$2.50
February 2026
News of the communities of the Paterson and Allyn River Valleys
Sketch club
Love drawing or just keen to give it a go? Sketch Club is a fun, friendly initiative of our very own Gresford Community Gallery & hosted by local artist Christine Pike. In 2026 it will run twice a month – enjoy cosy indoor sessions & en plein air sketching at beautiful local spots. Come for the creativity, stay for the laughs & inspiration — beginners & experienced artists warmly welcome. Details in Culture Vulture on page 12.
The Gresford News is a Gresford District Community Group project.– Donations appreciated and most welcome.
Contact: gresfordnews@iinet.net.au
$28 for a repeat ad or $34 for a single issue
Office: 0427 383 388
Email: Admin@HunterSL com au HUNTERSL COM AU Kickstart the New Year with Hunter Stock & Land!
We’re excited to welcome everyone back for our weekly HRLX Prime Sale at Singleton, held every Wednesday starting at 8:30 am, beginning with our first sale on Wednesday, January 7th At Hunter Stock & Land, we’re dedicated to supporting our clients with comprehensive services that cover all your property and livestock needs Our team is here to assist with:
Property Sales – Specialising in rural properties to help you buy or sell with confidence
Weekly Prime Sales at HRLX Singleton – Join us every Wednesday for a reliable market platform
Direct Sales – Simplifying transactions for efficient and direct buyer-seller connections
Clearing Sales – Helping you manage, organise, and conduct successful clearings
Livestock Management – Expert support tailored to optimise your livestock operations
We’re committed to providing hands-on support, industry insights, and a trusted team ready to meet your needs Here’s to a successful 2026 season!
Don’t’ miss out and register for the upcoming season
https://tinyurl.com/2hwaw3te
2 Feb – 6 Mar
Mon 2 Feb
Mon 2 Feb
The Gresford News Community Diary
Kerbside Bulky Waste & Scrap Metal Clean-Up
Gresford Vacy Football Club, registrations open
Gresford & District Community Group Meeting, 6.30pm
Sun 8 Feb Kids Club – Making pop-Up cards, Gresford Community Gallery, 2-4pm
Mon 9 Feb
Sat 14 Feb
Tues 17 Feb
Gresford District Landcare Group Meeting, 5.30pm – email Penny Kater for details pennykater@gmail.com
Gresford Book Club, CWA Hall, 2–4
Gresford School of Arts Committee meeting, main hall, 7pm
Wed 18 Feb Sketch Club – Still Life, Gresford Community Gallery, 1pm, Contact Christine Pike 0428 271 819
Fri 20 Feb CWA Craft Morning, CWA Hall, 9–12
Sat 21 Feb Opening of latest Exhibition, Gresford Community Gallery, 2-4pm
Sat 21 Feb Launch of Arboretum book, Gresford Community Gallery, 2.30pm
Sat 21 Feb ‘A Merchant Meet Up’, John Tucker Park, Paterson, 12-3pm & then 7pm: evening meal, Paterson Tavern
Sun 22 Feb Sketch Club – PLEIN AIR, Tocal, 10 –3pm, Contact Christine Pike 0428 271 819
Sun 22 Feb Live music on the deck, Hotel Beatty, 2-6pm
Wed 11 Mar Laughable Leigh Trivia Night, Gresford Bowls Sport & Recreation Club, 6.30pm
Fri-Sat 13 & 14 Mar Gresford Show
Tues 17 Mar Gresford School of Arts AGM, main hall, 7pm
Every Mon Fitness A GoGo with Donna! class, Gresford Community Gallery, 3.30pm
Every Wed Happy hour + Gift Voucher Raffles, Gresford Bowls Sport & Recreation Club, 4.30–6pm
Every Thurs Mass, St Helen's Catholic Church, East Gresford, 9.30am
Every Thur Happy hour, free pool & jukebox, Hotel Beatty, 5.30–7pm
Every Fri (school terms) Yoga with Donna Cavanough, Vacy School of Arts Hall, 9.30–11am & live zoom online Tues, Wed, Fri, 7.30am
Every Fri Twilight Bowls, Gresford Bowls Sport & Recreation Club, 5.30pm
Most Fri afternoons Friends of the Arboretum activities, times vary seasonally, contact Penny Kater for details 0488 371 589
Every Fri Cricket Club Raffles, Hotel Beatty
Sat-Sun
Gresford Community Gallery open, 12 Park St, East Gresford, 10-4 or by appt phone Robyn 0417 686 816
Sat Mass, St Helen's Catholic Church, East Gresford, 5.30pm (except 2nd Sat of month)
Every Sun Anglican Church services, dates & locations vary–see ad, St Paul’s Paterson, 8.30am • St Anne’s Gresford, 10.30am
Every Sun The Gresford Congregational Church welcomes you, 10.30am
Every Sun Social Bowls +, Gresford Bowls Sport & Recreation Club, from 4pm
1st Mon each month
Gresford District Community Group Meeting, 6.30pm, all welcome! (not Jan)
1st & 3rd Mon each month French conversation, CWA Hall, 10–11.30
2nd Mon each month Gresford District Landcare Group Meeting, 5pm (not Jan), contact Penny Kater for details 0488 371 589
2nd Wed each month Laughable Leigh Trivia Night, Gresford Bowls Sport & Recreation Club, 6.30pm
2nd Thurs each month Pool Comp with prizes at the Hotel Beatty 6.30pm
2nd Sat each month Gresford Community Market, Gresford Community Park, 9–1
2nd Sat each month CWA Book Club, CWA Hall, 3pm
2nd Sun each month Mass, Sacred Heart, Summer Hill, 11.30am
3rd Tues each month Paterson Allyn Garden Group meet, 10am (not Jan), contact Chris Walker for details 0401 566 180
3rd Thurs each month Trivia Night at the Hotel Beatty 6.30pm
3rd Fri each month CWA Craft Morning, CWA Hall, 9–12
3rd Sun each month Vacy & Surrounds Crop Swap, alongside Vacy General Store, 9.30am
3rd Sun each month Entertainment at the Hotel Beatty
4th Tues each month Circle Dancing, 4.30pm – to book in & check location phone Pip on 0493 388 889
An extensive range of machines and earthmoving equipment to suit every aspect of the Building & Construction Industry
Supply all forms of quarry product
Contact: Paul Mastin 0418 499 471 Head Office 02 4938 8135
DIVISION OF DREEGAN BUILDING & CONSTRUCTION BASED IN THE HUNTER VALLEY ABN: 56137525494
Gresford News Notices
Gresford & District Community Group Meeting • Mon 2 Feb 6.30pm Hotel Beatty
Creative activities at the Gresford Community Gallery
• Latest Exhibition opening Sat 21 Feb 2-4pm
• Kids Club
– Making POP-UP Cards Sun 8 Feb 10-2pm
•
Sketch Club–Still Life Wed 18 Feb 1pm
•
Sketch Club–PLEIN AIR
– Tocal Sun 22 Feb 10-3pm
Youth Council Meeting Thurs 26 Feb time to be advised Doug Walters Pavilion, Dungog
THE GRESFORD NEWS
Gresford News: News of the communities of the Paterson & Allyn River Valleys, has been published by the Gresford & District Community Group since 2002. As a not-for-profit community association any profits go towards supporting community projects.
IT'S YOUR NEWS
The Gresford News has always been created by the community for the community. The content is provided by individuals and community organisations – Your contributions are always welcome!
IS YOUR NEWS BEING DELIVERED?
Gresford News is delivered to letterboxes on the main road north of Paterson and roadside in the Vacy and Gresford postal districts to the top of the Paterson and Allyn Rivers. PLEASE let us now if you do not recieve your NEWS – we will see if there is a problem we can fix.
Arboretum Book Launch Sat 21 Feb, 2.30pm
The Friends of the Arboretum invite you to the lunch of their booklet on the history of the Arboretum – inspired by Cameron Archer, written by David Brouwer & kindly designed by Jane Richens & Brian Doherty.
KERBSIDE BULKY WASTE & SCRAP METAL CLEAN-UP
2 Feb – 6 Mar
Dungog Shire Council is providing a Bulky Waste & Scrap Metal Clean-Up for all residential properties currently receiving a weekly waste collection. Collections will start on Mon 2 Feb. Schedule is based on your weekly waste bin collection day. Residents are requested to only put their waste out the weekend before their collection week.
Week 1: If your General Waste Bin Collection Day is Monday – Place items out: Sun 1 Feb (collection Mon 2—Fri 6 Feb). Vacy, Gresford, East Gresford, Lostock Week 2: If your General Waste Bin Collection Day is Tuesday
RICHARD WELLS UPHOLSTERY
– Place items out: Sun 8 Feb (collection Mon 9 — Fri 13 Feb). Paterson, Martins Creek & Dungog Roads more details page 17
‘A Merchant Meet Up’
When: Sat 21 Feb
Where: John Tucker Park, Paterson 2421 Time: 12-3pm & then 7pm: an evening meal at the Paterson Tavern, Paterson.
Looking for all Merchant descendants of Richard & Elizabeth Merchant (1800-1860s).
Over 20 yrs of exhaustive research have been done by Denise Merchant Overton, both vols of her book will be available on the day. Come and add yourself, your branch to the family tree or just meet and cement a relationship with new-found relatives.
Bring photos to share plus any anecdotes passed down by your ancestors. It will be fun and informative. For a small donation there will be a historical walk around the lovely town of Paterson by Dr. Cameron Archer AM, author of many books on the region.
For more details contact Sharan Fergie 0401888063 or email neilandsharan@fergiefamily.com.
MUSIC TEACHER
Well-known organist, music teacher and examiner Dr Brett McKern has vacancies for adults wishing to study music theory via the online platform or to pursue organ studies.
Examinations are available if students wish to pursue their studies up to diploma level. See brettmckern.com or email brettmckern1@bigpond.com
DAVE LAYZELL MP
Member
HOW I CAN HELP YOU
Gloucester
Dungog
Singleton
Muswellbrook
Merriwa
Murrurundi
Gresford
East
Vacy
Paterson
Lorn
Bolwarra
upperhunter@parliament.nsw.gov.au
Authorised
young people connect, contribute and build stronger communities
The project will also promote flex to get involved in ways that suit th
$20,000 to Boost Youth Volunteering Across Dungog Shire
Calling Local Organisations
will be working closely with local groups to deliver the project.
Activities will include youth volunteering expos, community information nights, school-based programs, and a roadshow that visits towns across the Shire. Local organisations such as sporting clubs, emergency services, service groups and community organisations will be invited to take part and share the many ways people can volunteer.
Establishment Grant from The Centre for Volunteering to support youth volunteering across Dungog Shire.
The funding will help create a Youth Volunteer Hub, along with a travelling roadshow and community expos, to connect young people with local volunteering opportunities in Paterson, Dungog, Vacy and Clarence Town. The project will bring together schools, community groups and local organisations to make it easier for young people to get involved, learn new skills and give back to their communities.
Julie Overton from Paterson has been appointed as the Project Coordinator and
The project will also promote flexible and short-term volunteering options, making it easier for young people to get involved in ways that suit their interests, skills and schedules.
Calling Local Organisations
Community groups, clubs and services that are looking for volunteers—especially young people—are encouraged to get involved. Organisations can take part in expos, host information sessions, and promote their volunteer opportunities.
To find out more or to be involved, register here or use the QR code below.
Together, we can help young people connect, contribute and build stronger communities.
Community groups, clubs and se encouraged to get involved Orga their volunteer opportunities.
To find out more or to be involved
Together, we can help young peo
Paterson Allyn Garden Group
As is the tradition, our December get together is also our annual, Member’s Christmas Party & this year, we met at the historic & picturesque, St. Mary’s on Allyn Church in Allynbrook.
As the day was threatening to be a bit of a scorcher, we tried to keep out of the sun & head for the more protected shady areas, where we could.
President Jillian started the meeting, welcoming the very pleasing 62 members who gathered in the shade of a big old elm tree near the church.
We were then able to hear a bit of the historical aspects of the church’s origin, construction & consecration, presented by Russell Brown, whose family have been in the area for many years.
In summary, Reverend William Broughton, set sail on 26th May 1829, arriving in Sydney Cove on 13th September, aboard the ‘John’, travelling to New South Wales to take up the role of Arch Deacon of NSW, later becoming the first & only, Anglican Bishop of Australia in 1835. (Nowadays, if you said you spent 108 days on the John, it
might raise a few eyebrows). In 1834, Broughton returned to England to argue his case for more resources & better educational policies. He returned to NSW in 1836 & was accompanied by his family, including daughter, Mary Phoebe. Also on the voyage was a young gentleman, William Boydell, who was relocating from his home in Wales, to join his brother & take up a land grant in the Gresford area. On the journey, William & Mary Phoebe became attracted to each other & after a number of years decided to take the next step. However, Bishop Broughton insisted his
Paterson Allyn Garden Group Christmas lunch at St Mary-on-Allyn, Allynbrook. Russell Brown enlightening PAGG members on the history of the church.
daughter must have a place in which to worship as a condition of his approval of their marriage. Therefore, William commenced the building of St. Mary’s church, constructed to the Bishop’s design & using sandstone from the adjacent area. The church was completed by William Boydell & consecrated by Bishop Broughton in 1845.
Bishop Broughton was a tireless worker who travelled extensively around NSW & further afield, even as far as Tasmania, organising congregations throughout the country & establishing the foundations of the Anglican church in Australia. His story makes a fascinating insight into the hardships of life in the early days of the colony.
More information can be found in ‘The Wood of the Cranes’, a very interesting book that tells the story of the Boydell family, Bishop Broughton, St. Mary’s church & the local area.
The day featured the PAGG Christmas Giving Tree, which once again proved that our members are incredibly generous, with the considerable proceeds being donated to ‘The Friends of St. Mary’s on Allyn’ a local, community based, not for profit group that is focussed on raising funds to assist with
the ongoing maintenance & repairs to the church building & church hall to ensure that the buildings remain in good order for their continued availability to the local community & more widespread lovers of the beauty & history of the precinct.
The group welcomes new members & provides a regular newsletter advising all ‘Friends’ members of news & upcoming events. More information can be found on Friends of St Mary on Allyn Facebook page.
Everyone then moved to the Church Hall, where prepared lunch boxes were available
to be enjoyed, as well as the vast array of cakes & cookies weighing down the tables that were decked out with decorations, adding to the festive environment.
A special thanks to all those, mainly working behind the scenes, including our wonderful hosts, who put in so much effort throughout the year to ensure that every PAGG get together is an enjoyable success for our members & guests.
Please check the website for all updates & information regarding the first meeting for 2026 at - pagardengroup.org
Ever wondered about the history of the names of streets in the Paterson, Martin Creek area?
Read on, to find out about Merchant Rd, Martin Creek.
Over 20 plus years research has been done by Denise Merchant Overton and compiled into 2 vols, ‘The Life and Times of Elizabeth Barnes Merchant’
Whilst the story focuses on the Merchant family’s life in Australia, it also gives a window of early hardships of life in the Hunter Valley during the colonial era.
Merchant Family History
The Australian history of the Merchants starts in 1820s, when the Barnes and Merchant families emigrated to Australia. The families were originally employed by the Australian Agriculture Company in Stroud.
Richard Merchant and Elizabeth Barnes married in 1827, after completing their indenture with AAC. They moved around - finally settling in the Paterson area. Richard and Elizabeth produced 12 children.
In the early 1850s Elizabeth converted to Mormonism. The Church of Jesus Christ of
the Latter-Day Saints were very active in the region. Converting many locals of the Hunter Valley, these families were enticed to travel to Utah in the USA.
Initially both Richard and Elizabeth with the 6 youngest children were to go to Utah, with the remaining to follow. But Richard failed to travel with Elizabeth. Family folklore presents several reasons why Richard missed the ship with Elizabeth and the 6 children.
Together with Richard, the 6 remaining Merchant children continued to contribute to their community in the Paterson region.
Wednesday 1st April - $500 Easter Egg Raffle
$1500 Prawn & Oyster Raffle
3rd April Good Friday – Club open 12.00 relaxing afternoon with JUST NATE (NO TAKEAWAYS) 4th April – Open from 9.00am Every Week at the Bowlo!!
WEDNESDAY SOCIAL BOWLS FROM 12.30
HAPPY HOUR WEDNESDAY 4.30 - 6.00
CHANGE OF DAY FOR TRIVIA STARTING BACK IN MARCH
Second Wednesday of the month
The Laughable Leigh Trivia Night from 6.30
Wednesday Night – Gift Voucher Raffles tickets on sale from 6.30 Friday Night – 10 Meat Tray Raffles, 1 Fruit & Veg Tray Members Draw
Sunday NightRaffles Tickets on sale 6.30 Drawn 7.00 Members Draw
Members Draw - if not won goes up $25.00 on Sunday night, must be here to WIN!
Like us on Facebook “Support your Club, It’s your club” Best In our town,
Today there are many descendants still in the area.
Perhaps you know if some of your family members sailed off to Utah?
AncestryDNA has been invaluable to researching, locating descendants of the 6 children that emigrated to Utah. It has been a great journey of discovery for family historians.
A Merchant Meet Up will be held in Paterson in February 2026 (see notices page 5). It will allow all to share and enlighten Merchant descendants what a hardy stock they come from! Their family roots are spread across the world – but are anchored in Paterson.
So, who exactly is Merchant Road named after – William Merchant. William was the eldest son of Richard and Elizabeth. In 1885 he purchased 237 acres on the southside of Martin Creek where Merchant Rd is today. You can learn more about his fascinating story in the book written by Denise Merchant Overton!
Any queries don’t hesitate to contact me –Sharan Fergie 0401 888 063.
CULTURE VULTURE
Greetings to Culture Vulture readers
Gresford Community Gallery and Culture Vulture wish everyone a great and creative New Year 2026.
Gresford Community Gallery updates
The gallery has many exciting and interesting events planned for this year. Our Exhibition 2026, official opening celebration will be held on the Sat 21 Feb 2-4pm. All welcome.
SKETCH CLUB DAYS 2026
The gallery hosts two Sketch Clubs each month in 2026. One Plein Air, visiting beautiful scenic locations in the Huner Valley, and Still Life/figurative held at the gallery. Everyone enjoys the creative, friendly atmosphere. Please join us at the next event, all welcome – beginners and professionals. Sketch clubs cost $10 & are hosted by Christine Pike. Enquiries: 0428 271 819 or gallerygresfordcommunity@gmail.com
STILL LIFE Wed 18 Feb, 1pm, held at gallery 12 Park St. East Gresford. Cost: $10. Inspiration artist - Tom Carment. Beginners guide to sketching starts 12noon. 1. Materials, line, & tone. Please bring own art equipment. Afternoon tea provided.
Terry Holdom coastal landscape
Robyn Werkhoven
PLEIN AIR Sun 22 Feb, 10am till 3pm– held at Tocal. Cost: $10. Inspirational Australian artistRoland Wakelin.
Please bring own art equipment. Afternoon tea provided. Please bring your own cup/ mug. Always good walking shoes, hat, sunscreen & water. Chair if needed.
KIDS CLUB Sun 8 Feb – Making POP-UP Cards.
Free Art Sunday for children at Gresford Community Gallery. On the third Sunday of the month between 10am and 2pm. Hosted by artist Dawn Thompson. During these hours children of primary school age accompanied by an adult will be able to use the art equipment supplied to create their own art. Our friendly Gallery helpers will be on hand to assist.
Please drop by to view an impressive collection of Hunter Valley artists’ work. The exhibition includes a great variety of quality art and craft, featuring painting, drawing, sculptures, ceramics, photography, fibre art, glass work, clothing and jewellery.
Four new amazing artists are exhibiting with the gallery – Chloe Hooper, Janelle Golman, Terry Holdom, Margot Broug and Roderick Stanger.
D4H Dozer
FEATURED GALLERY ARTIST: TERRY HOLDOM
New artist exhibiting with Gresford Community Gallery Terry Holdom is mainly self-taught but has attended painting sessions with the dynamic painter Pablo Tapia. Terry – “Art in all forms have consumed and conquered my heart as long as I can remember. From music to architecture to fine art to dance.”
Terry enjoys portraiture and landscape painting, working in oils and acrylics. He has been with the Portrait Painters Hunter group and exhibited in various Hunter Art Prizes.
RECENT NEWS:
Gresford Community Gallery congratulates artist and writer Gavin Fry for his prestigious awardOrder of Australia 2026, for his service to the Arts. Gavin exhibits at our gallery and regularly holds informative and interesting talks on the Arts.
Also another big congratulations to local artist Helene Leane who was honoured to receive the inaugural Arts and Culture Award from Dungog Shire Council 2026. Helene exhibits with Gresford Community Gallery.
The Gallery has Face Book and Instagram pages which will give regular news and updates of the Gallery’s forthcoming exhibitions, workshops and features on the artists.
Please Like and follow our pages Link: https://www. facebook.com/profile. php?id=61555506220944 https://www.instagram.com/ gresford_community_gallery/
If you live in the district near Gresford and would like to volunteer at the gallery, meet the artists and immerse yourself in the arts contact the gallery.
Contact with Art News for Culture Vulture or enquiries about Gresford Community Gallery: Robyn Werkhoven Ph: 0417 686 816 Email: werkhovenr@bigpond.com
Top: Tom Carment 'Singer typewriter in Don's shed, Perth' Right: Roland Wakelin 'Afternoon, Carlingford'
Bowlo News – Triples Champions Crowned!
Well it happened! Last October I predicted that Mick Kealy could take another title or two and so it came to pass.
The occasion was the triples final where the finalists had to front up in the afternoon having played the semis in the morning. A long day indeed.
The finals protagonists were Mick Kealy, Tom Hojer and Cliff Dunford against Danny Ross, Dylan O’Sullivan and Tom Everett. The men on the left came out on top.
Cliff and Mick proved to be a formidable combination again very well supported by Tom H. Well done guys. (This report is somewhat dated but better late than never!)
The green was taken down for renovation on Saturday the 15th of November with a crew of enthusiastic members volunteering their Saturday morning to shovel and load scarified grass. Mick, Danny and Pup taking a breather between loads. And the result as of 21 January, a beautifully restored green smooth as silk. A big shout out to Bev Crouch for his dedication to the task and those that cheerfully helped out.
Peter Dreyer
Triples – Mick Kealy, Tom Hojer and Cliff Dunford against Danny Ross, Dylan O’Sullivan and Tom Everett
What's On the Shelves?
by Glenda Smith
The Maltese Falcon Dashiel Hammet
Hammet’s private eye, Sam Spade, is considered to be the first hard-boiled detective, and this novel the forerunner of crime noir. Spade is an unreconstructed hard case, with a soft spot for women that he never allows to influence him unduly. He has a ruthless kind of morality that is divorced from conventional expectations, and walks a fine line between right and wrong.
The Maltese Falcon itself is a heavily bejewelled and very valuable statuette that is lusted after by warring factions. Spade becomes involved in attempting to recover it when a beautiful woman walks into his office in the time-honoured way, but she brings her own complications. Spade’s partner Miles Archer is murdered on the first night of surveillance which sets the tone of conspiracy in this complex mystery.
The dialogue is blunt and entertaining and the narrative has many twists and turns, which add to the intrigue. Spade is not a sympathetic character, but his run-ins with both sides of the law bring the reader firmly onto his side. This book is worth reading for its shock value; dry humour and spare writing.
All books reviewed are in the CWA library–see separate shelf so they are easy to find. Find reviews in a folder. Also visit our street library.
COME
DRIVE
Linq Buslines is looking for bus drivers to join our Gresford Team.
As a Linq Buslines member you will be operating our vehicles to transport passengers including school children on specified routes including school and charter services with the highest of safety and service.
Minimum MR licence, NSW Driver Authority and Working with Children Clearance (or the ability to obtain).
We are looking for people who have:
• Good communication skills
• Good driving history
• Good customer services and dealing with people
• Happy to work a flexible roster including broken shifts
For further information or to apply please contact us on 0249 389 394 or email info@linqbuslines.com.au
Dungog Shire celebrates outstanding locals
Dungog Shire Council proudly recognised a remarkable group of locals at the 2026 Australia Day Awards, honouring those who strengthen our Shire through volunteering, leadership, sports, environmental efforts, and community spirit.
This year’s Citizen of the Year Award was jointly given to Gillian Finch and Annette Ellicott, two well-known and highly respected community members whose decades of service have supported local charities, strengthened volunteer organisations, and ensured help was always available when it was most needed.
Clarence Town local Gillian Finch has been a founding member of the Clarence Town Opportunity Shop team since 1997 and, even at 87 years old, continues to lead by example with her weekly hands-on work behind the scenes - from preparing rosters and sorting donations to helping distribute items for people in need. Gillian’s kindness and consistency have helped ensure the Op Shop remains a welcoming and reliable place of support for the Clarence Town community and beyond.
Annette Ellicott has also devoted her life to caring for others, with a long history of service through Paterson Meals on Wheels
and the Australian Red Cross, including decades of fundraising support, coordination, and service delivery. Her leadership and dedication to community wellbeing have helped strengthen the volunteer networks that many residents depend on year-round.
Together, Gillian and Annette represent the very best of Dungog Shire - communityfocused, generous, and always willing to lend a hand.
Award recipients across all categories recognised at the 2026 Australia Day Awards were:
Citizen Of The Year:
Gillian Finch and Annette Ellicott
Young Citizen Of The Year:
Isla Briggs
Volunteer Service To The Community Award:
Vicki Lee Rumbel
Environmental Citizen Of The Year:
Simon Brownbridge and Louise Boothroyd
Senior Sportsperson Of The Year:
Shelby Lee Wintle
Junior Sportsperson Of The Year:
Shea Egan and Reid Townsend
Arts & Culture Award:
Helene Lene
Mayor of Dungog Shire Council, Digby Rayward, said the awards highlight the people who quietly and consistently give their time, talent, and energy to others, often without any expectation of recognition.
“One of the best things about living in the Dungog Shire is the way people show up for each other - whether that’s volunteering behind the scenes, leading local clubs and groups, mentoring young people, or simply stepping in when someone needs help.
This year’s nominees and recipients are a wonderful reflection of that community spirit. On behalf of Council, I congratulate every nominee and thank them for the positive impact they make, not just on Australia Day, but all year round.”
The Australia Day Ceremony was also honoured by the presence of Australia Day Ambassador Viv Kartsounis, founder of the charity Shoes for Planet Earth. Originally from South Africa, Viv is a long-time runner and community changemaker who established the charity to collect and distribute sports shoes to people in need. Through her leadership, Shoes for Planet Earth has transformed tens of thousands of lives by providing footwear to vulnerable and disadvantaged groups.
KERBSIDE BULKY WASTE & SCRAP METAL CLEAN-UP
2 February 2026 – 6 March 2026
Dungog Shire Council is providing a Bulky Waste & Scrap Metal Clean-Up for all residential properties currently receiving a weekly waste collection.
Collections will start on Monday 2 February. Please take note of the new schedule with the week allocated based on your weekly waste bin collection day. Residents are requested to only put their waste out the weekend before their collection week.
Week 1: If your General Waste Bin Collection Day is Monday – Place items out: Sunday 1 February (for collection Monday 2—Friday 6 February). Vacy, Gresford, East Gresford, Lostock and back (including common collection points)
Week 2: If your General Waste Bin Collection Day is Tuesday – Place items out: Sunday 8 February (for collection Monday 9 — Friday 13 February). Paterson, Martins Creek and Dungog Roads (including common collection points)
Items for collection should be placed at the location of your regular waste collection.
Waste material deposited in any other location will be considered to be illegally dumped and action may be taken against persons responsible.
NOTE: Collections will only consist of a single pickup per property for bulky waste and a separate single pickup for metal. Waste or metal placed after your allocated week will not be collected. Collection vehicles record the date and time of each pickup.
Collections may occur at any time during the allocated time period
The volume of waste collected from any one property shall not exceed two cubic metres (the size of a standard 7 x 4 box trailer)
Bulky waste includes larger items of household waste
Acceptable items are:
• Household appliances and whitegoods (all doors must be removed)
• Furniture, painted wooden items & fittings
• Pottery, ceramics and chinaware
• Tools, scrap metal, empty tins (lids off) and drums. (Sorted separate to other waste)
• Other bulky household items
• Items must be able to be handled by two people
• Loose items must be bundled or contained
• Wire must be rolled and tied securely
These items will NOT be collected:
• Mattresses
• Building and demolition materials, concrete, bricks, tiles, fencing and plumbing fixtures
• Trade, industrial and shop waste
• Motor vehicles, engines, car parts, batteries and tyres
• Commercial and hazardous waste including asbestos, insulation batts and fibro
• Gas bottles and fire extinguishers
• Fuels, oils, paint and vessels or machinery containing liquids eg. mowers, oil heaters etc.
• Cement bags and large carpet rolls
• Windows or sliding doors that contain glass, glass table tops and broken glass.
• Green Waste including tree roots and branches
• Small loose items will not be accepted
• Material suitable for placement in the resident’s MGBs - food scraps, recyclable material, household garbage.
• Fencing in large quantities and wire that is not rolled and tied securely
• Lengths of material longer than 1.8m (excluding lounges etc.)
• Hot water systems larger than 260 litres
All Enquiries to: JR RICHARDS & SONS ~ 1300 343 507
Happy New Year to all & hope that you enjoyed the Holiday season. With help from everyone, 75 large hampers were given out to the needy in the Telarah/Rutherford/Maitland area. A reminder to everyone that we need to support our neighbours. A really big heartfelt thank you to you all.
It is hard to get back into the “swing of things”, but here are a few dates for you all. • Bible study starts again on Thurs 5 Feb at Vacy Cafe commencing at 9.30am with chat & coffee to start. Everyone most welcome. • Paul O’Keefe’s next service at St. Paul’s is on Sun 8 Feb at 8.30am. Paul’s topic is “A Christian response to the Bondi beach tragedy“. Come & listen to Paul and perhaps ask some questions. • Fr. Peter’s Men’s breakfast is on Sat 14 Feb in St. Paul’s hall commencing at 8am. All men welcome. • Ash Wednesday service is on at St. Paul’s Paterson at 6.30pm on Wed 18 Feb
If you or anyone you know ne eds support, please contact Rev. Mary on 0418 611 778 or Beverley on 4938 5223.
Service times for Februay: 1, 8, 15, 22 St. Paul’s Paterson 8.30am & St. Anne’s Gresford 10.30am.
Stay safe, look after each other. Blessings Beverley
Gresford
Congregational Church
30 Durham Rd Gresford
Services Each Sunday 10.30am ALL WELCOME
Catholic Parish of Gresford
Mass at St. Helen's, East Gresford
Saturday – 5:30 pm (except 2nd Sat. of month)
Thursday – 9.30am
Mass at Sacred Heart, Summer Hill
Sunday – 11:30 am (2nd Sunday of month)
All enquiries to Fr. Andrew Doohan, Parish Priest, on 4992 1477 or dungog.parish@mn.catholic.org.au
Gresford News February Crossword
Crossword kindly provided by Russel Jessop.
Gresford Meat Co., a newly established butcher shop in East Gresford, is proud to bring premium, locally sourced meats to the community. Under new local ownership, the store is committed to delivering the finest locally grown beef and a variety of quality meats and produce. The owners of Gresford Meat Co. have deep roots in the Gresford area, and strong ties within the
Mon-Fri: 8am-5:30pm Saturday: 8am-1pm
community. Their Angus beef is sourced from local producer Glenroy Cattle Co., ensuring that customers receive the freshest and most flavorful meats available. Visit Gresford Meat Co. today to experience the best in local butchery and support a business that truly values its community connections.
