Gresford News March 2026

$2.50

March 2026

News of the communities of the Paterson and Allyn River Valleys

Gresford Arboretum book

The recent launch of a new book celebrating the Gresford Arboretum marks a special milestone — 10 years of community action that has transformed a shared vision into an incredible local asset. The 20-page book captures the story, spirit & steady dedication that brought this remarkable space to life. With key flora species showcasing our local rainforest gullies, its sculptures, murals, children’s play area & shelter complete with BBQ facilities, the Arboretum is a welcoming place for families, visitors & nature lovers alike — a true testament to what community spirit can achieve. Copies are available at the Gresford Community Gallery.

Mon 2 Mar

Mon 9 Mar

Wed 4 Mar

Thurs 5 Mar

The Gresford News Community Diary

Gresford & District Community Group Meeting, 6.30pm

Gresford District Landcare Group Meeting, 5.30pm – email Penny Kater for details pennykater@gmail.com

Laughable Leigh Trivia Night, Gresford Bowls Sport & Recreation Club, 6.30pm

Sketch Club – Still Life, Gresford Community Gallery, 1pm, Contact Christine Pike 0428 271 819

Sun 8 Mar Local history talk on book 'Gresford to Carrabolla' by historian Dr Brian Walsh, Gresford School of Arts, 2pm

Fri-Sat 13 & 14 Mar 94th Annual Gresford Show

Fri 13 Mar Jasmine Sparkes Band feat. Adam Wilton – Live music, Hotel Beatty, 8–late

Fri-Sat 13 & 14 Mar Sketch Club – En PLEIN AIR, Gresford Show, 11 –3pm, Contact Christine Pike 0428 271 819

Sat 14 Mar T.N.R. Band – Live music on the deck, Hotel Beatty, 2-6pm

Sat 14 Mar No Gresford Boo k Club due to the Show

Sun 15 Mar Kids Club – Easter craft theme, Gresford Community Gallery, 2-4pm

Tues 17 Mar

Gresford School of Arts AGM, main hall, 7pm

Fri 20 Mar CWA Craft Morning, CWA Hall, 9–12

Fri 3 Apr Just Nate, Gresford Bowls Sport & Recreation Club, 4pm

Sat 4 Apr Gresford Billy Cart Derby

Sat 11 Apr Gresford Book Club, CWA Hall, 2–4

Sat 25 Apr Gresford & Paterson – see notice on page 5 for details

Sun 26 Apr Live music, Gresford Bowls Sport & Recreation Club, 4pm

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

1st Wed each month Laughable Leigh Trivia Night, Gresford Bowls Sport & Recreation Club, 6.30pm

2nd Mon each month

Gresford District Landcare Group Meeting, 5pm (not Jan), contact Penny Kater for details 0488 371 589

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

PUT YOUR EVENT IN THE COMMUNITY DIARY:

Contact Gresford News: email gresfordnews@iinet.net.au • Brian Doherty 0412 372 687 • Jane Richens 0425 339 856 has always been created by the community for the community. The content is provided by individuals and community organisations to keep the community informed about activities in the area. Your contributions are always welcome! Deadline for stories & ads 20th of the month. For text – Word format preferred. For pictures – .jpg format preferred (not in word).

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Gresford News Notices

94th Annual Gresford Show

Fri & Sat 13 & 14 Mar 11-3pm

Visit www.gresfordshow.com.au/showprogram to get the details, dates and entry forms to get your contributions ready.

Thurs 12 March: Art Show Opening Night & Young Woman Judging.

Fri 13 March:

Full day of Campdrafting • Livestock –local commercial cattle competition, cattle, goats, poultry • Pavilions with sewing, cooking, flowers, arts, and crafts, fruit, vegetables & photography

Sat 14 March: Main Day

Ute show, pet parade, dog camp drafting, tug of war, post splitting, mixed dog races & best-dressed child's dog, ag bikes, & of course, not to be missed is the Grand Parade. There will be fireworks on Saturday night followed by a live band until late.

Special this year: BISON, HORSES & HOUNDS – talented duo from Rooftop Express, Dave Manchon & Kendal Neilson

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.

Gresford Show Double Header !! @ Hotel Beatty

Fri 13 Mar, 8–late Jasmine Sparkes Band feat. Adam Wilton

Sat 14 Mar, 2–6pm

T.N.R. Band on the deck

Local history talk

'Gresford to Carrabolla – People & Places'

Sun 8 Mar 2pm,

Gresford School of Arts

Gresford District Historical Society invites the community to a special afternoon of local history with respected local historian and author Dr Brian Walsh.

Brian will present a 30-minute illustrated talk followed by questions and an opportunity for informal discussion.

A light afternoon tea will be provided.

Gresford & District Community Group Meeting • Mon 2 Mar 6.30pm Hotel Beatty

Creative activities at the Gresford Community Gallery

• Gavin Fry talk

'From Silhouette to SelfieSeeing ourselves over two centuries' March date to be advised - visit the Facebook page for details

• Sketch Club–Still Life Thurs 5 Mar 1pm

• Sketch Club–En PLEIN AIR

– Gresford Show Fri & Sat 13 & 14 Mar 11-3pm

• Kids Club – Easter craft theme Sun 15 Mar 10-2pm

Gresford Billy Cart Derby Sat 4 Apr Get ready for all the action....

Invitation to commemorate ANZAC Day

The Gresford RSL Sub Branch will conduct a Dawn Service at Paterson and a Commemoration Service at Gresford. We invite all residents to participate in the March and Service, providing an opportunity to remember their family members and friends who have served their country in all theatres of operation and paying homage to those who did not return.

The Paterson Rotary Club will assist in preparation and assistance with lighting and audio at the Paterson Cenotaph as they have done for many years for the Dawn Service.

The 234th Army Cadet Unit will provide a Catafalque Party for the Paterson Dawn Service and Royal Australian Air Force Williamtown will provide a Catafalque Party at the Gresford Commemoration. The schools of Paterson, Gresford, Vacy and Martins creek will be supporting the local services.

ANZAC Day Commemoration Services, Marches have always been very well supported by the Community Groups, local schools, Rural Fire Brigades and the local Police.

PATERSON DAWN SERVICE

March Start Location: Stockers & Partridge Garage, Paterson • Relatives of departed Veterans are encouraged to march

wearing the Veterans medals on the right breast. • Form Parade: 5:25am Stockers & Partridge Garage, Paterson • Parade Step off: 5:30am proceeding to Paterson Cenotaph for the Dawn Service. • Paterson Cenotaph: 5:30am await the arrival of the Parade then Dawn Service. • Following Service: Veterans and all attendees are invited to the Paterson Tavern for a traditional mince on toast breakfast (Gold Coin donation) and refreshments.

GRESFORD ANZAC DAY MARCH

March Start Location: Gresford Garage & Rural; Durham Road. • Relatives of departed Veterans are encouraged to march wearing the Veterans medals on the right breast. • Form Parade: 10:25am Gresford Garage & Rural • Parade Step off: 10:30am proceeding down Durham Road and Park Street to the Gresford Cenotaph for the Commemoration Service. • Gresford Cenotaph: 10:30am await the arrival of the Parade then Commemoration Service. • Following Service: Veterans and all attendees are invited to the Gresford Bowling Club for the traditional ANZAC DAY activities. Lunch is available to purchase.

For further info/assistance contact Sub Branch Secretary, Glenn Wall on 0428 389 462.

The NSW Government has programs to assist with cost of living expenses. Book a free appointment with a Savings Finder specialist call 13 77 88 or visit your local Service Centre. Check the Service NSW Savings Finder: www.service.nsw.gov.au/campaign/savings-finder

the latest fuel prices go to Fuel Check: www.fuelcheck.nsw.gov.au/app

Get ready... Gresford Billy Cart Derby

The 24th Gresford Billy Cart Derby is locked in for Easter Saturday, 4 April 2026, and we’re gearing up for another huge day of racing, laughs, and full-throttle community spirit.

Last year was an absolute standout, great crowd, incredible racers, next-level cart builds, and generous sponsors who helped make the whole thing shine. And the weather? Couldn’t have ordered it better.

Now it’s time to do it all again! Start building, start planning, and get ready to line the streets for the most iconic Easter Saturday event in the Valley. From trackside fun to the market stalls, vintage car displays, Pony Pat Lotto and Gumboot Toss and live music at the Beatty Hotel – the derby brings all the family fun right here to Gresford.

Lex Ineson 0423 6711 75 or email gresfordbillycartderby@gmail.com. Stallholders are also welcome to inquire about available spaces!

We’re still open to more sponsors coming on board! We have packages on offer promising to fully promote your business –donations of all kinds are welcome – from raffle prizes to goods in kind or financial support towards covering the cost of the day. If you are interested please contact

All funds are kept within our community. Last year more than $15,000 was invested back into local community groups including supporting a local youth trip to Kokoda Track!

This year the majority of our funds will go to supporting Gresford School P&C to help fund a STEAM teacher to provide valuable science and

technology lessons to our youngest minds! This is an incredibly valuable resource and one we are thrilled to back – and we have plenty of sponsors keen to get involved to make this a reality for our small school.

All of our entry details including the 2026 cart specifications are now on our website: gresfordbillycartderby. wordpress.com

This year we have a new online entry form that can help save you time on race morning! Jump online, check it out – and get into the shed and start preparing those carts!!

Sponsorship drive - Paterson River Pony Club

Paterson River Pony Club has a huge year ahead with our Zone Sport and Campdraft and Interclub weekends as well as hosting the NSW State Campdraft, Challenge and Sporting finals in April – all on top of our regular rally and ribbon days.

Our club is entirely volunteer run and is a testament to the commitment of local families and helpers behind the scenes. Did you know we were even NSW Pony Club of the year in 2022!!

With so many events coming up, we are doing a sponsorship drive to help to cover the costs of our prizes, judges and new equipment we need to purchase to hold zone and state level events.

If you could support our wonderful families and young riders by offering a sponsorship package or even prizes or goods in kind, we would love to hear from you!

In return we will promote your business on our social media, in our weekend programs and provide lots of shout outs across our events! Trade stalls are also welcome at our larger events. We have sponsorship packages ranging from goods in kind, to cash donations of $150-$500. Contact Penny Evans on 0437 604 206 or email patersonriverpc@outlook.com for more information!

Visitors are always welcome to drop by our events and see the amazing horse and rider combinations in action – our club prides itself on offering a variety of activities to members throughout the year, plus our canteen is renowned for our quality local steak sandwiches thanks to the legendary Mrs Sue Dillon, and always having a great selection of treats!!

To learn more about our club and upcoming activities – check us out on Facebook.

Local nominated for Women Who Changed the World Awards

Kristen Nicol of Allynview Farm has been nominated for the Women Who Changed the World Awards for leading grass-fed paddock-to-plate model. The Awards provide a global platform that recognises women creating meaningful change across industries around the world. The nomination highlights the work being done locally to rethink how food is grown, raised and shared.

While the recognition carries Kristen’s name, she is quick to share it. “This reflects the work Ben and I do together, the support of Ben’s parents who entrusted us with the land, and the families who engage with us each week,” she says. “What we’ve built at Allynview is something our whole community is part of.”

Six years ago, the Nicol family committed to producing 100% grass-fed and grassfinished beef, meaning their cattle eat pasture for their entire lives. Unlike many systems where cattle are grain-finished in their final months, Allynview remains fully pasture-based from start to finish.

The farm combines regenerative grazing practices, low-stress stock handling, and cattle raised without added hormones or routine antibiotics. The focus is on restoring

encouraged to ask questions, and shown exactly how their beef is raised and managed from paddock to plate. By operating a full paddock-to-plate system and selling nose-to-tail, Allynview keeps food connected to place and strengthens trust in how it is produced.

Each weekend at the Newcastle Farmers Market, their grass-fed and grass-finished beef regularly sells out. Subscription boxes are delivered across the region, helping local families access fully traceable, pasture-raised beef.

soil health, supporting animal welfare and producing food families can trust.

Rebuilding soil after decades of conventional farming has taken patience. Improvements in pasture diversity, ground cover and water retention are becoming visible, but Kristen emphasises that regeneration is a long-term commitment. “Restoring land takes time. We’re proud of how far we’ve come, but we’re committed to doing this properly.”

Transparency sits at the heart of the model. Customers are invited onto the property,

Beyond the markets, Allynview also hosts agritourism events, including fully local food long-table lunches and on-farm experiences, bringing visitors into the region who actively support local food. These events welcome guests to walk the paddocks, meet the cattle and gain a deeper understanding of where their food comes from.

For Kristen, the nomination is not just personal recognition it acknowledges that agriculture can sit at the forefront of climate, human health and trust. While the platform may be global, the work remains firmly grounded in local soil, reflecting what can happen when a community backs a different way of farming.

Street Library and Indoor Library – the street library (or book box) is in the process of being revamped with some repairs and fresh paint. It is pleasing to see that borrowers have left greetings in the journal inside as recently as 26/1/26. An extra allocation of children’s books has been added. If members of the community want to access the more extensive library inside they are welcome to come when the hall is in use. Such times are generally:-

CWA NEWS

change in some circumstances. If in doubt ring Secretary Glenda Smith on 0400 108 079 or 49389456.

• First and third Mondays of the month when French is in operation. (Best times are: 9:30 – 10:00 and 11:30 – 12:00 either side of the French meeting.)

• During Book Club on the second Saturday of the month between 3:00 – 4:30.

• During our Craft Mornings on the third Friday of the month from 9:00 – 12:00.

• Before the monthly CWA Meeting on the first Saturday of the month between 2:00-2:30. Please keep in mind that these times can

Craft Morning – the first Craft Morning of the year was held on 20th Februrary, with the resumption of friendly chat, clever craft, a delicious morning tea and a door prize. Everyone is welcome to join us from 9-12 on the third Friday of the month. The next gathering will be on 20th March. Members $5 and non-members $3.

Book Club – we met for the first time this year on 14th February at 3pm as usual. To follow up James by Percival Everett, which challenged the prevailing view of

slavery at the time of writing The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, we discussed the original, which was an interesting exercise in contrast and comparison. This book will be reviewed in the What’s On the Shelves? column. There will be no book club in March because of the Show. Our book for April is a Jimmy Perez murder mystery by Anne Cleeves – The Killing Stones. New members are always welcome. Book Club is an activity run in association with the CWA as a cultural activity, but membership is not required, so men are also welcome.

Gresford Show – the Gresford Branch of the CWA is gearing up once again to offer morning and afternoon teas and lunches at the Gresford Show on 13th and 14th March. Our catering officer, Amorelle Dempster, will be in charge as usual, with a menu of light lunches, scones with jam and cream and other delicacies. We welcome you all to partake of our offerings in the airconditioned comfort of the dining room.

EARTHMOVING CONTRACTOR

What's On the Shelves?

by Glenda Smith

The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn – Mark Twain

Twain has been called the father of American literature, and this book ‘the great American novel.’ While neither of these descriptions is definitive, they would be endorsed by a great many people. Huck’s adventures followed those of Tom Sawyer in publication, and while Tom intrudes into this novel, and gives it a very Tom Sawyerish twist, the maturing perspective of Huck gives this book a greater depth.

Huck travels down the Mississippi on a raft with Jim, the escaped slave, who was rewritten in Percival Everett’s James to be a much more sophisticated character. Huck has faked his own death and is fleeing the abuse of his alcoholic father, while Jim is escaping from being sold down the river by his owner. Huck is in a compromised position according to the morality of the time, committing a crime against the law and his community by abetting a slave. This situation allows Twain to dissect the inhumanity of slavery, but not in as dark a way as Everett did in James, which was brutal at times.

Twain intersperses their life on the raft, which is variously idyllic and dangerous, with vignettes of Southern life – con men; temperance festivals; family feuds and daily life – but their experiences of the river itself are enchanting, and show the resilience and knowledge of Huck and Jim. Huck’s ignorance and superstitiousness are balanced by his innocence and innate goodness. He is a timeless and entertaining character.

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.

Gresford School of Arts Hall needs new Committee Members !

At the last meeting, the Gresford School of Arts Committee discussed the need for new members and the benefits of having new people to be nominated at the next AGM for executive positions (eg President, Secretary or Treasurer). Many of the people currently in the Executive positions will not be standing for re-election due to no longer living within the Dungog Shire, for health reasons, etc.

The Gresford School of Arts Management Committee is a Section 355 Committee of Dungog Shire Council. The membership and executive positions are Gresford and surrounds residents nominated at the AGM. Having local representatives has been why we have such a great facility being maintained and improved, flexibility of use, reasonable hire fees, etc.

The Committee roles are not very onerous but very important. The current committee members will still be available to assist any new executives as will Dungog Shire Council.

* Please note that if there are no new nominations for the committee and the executive positions then Dungog Shire Council will be forced to take direct control of the facility. This will result in substantial procedural changes to the use and hire of facilities for our community. It is very important that this facility is maintained for the benefit of Gresford.

The Gresford School of Arts Annual General Meeting will be held 7pm Tuesday 17th March 2026 in the main hall.

Gresford needs you to support our School of Arts! Come to the meeting.

Kel Merriman, Secretary, Gresford School of Arts Committee

EXTRA INCOME AND STILL HAVE 3 MONTHS OFF A YEAR?

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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

CULTURE VULTURE

Greetings to Culture Vulture readers •

The gallery started the year with the opening celebration of EXHIBITION 2026, everyone enjoyed the friendly atmosphere, and fabulous art. The Gallery also hosted the launch of a booklet about the Arboretum which is next to the gallery and a lovely visitors park. Well worth a visit! The book is available at the gallery. 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, jewellery and Stained Glass/lead light work. Gallery hours - Weekends 10am-4pm.

The Gallery has many more exciting and interesting events planned for this year. Gavin Fry is a writer, artist and museum professional with fifty years’ experience working in curatorial and management positions in Australian museums, galleries and educational institutions. He is the author of twenty-five books on Australian art and history. It has been a pleasure for the gallery to host Gavin’s interesting and informative talks in 2025. His next talk in March - From Silhouette to Selfie - Seeing

Robyn Werkhoven

ourselves over two centuries. Refreshments/afternoon tea served. Follow our Facebook page for the date of this event & the dates of other events.

SKETCH CLUB DAYS 2026 The gallery hosts two Sketch Clubs in 2026 each month.

STILL LIFE held at gallery 12 Park St. East Gresford. Thurs 5 Mar, 1–4pm. Hosted by artist Christine Pike. Inspiration

Australian artist Tsering Hannaford. Beginners guide to sketching starts 12 noon. – Volume and line. Please bring own art equipment. Afternoon tea provided. Cost: $10

SKETCH CLUB MARCH EN PLEIN AIR Gresford Show 13th & 14th March 2026

Hosted by artist Christine Pike This month’s sketch club is a challenge. I'll

be at the show from 11 am to 3.30 pm on both days wondering around for anyone needing help. You can look up the show timetable on each day before deciding. Inspirational Australian artist – Lucy Culliton. Check out Lucy’s exhibition “The Show” at Maitland Regional Art Gallery. Bring your own art materials/ equipment, sunscreen, good walking shoes, hat, water, chair & lunch if needed. Cost:

Show gate charges. Enquiries: Christine 0428 271 819 or gallerygresfordcommunity@gmail.com

KIDS CLUB

Free Art Sunday for children at Gresford Community Gallery. On the third Sunday of the month between 10am and 2pm. Next art day is Sun 15 Mar – Easter Craft theme. Hosted by artist Dawn Thompson 0428 924 800. 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.

FEATURED GALLERY ARTIST:

CHLOE HOOPER

New artist exhibiting with Gresford Community Gallery. Chloe Hooper is a Maitland-based Artist, with four years of study in visual arts through a Diploma, Advanced Diploma, and a Bachelor of Creative Practice from Newcastle Art School, Hunter St TAFE, NSW.

Chloe is a young Surrealist artist, arising star in the Newcastle art scene. Working primarily in Acrylic and watercolour painting, Chloe plays with soft-blending techniques to create delicate, and personal works with a surreal energy in them. Her practice is inspired by the study of dreams, surrealism, emotional psychology, and the natural world, influenced by artists such as Frida Kahlo, Salvador Dalí, René Magritte, and Wendy Sharpe.

Chloe has shown her work in the past through Newcastle Art Space, The Creator Incubator,

Lake Mac Yapang, Wattspace Gallery, Maitland Regional Art Gallery, SH Ervin Gallery Café in Sydney and John Hunter Hospital for Arts for Health.

Chloe has further developed her artistic practice through painting workshops with Famous Australian Artists, Wendy Sharpe and Bernard Ollis, and also passionately contributes to volunteering at her local Maitland Regional Art Gallery monthly.

Visit the Gallery Facebook & Instagram pages for regular news, updates of upcoming exhibitions, workshops & features on the artists.

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 please contact the gallery.

Art News contact or enquiries about Gresford Community Gallery: Robyn Werkhoven: 0417 686 816 or werkhovenr@bigpond.com

Gresford District Landcare Group

Gresford Landcare had its first meeting for the year at the property of Chris & Marianne Thornton at Summerhill. After some much needed rain in the morning, the day cleared to a beautiful, fine summer evening where we could enjoy the views over theirs and adjoining properties. The theme of the meeting was how planning can lead to improved management processes and a review of farms in 2025.

Chris and Marianne have had their property for about 5 years. They have previously farmed in the Hawkesbury area and quickly discovered the challenges of the soils in this area.

Chris spoke about how they have adopted a regenerative style of grazing, breaking the

property into a number of smaller paddocks where they rotate their cattle at regular intervals. Over the last 12 months, when we had a big wet followed by a very hot, dry summer, he reduced cattle numbers and is quite pleased with how the pastures have coped.

Julia then invited members to tell how their properties had fared in the 2025 challenging conditions. There was an overwhelming chorus of how pastures have not recovered well after the big wet, in that grasses are not growing as quickly as expected in the warmer months. It was also mentioned that native grasses seem to have been able to cope better in the extreme conditions, providing good ground cover in challenging circumstances.

PO Box 36 Branxton NSW 2335 Office: 0427 383 388

Email: Admin@HunterSL com au HUNTERSL COM AU

Connecting People, Property & Livestock

At Hunter Stock & Land, we are proud to support our clients with a full suite of professional services across property and livestock Our experienced team is committed to delivering practical advice, strong market knowledge, and dependable results

Our services include:

Rural & Residential Property Sales – Expert guidance to help you buy or sell with confidence

Weekly Prime Sales at HRLX Singleton – Every Wednesday, providing a trusted and consistent marketplace

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Clearing Sales – End-to-end assistance to plan, manage and conduct successful clearings

Livestock Management – Tailored support designed to enhance productivity and performance

�� Feature Weaner Sale – 27 March at HRLX Singleton

Our first feature weaner sale of the season will be held on Thursday, 27 March

Contact the Hunter Stock & Land team for bookings and enquiries

With hands-on service and a genuine understanding of rural industries, Hunter Stock & Land looks forward to supporting you throughout the 2026 season

The meeting was followed by a light meal, enjoyed in a beautiful setting.

The next meeting will be held on Monday 9th March, 2026.

RICHARD WELLS UPHOLSTERY

Local history talk with local historian Dr Brian Walsh

Hosted by the Gresford District Historical Society

The Gresford District Historical Society warmly invites members and the wider community to a special afternoon of local history with respected local historian and author Dr Brian Walsh.

Brian will present a 30-minute illustrated talk on his book Gresford to Carrabolla published by the Paterson Historical Society, and will also share insights from his research and writing on his next bookthe Gresford to Upper Allyn district. The presentation will be followed by questions and an opportunity for informal discussion.

• Date: Sunday 8 March 2026

• Time: 2 – 4 pm

• Venue: School of Arts Hall, East Gresford

A light afternoon tea will be provided.

Books relating to the Gresford district and surrounding areas will be available for purchase on the day, including titles from the Paterson Historical Society.

This event has been organised by the Gresford District Historical Society as an opportunity to celebrate and promote our

rich local history and to showcase the Society’s ongoing work in the community. All welcome.

For enquiries please contact Ivan Skaines, Secretary, Gresford District Historical Society on 0428 258 464 or gresforddistricthistoricalsoc@outlook.com

Dungog Shire Council News

Some highlights from Dungog Shire

Council Ordinary Meeting on Wednesday 18 February 2026:

Dungog Council's submission to NSW Government's ‘a new approach to strategic planning’: discussion paper

Council has endorsed a submission to the NSW Government in response to the Discussion Paper ‘A New Approach to Strategic Planning’, which proposes a revised three-tier planning framework and new regional planning boundaries that would move Dungog Shire from the Hunter region into a broader Regional NSW classification.

While Council broadly supports the intent to simplify and better align strategic land use planning with infrastructure delivery, Council is strongly opposed to the removal of Dungog Shire from the Hunter region classification. Council considers that effective regional planning must reflect genuine functional relationships, including shared infrastructure systems, labour markets and environmental assets, all of which the Dungog Shire currently shares with its Hunter Joint Organisation council partners.

Dungog Shire plays a critical role in the Lower Hunter’s drinking water supply,

contributing approximately 65% of the region’s water. Council is concerned that reclassification into a single Regional NSW plan would weaken coordinated planning for these interdependent systems and undermine regional water security outcomes.

The submission supports retaining existing Hunter regional boundaries and strengthening governance arrangements through Joint Organisations to ensure coordinated infrastructure, land use and environmental planning across functionally connected areas.

Gresford bridge update

Council has received an updated report on the New Gresford Bridge project, funded under the State government’s Betterment Program to replace the existing Gresford Suspension Bridge.

Following further investigations and stakeholder consultation, the downstream alignment (Option 3) has been confirmed as the preferred option. This alignment avoids private land acquisition, reduces environmental impacts, improves construction staging and traffic management, and minimises impacts on adjoining properties.

Council is continuing discussions with the

Reconstruction Authority regarding potential funding for separate riverbank stabilisation and flood mitigation works.

It is recommended that Council proceed to advertise the bridge construction tender in Q1 2026, with construction anticipated to commence in Q3–Q4 2026, subject to funding confirmation and final approvals.

Annual Financial Statements 2024–25

Council has received the Financial Statements for the year ended 30 June 2025, with the NSW Audit Office confirming the statements present a fair view of Council’s financial position and performance.

While the audit outcome is positive, key financial indicators reflect ongoing operating deficits, reduced liquidity and limited revenue flexibility. Council continues to rely heavily on external funding, with several performance ratios below benchmark.

These results highlight the importance of continued prudent financial management and reinforce the need for sustained government funding to support Council’s long-term financial sustainability and its capacity to deliver essential services and infrastructure to the community.

Thanks to all who supported the ‘Back to school’ & food drives for the outreach at Telarah/Rutherford Church. Every donation has been greatly appreciated. • World Day of Prayer St. Helen’s Catholic Church, Gresford Fri 6 Mar 11am. Lunch to follow. The country we are learning about this year is Nigeria. Come along & learn more about this country & its people. • Sun 8 Mar Paul O’Keefe will be at St. Paul’s & his topic is ‘What are we doing, for God’s sake!’ Come along & listen & perhaps join in the discussions. • Gresford Men’s Breakfast Twin Rivers Cafe, Gresford 21 Mar 8.15am. Come along & bring a friend. • Bible study Thurs, Vacy Cafe 9.30am with coffee & chat to start. Our Lenten Study is called Joy, come along & join us.

Service times for March: 1, 8, 15, 22,29

St. Paul’s Paterson 8.30am & St. Anne’s Gresford 10.30am (not 29). • Sun 15 Mar, one service only in the Parish at St Paul’s Paterson as it is our AGM – service 9.30am, AGM 11am, lunch to follow. • 29 Mar 10.30am, which is Psalm Sunday, St. Mary on Allyn, Allynbrook. Easter times are follows: Thurs 2 Apr, 6.30pm St.Paul’s Paterson • Good Friday 3 Apr, St.Annes Gresford 10.30am • Easter Sunday 5 Apr 10am. Gresford Arboretum, lunch to follow.

Stay safe and look after each other and please remember if anyone needs support contact Rev Mary on 0418 611 778 or Beverley on 4938 5223.

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 March Crossword

March 2026 crossword answers

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.