.

NAPLAN Update The controversy surrounding the use of NAPLAN data continues in the media, and is of concern for many teachers. NAPLAN tests will take place next week on (Tuesday/Wednesday/Thursday). It is important that all students attend school on these days. I ask parents to please reschedule any appointments that may have been made for these days.

Darren Noonan

Principal



On Wednesday the 28 April the Primary site held its ‘Cross Country Carnival’. All students were very eager to participate and extremely excited. The school would like to thank the many parents who turned up at the carnival to support the school and their children. Special thanks to parents who volunteered their time and energy to help on the day. It was greatly appreciated! Students aged between 8 and 13 who received a place in the top three will be attending the zone carnival on Friday 14 May. All students ran well and should be congratulated on their efforts. The following students made it into the top three in their age groups.

Primary News

Boys

Age 5 Nicholas Morgan

Age 6 Logan Pike Dylan Turner Christian Beveridge

Age 7 James Bristow Nicholas Whitby Jack Ponsford

Age 8 and 9 Joseph Whaley Lachlan Walker Matthew Douglass

Age 10 Ben Keane Jack McAlister Dylan Daniel

Age 11 Cody Towell Zeb Pearce Mathew Porter

Age 12 and 13 Lachlan Walmsley Clinton Rawlinson Alex Ashman

Girls

Age 5 No girls aged 5

Age 6 Izabella Neale Tamika Drury Gaby Nicholls

Age 7 Mackenzie Blackadder Joanne Hamson Mekayla Towell

Age 8 and 9 Elly Blackadder Libbie Towel l Ruby Wong

Age 10 Maddilyn Blackadder Shai Blackadder Elaina Sormaz

Age 11 Alkira Tritton Janaya Austin Chloe Ponsford

Age 12 and 13 Manda Sormaz Miranda Boland Jodie Mulholland



Kindergarten K/1

Book Awards Merit Certificates

Christian Beveridge Cody Turner Shakira Taylor Montana Cronin Literacy - Logan Pike Numeracy - Joanne Hamson

Year 1/2

Ruby Wong Douglas Harms Giaan Folpp

Libbie Towell Brad Cox Mekayla Towell Tamara Sormaz Numeracy - Mekayla Towell

Year 3/4

Paige McConnell Jack McAlister Ben Keane

Elaina Sormaz - Uniform Merit Joseph Whaley - great work in all subjects Lachlan Walker - improvement in work presentation Alicia Clydsdale - working well in all subjects Literacy - Tarah Cox Numeracy - Jacqueline Chillcott

Year 5

Hunter Hood Chloe Ponsford

Cody Towell Tyler Keogh Corey Smith-Wildey Alkira Tritton Literacy - Caleb Withers Numeracy - Cara Hunt

Year 6

Janaya Austin Miranda Boland Melanie MacGregor-Bardot Couper Staples

Janaya Austin Demmi Hilton Bonnie Frankland Literacy - Skye Nicholls Numeracy - Manda Sormaz

Performance: Fun fact about angles. Fantastic Ned Kelly play and poem.

Neatest Verandah: Year 5 Best entry into class: K/1


Secondary News


Name Candice O’Neill

Position Community Liaison Officer

Previous employment

Book keeper/Office Admin

Favourite pastime Riding horses

Greatest achievement

My Daughter Alli

Lifetime ambition To own a few thousand acres

Staff Profile

Steve Simpson Shield On Thursday of last week two teams of Year 5 and 6 Rugby League players travelled to Singleton to participate in the Steve Simpson Shield. All Merriwa players displayed outstanding sportsmanship. Although we did not come away with the shield, everyone enjoyed the day, particularly meeting Steve Simpson from the Newcastle Knights. Thank you to those parents who assisted with transport to Singleton. Well done Merriwa Year 5 and 6 Rugby League Players!

Miss Rebecca Pascoe


STUDENT OF THE WEEK


Horse Sports Committee Meeting All parents and helpers are invited to attend a Horse Sports committee meeting, Wednesday 12 May 2010, 6.30 pm at Merriwa RSL.

Tanya Ninness

Elizabeth Hagley is our third Student of the Week for this term. Elizabeth has personified Persistence with the majority of her acknowledgment slips featuring this key Foundation of the You Can Do It program. Other foundations that have been demonstrated by Elizabeth include Success, Confidence and Getting Along. Congratulations Elizabeth and keep up the great work!

Special Invitation to Indigenous Students Winter School for Indigenous High School students in years 10,11 and 12, 3 - 10 July 2010. We would like to invite interested Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students to the University of New South Wales to participate in the week long program. Students will travel to Sydney and stay on campus where they will participate in a program designed to introduce and familiarise prospective students with tertiary studies and university life. Students are asked to nominate an area that is of particular interest to them and a part of the week will be spent doing activities, projects and excursions with this faculty. Participating faculities and schools include: visual arts, law, social work, performing arts, business, medicine, architecture and design, education, engineering, indigenous studies.

If you have any queries or seek further information contact Dennis Golding on 9385 1559 or [email protected] or Kate W o od l a n d s on 9 38 5 8 60 9 , o r [email protected]. Applications close 14 May 2010.

Michael Peachey


CASSILIS PUBLIC SCHOOL

Well done to our Award Winners at Assembly on Friday! Congratulations go to Tarnisha Winsor (Uniform), Mathew Haydon (Sport), James Bibby and Corey Nairne (Workers of the Week), and Brady Nairne (Student of the Week). Congratulations also to our Birthday people – Heath Schmidt and Mrs Cornish. Congratulations also to Vanessa Nash on her birthday yesterday. Our Reading Awards went to James Bibby, Bonny Morton, Dayna Schmidt, Angus Morton and Thomas Nash. Congratulations to all of you, well done!

Our Award Winners (James absent)

Our birthday people

I hope those who were able to join us on Friday also enjoyed the information regarding the sports in our Mini Olympics that the students had made up. They were quite good sports and the students did a marvellous job of creating them, and then sorting them out to be able to put into practice. Here are a few of our presenters.

Primary raffle draw winners for their efforts in class, including their homework, for last week were Debbie Schmidt and Mathew Haydon. Congratulations to you both. There were quite a number of tickets in the box again for our draw which is fantastic to see, well done everyone. From the reports I have received the Fruit and Vegetable session for parents last Thursday was very successful, with a vast amount of very helpful information being passed on to those who were able to attend. Thank you to the ladies who were able to participate. We are all looking forward to the School Cross


CASSILIS PUBLIC SCHOOL

Country which is being held at school on Friday. All the best to each of our students! The Zone carnival will be held the following Friday (14) in Muswellbrook. We appreciate the support of parents with the running of the canteen on the day. We would appreciate any parent not involved in the canteen assisting with the manning on the course or being an official in some capacity. Thank you. On Monday we had two students heading to Stewart House. They will be returning on Friday afternoon (14 May). Stewart House is established and supported by NSW Public School Teachers for students in country areas to have the opportunity to spend time near the beach and undertake activities in the city. It is great that we have had a number of students participate in this program over the years from Cassilis. Next week Year Five students will be involved in the National Assessment Program in Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN). The tests will occur Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday mornings and will be held in the Library. I will be conducting the testing with the students.

Have a magnificent week!

Ross Craven JP Principal

Dates to remember: 03-15 May Stewart House 07 May School Cross Country 14 May Zone Cross Country 11-13 May National Assessment Program –

Literacy and Numeracy 14 Jun Queen’s Birthday Holiday

K-2 News This week Kinder will be learning the letter ‘Rr’. Year 1 will be learning the ‘ll’ sound and Year 2 will be revising the bossy ‘E’ sound. Year 1 Tricky Words are ‘there’ and ‘they’ and Year 2 Tricky Words are ‘whenever’ and ‘which’. Last week in Library the children started a research project, in pairs, of their own choice. The children had to think of a topic that they would like to find out more about. They then had to make up some questions that they would like answered to help them find out more about this topic. We then turned to the internet to start our initial investigations and to see if we could find any answers to our questions. Next week we will use our many wonderful resources in the library to conduct more research into our topics. The winner of the homework award this week was Dayna and the good behaviour award went to Thomas. Well done! Keep up the great work. Well done to all our award winners on Friday at our assembly. I wish everyone the greatest luck in our cross country on Friday. I know you will do yourself and the school very proud by your participation. I hope you all have a fantastic week. Take care.

Liz Leman K-2 Teacher


K/1 were very excited to see each other after the holidays. It was great to see everyone had made it back safely with great big smiles on their faces ready for a term of fun and learning. It has been wonderful to welcome a new class member Claudia Parker-Olive.

Over the last couple of weeks we have been spending time learning how to log onto the laptops. We sent an email to Miss Lasker and she sent one back to us. We didn’t even need a stamp. We have also been using the computers in reading groups and for Lexia - an intensive reading program. Some children even get to be the teacher and lead a group on the Smartboard. Mrs Peebles and Miss Lasker are very proud of the way that we are working in groups. Towards the end of last term we were discussing how animals use their senses to help them. We discovered that elephants have such large ears so they can hear things a very long way away. With their nose they can smell water from Merriwa to Sandy Hollow - no wonder their noses are so long. Also some animals have eyes on the side of their heads so they can graze on food and keep a watch out for danger. Animals are very clever. Kindergarten has been exploring ‘m’ and ‘a’ and discovering how if we hear a sound with our ears we will see it with our eyes. They also looked at compound words and how we can put two words together to make one word.

ST JOSEPH’S PRIMARY SCHOOL

Year 1 are still enjoying the Bangers and Mash books. Those monkeys do some funny things, like putting worms in their mum’s tea pot or finding a cuckoo clock and taking it home with a duck and dog. During Maths the students have been playing maths games. We discovered how much fun dominoes, ludo, snakes and ladders and other maths games are. We have also looked at ordinal numbers and discussed the order people come in a race, as well as the days of the months. We practiced counting using ordinal numbers. Bibles are a very special book and they come in all shapes and sizes. We have looked at bibles which are very old, some which have pictures, some which have lots of words and some which don’t have many words. But what we discovered is that they all have stories about God and Jesus, and lots of the stories are the same!! After our trip to Denman for the Cross Country Carnival we were very proud of how well we ran. Apologies for our error in last week’s article - Our 500m Cross Country Champions were – Kyarne Sampson and Damian Jamieson – well done Kyarne and Damian! Lots of our parents couldn’t believe how far we ran. It was also good to see our Denman friends.


ST JOSEPH’S PRIMARY SCHOOL

Restaurant Snack Bar

Take Away

Lunch Specials Monday-Friday

Lunch & Dinner 7 days

Parties & Weddings a specialty

ATM, SKY CHANNEL CLUB TAB, CLUB KENO

DARTS, SNOOKER, POOL

Friday - Raffles and 3 Members Badge Draws

Sunday - Raffle Members Badge Draw between

11.30am & 1.30pm - Jackpots $50 per week.

Club: 6548 2157Club: 6548 2157 Restaurant: 6548 2295Restaurant: 6548 2295

For the information of members and their guests

Available at: Merriwa Traders

Max’s Country Cuts Paddock to Pantry, Scone

Kerv, Scone The Larda, Scone and selected Sydney stores

Di and Mark Killen Cannock Pastoral Co.

Tel: 6548 2493 www.papanui.com.au

NO BULL BUILDING

Hunter

Valley Phone for free

measure-quote *Custom Built Homes *Horse Stud & Rural Buildings

*Renovations & Extensions *Commercial & Industrial *Available 6 Tonne Tipper Hire, Bobcat Hire & 3.5 Tonne Excavator Hire

Phone 0407 897 120 Fax 6545 2848

[email protected]. Lic: 210171c

Mick O’Halloran

Good Looks Nail & Beauty

Manicures/Pedicures/Waxing/Tinting/

Acrylic Nails/Make-up/ Ear Piercing/Facials/ Ahava Facial & Body

Products

Call Hollie on 0408 175 028 Available at 27 Collins Street

and Hair Indeed.

Salon open: Tuesday - Friday from 9am—5.30pm

Saturday—late night Thursday by appointment only

Using & selling Keune & PPS products.

Catering for all your home care needs

For an appointment call: Hayley, Brooke,

Brittany and Hollie on 6548 2666

This week at school we are hosting a Scholastic Book Fair. This is open to everyone, please come and have a look at the wonderful books. Opening times are 8.30-9.15am and 2.45 - 3.45pm, or Mrs Gilbey is happy to open at other times on request.

AWARDS K/1/2 Camdyn Constable – Working well in SWELL lessons Kyarne Sampson - Making an effort to become an independent worker 2/3/4 Ty Riley- For trying hard in reading groups Tamasyn McNaught - Consistent effort in Maths Riley Deasy - Terrific work in Spelling 5/6 Austin Constable - Great group work at Middle Schools Day. Thanks to Austin also for marching alongside his fellow students on ANZAC day. Sorry we missed your name last week! Isabelle Burge – Super Spelling Results Principal Awards Bailey McNaught - Energetic enthusiasm for school Kyarne Sampson - Super effort at school

Anne Marie Peebles and the K/1 class


MERRIWA PRE-SCHOOL KINDERGARTEN ASSOCIATION

Dates for Your Diary Wednesday 12 May 2010: All Pre-school children are invited along at 2pm for a wonderful cultural experience. Sam Durchie an African performer, will use drums and other African percussion instruments to story tell the exploits of ‘Ananse’ - a character of the Ashanti forests of Africa. The Pre-school is covering the cost of the performance. Children who attend Pre-school on other days are also welcome to attend, but would be supervised by their parent and not the responsibility of staff on that day. What a fantastic opportunity for children to experience another culture through music and story telling…. right here in Merriwa! Parents who intend on attending with their child (non – Wednesday children) must phone us prior to the day to let us know. Saturday 15 May 2010: Family Portraits. We still have some afternoon bookings. Don’t miss this great opportunity. $20 secures you a booking. Please phone us today. African Corner We have been working on setting up an African themed corner in our story corner in preparation for Sam Durchie’s visit. If you have any African themed artefacts or fabric at home that we could borrow temporarily, please let us know. Work Experience Students We look forward to having Jade McConnell with us on work experience for one week during the third week of term. We will also be welcoming Cassandra Sutton to participate also, one afternoon per week. Current Policy Review The following Policies were passed at our April meeting: Emergency Evacuation and Fire Drill, Ringworm, Hand Foot and Mouth, Accounting and First Aid. Parents are always welcome to give any input. Copies of these are always available to parents in the orange folder on the bottom of the sign-on desk. Please let us know if you would like a copy of the update to be sent home. Keep an eye out in the Ringer to see our next Policies under review.

Wow! Wow! You should see our new look in the children’s bathroom. To keep out that afternoon sun and to help with outdoor privacy, we have some very beautiful new blinds. It gives the children’s bathroom a whole new feel. Next time you’re in, you must stop and have a look. Step Vision Screening Vision screening was completed at the Pre-school on Wednesday 28 April. If your child missed out, other clinics will be held in Muswellbrook later in the year. It was very worthwhile as a number of children were identified as needing further investigation. Mothers Day Mothers Day is just around the corner. In line with tradition, we are hoping to allow the children a new creative material in the week leading up to Mothers’ Day. If you have any flowers currently in your garden, we need them at 9am on the mornings of Monday 3 May, Tuesday 4 May, Wednesday 5 May, Thursday 6 May and Friday 7 May. If you don’t have any flowers, you may know someone who does. Any donations much appreciated. Staff Training Recently, Leah Folpp attended training in Newcastle on the weekend. Practical Solutions for Learning Difficulties An interesting and thought provoking inservice, featuring lectures from four experts in the field of children’s services. These included Dr Lee Sturgeon and Amanda Tocci. We were informed of ways to help identify children with learning difficulties and the broad spectrum on which they occur. It emphasised a positive approach and early diagnoses as a way to help manage these challenges in our children (through access to Occupational Therapists and funding). It included ways to enhance the child’s environment, to include or reduce stimuli to help improve learning outcomes and the use


CURTIS GANT IRVING

SOLICITORS

Tel: 6543 2433 Fax: 6542 5297

59 Brook Street, Muswellbrook 2333

also at 86 Bettington Street,

Merriwa (Thursday from 10am - 12md)

McConnell’s

This ‘n’ That 6548 2889

Clothing Giftware for all occasions

Garden accessories

Authorised Thomas Cook Dealer

118 Bettington Street

BOARDMAN PEASLEY Registered Land

Surveyors

Subdivision-DA’s-Volume Surveys Contour/Site Surveys-House Set-Outs-Lot Peg-Outs Horse Stud & Vineyard Developments, Mining

Lease & Exploration Surveys

Head Office: 44 Market St, Muswellbrook

Ph: 6543 3600 Fax: 6542 5957 Mob: 0429 433 600 (Ross)

www.boardmanpeasley.net.au

MORE THAN JUST A

POST OFFICE One-stop shop for paying

(nearly) all your bills

Business banking & personal banking

Stationery & Greeting cards – inexpensive, full range

Computer & technology items

Mobile phones, starter kits & recharge vouchers

Merriwa PO, 82 Bettington Street

PH: 6548 2042

121 Bettington Street

Merriwa 6548 3188 Trading Hours

Mon -2pm to 7pm Tue -Closed Wed - 2pm to 7pm Thu - 2pm to 7pm Fri - 2pm to 9pm Sat - 10am to 1pm 3.00pm to 9.00pm

Swim Trials every Thursday Night Starting at 5pm

President: Clare Martin

6548 8510 Coach: Kylie Austin

6548 2608

of movement breaks throughout the day to re-focus and energise the group. Support website: www.addinschool.com Leah Folpp Asthma Training All three members of staff recently attended the Asthma training provided at Saint Joseph’s School by the Asthma Foundation. We are now in the process of updating our Asthma Policy, so that it is in line with current information. Thank you to Saint Joseph’s for the opportunity for us all to learn together. Thank you to: 1. Those parents who have been so very quick to return notes. At this point we have some Festival Notes, and Excursion Notes (Our Mon/Wed Fri Groups) returned and ask that those remaining still be sent. Thank you. 2. Paul Carrall, Brad Taylor and Daniel Towell who spent sometime getting the playground tidy and looking great for our first day back after the holidays. We depend on parents for this and really appreciate the great job they do. Wonderful Equipment Additions Due to the age of our wooden blocks which are used almost every day, they were becoming splintered and unsafe to use. Using vouchers acquired from our Toy Catalogues (the ones supported by parents at Christmas time each year), we have been able to purchase these along with some addition from our fundraising money. There are also some wonderful supplementary materials including

MERRIWA PRE-SCHOOL KINDERGARTEN ASSOCIATION

simple arches that can be used for tunnels, bridges, forming circles and much more! We have also been seeing lots of bugs and butterflies about and we now have some butterfly nets for trying to catch these to look more closely at these creatures. We also added some wonderful farm animal puppets. Great for developing language skills, turn taking, social skills and creative expression. Enrolments for April Monday: 2 vacancies Tuesday: 0 vacancies Wednesday: 0 vacancies Thursday: 0 vacancies Friday: 1 vacancy We currently have 6 children on the Waiting List for Tuesday, and 2 children on our Waiting list for Thursday.

Jill Martyn (Teaching Director)


MERRIWA ACTIVITY CENTRE After School and Vacation Care Catering for 5 – 12 year olds

Mothers Day Our Mothers Day craft is just about complete. The children have done a terrific job considering the delicate nature of this craft. We wish all the mothers a wonderful day and hope all those gift hints that were dropped were actually heard by your loved ones!! Policies MAC and Pre School are working on updating our policies. It is a combined effort as some policies and procedures are shared between the two centres. Please feel free to come in and read any of the policies. Your input is most welcome. Trivia Night Merriwa RSL club will soon be holding another trivia night and they have generously offered to donate the proceeds to the Activity Centre. The date is yet to be advised but please start giving some thought into making up a group and supporting this fun event. Cooking The children really enjoy cooking at MAC. We make all sorts of things from savoury snacks to sweet treats. If you have a favourite recipe (NUT FREE please) that is simple, yet delicious, we would love it if you would share it with us.

Cohen making Anzac biscuits.

What’s happening next week? Monday - Afternoon tea in the park. Cabanossi, cheese and crackers. Tuesday – Group games. Fruit, jelly and custard.

Wednesday - T-ball. Fruit and pizza toast. Thursday - Weaving. Fruit & yogurt cones. Friday- Outdoor games. Fruit & corn fritters. Homework We encourage the children to work on their home work at MAC each day. We usually have a set period of approximately 20 minutes for them to work on it. If their home work is not complete in this time they can either continue with it at home or at MAC the next day. After doing their home work, the children put a tick beside their name on our homework list. After receiving a set number of ticks they get to pick out of the special box of goodies.

Alana and Malory doing their homework.

Activity Centre CRN (Afterschool Care) is 55501702K and Vacation Care is 55501408J. There is also the potential for working mothers to receive up to 50% of the fees outlaid back in their tax returns. Did you know your child can attend MAC for as little as $3 per session? Contact centrelink to find out your child care benefit (CCB). See you next week.

Jill, Julie and Staff


REMINDER

The deadline for articles and

advertisements for the Merriwa Ringer is

Monday 12.00pm

Auction Merriwa

Saturday 8 May Commencing 11 am

3 bedroom brick veneer, recently painted throughout, quiet location featuring built ins, en-suite in main bedroom, open plan kitchen lounge room, veranda on northern side

overlooking spacious back yard. Ideal investment opportunity or residence, for further particulars or arrangement to inspect contact:

Ph: 6548 2008 Greg Llewelyn 0417 227 204

GM Llewelyn & Co Merriwa Real Estate, Stock & Station Agents

CASSILIS BOWLING CLUB LTD

A.C.N. 001 066 164 MUDGEE ROAD, CASSILIS, NSW 2329

PO BOX 8, CASSILIS, NSW 2329 PHONE:6376 1002

Expressions of interest are also being invited by the Cassilis Bowling Club Board of Directors from

interested persons for the supply of firewood to the Cassilis Bowling Club.

For details, see club staff.

Closing date: Friday 14 May 2010.

FIREWOOD

IRONBARK split logs-

Trailer load - $100 (delivery – Merriwa

only) Call for costs outside of

Merriwa Contact Rudy - 6548 5166

or 0401 962 186

Reps School of Dance Now Open in Merriwa,

Classes available on Fridays only, studio located at the Anglican Church

Hall, Mackenzie Street Merriwa.

Jazz and ballet for ages 2 and up. For more information please contact principal MBAL

Amie Davies on 0439 474 463 or [email protected]

or visit our website www.repsschoolofdance.com.au

FOR SALE Gyral tx 21 combine

Seed and super, cuts 16ft Various spare parts ,manuals

Has been re-sprayed and rebuilt Where required ,sorghum precision

Planter boxes attached , V.G.C

$13,200 inc GST Phone 0427482095

https://webmail.det.nsw.edu.au/owa/redir.aspx?C=1d3b7bf0438c41719b77e8d66c7f7c69&URL=http%3a%2f%2fwww.repsschoolofdance.com.au


ANGLICAN NEWS Apologies I apologise that in the last edition of the Ringer the Friday service time was given as 9am instead of 10am. I also indicated that 2 May was Mothers’ Day when everyone (but me) knows it is 9 May. My apologies. It is not easy to write an article for a week ahead and somehow things can become confused – again I apologise. Retirement Lunch for Beatrice Voysey A Luncheon is planned for Sunday 23 May to acknowledge the splendid work of Beatrice Voysey over the last 20 years in caring for Parish finances – in other words balancing the books for us when the task has often seemed daunting. The cost will be $22.50/person or $45 a double. There will be a sheet at the back of the church to write your name/names if you would like to attend or alternatively please contact Rev’d Mandy or Jean Keeping. A collection will be taken to purchase a gift of thanks for Beatrice. Please mark this date in your diary or on the calendar and come along to the Parish Hall, enjoy a delicious lunch (catered for by Di Inder and Kylie Austin), good fellowship and show your appreciation to Beatrice. Confirmation Names are being taken now for Confirmation which will take place later in the year. Please contact Rev’d Mandy, 6548 2218. Guild Meeting The monthly meeting of the Anglican Women’s Guild will be held on Thursday 6 May in the Parish Hall at 2pm. This was previously advised as 3pm but that no longer applies and the regular time of 2pm will resume. All Anglican Women are invited to attend, we would love to see some new faces. Diocesan Convention The Annual Diocesan Convention will be held at the Newcastle University on Saturday 8 May from 9.30am - 3.30 pm. Bishop Brian has strongly encouraged all who are interested in the future of the church to attend. It is a free event with lunch and morning tea provided.

Anyone wishing to attend and who would like a lift, please contact Rev’d Mandy. Dates for your Diary Thursday 27 May – Mothers Union Quiet Day at Merriwa Saturday 29 May – Parish Picnic at the Finnie’s ”Eagles’ Drift” Sunday August 1 – Yuletide Luncheon Sentence of the Week God is love, and those who abide in love abide in God, and God abides in them.

1 John 4.16b Thought for the Week Life is a measure to be filled, not a cup to be drained. Events for this Week Monday, Wednesday, Friday – Morning Prayer at Holy Trinity 7.30am Wednesday 5.30pm – Evening Prayer Friday 7 May 10am Eucharist at Holy Trinity Sunday 9 May 9am Eucharist at Holy Trinity (Mothers Day) 11am Eucharist at St Columba’s Cassilis

Please come and join us. Jean Keeping

TELSTRA MOBILENET PHONES & BIG POND

ELECTROPHONE 2-WAY RADIOS

KEY CUTTING

SATNAV & GPS DEVICES

DICK SMITH ELECTRONICS/COMPUTERS

DENNIS MORONEY 30 Bow Street Merriwa

6548 2114 0428 482 114

~ALL AUTOMOTIVE ELECTRICAL REPAIRS &

ACCESSORIES

~AUTOMOTIVE AIR CONDITIONING

SERVICE

~CENTURY & YUASA BATTERIES

Phone Roger on 0427 153 446

R & M Moore Rural Support Services

Your local comprehensive rural contracting service

All types of rural fencing Contract slashing Property maintenance & small building works Mustering and all associated cattle work Welding & fabrication Bobcat & tipper hire

Phone: 6548 2992 Fax: 6548 3292 Email: [email protected]


PLEASE NOTEPLEASE NOTE

If you are sending in articles or

advertisements by email and you do not

receive an acknowledgement of

receipt from the Merriwa Ringer, please

contact us by telephone to follow it up, as we may not have received the

email.

Thank you.

Shop 1/17 Bridge Street www.jtsrealty.com.au Muswellbrook NSW 2333 [email protected] Ph: 6541 5331 Fax: 6541 0330

26A Blaxland St - $195,000 Located in easy walking distance to the main street and the schools this is an ideal investment property. The home has been completely renovated from top to toe and is new throughout allowing for huge depreciation over the next few years. The 3 bedrooms are all a good size the main with a built in robe and all will fans. The lounge is large and features r/c air con. The kitchen has plenty of cupboard space and a breakfast bar fronting the attached dining room. Outside is a covered entertainment area overlooking the fully fenced yard. With an expected rent return of $220 a week this is a top quality investment. 26B Blaxland St - $185,000 Situated in easy walking distance to schools and shops and opposite open paddocks this in an ideal first home or for someone looking to down size. The home has been fully renovated and is new throughout. There are 3 good size bedrooms, lounge featuring r/c air con and a very nice new kitchen with plenty of space. Outside is a large covered entertainment area overlooking the fully fenced yard. 39 Mackenzie St - $259,000 Situated in easy walking distance to the shops & schools this home has been beautifully renovated from top to toe. There are 4 big bedrooms the main with a new ensuite & a walk in robe. The living area is a large open plan design with the lounge having A/C & 2 combustion fires. The attached dining leads to the ultra modern kitchen with plenty of space & top quality appliances. The timber floors are very impressive & a highlight of the home. Outside the roof has been replaced, the plumbing all upgraded & a new fenced installed. The shed in the backyard contains the laundry, a new 3rd bathroom as well as a good storage area.

BOOKINGS & ENQUIRIES PH: 6547 4416 or 1800 077 099 (freecall) www.cowans.com.au [email protected]

Day Tours 5 June 2010 CATS Musical – Lyric Theatre Saturday Matinee $150 18 Jun 2010 Starstruck – Newcastle Entertainment Centre Always a Great Show

$65 10 July 2010 Disney on Ice – Disneyland Adventure - Newcastle Entertainment

Centre – an adventure for the whole family $70 P/P 17 July 2010 Mudgee Small Farms Field Day – Sat. Coach Travel $35 ($10 Admission at own expense) 11 Aug 2010 West Side Story Lyric Theatre Wednesday Matinee $150 Adult $115 Concession 19 Aug 2010 Agquip Gunnedah $40 21 Aug 2010 Stitches and Craft Show Rosehill A must for all the ladies with an artistic flair Includes morning tea and entry. $60 P/P 11 Sept 2010 Daniel O’Donnell - Newcastle Entertainment Centre Price $TBA 29 Oct 2010 Andre Rieu Newcastle Entertainment Centre Friday evening concert commences 8 pm Stop for dinner on the way

down (at own expense) – enjoy the Magic of Andre. $250 27 Nov 2010 Jersey Boys Lyric Theatre Saturday Matinee Story of Frakie Valli and

the Four Seasons – A must for all you Baby Boomrers out there!! $165

EXTENDED TOURS 2 Aug 2010 13 day Central Australia Top End Tour Broken Hill Silverton Port

Augusta Coober Pedy Uluru Alice Spring Devil’s Marbles Mataranka Katherine Gorge Adelaide River Crocodile Cruise

31 Aug 2010 8 Day Birdsville Races Safari Tour Join us on this once in a lifetime experience. Camping accommodation includes all meals

FOR SALE

Ford falcon s/wagon ‘94 model

Reg. Aug 2010 UBK-690

$2,500.00 ono

Phone; 6548 2952

FOR SALE

Seasoned Ironbark Firewood

Split or block

$100.00 Delivered

Phone 6547 4586

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

mailto:[email protected]

http://www.cowans.com.au/



Bed & Breakfast

Phone Jenny Johnson 6548 2509

M A MACDONALD & CO

Established 1954

Accountants and Business Advisors

We specialise in Taxation, Accounting for Business

& Rural Enterprises

Telephone for appointment

6548 2226 Sydney Toll Free: 1800 252 972

ROGER GREENTREE SEPTIC TANK

SERVICES T/A POSVELLE

PTY. LTD. ABN 27053940659

FULLY INSURED Septic Tank

Pumpouts And skip bin

hire BASED IN MERRIWA MOBILE: 0417 448 169

MERRIWA NEWSAGENCY Your Local Newspower store and Office Smart agent.

Mother’s Day Each person who buys a Mother’s Day card will go in the draw for a chance to win a massive PRIZE of $10,000. The draw closes on May 9 (Mother’s Day!) and will be sent away to be drawn on May 25. All you have to do is buy a card for your mum.

New Titles Better Homes & Gardens: FREE earrings to make, great winter foods including soup, pies, and slimming recipes. Creating colourful crochet blankets and cushions, adding value to your home, and heaps of other interesting ideas.

Country Style: WIN a weekend away to Byron Bay, who is the best chef in the country? An interview with the winner of the Archibald Prize, ideas to spoil mum.

Hunter Lifestyle: the top garden of Singleton, the art of Ron Maitland, beautiful homes, Pokolbin and Lambton in the spotlight and much more to discover in our region. Australian Women’s Weekly: Mother’s Day edition with recipes to give your daughter, recipes from Jamie Oliver’s new cookbook, and winter fashion that is affordable. Subscriptions and Gift cards: If you wish to give your mum a subscription to one of her favourite magazines you can do so through the Newsagency. This way you can give as many issues as you wish to give, rather than being contracted for a year. We also have gift certificates available for those who do not know what to give!

Books Breaking the Rules this novel by Barbara Taylor Bradford is a “gripping story of courage and revenge, love and passion, treachery and triumph.” Sunshine and Showers by Rosie Harris, set in post war England and is a story of love, struggle. The Best of Sisters is a novel by Dilly Court and is set in the late 19th century. A story of struggle and the love of a sister for her brother. The President’s Wife by Thea Welsh. What happens when you are more popular than your husband - the president - but harbor dark secrets. This book is “sharp, witty insightful and unputdownable…” Mama Jude is the remarkable true story of Judy Steel, a nurse who went to Uganda to provide aid to some of the poorest people in Africa. This is a story of “resilience and renewal in the face of poverty and death…about the possibility of making a powerful change to other people’s lives…” Phonecards; all cards are now available including Telstra, Optus & Vodaphone. Cash or Eftpos only.

Neville & Leanne


Star Struck Team CAR WASH

Saturday 15 May 2010 8am to 12 noon at the SES shed small cars $5-00 large cars $10-00

4 wheel drives $15-00

Please come along and support our Star Struck team.

Behaviour Management Parenting Program

The Behaviour Management Parenting Group will run for three sessions (one session per week) The sessions are FREE of charge and will run on a weekday from 11am to 2pm with lunch and childcare provided on site. The topics that will be covered include: Observing and Identifying Behaviours, Responding to behaviours, Behaviour Management Approaches, Behaviour Management Strategies, Stress Responses and Self Control and Communication. Merriwa group to start on Thursday the 6 May and run to Thursday the 20 May. Cassilis group to start on Wednesday the 12 May, 19 May and last session on Wednesday 2 June Denman group to start on Thursday the 10 June and run to Thursday the 17 of June. Murrurundi group to start on Wednesday 23 June and run to the Wednesday 7 July Scone group to start Wednesday 14 July and run to Wednesday 28 July. Muswellbrook group to start Thursday 1 July and run to Thursday 15 July. Everyone interested in attending must book for catering and childcare purposes. For any more information or to book your spot please contact Bec Moran at Upper Hunter Community Services on 6542 3555.


RENEWABLE ENERGY PRECINCT PROGRAM

Wind farms are quite new to NSW – but they are now increasingly commonplace and accepted by communities in many parts of the world.

Several European nations source 10 to 20per cent of their electricity from wind turbines (e.g. Denmark, Spain, Portugal). In the US, wind is the fastest growing energy source. Locally, South Australia sources around 17 per cent of its electricity from wind farms.

In NSW, as in these other locations when they first appeared, some in the community hold significant concerns about wind farms.

Last year, a committee from the NSW Legislative Council conducted the Rural Wind Farm Inquiry, including extensive consultations in regional areas. They found a wide variety of community concerns – some of which they found to be valid, but also widespread confusion, mis-information and u n f o u n d e d f e a r s . ( s e e h t t p : / /www.parliament.nsw.gov.au/Prod/parlment/committee.nsf/0/5289EFFDED250AE4CA2575E10007D079 )

In the recently released 2009 ‘Who Cares about The Environment Report’, energy and greenhouse measures were indicated by the community for the first time as the highest priority for government action.

In recognition of community concerns and community calls for government action, the NSW Government has established six Renewable Energy Precincts (in areas of NSW with the best known wind resources), one of which is the Upper Hunter. Each of the precincts will have an advisory committee with local council and community representatives as a focal point for community engagement. Why Wind Farms? Scientists tell us that Australia and other nations must start to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions in the next decade if we are to avert the risk of ‘dangerous’ levels of climate change. Electricity generation is responsible for over one third of Australian and NSW greenhouse gas emissions - largely because about 90 per

cent of the electricity that powers our homes, offices and industries comes from burning coal. Consequently, the Australian Government has mandated 20 per cent of Australia’s electricity will come from renewable sources by 2020 (the Renewable Energy Target scheme). At present wind energy is generally the cheapest renewable energy technology, and the only one with growth opportunities for large-scale deployment. Technologies such as large-scale solar power, geothermal and wave and tidal energy are very promising – but they will not be ready for mass deployment in the short to medium term. This is why wind farms are one of the most important ways of addressing dangerous climate change – and why wind energy is expected to make up a large part of the Renewable Energy Target. What about Local Communities? This is all very well, some say, but why should local communities bear the costs of addressing a global problem?

In fact, well-sited wind farms have minimal impacts and deliver significant benefits. Many of the claims made about wind farms are unfounded or exaggerated, and wind farms bring significant income and jobs to regional areas.

NSW wind farms are subject to a rigorous approval process to minimise local impacts. The recently approved Kyoto Energy Park (near Scone), for example, removed 13 turbines after community consultation and 67 conditions were placed on the approval to minimise noise, visual and environmental impacts. 1. Noise impacts from wind farms in NSW are strictly controlled Noise limits placed on wind farms in NSW are among the strictest in the world. NSW wind farms are limited to 35 decibels - or 5 decibels above existing noise levels - at surrounding residences. To put this in context, 30 decibels

http://www.parliament.nsw.gov.au/Prod/parlment/committee.nsf/0/5289EFFDED250AE4CA2575E10007D079

















is equivalent to a quiet countryside. 5 decibels is only just above the threshold of human hearing.

Noise from wind farms is also monitored to ensure it meets required limits.

2. There is no evidence that wind farms have direct health impacts The character of noise emitted by wind turbines is similar to other noises in our environment - such as the sound of wind blowing through trees. There is no scientific evidence to substantiate claims of physical health impacts, including alleged ‘wind turbine syndrome’ said to be caused by exposure to low levels of airborne infra-sound noise (1-2 hertz). The human body itself produces 1-2 hertz (e.g. heartbeat), and acousticians have found it takes exposure to levels of 80 hertz or higher (e.g. inside a spacecraft) to have health impacts. Internationally, expert panels of specialists have reached consensus there is no evidence the noise or vibrations from wind turbines have adverse health impacts (see http://w w w . a w e a . o r g / n e w s r o o m / r e l e a s e s /AWEA_CanWEA_SoundWhitePaper_12-11-09.pdf 3. Wind energy has significant economic benefits for local communities Wind energy has four types of economic benefits for local communities. Jobs installing, operating and maintaining wind farms. Income to land owners that host turbines – around $3000 for each 1 megawatt turbine. Community enhancement funds – developers now typically voluntarily contribute funds for local infrastructure or programs. Gullen Range wind farm, for example, is providing more than $200,000 over its lifetime. Flow-ons – for example, construction workers spend income in local communities.

4. There is no statistical evidence that wind farms lower the value of surrounding property values

In 2009, the NSW Valuer-General commissioned a study into the impacts of wind farms on property values in NSW and Australia. Consistent with major international studies, the study found no impact on p r o p e r t y v a l u e s ( s e e h t t p : / /www.lands.nsw.gov.au/__data/assets/p d f _ f i l e / 0 0 1 8 / 1 1 7 6 2 1 /impact_of_wind_farms_on_surrounding_land_values_in_Australia.pdf). Further study is required, as there simply haven’t been many wind farms built in NSW. Nonetheless, major studies to date suggest no reduction in property values. The NSW Government recognises communities have legitimate concerns about wind farms - as with any significant development – and that communities need information. The renewable energy precinct advisory committee in the Upper Hunter will begin shortly, and the NSW Government will provide information to help communities better understand wind farms. As the Renewable Energy Precinct Regional Coordinator for the Upper Hunter, I am happy to discuss any of these issues with you further or to answer other questions you may have regarding wind energy development (or any other renewable) in the Upper Hunter. Pauline Dunne Renewable Energy Precinct Regional Coordinator, NSW Department of Environment, Climate Change and Water Ph: 0457593991 Email:[email protected]

Pauline Dunne

http://www.awea.org/newsroom/releases/AWEA_CanWEA_SoundWhitePaper_12-11-09.pdf

















MERRIWA & DISTRICT HEALTH ASSOCIATION INC.

NON-EMERGENCY MEDICAL

TRANSPORT SERVICE

We are here to help you to get to any health related appointment.

Medical, Dental, Optical, X-Ray, etc 7 days a week service.

Bookings can be made between 9am & 5pm - Monday to Friday. If

unattended please leave a message.

CALL US ON 6548 2653

MERRIWA COMMUNITY

BANK If you have questions

about the Bendigo Bank Phone: Kim Fenley:

0418 570 743 or Deanna Hollis:

6548 2539 Or email:

[email protected] “Buy Local. Bank Local.

Be Local.”

Contours, Dam Construction & Desilting, Timber Clearing, Excavations & Site Levelling. Laying polythene pipe & supplier of Ridge Gravel.

53 McKenzie Street, Merriwa BH: 6548 2004 AH: 6548 2125

FAX: 6548 2902 MOBILE: 0417 492 306

M NUTT EARTHMOVING CONTRACTOR

Bulldozers Excavator GraderLoader Roller Tip Trucks

MARQUET STREET, MERRIWA

A Low Care - 16 bed Residential Aged Care Facility A place for ageing community

members to enjoy life, be a part of the community and receive the

care that they need. Contact Sue Duggan on

& DISTRICT

LITTLE ATHLETICS

All Welcome

President: Dianne Byfield Secretary: Trudie Byfield

6548 2094 [email protected] Treasurer: Megan Moore

ELDERS We currently have orders for the following classes of cattle; Heifers; Hereford; Angus; British heifers and their crosses small percentage of Santa and Euro cross okay. Must be Milk Teeth. Guide 320-400 kg live weight full on farm. Steers; 380 – 500kg live weight full Angus and Black Baldy only, 0 teeth (can handle a small percentage of steers breaking 2 teeth)

Backgrounding; 240 – 270kg full live weight, Angus and Black Baldy only heifers. 270 – 320kg full live weight, Angus, Black Baldy and Santa Angus cross mixed sex.

The above come with competitive market rates and guaranteed payment. Please quote any lines 0429 485 009.

Important Dates; 6 May 2010; Annual Scone Angus & Angus Cross Sale. 8 May 2010; Coal Country Angus Sale Singleton.

14 May 2010; Mudgee Angus Breeders Sale. 5 August 2010; Annual Willsbro Bull Sale Cassilis. Elders are selling cattle every week at Scone Fat sales held on Tuesdays, and Mudgee on Wednesdays. Sheep at Dubbo and Tamworth on Mondays. Intending vendors please advice for yard space. Paddock, Over the Hook and Auctions Plus Sales can be arranged anytime, anywhere. At Elders we have a wide network so if you’re selling or buying livestock we are only too happy to help. We can also arrange all your Merchandise, Finance, and Insurance needs.

Damien Crump Territory S ales Manager (Livestock)



Council Office Hours

Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm Enquiries—6548 2109

Environmental Services

Health and Building Surveyors Available Wednesdays by

appointment, phone 6548 2109

Director Environmental Services Available by appointment, phone

6540 1136

RTA Agency

Monday to Friday 9am to 4pm Enquiries—132213

Waste Depot

Merriwa Every Friday, Saturday, Sunday &

Monday (unless otherwise advised) 8am to 12noon & 1pm to 4pm

Cassilis

Every Saturday (unless otherwise advised) 8am to 4pm

Libraries

Merriwa Branch Tue -10.30am—12.30pm

Wed - Fri - 1.00pm—5.00pm Sat - 9.00am—11.00am Enquiries—6548 2207

Cassilis Branch Wed - 10.30am—1.00pm

Fri - 3.00pm—5.30pm Enquiries—6376 1295

Government Access Centre

Monday to Friday 9am—4pm Enquiries—6548 2109

Visitor Information & Resource Centre

Monday to Friday 9am - 5pm Saturday and Sunday 10am—12.30pm and 1pm—3.30pm

Also a Centrelink Access Point

Enquiries— 6548 2607

AGED UNITS

There are currently three vacancies at the Independent Living Units in Merriwa.

Contact: Phoebe Richard 6248 2109

CENTRELINK

Merriwa’s Centrelink Access Point Plus offers the community a free service that allows forms to be sent to Centrelink. The centre can authorise your copies, has publications for all its services and also has dedicated telephone and facsimile services for all Centrelink customers. Contact: Tina Taylor on 6548 2607

COUNCIL MEETING SCHEDULE FOR MAY

All meetings are held at Council’s Scone office, unless otherwise stated.

Tuesday 2pm 11 May

Works and Technical Services Committee

Tuesday 10am 11 May

Development and Environmental Services Committee

Tuesday 6.30pm 11 May

Community Services Committee (Meeting via video conferencing available in Merriwa and Murrurundi)

Friday 1pm 21 May

Finance Committee

Monday 5pm 24 May

Ordinary Council Meeting. This meeting will be held in Scone at the Council Chambers

FESTIVAL OF THE FLEECES

want to know if you have ...

Dogs that can Jump?

The dog high jump has been a point of interest to tourist

attending the festival for years, but in the past couple of years, participating dog numbers has diminished. The committee is seeking interested people to

come forward to show the art of Dog Jumping. Your dog can be

a novice or experienced.

Portable Sheep Yards? Our supplier of the sheep yards

last year is no longer able to supply them. So if you live close

to town and are able to assist with the use of your yards, the committee would be grateful.

Contact: Tina Taylor on 6548 2607


“WHY I LIVE” IN MERRIWA COMPETITION

Council and the local business groups would like to know “why you live where you live”. Through verse, art, performance, photography and more, it’s up to you! Please let us know why you live in Merriwa and you never know, you could win some great prizes! Contact: Tess Hynes at Council or Robert Smith at Merriwa Pharmacy for further information or entry forms.

Example of a photo that could be entered Local photo by “unnamed” - picture of Merriwa’s Railway

TOWN DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEES FOR ABERDEEN, MERRIWA AND

MURRURUNDI At its meeting on Tuesday, 27 April 2010, Council endorsed the formation of town development committees for the towns of Aberdeen, Merriwa and Murrurundi within the Shire. The purpose of the committees is to provide advice to Council on the preparation and implementation of plans to redevelop the town centres and major thoroughfares through each town. Council will call for Expressions of Interest and appoint community representatives, with Councillors and staff to each committee to provide every opportunity for local involvement, ideas and ownership. Issues to be addressed include landscaping, street furniture, foot paving and lighting on the thoroughfares, town entrances and town centres. Mayor Cr Lee Watts said that, “These new and focussed committees will improve community engagement and local involvement in the development, presentation and sustainability of the main towns in the Shire. The villages have not been forgotten either, with the Shire’s Tidy Towns Committee to broaden and encompass the presentation and development of the many villages in the Shire”. “I see these committees as another positive step forward for the Shire, with our population spread across the towns and villages”, Mayor Watts said.


ENVIRONMENTAL PLANNING AND ASSESSMENT ACT 1979

NOTICE OF PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT Council has received the following development applications which may be inspected during office hours until Wednesday, 12 May 2010.

Comments or objections are invited from any affected person in regard to the proposals. All submissions must be submitted to the General Manager in writing within the inspection period above. Reasons for objection must be specified. Note: Complying developments and those complying with Council’s Development Control Plan for

Public Notification & Advertising are not advertised nor are adjoining/affected landowners notified. The community can check the current status of a development application on Council’s website:

DA NO. APPLICANT LOCATION PROPOSAL

MERRIWA OFFICE

72/2010 A Richards Lot 1 DP 746053, 104 Bettington Street Merriwa

Alterations to commercial building

DA NO. APPLICANT LOCATION PROPOSAL

MERRIWA OFFICE

72/2010 A Richards Lot 1 DP 746053, 104 Bettington Street Merriwa

Alterations to commercial building

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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.

ROTARY AUSTRALIA & NEW ZEALAND STUDENT EXCHANGE 2011 PROGRAM

EXPRESSION OF INTEREST OPEN

This program is designed for 14-16 year old students (in Year 9 or 10 in 2011) to experience a true ‘exchange’ with a family in New Zealand. Local students are matched with a New Zealand student who travels to Australia to attend school during Term 2, 2011. Both students then return to New Zealand and attend school there for Term 3, 2011. The local student hosts the New Zealand student and includes them in their normal family life. This is an exciting way to experience another culture with the support of Rotary. More information and expression of interest f o r m s c a n b e f o u n d a t : www.eastmaitlandrotary.org.au/anzyep/. Expressions of interest close 30 June 2010.

MERRIWA RAILWAY SOCIETY A quick update. Still waiting for the Lease to be finalised. These things seem to take forever within the Railcorp organisation. A meeting of all Members and interested people will be held on Sunday 23. May at the RSL in the BBQ area. Start time is 11am. Please come along and encourage others to attend. We will be needing lots of helpers at working bees once the Lease is completed. Any one able to slash the Station site please contact me.

Bryan Baker 6548 5000

MERRIWA RSL SUB BRANCH

It was heartening to see so many school children marching with us on ANZAC Day, despite the inclement weather. The ANZAC Spirit will never die whilst there is this commitment from the younger generation. Special thanks to Tegan Cornish, Ashleigh Hocking and Georgia Cameron for reading the ANZAC message. Thank you all.

LEST WE FORGET

Mary O’Neill

MERRIWA CWA The next meeting of the CWA will be held on Monday 10 May at 10.30am. Please try to attend as we will be discussing arrangements for the Festival of Fleeces weekend so come along and have your say. New members are always welcome.

Robyn McAlister Publicity/Secretary

STREET STALLS

May

Friday 7 Festival of the Fleeces

Saturday 15 Merriwa Pre-school & Activity Centre

Friday 14 Merriwa Rugbvy League Football club


FAMILY PORTRAITS

Merriwa Pre-school is Hosting a Family Portrait Photography Day

Who: Jasper Photography When: Saturday 15 May

Where: Merriwa Pre-school Cost: Only $20.00 secures an appointment time and includes a complementary 10X13” Colour or Black & White Portrait (limit to one person or family). Usually valued at $80.00

EVERYONE IS INVITED! You DO NOT have to have a child attending

pre-school to have your family portrait taken. To Book, please contact JillL on 6548 2083.

SENIOR CITIZENS ASSOCIATION

We will be having a Games Day on Tuesday 11 May at the Sport’s Club from 10.00am. Our visitors will be from Muswellbrook. The usual format bowls etc — lunch at $5.00, Raffle, Lucky door prize, trading table, 50 club - Hoi after lunch with good prizes. Members please bring a salad for lunch. Please let me know if you would like to attend.

Mary O’Neill

WILLIAM JOHN MULLIGAN

Sharli & Will Mulligan of "Pitlochry" proudly announce the birth of their little man

William John Mulligan "Wills" on April 23 2010 weighing 7lb 9oz.

HAVEACHAT The Merriwa cancer support group "Haveachat" meet the 3rd Thursday of each month at 7.00pm -8.30pm, at the Merriwa MPS meeting room for an informal get together over a cup of tea or coffee. For more information contact Ray McConnell on 0458 482 899.

Ray

MERRIWA BOOKIES

One of the best things to happen in Merriwa recently is the formation of a book club. You are warmly invited to attend our very first meeting. If you love to read and enjoy books, this is a great opportunity to meet others in a friendly, casual environment. At this week's meeting, we will all talk about a book we have read, just sharing a few thoughts about why we like it, what we thought of it etc So please come along, we would love to meet you and hear about the books you've been reading.

Merriwa Bookies Thursday 6 May 2010 7-9pm Merriwa Library

If you are not a member of the Upper Hunter Library, we can give you the form on the night.

Sally Hagley


MERRIWA HOSPITAL AUXILIARY The committee and members of the Hospital Auxiliary are invited to attend our next meeting to be held on Friday 21 May, 2010 at 2pm, in the Nurses Home Meeting Room, entrance from McRae Street. We invite new prospective members to attend our meeting to help support our MPS and help in fundraising events. All welcome. Any enquiries Ph: 6548 8560. See you at the meeting.

Elaine Sparrow Secretary

PIE & LAMINGTON DRIVE ST DAVID’S UNITING CHURCH

Order sheets will be out in the next week or so, for our drive. Orders close Friday 11 June 2010. Deliver day Monday 21 June 2010. If anyone cannot access an order sheet please contact Barbara Campbell 6548 5131 Wendy Campbell 6548 5126 This is an opportunity to stock the freezer for the school holidays.

Barbara Campbell

MERRIWA ICEBERGS Swim for a Gym Campaign Raises $726.80 Congratulations to the Merriwa Icebergs dawn swimmers for raising over $700 towards the purchase of equipment for the new gymnasium. Participants swam 2784 laps in the early morning weekday sessions during March. Sponsorship of 20cents per lap from Merriwa Pharmacy was topped up with a number of generous donations from local individuals and an ambitious personal lap challenge set and achieved by Julia Hardy. There are many benefits that a gym will bring to Merriwa. In addition to those people using it to improve athletic performance or for general health and fitness there is also a role that the gym can play in the rehabilitation of patients from cardiac events and orthopaedic surgery such as knee and hip replacements. The gym may also serve as a tool in the fitness training of our local services such as the fire brigade. People wishing to make donations towards the Gym may do so at Merriwa Pharmacy.

Robert Smith

CONGRATULATIONS

Congratulations to Sofya and Stewart on the safe arrival of Kayden Kenneth Coulter, 8lb 9oz.

From the family


Merriwa RSL Club Ltd presents

The Vocal Chameleon

PAUL LINES becomes

DIESEL FARNHAM BARNES

Friday 14 May 2010 8pm

Tickets: $25 single $40 double To ensure a good seat purchase your tickets now at the bar, tickets will

be available at the door on the night

Trivia Night

Saturday 26 June 2010 $5 per person

Tables of 6 to 8 people All proceeds from the night in aid of the

Merriwa Activity Centre

Bookings helpful but not essential

If there are other local groups, schools, organisations, etc. who would like to be a part of one of our trivia nights,

please give us a call. 6548 2157


WOOLBROOK INDUSTRIES

You will occasionally see references to the so-called “BRIC countries”, i.e. Brazil, Russia, India and China, these being the four still developing nations considered to have the potential to become economic superpowers, though perhaps the inclusion of Russia does not make a lot of sense as that country is already/was one. Lately I have sometimes also seen South Africa added (BRICSA?), though I doubt that country is ever likely to become an economic superpower. There is something of a fashion these days for such initial groupings, another being PIGS (Portugal, Italy, Greece and Spain), and my own concoction by adding Iceland and Ireland (PIIIGS). These terms all denote countries with disastrous, or near disastrous, economies so troubled they could collectively, some even individually, reignite the Global Financial Crisis (GFC). Greece is the prime suspect at the moment (also perhaps Portugal and Spain), with its enormous debt now classified as Junk Bonds, and those Euro countries which could rescue Greece insisting on harsh reforms which, though necessary, are so severe that civil unrest is growing. You could perhaps add to the list of initials suggested above, possibly PIIIGSBr in recognition of the parlous state of the British economy, or even PIIIGSBrAu, acknowledging that but for our mineral exports to China, India and a few other Asian countries, Australia too might require a mention. Another popular term for the PIGS nations is the derisive “Club Med Countries”. India obviously has super power potential and is in some respects similar to China, yet is in other ways very different, and they have various advantages and disadvantages compared to each other. Perhaps their biggest similarity is that both have very large populations in excess of a billion people, and while China’s is a little larger, it is expected that India will exceed it before long. Therefore they both still have large untapped labour resources. Their people are industrious and canny and have demonstrated this in many overseas countries, sometimes more or less taking over their host’s economy, resulting at times in civil unrest including burning, looting and even murder by the resentful indigenous population. One great Indian advantage is that

so many Indians speak English, a legacy from their one time British colonial masters. This stands them in good stead because it is the world’s most universal language, an economic advantage which includes the ability to set up call centres for many countries, including Australia. Today, when you speak to a multitude of companies, including banks, about nearly anything, you could be talking to someone almost anywhere, perhaps Bombay (sorry, Mumbai), or even Hobart (apology to any Apple Islander readers, no offence intended either way!!). India also has the advantage that the British left behind a well organised civil service (though apparently including all the red tape and inefficiencies which seem to come naturally to such organisations, including in Australia); also the groundwork which resulted in an independent India becoming a democracy. This last is a help if the Indians wish to live in comparative freedom, though perhaps a hindrance of they also desire to become an industrial power house as quickly as possible and by means which include the various repressions which exist in totalitarian China. It is true that much of the population of both countries still lives in poverty and need, at least by western standards, though it is obvious that, along with other developing Asian countries, they may be poor but they are developing. Also, that mostly they do not, like most of the developed world, owe mountains of debt accumulated while reaching developed status. Indeed the tendency is to owe little or nothing as nations or to have surpluses, particularly China with something like three trillion dollars in foreign reserves rather than a few trillion in debt. The biggest asset they have, indeed sometimes their only asset, is their large bank of cheap labour, and, strangely enough, there are many in the western world who would, with the best of intentions, try to stop us buying Asian products because it is manufactured by cheap labour. If this happened, what would the result be? The people would starve, that is what would happen! Common sense should tell us the sensible policy is to let economics take its course knowing that as time passes these people will be able to demand, and receive, better wages and conditions. The evidence is


DEPOT ROAD MERRIWA Everything for the Rural Industries.

We have no overheads and you benefit from rock bottom prices.

We deliver to the Merriwa Tyre Service parcel depot every morning.

All you have to lose is the cost of a phone call - WHY PAY MORE?

MAX WURCKER

Available for charter 5 star coach with seatbelts.

Modern air conditioned buses. Various sizes from 20 to 50 seats.

Competitive rates and discounts for repeat bookings.

Ph: 6547 4416 Fax: 6547 4496

very clear in many countries, for instance Japan, which used to be a low wage country. Another example is China where their wage structure is rising to the point that even they are moving into countries like Cambodia seeking lower cost wages, and the inevitable result of this will be rising Cambodian living standards. I say this is a common sense attitude, and it was remarked upon in a recent visit by my son John who is a caring and humane, but practical, person with many years overseas experience supervising and investigating projects of various kinds. This includes hands on experience in Asia, and particularly India, Pakistan, China, Central Asia, the Philippines, Borneo, and a little in the poorer parts of Africa. His comment to me on a recent visit was that the biggest asset these people have is cheap labour, that if we take it away they will starve, and that experience has shown again and again that, given time and their ability to produce and export, their wages and living standards will inevitably improve.

Max Wurcker

Russell’s Earthmoving

Celebrating

50Years 1960 - 2010

Email: [email protected]

6 Gooch Street Merriwa 2329 Phone: 6548 2246

Fax: 6548 2629

John: 0408 496630 Andrew: 0417 506769

Plant:

Bulldozers

Excavators & Rock Hammer

Grader - Roller - Loader

Water Trucks

Tip Trucks

Truck & Dogs

Sand & Gravel Suppliers

Pty Limited Owner Operators

AUSTRAL WIRE PRODUCTS We are distributors for Austral Wire Products. They have a large modern factory in Sydney where they manufacture:

Fencing wire.

Barbed wire.

Wire netting.

Hinge joint and ring lock.

Available in standard AND HEAVILY GALVANISED.

They also import black and hot dipped galvanised steel posts. We happily accept large or small orders. If you are thinking fencing please call us because the quality and price are both right.

Anthea Wright Veterinary

Services

Merriwa Vet Clinic 84 Bettington Street Merriwa

6548 2452

*KITCHEN *WARDROBES *VANITY UNITS

*WALLUNITS Bench Tops from Timber,

Laminated, S/steel, Caesar Stone or Granite. Doors from

Melamine, timber or Polyurethane

Computer 3-D Designs

(Lic No 26786)

NEIL HUNT 6548 2025 Mob. 0418 262 596 MERRIWA

Phone 4353 3606 Fax 4353 3304

Les Mobile 0408 434 566 Lyn Mobile: 0419 292 223 www.colleshomes.com.au

Whether a Granny Flat, First Home or Retirement, Colles Manufactured

Homes have a wide range of plans in various price ranges. Homes designed

for Low Maintenance Living.

Colles Manufactured Homes Pty Ltd


MERRIWA POST OFFICE More than just a post office! Mothers Day Value Gifts As usual you can count on Merriwa post office to give you a small range of lovely and different items for Mum. Check out the Tealight Tree. Six Tea lights on an attractive and artistic metal tree for only $24.50. Yates Garden Guide. The gardeners bible - now in it’s 42nd edition with over 7 million copies sold (not in Merriwa). Nearly 500 pages for $29.95 – don’t pay more elsewhere. Check out fun money boxes for $9.95 or the butterfly jewellery glass cases for $4.95. Or Fragrance Diffuser with rattan reede 12.99 Manicure sets $4.99. Notelet Sets $4.99. Large coffee mug in a tin $14.95. Wooden 4-in-one photo frames in various stains for only $9.95. More in store. Value Fax Machine There are many so called 3-in-1 printers available but less 4-in-1. At least for a decent price. Enter the Epson Stylus Office TX300F. Now you can have a good value fax machine as well as computer printer, scanner and stand-alone copier. For only $119 you get a function rich LED panel and four separate ink cartridges, 1 black and 3 for the colours. Only while stocks last. ANZ & Bank Qld Business Australia Post are continually adding to the banding agencies we can handle. If you are a business and bank with ANZ or Bank of Queensland then you can now deposit, withdraw and check balances at Merriwa PO. See your bank about getting bar coded deposit slips. (Sorry, this does not yet apply to personal banking). These two new additions join CBA, NAB, St George, Bendigo and about 64 other institutions that we can handle at Merriwa post office. Calligraphy Set The younger generations may not know what a Calligraphy set is but they can see them at the PO. Bring back the personal touch and your own identity with your own handwriting. The Sheaffer Classic Calligraphy set makes a

lovely gift. It contains 3 fountain pens, 3 grades of nibs, 14 assorted ink cartridges, pad, instruction book all in nice presentation box. And all for only $19.99. Lets bring back some style! 16gb USB Flash Drive It wasn’t that long ago that 16GB was a decent size for the hard disc in your computer. Now you can get a small portable USB stick of the same capacity. The Imation Nano Flash drive holds a massive 16GB of storage and we have in stock for $59.95. We also have a similar Stick of 8GB capacity for $31.95. And don’t forget the Transcend 4GB USB Flash Drive now for only $12.95. 20in Widescreen Monitor Following customer requests we are now stocking computer monitors of the best value we can source. And we are happy to say that for $185 we can offer an Acer 20 inch (51cm) wide screen monitor with good specs. So come see us if you want to update that clumsy old computer screen or just move up to a bigger monitor. New Prepaid Mobiles Telstra T108, NextG with rural tick. Stylish candy-bar design that is packed with features. Includes, 3 megapix camera, MP3 player, Bluetooth and more for $129. Samsung Preston NextG touch phone only $155. Bluetooth, 3.2 Megapix camera, MP3 player, large screen and much more. Available in all black or with purple trim. Samsung S6700T NextG slider. Has 3 Mpx camera, MP3 player, expandable SD card memory and more. $199. And don’t forget the Telstra T100 for only $69. Buy before the end of May and get 1000 bonus texts with a $30 recharge. More in stock at the best prices – anywhere! Postmasters thought for the week: The reward of a thing well done is to have done it. Waldo Emerson

Mel & Kerry Anne Colleen & Keirra


At the Sporties “BLAST FROM THE PAST”

Saturday 15 May----6.30 for 7PM

DINNER & SHOW MUSICAL DEDICATION TO THE GREAT

HITS OF THE 60’S 70’S 80’S

IF YOU WANT TO DANCE LAUGH AND SING ALONG TO YOUR FAVOURITES ---

BE THERE Table prize for best themed table

ONLY $25.00 (Inc Chinese/Australian Smorgasbord)

Bookings essential:- TICKETS ON SALE NOW


UPPER HUNTER LANDSCAPE GUARDIANS Wind Farms and Fire Hazards Anne Bishop writes: “In recent months, driving towards Scone from Merriwa and Bunnan, one passes protest signs claiming that wind ‘farms’ are, among other things, a ‘Huge bush fire hazard.’ Initially, I didn’t believe this. I couldn’t imagine anyone in authority would sanction the erection of machinery that might increase the risk of fire in our fire-prone land. I do now. The wind farm company targetting Merriwa states in its policy: ‘Fire prevention and control will be of paramount importance during construction and operation of the wind farm site. Detailed fire management measures are developed for each project.’ Nevertheless, fires have occurred and will no doubt continue to do so. The Standard,Vic. 27.03.10: In January 2007, as a result of the incompetence of a wind farm maintenance contractor who subsequently ‘pleaded guilty to breaking Country Fire Authority regulations through engaging in a high fire risk activity’, a fire began at Aringa North and burned 1229 hectares of vegetation and 82 km of fencing, north of Port Fairy. The Sunday Mail, SA 12.02.2006 A $3 million wind farm turbine caught fire while dozens shut down at a time when South Australian homes most needed them, when a heat wave left 63,000 SA homes without power last month. Lack of wind, and automatic shutdowns triggered by hot temperatures, were to blame for the state’s 180 turbines producing just 10% of their maximum power capacity during the January heatwave. The turbine fire was caused by an electrical fault while maintenance crews were working on the turbine, after it had shut down. Forty CFS firefighters and six trucks rushed to the wind farm to extinguish the blaze, but fire hose water couldn’t reach the generator at the top of the tower. Instead, the fire fighters watched as the fire destroyed the $3million turbine. They extinguished spot fires ignited by ashes from the turbine blaze.’ The towers proposed for Merriwa are considerably taller than these South Australian ones - but just as unreliable. Many European-

manufactured turbines used in SA and in parts of NSW shut down during extreme temperatures, to avoid generator meltdown. During the extreme cold weather of the past winter in the northern hemisphere, turbines also shut down for the same reason. These turbines have a definite and limited range of temperatures in which they operate. The turbines also shut down in high winds. The Adelaide Advertiser, SA 02.02.09: Cathedral Rocks Wind Turbine fire. A $6 million wind turbine caught fire, starting blazes on the ground as embers fell.’ The Canberra Times, ACT 03.08.09 Wind turbines are inefficient and potential fire risks...The most concerning aspect must be reports of Suzlon turbines catching fire in Europe and America and now in Australia as well... In 2006 a wind turbine caught fire at Infigens’ Lake Bonney wind site in SA, showering rural fire fighters with molten debris as they tried to contain spot fires. ‘The turbine was totally destroyed due to the impossibility of extinguishing an industrial unit with up to 600 litres of hydraulic oil in the housing, 80 to 125 metres above the ground.’ (The Merriwa towers will be taller.) The writer goes on to say ‘and of course we now have 26 of these rubbish turbines out of a total 67 on the hills overlooking Lake George, upwind of many rural properties and thousands of hectares of bushland.’ From California USA... ‘I saw a huge flash of blue out on the side of the hill where the windmills were. It started in the middle and spread out in all directions. It lit up the whole hillside – the whiteout of a snow storm. Then it was all black...’ from an ex fire fighter who witnessed the scene of a fire at the Campo area wind farm. More fires in California have concerned parties writing: ‘How will the increased threat of fire and other damage from more turbines affect our insurance? Rates will rise and insurance will be denied to some home owners. It is already hard to get insurance in this high fire danger area.’ The same concerns will no doubt be felt here, not only by those who ‘host’ the turbines but by near neighbours as well.”

Anne Bishop


CONTRACT MUSTERING

CATTLE/SHEEP WORK

FARM MANAGEMENT IN OWNER'S ABSENCE

FENCING

Ph: 6548 2389

RALLY DAY 2ND SUNDAY OF EACH MONTH President: Clare Martin Secretary:

Katie Goldthorpe Treasurer:

Bronwyn Redgate

MERRIWA PHARMACY Learn the warning signs During National Heart Week this year, 2-8 May, the Heart Foundation is asking the question: “Will you recognise your heart attack?” Heart attack warning signs vary from person to person; and they may not always be sudden or severe. Although chest pain or discomfort is the most common symptom, some people will not experience this symptom at all. Jaw, neck, back or shoulder pain can also be a warning sign of a heart attack. So, pain, pressure, heaviness or lightness in one or more parts of your upper body – sometimes in combination with other symptoms such as nausea, dizziness or shortness of breath – are all causes for concern. Whatever the symptoms, all heart attacks have one thing in common, that is, the sooner you receive treatment, the less damage will be done. The heart is a beating muscle that pumps blood continually to the rest of the body. The so-called coronary arteries supply the heart with the oxygen and nutrients that it needs to function. Red blood cells, white blood cells, and other components of blood flow freely through the arteries to the heart and other parts of the body. In a healthy person, the inner walls of the arteries are smooth and uniform in thickness. However, arteries can become blocked over time by the build up of fatty deposits of cholesterol called plaque. The greater the build up of plaque, the greater the risk of heart attack. Blockage of the arteries can also occur at the site of a crack in the plaque. When this happens, blood cells and other components can clump together at the site, forming a blood clot, or thrombus. This can grow to completely block blood flow to the heart muscles. If the artery remains blocked, the lack of blood permanently damages the area of heart muscle supplied by the artery. The extent of damage sustained by the heart during a heart attack depends on the severity and location of the blockage, and the speed at which medical treatment is received. So

learning the warning signs is critical. If you think you could be having a heart attack, call 000. Along with early recognition of heart attack, prevention strategies are of paramount importance. According to the National Heart Foundation, it could be small life-style changes that might make the biggest difference in improving heart health – small changes that we can put into effect ourselves and that are not at all costly and are well within our personal price range. Nevertheless, simple as these changes are, they are often the most difficult to implement, because they involve changes in our sometimes firmly entrenched behaviour. Weight management is essential. Healthy eating is making sure you still get all the nutrients you need for good health while reducing the amount of energy (kilojoules) you take in. The good news is that many foods that are low in energy are also packed full of essential vitamins, minerals and fibre. Being physically active is important too and the activity doesn’t have to be over vigorous. Bush walking, cycling or swimming are all fine; whatever takes your fancy. Aim for about 30 minutes of moderate intensity on most days of the week; and this can be accumulated in bouts of 10 minutes or so if this is more convenient. You can get more healthy heart tips from the “Heartsite” at www.heartfoundation.org.au or from Merriwa Pharmacy. There are also fact cards on Exercise and the Heart, Weight and Health, Fat and cholesterol and High Blood

Merriwa Pharmacy

http://www.heartfoundation.org.au


Pizzas, Burgers Coffee, Salad,

Sandwiches

Eat-In or Takeaway Mon, Tues, Wed: 11am til 7.30pm

Thurs Fri Sat Sun 11am til 8pm

6548 2088

The Merriwa Surgery

6548 2305 Dr R Salama

Monday to Friday Saturday morning by

arrangement EMERGENCY

& after hours 6548 2305

BRICKLAYER BLOCKLAYER

Lic. 10179c

Based in Merriwa Call Don

6548 2591

Ph: 6548 2546 Fax 6548 2309

Mob 0427 482 546

Servicing the Merriwa District

Government funded Taxi Transport Services include: # Non-Emergency Transport # TTSS # DVA Subsidised Local Service: # Merriwa Sports Club

Local Knowledge, Friendly Service Phone: 02 6548 2307 Fax: 02 6548 2089

Merchandise Manager: Merriwa Nathan Barry 0437 961 559 Agronomist: Scone Craig Pickette 02 6548 2307 Merchandise Sales / CSO: Merriwa Kayla Mullen 02 6548 2307 Trainee/Merchandise Sales: Merriwa David Brooks 02 6548 2307 Livestock: Merriwa Damien Crump 0429 485 009 Real Estate: Scone / Merriwa Ross Beer 0427 452 572 District Banking Manager Tamworth Wayne Philpott 02 6762 1331

Merchandise – Livestock – Real Estate – Wool – Insurance – Banking—Health Insurance – Rental Property

Elders - Servicing All Your Rural Needs

For information about Natural

Resource Management issues ring

Jon Thorne - Community Support

on 6542 4426 or Fax: 6543 4164

Hunter-Central Rivers CMA

[email protected]

CONTACT PRESIDENT: Darren Taaffe 6548 5059 SECRETARY: Robert Telfer 6548 7226 Licensing Officer: 6547 6031

MERRIWA PETROLEUM

& AG SUPPLIES Extensive range of rural

products Household goods Supplier of Caltex fuel and oils Steel Fertilizer Bulk fuel deliveries available

Phone: 6548 2071

Cross Country Merriwa P/L

NRMA Membership, Insurance and Road Service available

New Trading Hours 10 May Mon—Thurs 6.30pm - 6.30pm

Fri & Sat 6.30am to 7.00pm Sunday 7.00am—7.00pm

Agents for Kia, Mahindra, Ford, Trucks,

Tractors and Lawn Mowers Used Vehicles & Machinery Caltex Fuels & Oils All Mechanical Repairs

Phone: 6548 2106 Fax: 6548 2156


Cnr Bettington & Marquet Streets, PO Box 134MERRIWA NSW 2329

Office: 6548 2122 Fax: 6548 2601

Livestock / Real Estate Gavin Beard 0438 452 810

Livestock / Real Estate Francis Buffier 0418 434 061

Merchandise Manager Emma Kelly 0428 127 604

Agronomist Tim Sawley 0427 929 427

Admin / Merch Sales Larissa Hunt 6548 2122

COFFEE SNACKS MEALS DRINKS

Hosts: Wendy & Gary Smith

Phone: 6548 2255

MERRIWA HARDWARE Welcome back to both of my loyal readers for another bit of dribble. And so the saga continues! The "Great Move" is still happening as we speak, just about everything has been moved across from the hardware, while about 80% of the stock from This 'n' That, has made the perilous journey. Anyway, things are slowly taking shape, and with a large amount of rearranging of stock, we should be able to fit everything in quite nicely. Still waiting for the signage to be done. Anyway, you all know where we are, in the old Settlers Arcade, next to Merriwa Tyre Service. Bigger, brighter and better. Pop in and check the new site for Merriwa Hardware and McConnell's This 'n' That. And yes, I am making more room for all of Carlita's stuff. Well that's about it for this week.

Ray Did you know? Light travels faster than sound. That's why some people appear bright until you hear them speak.



Ph: 6376 1002

Phone DAVID HICKS

0428 899 749

All general freight Cattle Sheep, Wool. Servicing Tamworth, Dubbo, Newcastle, Scone & surrounding areas. Supplying fence posts and stays.

Pick up Sydney depot every Thursday

Ph/Fax 6548 2663 Mobile 0408 293448 Reliable, Friendly service

HAY FOR SALE

Oaten Wheaten Lucerne Straw

Supa Gas Agent

Curls & Swirls Dianne - Wed, Thurs, Fri, Sat . Open from 9.30am.

Waxing, lash & brow tinting. Hair care products for home

available. Call in for free consultations.

129 Bettington Street Merriwa

6548 2499 or 6545 4151 a/h

OFF THE WALL VIDEOS New Releases In-Store This Week –

* Sherlock Holmes In a dynamic new portrayal of Sir Arthur Conan Doyles most famous characters, 'Sherlock Holmes' sends Holmes and his stalwart partner Watson on their latest challenge. Revealing fighting skills as lethal as his legendary intellect, Holmes will battle as never before to bring down a new nemesis and unravel a deadly plot that could destroy the country. Starring Robert Downey Jr, Rachel McAdams & Jude Law * Did You Hear About The Morgans? Two successful New Yorkers, Paul (Hugh Grant) and Meryl (Sarah Jessica Parker), are at their wits end with repairing their strained marriage. But when they become the only witnesses to a brutal murder, the police hide them away in Wyoming together. Now these die-hard city dwellers will have to survive the weather, bears, fresh air, and forced time with one another if they want to make it out alive. * Zombieland Nerdy college student Columbus (Jesse Eisenberg) has survived the plague that has turned mankind into flesh-devouring zombies because he’s scared of just about everything. Gun-toting, Twinkie-loving Tallahassee (Woody Harrelson) has no fears. Together, they are about to stare down their most horrifying challenge yet: each other’s company.

* The Fourth Kind Structured unlike any film before it, The Fourth Kind is a provocative thriller set in modern-day Nome, Alaska, where myster ious ly s ince the 1960s a disproportionate number of the population has been reported missing every year. Despite multiple FBI investigations, the truth has never been discovered. Starring Milla Jovovich & Will Patton Coming Soon – 14/5 - Up In The Air 20/5 - Old Dogs 20/5 - Ninja Assassin 20/5 - Haunting In Connecticut 20/5 - The Stepfather 20/5 - Bran Nu Dae 28/5 - The Road Huge DVD Sale Still On

Hundreds of DVDS at $5 each

Amanda & Mark 6548 3188


MERRIWA PAINTING &

DECORATING ABN– 62 038 949 984 Servicing the area

for over 25 years

DOMESTIC & COMMERCIAL ROOF RESTORATION

Call for a free quote

Kym– 0409 015 678 Merv– 0447 483 111

IGA Merriwa 104 Bettington St

6548 2315 Use your

Community Chest to support

your local community

Hidden Valley

Homestead 6548 8588

Accommodation up to 25 max in

4 x Ensuite rooms & Self Catering Bunk House Functions

Small functions in Dining/Lounge Area up to 12

Larger groups in garden/BBQ area with use of Pool/games room etc.

www.hiddenvalleyhomestead.com.au [email protected]

*Canvas & PVC Repairs *canvas Seat Covers *Canopy & Tonneau

covers *S/H Seats * Vehicle & Bike seat Repairs * Awnings Leather repairs * Custom made Western Stock Saddles to fit Horse

-Local distributor of GULF WESTERN OIL

- Local agent for Lovells springs, Grainline augers, Ryco hydraulic hoses, Sow ezy air seeders, Steel suppliers

(NEW & Second grade), - Welding, Machining, Plasma cutting, Fabrication

(aluminium & stainless steel) EQUIPPED FOR ALL YOUR RURAL ONSITE REPAIRS AND MAINTENANCE

Phone Paul 0427 476 085

For all your hardware needs

Paint Hardware Plumbing Garden Electrical

102 Bettington St Merriwa 2329 Ph: 6548 2077

MERRIWA

12 units

3 int/conn, family rooms remote control A/C, Austar TV,

SBS, hairdryer, toaster, ironing in room, BBQ, cot/s, tea & coffee

facilities, WiFi zone wireless broadband available. Night bell

AE, JCB, MC, Visa, EFTPOS 50 Bettington Street Merriwa

Phone: 6548 2273 Fax: 6548 2208

A-One Plumbing

Lic No. 170907C

Plumber Drainer Gasfitter accredited Back flow

Based in Merriwa Free Quotes & Consultations

Phone 6548 3187

ABN 38 129 529 040 206 Kelly Street Scone NSW 2337

Phone:6545 3113 Fax: 6545 3855 Email: [email protected]

We provide transport and community care services to: People who are frail aged, have a disability and their carers. People who have limited or no access to transport. We provide services such as: Individual Car Transport to distant centres, Bus Transport, Social support and Social Outings, Local Transport. Telecare (Daily phone Calls) Domestic Assistance (Low level cleaning of your home) Delivery of Meals on Wheels weekly in the Scone area.

MERRIWA CAKES &

PASTRIES Cakes, Award Winning

Breads,

Rolls & Fancy Breads Pies, Pasties, Sausage Rolls

All baked on the premises daily TRY OUR

Gourmet sandwiches & rolls Wraps

Salads - Greek or Caesar Grilled fingers, Croissants,

Foccacias All served with side salad &

chips Relax in air conditioned comfort or in our new courtyard with a cup of

freshly ground coffee, a cup of fresh herbal tea or try our special

iced coffee. All celebration cakes, bread & rolls

made to order.

6548 2851

Upper Hunter Weeds Authority is responsible for noxious weed control in the Merriwa/Cassilis area.

Contact Details for the Authority are:-

Merriwa District Inspector Ph: 0429 683 494

7.30am to 4.30pm Monday to Friday

All correspondence is to be addressed to:

The General Manager Upper Hunter Weeds

Authority PO Box 122

MUSWELLBROOK NSW 2333


NSW FIRE BRIGADE NSW Fire Brigades Open Day, 8/5/2010 Saturday the eighth of May is the NSW Fire Brigades Open Day. Members of your local fire station will be opening the station to the public from 10am till 2pm. Bring the kids to station 393 and…

Enjoy a free sausage sizzle Look inside the fire truck See our rescue, hazmat and fire fighting equipment Grab some free games, stickers and trading cards for the kids Act on becoming a Retained Fire Fighter

See YOU at Open Day!

Enquiries: Annie Rodgers ph: 6548 2033.

A Rodgers

http://www.hiddenvalleyhomestead.com.au



COOLAH AUTO SMASH

& MECHANICAL ABN 86 058 823 162

Also known as Valley Motors Coolah

Ph: 6377 1192

29 Binnia Street, Coolah

[email protected]

* SMASH REPAIRS

*Plastic Welding

* Windscreens

* On Line to ALL Major

Insurance Companies

Owned and Operated by Steve & Vicki Billett


FARM MAINTENANCE & CONTRACTING

Trevor 0427 354 272 Fiona 0438 414 543

Boom & Spot Spraying, Slashing, Harrowing, Fertilizer and Seed Spreading, AI Service, Fencing

Repairs, Relief Milking

Office Phone/Fax 6545 0459 E-mail [email protected]

MERRIWA FESTIVAL OF THE FLEECES Proudly supporting Westpac Rescue Helicopter and Merriwa and District Rescue Squad. We are now well and truly on the countdown, with only six weeks to go until the annual Merriwa Festival of the Fleeces. This year’s theme is “Merriwa in the Beginning, 1824 - 1860”. Information will be going out to business houses regarding window displays in the next week or so, so keep an eye out for your letter and get those brains thinking as I am sure that we can come up with some great window displays. Letters for the parade will be out soon, so we urge all organisations to consider putting a float in this year’s parade. Last year’s was good but we would like to make this year’s even better. The committee have been very busy over the last few weeks finalising bookings, taking stall bookings, organising costumes for the parade, selling chocolates and raffle tickets and cooking for this Fridays Street Stall. We are in need of some Merino Sheep for our Blade Shearer to shear if anyone has 6 to 10 Merino sheep that need shearing can you please let Carlita know on 6548 2889.

TRINITY MARKETS Welcome to Trinity Markets, your local op shop where you can always “Dress for Less”.

This week we have some incredible bargains you won’t want to miss! Beautiful winter jumpers at $3.00, for men and women - out they go! Great ladies’ and men’s warm pants in all sizes, shapes and colours - $4.00! Winter schoolwear for Merriwa Central and St Joseph’s Merriwa students is still for sale at $2.00 per item. Also, the videos at 50cents each are going well but we still have some goodies left. Why not come in and check them out? Volunteers, a very important meeting is happening on Thursday May 13th, 2.00pm at Merriwa RSL Club. Hope you can all make it, as there are interesting moves afoot and we need everyone’s input up front! Please let Enid know on 6548 2948 if you can’t come and we’ll let you know what happened. Winter quilts and doonas, mens and womens jackets, warm clothes for babies and toddlers, heaps of new craft material, great books, knitting and sewing patterns, gloves and scarves ... they’re all at Trinity Markets waiting for their new owners. You’re welcome to come in and browse!

Congratulations to Margaret Wright, our meat raffle winner for April. Margaret’s winning voucher entitles her to $20 worth of meat at Max’s Country Cuts. Commiserations to all the non-winners, why not try again for May? Tickets are on sale at the shop now, and at 20cents each you get five for one dollar, but you have to be in it to win it.

Many thanks to Max for his continued support. If you’d like to donate your surplus items to Trinity Markets, we have a donations wheelie bin at the back of the shop, or you’re welcome to bring your goods in during opening hours. We’re open Tuesday to Saturday, 9am to 12.30pm. Any change in the opening hours will be posted on the shop window and we will also mention it in this column. Don’t forget to check out Trinity Markets’ window next time you’re down town and if there’s something you just have to have, make sure you call in early to secure it! We can put items away, but only for seven days. That’s all for now, have a good week,

Enid and Friends


Children and Baby wear Shoes and Joggers

Work Clothes, Boots & Hats

Fashion Jewellery & Accessories

Bed Linen, Quilts & Towels

Sewing, Embroidery, Beads & Patchwork supplies

Sporting Apparel Squash & Tennis Racquets

Merriwa Phone 6548 3023

Luggage, Handbags & Wallets

DI’S CLOTHING PATCHDI’S CLOTHING PATCH

Mens and Ladies Clothing

Dry Cleaning Service Available

PORTABLE TIMBER MILL

Timber cut on your property

from your timber 6m long Call Petar 6547 5129

or 0427 232 803

Car Restoration Paint & Panel

Rust work Upholstery

Going to Newcastle?

PANORAMA PANORAMA MOTOR INNMOTOR INN

256 Pacific Highway, Charlestown, 2290

Ph: 4943 3144 Fax: 4943 5240

www.panoramamotorinn.com.au

Clean comfortable and affordable accommodation

Close to hospitals, shopping and beaches

Don & Judy Riley

Merriwa Pharmacy

OPENING HOURS: Monday 9am - 5.30pm Tuesday 9am - 5.30pm Wednesday 9am- 5.30pm Thursday 9am - 5.30pm Friday 9am - 5.30pm Saturday 9am - 12 noon

Ph: 6548 2213

Dr Bronwyn Dr Bronwyn StokesStokes

MBBS

C/- Merriwa Hospital Office hours

Monday - Friday Antenatal & Immunisation Clinic

every Thursday Phone - 6532 5013

A.H. Phone - 6532 5000

NEWSPOWER & OFFICESMART

AGENT

Neville and Leanne Hook

6548 2031 [email protected]

This year’s opening event which will be held on Friday 11 June in the Merriwa RSL Club Auditorium will be a little different. Have you ever been to a murder mystery night? If not, this is your chance. We will be writing to organisations asking each organisation to supply a table of 8 to 10 people for the event. Each person on the table will be given a name tag with a character’s name – you will then be this character for the rest of the night. We will require 15 main characters to be part of the story line so one person from each table will be given this honour – however they will not know until the evening progresses. To keep costs reasonable admission prices will be $10.00 per adult, $5.00 per child (at the discretion of parents) and Families $25.00 for 4. The RSL Bistro will be available or you are welcome to bring along a basket supper. The theme for this night will again be “Merriwa in the Beginning 1824 – 1860”. Costumes are encouraged but are not necessary (however there will be prizes) and costumes ideas will be sent out over the next few weeks. So why not get your friends together for a great fun night of murder, mystery and intrigue. The Festival Committee would like to thank the following sponsors Upper Hunter Shire Council Hunter Mutual Russell’s Earthmoving Rosto Olives Lawerence shields Merriwa Apex Merriwa RSL Club Merriwa Tyre and Service Centre Energy Australia Martin Haulage Upper Hunter Team Penning Bill Reynolds Jenny Johnson Curtis, Gant, Irving McConnell’s This ‘n’ That Merriwa Hardware

Carlita



UPPER HUNTER WEEDS AUTHORITY Paterson’s Curse The early prostrate and dense growth habits makes Paterson’s Curse a strong competitor to crops and pastures alike and its ability to set up to 30,000 seeds per square metre ensures prolific germination’s for following season. The plant contains alkaloids which cause damage to the liver in livestock, especially pigs and horses. Sheep, cattle and goats are also effected if forced to consume large quantities of the plant over long periods. This damage reduces the ability of the animal to cope with the accumulation of copper in the system and poisoning can occur. The plant can also cause skin irritation to humans and animals with sensitive skin, eg the udders of cows and sheep. The pollen produced is also linked to hay fever and asthma attacks in the community.

Whilst it may be too late for the reader to initiate control measures for Paterson’s Curse this year, unless a summer fallow is to be prepared, now is the time to take note of where it is for that a strategic plan can be put in place for next season. There are several methods of controlling “Patto”, and these include cultivation, grazing and pasture management, herbicides and biological control. The latter is extremely slow in having an effect and will never eradicate an weed. In all the other cases, and integrated management systems using some or all of the above methods, early detection is the answer. The small the plant, the easier it is to control.

African Boxthorn African Boxthorn is probably as similar a threat to the warmer drier areas of the state as blackberry is to the cooler wetter areas. Once established, the plant provides harbour for rabbits and the spiny growth habit can prevent access by domestic livestock to water and pasture. The seed is spread mainly by birds and may seedling and juvenile plants can be found under trees, along fence lines and around watering points. The fruit of Boxthorn is a breeding place for fruit fly and the common house fly as well as other insect pests.

Physical removal by dozing or pulling with a tractor and then burning is the best form of initial control. Large plants and clumps which are sprayed with a herbicide and left standing still pose the same access and feral animal harbour problems. The removal and burning allows easy access in following seasons to spray suckers and seedlings. Plants under stress should never be sprayed. The easiest way to ascertain whether Boxthorn is ready to spray is to vigorously shake a limb of the plant and if leaves fall readily, the plant should not be sprayed. Flicking leaves with your finger is another method.

Further information can be obtained by contacting the Authority’s Merriwa District Noxious Plants Inspector on 0429 683 494 or the Authority’s office on 6549 3802.

Upper Hunter Weeds Authority

MERRIWA JUNIOR RUGBY LEAGUE & NETBALL ASSOCIATION

Under 7’s This week the Under 7’s went up against Denman. The kids were so excited for another game of ‘real’ footy that they almost wore me out in the warm up. They gave their goal kicking skills a work out before the game. With 6 on the park Merriwa made some great tackles and showed they were not going to give up as they chased the Denman players all the way to their try line. Damien showed some great fends and stepping as he ran from the half way line to score a try. Christian was very excited to try out his last play dummy half run which he did at the beginning of the game. He made some ground but not quite enough to get over the try line. Great team work shown by all the players. Well done Charles, Will Nick & Izzy. This weekend we are at Denman.

Zoe


Under 11’s Played Muswellbrook at Scone Park. 4 boys backed up after playing Under 12s earlier in the day. It was a tough day with Muswellbrook a much stronger and well drilled side. The boys showed some phases of good attack with limited ball. Defensively we have a lot of work to do and we will be focusing on tackling technique and team work at training in the coming weeks. One of the greatest feelings in team sport is to feel success after doing it tough. These boys need to work hard and stick together and by the end of the season will feel a great level of achievement. Under 12’s Played West Maitland at Singleton last Saturday. The boys showed a big improvement on their first game despite going down 34-4. Merriwa were bolstered with two new players Alex Ashman and Matthew Wightman who both played well in their first game. Also helping out were some Under 11 players John Whitby, Hunter Hood, Matt Porter and Callum Telfer who really stood up and played great games, well done boys. It was an impressive game for the Merriwa team who got stronger as the game went on. Every player played well against a bigger and more experienced opposition and should be proud of their effort. A highlight of the game was our first try of the year when Jacob Medd put a grubber kick through and Matty Porter ran through diving on the ball to score out wide. The boys enjoyed the game and I am sure they will improve further in the weeks ahead. We also look forward to the return of Andrew Edwards who was out this week after being injured last Wednesday night playing a rep trial at Muswellbrook. Jacob Medd, Clint Rawlinson and Jack Inder also took part and all played well.

Tony

MERRIWA RUGBY LEAGUE FOOTBALL CLUB The Magpies played their first game of the season against Scone at Scone. With a bunch of new players this year the nerves were running high. Our experienced players led the way with Nathan getting our first points on the board. Scone then reacted with a few quick tries to make the half time score Merriwa 6 to Scone 24. Ben M reached over the line to get Merriwa’s second try. Being the first game and lacking momentum and match fitness Scone took the game away. Final score Merriwa 12 to Scone 54. Although the game was one sided on the board there were some great passages of play proving their ability also the youngsters showing their raw talent. The Magpies all put in 100% including Liam with no skin left on the back of his heel’s continuing to play with the wrong sized footy boots with sheer determination. With more team work and games under their belt we are sure they can achieve their goal in 2010. Tackles– Ben M, Binksy, Nathan, Keaney, Brock, Jacque, Rory. Hit Ups– Rodney, Ben M, Keaney, Tudes, Jacque ,Pitty, Rory. Frampton Freight man of the match– Ben Morgan. Tassell’s Financial Planning most tackles– Ben Morgan. Bitz N Pizzas players player– Ben Morgan. Morgan’s Maintenance encouragement award– Rory Harding.

Under 9/s Netball On Saturday 1 May Alana Smith & Tamasyn McNaught played in the under 9’s netball over at Scone. Both girls played strongly in a very close game in which they eventually won by 1 goal. Both Alana & Tamasyn are enjoying their games each week. These girls should be con-gratulated on their conduct and good sports-manship they show each week. Just a reminder that there will be no netball this week due to the Scone Horse Festival.

Kellie


President: Neville Blackadder 0428 485 110 Secretary/Treasurer: Cynthia Morgan 0418 862 560

Thank you to our sponsors

Merriwa Sports Club

Merriwa Springtime

Show

Friday 17 & Saturday 18 September 2010

President: Mr Hugh Kraefft -

6548 5155 - 0402 484 018 Email:

[email protected] www.merriwashow.com.au

PRESIDENT Loretta Cooper 6548 2679 SECRETARY Maree Sutton 6548 2199 TREASURER A Peebles - C Frampton Day - Night Junior Competitions Court Hire

MERRIWA TYRE AND SERVICE

CENTRE Your local automotive mechanical repair and tyre tradesmen. Also sales of Can-Am Quad, Husqvarna outdoor products &small engines

Proprietors Glenn, Debbie & Brad Hunt 141 Bettington Street MERRIWA

Phone: 6548 2078 Fax: 6548 2063

Dress for Less !!

Trinity Markets

Accessories, Books, Nick-Nacks Clothing for all the family

DONATIONS WELCOME! Tues–Sat

9.00am – 12.30pm 110 Bettington St. Merriwa

6548 2948

TRUCK AVAILABLE

2 x 1 24’ stock crate 22’ tipping tray and trailer for

grain/super. Phone Andy 6548 5199

0428 485 199

CASSILIS BOWLING CLUB EVENTS Friday nights – Darts Names to the club by 6.45pm for 7pm start $3.00 entry per week 1st prize – chooks Winners of the losers – chocolate 5 week block prizes of $50 End of season prizes and party!!! (must play ten rounds to qualify for free drinks and food) Friday night raffles Come along and join the fun Snack Bar is open Saturday 22 May – Trivia Night Test your Brain Power, eight categories, 10 questions in each category. General Knowl-edge, Geography, What word is that, Music, TV and Movies, Music, Celebrity Gossip and Food and Drink. $5 per head, teams of up to 4.

H Parker

Knowledge . Integrity . Experience

Licensed Stock & Station Agent . Real Estate Agent Accredited Auctioneer . Level 1 Auctions Plus Assessor

Livestock sales

& purchases

View new listings at

www.rockwell.net.au

Rural property &

residential sales

TONY & HEIDI INDER M: 0427 485

100

A: “Rockwell” Merriwa T: (02) 6548

Unfortunately Muswellbrook have pulled out of reserve grade so we now have 2 byes as we were meant to play them home then away. Our next game will be against Denman at Denman on the 23 May at 12.30. Don’t forget we have a street stall on the 14 May– if you have any saleable items you would like to donate please contact Loretta Cooper on 6548 2679. We also have a street stall planned for the 22 May to raffle a trailer load of firewood!

The Birds Nest

http://www.merriwashow.com.au/


CHECK OUT www.rostogrove.com.au

FOR MORE INFORMATION

President: Paul Frampton 6548 5182 Vice Presidents: Tim Henderson 6548 2888 David Alker 6548 2095 Treasurer: Bryce Stokes 6548 3236

Thriving International Distributor for AIM products & Xtend-Life Products Quality Health Foods & Supplements at Wholesale Prices Servicing the Merriwa & Surrounding Districts Call: 1800 880 924 or visit: www.thrivinginternational.com.au Distributor opportunities available

MERRIWA PONY CLUB

A big thankyou to the following riders and their parents for representing Merriwa Pony Club in the ANZAC Day March: Peita and Casey Cassar, Victoria McLaren and Mekayla Towell.

More results from Cassillis Pony Club which was held on Easter Saturday: Anastasia Martin 11-13yrs came 1st - Pony club mount, dressage, pair of riders under 13 yrs (with Hannah Riley), D grade

show jumping, bending race, 3 mug race; 2nd - Girl rider, flag race, barrel race and 3rd – Keyhole. Reserve Champion girl rider under 13 years, point score champion girl 11-13yrs, member of winning point score team of four with Clancy and Nicole Martin and Hannah Riley, winner of Allan Jeffries Jumping and Equitation trophy for highest scoring round of the day. Clancy Martin 7-9 yrs came 1st - Dressage, 3 mug race, cloverleaf; 2nd - Boy rider, pony club mount, flag race, bending race, barrel race. Point score champion boy 7-9 yrs and member of the winning point score team of 4. Nicole Martin under 7 yrs came 1st - pony club mount; 2nd - dressage under 9 yrs, barrel race, mug race; 3rd - girl rider, keyhole, cloverleaf; 4th - flag race. She was also a member of the winning point score team of 4. Singleton Presidents Cup Day was held on Sunday 2 May at Singleton Showground. Cameron and Emily Ninness were the only Merriwa riders to compete on the day. Emily

came second in the junior hack 14.2hh-15hh and second in the girl rider under 7. In the sporting events under 7 boys and girls were combined. Emily came first in the pony twist, and barrel race; second in the flag and bending race; third in the bending race. Cameron won the junior hack over 15hh and came third in the boy rider 9-11. The boys and girls were combined once again and Cameron came first in the flag; second in the ben-bar-aft and bending race; third in the barrel race and fourth in the pony twist. Emily won Reserve Champion Point score Girl under 7 years and Cameron won Reserve Champion Boy Point score 9-11 years.

Dates to put on the calendar include: Sunday 9 May - Rally Day at Merriwa Showground (remember to RSVP yes or no to Katie) Sunday 6 June- Scone Pony Club at White Park Scone Sunday 13 June- Rally Day at Merriwa Showground (remember to RSVP yes or no to Katie) Happy Riding

Tanya Ninness

MERRIWA MAGPIES RUGBY LEAGUE

FOOTBALL

President: Ben Morgan Vice President: Loretta Cooper Secretary: Bill McNaught Treasurer: Jessica Whitley Publicity Officer: Kim Daniel Phone: 0439 254 352 [email protected]

http://www.thrivinginternational.com.au


MERRIWA SPORTS CLUB Saturday 1 May Saturday Members Draw 9179 won next week $100. Winners Jackpot 75639 not won next week $560. Free Tickets Mark Pryor Dinner Des Snelgrove Bowls Raffle Eva Towler Sunday 2 May Sunday Members draw No 9587 won next week $550 $20 one off prizes No 9586 not won & No 9588 won Transport Service is available Friday and Saturday Don’t take the risk and drive when for $2 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. Members Please Note Raffles on Saturday 24 transferred to 6:00pm Sunday 25 April Bingo Every Thursday Night commences 7:00pm Win Sporties Vouchers $5, $20, $50 + fruit, veg and meat trays Zumba Mondays and Wednesdays until June. Saturday 15 May 6:30pm for 7:00pm “Blast from the Past”. Dinner show $25 includes Chinese/ Australian Smorgasbord. Bookings essential and now opened. Prize for best themed table. The Sporties Chinese/Australian Restaurant Open for Lunch and Dinner. Lunch Specials. Open 5 1/2 days Lunch Wednesday to Sunday 12noon – 2:00pm Dinner Tuesday to Sunday 5:30pm to 9:00pm. Closed Mondays reopens 5:00pm Tuesdays For Bookings and take away ring 6548 3228.

The Sporties Entertainment Line up March - July Saturday 15 May “Through the Decades” Dinner Show. Chinese /Australia Smorgasbord $25 Tickets Only Saturday 19 June “Dee Blundell” Saturday 17tJuly “Petra” Lady Bowlers News On Wednesday 28 April we had a very enjoyable mufti day. The raffle (Donated buy Merle) was won by Loretta. This week we have been busy organising our Association Day. Results next week. Coming Up Monday 10 May Monthly Meeting 2:30pm Wednesday 12 May Murrurundi Gala Day Wednesday 19 May Mufti Day

B & JR Men’s Golf News Max’s Country Cup Stroke A good field of 8 players hit off with Des Vero collecting the winners prize. Runner up was A Carrigan. Ball comp results First P Williams, second M McNaught and third A Medway Heard on the grape vine that Coonamble Rodeo Committee are looking for “Alex” the clown for a gig at their next rodeo.

The Cat Ladies Golf News Wednesday 28 April saw a roll up of eight keen golfers to compete for our recently postponed April monthly medal. All the girls were adjusting to their new handicaps under the recently changed golflink system. This averages the best ten of your last twenty games and then multiplies that by 0.96 to determine your current handicap. It is a must better reflection of current form but handicaps can alter more frequently so everyone will need to be diligent in keeping track. It was good to see Deirdre back on the course after a long forced break after a nasty fall. It


MERRIWA TENNIS CLUB

Term 2 Tennis Coaching Enrolments are now being taken for term 2 tennis coaching on Mondays after school. Group lessons 3.30pm - 4.00pm. $7.00 per child. Group lessons 4.30pm - 5.30pm $14.00 per child. Private lessons available. Adult coaching 1.00pm—2.30pm Bookings and enquiries to Loretta Cooper 6548 2679. Coaching commences 3 May 2010.

L Cooper

was also good to have Gay back after a recent bout of ill health. We are hoping for Dinys return soon. The winner of the monthly medal with a 72 nett was Captain Di who is starting to hit her straps again after some indifferent rounds. Sue was runner up with a 73 nett and Tania and Mary followed closely with 74 netts. The Country cup girls are still showing good form. The putting competition is underway and Libbys 20 footer on the 8th hole was a highlight of the round. Meredith won the ball draw, again! Thankyou to the Frampton family, Fernandis Construction and Merriwa Petroleum and Ag supplies for their kind donations. We appreciate your financial assistance in the running of our open day which is on the 12th of May. Without your help we would struggle enormously so thankyou from all of us. I heard some mumblings about the unsuitability of “chicks with sticks” being our motto considering the average age of the lady golfers. After some deliberation we thought “nutters with putters” might be more appropriate!! Cheers

The Black Widow

MERRIWA RSL The Members Lucky Badge for $300 was not won on Friday at 8.30pm the number was 956, this week it jackpots to $350.00. The 7pm draw for $160.00 was not won the num-ber was 936, this week it jackpots to $180.00. The 9pm lucky ticket draw for $280.00 was not won the number was 55443, this week it jackpots to $300.00. LTPS/09/06339 The Sunday Morning Badge Draw was not won last week the number was 173, this week it jackpots to $500 and will be drawn between 11.30am and 1.30pm and you must be pre-sent to win the money. LTPS/09/06339 we have now doubled the Sunday morning raffle vouchers from 3 to 6. Coming Events Friday 14 May (John Farnham- Jimmy Barnes- Diesel) tribute show in the Auditorium starting time 8.30pm. Tickets on sale from Friday the 19 March, $25.00 a single, $40.00 a double. This week’s LUCKY $5 note was not claimed the serial number was FJ 06509512 and will now jackpot to $55. The $5 note is released early in the week and is announced on Friday night during the raffles, and must be claimed at the bar by midday Sunday, and you must be a member of the Club. If you cannot re-member the serial number that’s ok there will be notices at the bar from Saturday morning. The RSL Club in now seeking expressions of interest from any members that would like to partake in a Sunday market day in the near future. It will be held in the Auditorium and there will be no charge, so if you have a prod-uct that you produce at home, or are a local retailer wanting to get rid of some stock give the RSL a call and talk to Matt or leave your name and number.

M J Morgan Secretary/Manager


Meets each Tuesday at the

Merriwa Sports Club 7.00pm for 7.30pm

4 x 4M Marquee for Hire

6548 2025

Merriwa Tourist Welcoming Centre

The Hut. Arts, Crafts, gifts & much more!

Open every day 9.30am - 2.30pm A quote from our Visitors Book states: “If you can’t find what you are looking

for in here, then you haven’t been looking”.

C. W. Williams, Gunnedah President: J. Alker Secretary: E. Shipway

Tel: 6548 7201

Meets the first Wednesday of each month at 7.00pm in the Merriwa RSL Club

Merriwa Merriwa Central Central SchoolSchool P & CP & C AssociationAssociation

MAY

Friday 14 Merriwa RSL John Farnham, Jimmy Barnes, Diesel Tribute Show 8.30pm

Saturday 15 Merriwa Sports Club “Blast from the past”

JUNE

Saturday 19 Merriwa Sports Club "Dee Blundell"

JULY

Saturday 31 Christmas in July Cassilis Bowling Club 6.00pm

B&K

Contact Barry Mobile: 0404 080 049

Ph/Fax: 6573 3773 Email: [email protected]

6 days per week service between Singleton and Merriwa, with links to

all other areas.

Keys available from Merriwa Sports Club After 4pm

Monday-Friday Sat/Sun open mid mornings

Competition is played on Tuesday nights

ALL WELCOME Any age

President: Max McNaught

6548 2124

MERRIWA SQUASH CLUB

Meet 4th Thursday of each month

Visitors always welcome Enquiries to: Pres: Jenny Johnson

6548 2509 Sec: Julie Hirst

6548 3179 Supporting

The Smith Family

A valued part of the Smith Family

“United We Stand”

“THE VOICE OF MERRIWA”

Meet every 4th Wednesday

More on 6548 3060 or 6548 2245

Merriwa District Progress Association

MERRIWA JUNIOR LEAGUE & NETBALL CLUB INC.

President: Max McNaught 0447 035 694

Vice President: Tony Inder 0427 485 100

Secretary/Treasurer: Kellie Walker 0417 483 149 League Coordinator: Position vacant Netball Coordinator: Wayne Smith

102a Bettington Street, Merriwa

Gold Licence No: EC 34206 Electrical Contractors Appliance Sales & Repairs

BH 6548 2303 AH 6548 2024 - 6548 2045

Our Centre is open Monday - Friday and caters for children aged 2-5

years Providing Quality Early Childhood

Education ENQUIRIES WELCOME

Ph 6548 2083 Fax 6548 2925

HORSE ‘N’ ROUND 20 Ogilvie St Denman

6547 2215

Good range of equine accessories, including bridles,

saddles, etc Summer rugs & combos now in stock. Compare our prices!

Closed Mondays

published by: merriwa central school ph fax …...weekend masses st anne’s - merriwa 1st, 3rd...

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