Contents

A FEW WORDS FROM THE EDITOR.

MODANVILLE PUBLIC SCHOOL NEWS WITH GERALDINE KERR.

CLUNES GIRL GUIDE NEWS WITH HELEN HARGREAVES.

DUNOON PUBLIC SCHOOL NEWS WITH GABRIELLA.

LOCAL ARTS, SPORTS AND EVENTS.

DUNOON UNITED FOOTBALL CLUB – www.dunoonunitedfc.org.au.

DUNOON PRESCHOOL NEWS WITH KATE SCANLAN.

DUNOON & DISTRICT SPORTS & RECREATIONAL CLUB – www.dunoonclub.org.au.

MEMORIES WITH CHARLES BETTERIDGE.

2017 NSW LANDCARE AWARDS – ENTRIES DUE 17 JULY.

RURAL FIRE SERVICE NEWS WITH ROSS McDOUGALL.

LOCAL BAHA’I NEWS WITH BILL HENDERSON.

INTERVIEW WITH DARRYL ROSE – LOCAL REAL ESTATE AGENT.

ST. MATTHEW’S ANGLICAN CHURCH NEWS WITH ‘GINA MURRAY.

DUNOON HALL NEWS WITH IAN MURRAY.

HALLS ALIVE!

PROTECTING PRECIOUS FROGS AND THREATENED SPECIES.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR.

LOCAL BUSINESS PHONE DIRECTORY.

 

 

 

A FEW WORDS FROM THE EDITOR…

Well, it has been a busy time, and once again I have had to work on the Gazette while travelling. I am very thankful for the new computer which makes this achievable. I still found it best to wait until I got home for the final layout and proofreading, which is why I am a little later than I had hoped, but still in time for all the major events coming up.

Please do take note of these important dates:

• Dunoon Sports Club – every day!
• Lantern Parade Saturday 24th June
• Piazza in the Park Sunday 25th June
• Ballina Players Joseph and his Technicolour Dreamcoat on NOW Jun 16 – to Jul 9th
• Masters Games Early Bird Entry 30th June
• Lismore Aviation Show postponed until Sat 29th July
• Dunoon Film Society Sat 29th July

See details of these and other events in this issue.

My recent travels involved both work and a lovely visit to New Zealand to see my parents. Speaking of travel, see our new advertiser on this page – a local who can help you with your travel needs.

Much of the purpose of my visit was to continue to work with my parents to come up with technology-based solutions to some of the problems my mother faces with her loss of vision. Now at a point where she can no longer read any text whatsoever, we have investigated different technologies, many of which are hideously expensive. The great news though is that these days our smartphones are capable of an enormous range of useful assistive technologies, at an absolute fraction of the price of other options, with the massive advantage of being portable.

My experiments with using the phone to convert printed text to speech gave me some further insights into how we can make things easier for low vision people even when providing printed materials. Some examples include using simple fonts, no italics, bold clear colours (preferably black), plain backgrounds and good layout. Even better, we can provide the same materials electronically in a way that makes it readable by a screen reader, or convert directly to audio.

I am inspired to make the Gazette more accessible. So what does “accessible” mean? From a technology perspective, it means designing media, both print and electronic, to be able to be accessed by people with disabilities. From a broader perspective, it also means catering for people who would benefit from a range of things such as better end user experience with the design of a website, the layout, the size or type of font used, or simply being able to get hold of a copy of the information in a way that suits them, such as print, e-mail, online via a website, or via facebook.

We are trying very hard to achieve better access to news in our village, and if you have any other suggestions, please let us know! In the meantime, try using a screenreader on the website, or downloading the Word file and using the read aloud feature in Word. I used this to proofread this edition by listening! Perhaps you can use some of our accessibility ideas in your own work.

Don’t forget to pass the Gazette on to your friends, sign up to the e-mail newsletter, like our facebook page, and of course, support our advertisers.

Until next time…

Bronwen Campbell, Editor

 

MODANVILLE PUBLIC SCHOOL NEWS WITH GERALDINE KERR

 

Greetings from Modanville Public School!

At the end of last term, we commemorated the first students who attended Modanville Public School in 1928, with a special tree planting ceremony. Current students, relatives of the first students, helped to plant a beautiful magnolia tree which will now remind us of our school’s long and proud history.  It was a lovely celebration with some original students travelling far to be present.

In between rain and flooding, we ended our term with an Easter hat parade and egg hunt organised by our Student Representative Council. The students had great fun making hats and paraded them enthusiastically in front of friends and family.  The SRC is now working on a fundraiser for people affected by the recent flood in Lismore. We are holding a “dress as your favourite movie character” day and attending school cinema!

The annual Anzac Day march was well attended by Modanville students this year with the addition of a beautiful new banner. Parent, Sarah Robinson, worked with the students in each class to make poppies that were then sewn onto a beautiful patchwork banner. The project was a huge endeavour and has resulted in a beautiful piece that will be used each year in our march. The banner is currently on display in our office foyer and well worth a visit to the school to admire. Huge thanks to Sarah for this wonderful gift to our school community.

We have begun the cooler months in our usual fashion, preparing for our school and district cross-country challenges. For a few years now, we have focused our training and efforts on whole school participation and this was evident in both events. Lots of students worked very hard to complete the cross-country course and showed brilliant school spirit in doing so. Well done to everyone and congratulations to those children who are currently preparing to compete at zone and hopefully regional levels.

As I write this article, our year three and five students are in the midst of their NAPLAN assessments. It has been rewarding to watch our students give their best to this process. For some, it is their very first experience of a potentially stressful test situation and yet so far all students have shown great persistence and resilience during the week. This is something we are very proud of as a staff.

Looking forward, our senior students are preparing for their end of term excursion to Canberra. There is already much anticipation and excitement surrounding the trip. Our K/1/2 students are travelling to Byron Bay in a few weeks to participate in the “Dolphin Dreaming” program at The Pass. We are excited to travel to the beach and learn about the life and culture of Byron Bay’s Aboriginal people through story, dance and creative expression.

We are always open to new enrolments at our school and invite prospective students and their families to make contact with our school office for further information on 66282234.

Enjoy the cooler weather!

Geraldine Kerr

 

CLUNES GIRL GUIDE NEWS WITH HELEN HARGREAVES

 

I regret to advise that, unless we have a couple of women volunteer to become leaders within the next month, Clunes District Girl Guides will close on 1 July. As the previous leaders are unable to continue, we are very sorry that we can’t provide a Girl Guiding program for the girls of our area at present.

1st Clunes Guide Unit was opened by Mrs Janet Noble on 1 July 1987 and has continued to meet every week during school term until this year. The Junior Guide Unit, at that time called a Brownie Pack, opened about 3 years before the Guide Unit. The Guide Unit has had over 175 girls as members over the years and although I have no accurate records for the Junior Guide Unit I would estimate 200 girls have been members. Guides and their leaders have enjoyed lots of outdoor activities, particularly camping, but including learning to sail the tall ships ’Lady Nelson’ and ‘South Passage’, canoeing and kayaking, camel riding, abseiling, archery and singing around campfires and gained an appreciation of their environment and a sense of their responsibility to care for it. They have learned to cook outdoors on open fires and indoors on kitchen stoves, tried lots of crafts, learned about the World Association of Girl Guiding and Girl Scouting and about the culture and customs of member countries. Lots of them have attended State and inter-State jamborees and some have been lucky enough to attend overseas camps or participate in exchange visits. They have given service to their community in many ways. They have gained teamwork and leadership skills and lots of life skills but I would be stretching the truth if I included knitting or sewing among these!

I’ll be very sad to close the District but hope that before long there will be women interested in becoming leaders and re-opening the Units.

Girl Guide Unit Leaders are volunteers. They do not have to have been a Girl Guide. Leaders are women over the age of 18 who are committed to the development of girls and young women, are prepared to commit to the Guide Promise and Law and comply with the Girl Guides Code of Conduct. They attend a weekend residential Leadership Qualification training and complete some training modules including First Aid. Most of the qualification requirements are completed while working with the girls. An experienced leader supports the new leader throughout the qualification process. All leaders are supported by their District or Division Manager.

Annual membership for adults, for a full 12 months from the date of payment until the same date the following year, is $105. The Support Group (parents) supplies a uniform polo top to be worn with navy skirt or slacks or shorts depending on the weather and the occasion.

The girls meet for 1½ hours (Junior Guides) or 2 hours (Guides) per week, so a leader needs time to prepare meetings. There are sometimes out of meeting hours activities at weekends, such as camps, canoeing, archery or community service activities.

If you know of anyone who is interested I would be most happy to talk to her, supply a full role description and take her along to some meetings of other Units.”

Helen Hargreaves

Division Manager, Northern Rivers, Girl Guides Association NSW

Tel. 6689 5294

 

DUNOON PUBLIC SCHOOL NEWS WITH GABRIELLA

Term 2 has been jam-packed with exciting educational activities. Here are some of the highlights!

Northern Rivers PSSA Soccer Trials

On the 16th May a group of boys and girls trialled for the Northern Rivers PSSA soccer teams. There were lots of kids from many different schools around the zone and it was highly competitive. Everybody who trialled got to play lots of soccer and to experience what it is like to compete for a position in a team. Congratulations to Cassandra, Leyla and Zeke who were all selected. They will travel to Grafton to trial for the North Coast teams in a few weeks’ time.

Cross Country

This year Dunoon did brilliantly at cross country! Many students put great effort into what can be a very challenging run. As well as having lots of students participate, quite a few from Dunoon came first or runners-up in their age group. In the 11s girls Eade, Hannah, Leyla and Rosie were the top four! Unfortunately, Dunoon didn’t win the Sandy Hunter shield this year but came runners-up to The Channon. Alia, who came second in the 7s thought “it was really fun!”. A number of students competed at the Zone level (Cassandra, Emil, Eade, Leyla, Rosie, Robert, Darius, Jesse, Eade, Hannah, Iris, Billy, Ella, Harry) and some were successful in being selected for regional (Cassandra, Eade, Robert).

Soccer Knockout Tournament

Earlier this term a girls’ team and a boys’ team from Dunoon District spent a day at Balzer Park competing in the PSSA knockout soccer tournament. Both Dunoon teams played three 50 minute games against teams from Goonellabah, Terania District, Bexhill and Caniaba District.

It was a great day for the students who all love playing soccer! After winning their first game convincingly the Dunoon District boys’ team played Terania District. This was a tough game. In the first half Dunoon found themselves losing 3-1. At half time, the team came off the pitch feeling disheartened but Mr. Swift made some tactical changes and, determined not to lose the match, Dunoon went back on to the field with focus and energy. In the second half, they managed to score 5 goals including a shot by Zeke from 15m out. The game ended 6-3 to Dunoon. The girls’ team also performed well, convincingly winning all three of their games. The tournament was the day after the Northern Rivers PSSA soccer trials so many students got two full days of soccer in a row! Everybody had a lot of fun and are excited about the next round of knockout games coming up.

5-6 Colonial excursion

Years 5-6 have been researching colonial times in class. As part of this they travelled back in time when they visited the Dorroughby Environmental Education Centre. The students spent the day like colonial children would have – sewing, reciting times tables and playing sack races were a few of the activities. One of the highlights of the excursion was making butter. The students churned the milk for what seemed like years but in the end, it was worth it. They ate the butter on damper with jam made from local plums! As well as butter, buttermilk was made, although nobody liked that as much as the butter. The class learnt a lot about everyday life in colonial times, including how badly girls were treated, which was worse than they had originally thought.

Eurovision Dunoon Style!

You have probably heard of the Eurovision song contest, a song competition between all the countries in Europe with the winner partly voted on by the general public. Well, many students at Dunoon enjoy watching Eurovision so two years ago we decided to have our own version of it. In Dunoon Eurovision students work individually or in groups to create short performances showcasing their talents. Although it is called Eurovision, at Dunoon singing is not the limit. Performances include dance, comedy, acting and playing musical instruments.

This year Dunoon Eurovision was a huge success. There were 25 entertaining and diverse acts.

One of the acts was Goldilocks and the Two Bears performed by Kyle, Emil and Zeke. Like all the other students, they created their performance with no assistance from teachers. Kyle, Emil and Zeke wanted to do a twist on a fairy tale so they wrote down all the fairy tales they could think of and decided on Goldilocks. Seeing as they only had three people in their group, Goldilocks and the two bears seemed liked a good twist. The group practised the act for many weeks, modifying as they went along. Their performance at Dunoon Eurovision did not disappoint, it was funny and very entertaining. Emil thought it was a good project to work on as well as being a lot of fun. Some of the other acts included a tango dance by Darius and Chloe, Darcy’s joke telling and Philippa and Ella’s amazing singing. The students who weren’t performing introduced the acts and coordinated the music. It was great to see so many parents turn up to support the students.

Bangalow Billy Cart Derby

On Sunday 21st May, a bunch of students from Dunoon school went to the Bangalow Billy Cart Derby. Some of the Billy carts they raced in were designed and constructed last year at school with the help of Russell (Jack and Sam’s Dad). The others had been built in the last few weeks at The Garage in Dunoon. Flynn and Jack, who were racing in “The Shark” Billy cart, zipped down the road to claim first place in the school’s traditional category with Evaline and Leo in “The Circuit Board” Billy cart coming in second in the same race. Sam and Angus won the homegrown category in “Bolt”, the dog Billy cart. Banjo also raced in a cart called “Mantis”. He won a heat and lost the next but still had a lot of fun. The parents also did well with Russell, Andrew and Simon winning the teams event and Alison claiming victory in the Mum’s race. $1000 in prize money was won by Flynn, Jack, Evelyn and Leo for the Dunoon P&C plus an extra $200 though sponsorship thanks to Russell.

Technology Challenge for stage 2 and 3 students

This term, Years 3, 4, 5 and 6 students are being guided though an exciting ICT challenge. The challenge is to solve a real-world problem though technology by creating an app. In teams, students will firstly identify a problem in their local community to solve. Then they will create a business plan. This will involve documenting decisions about the problem, finding out how others have previously attempted to solve it and conducting market research about how their app will fit into the market-place. After that the students will design and create the app and film a pitch/demo video to market it. This rich task will incorporate valuable skills essential for contemporary learning, including innovative, creative and practical thinking skills and collaboration and team work. For the girls who wish to compete, there is a competition available through the organization TechGirlMovement. This non-profit initiative promotes career opportunities in Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM). As part of the campaign, a national competition called Search for the Next Tech Girl Superhero, challenges Australian female students to build an app prototype that will make their community a better place.

Everybody has been having lots of fun while doing lots of learning. There is much more still to come this term including a K-6 interest day, 5/6 science discovery day at SCU, regional cross country and a disco!

Gabriella Hill (with input from teachers and students at Dunoon)

 

 

 

LOCAL ARTS, SPORTS AND EVENTS

Ballina Players

Joseph and his Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat

This Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Weber operatic musical tells the biblical story of Jacob (Rod Ramsay) and his sons.  It is a tale of jealousy and intrigue, but also of forgiveness and mercy.

Clearly favoured by his father, Joseph (Brian Pamphilon) is strongly resented by his brothers, and Jacob’s gift of a many-coloured coat is the last straw.  The brothers conspire to seize Joseph, sell him into slavery and tell their father that he is dead.

In Egypt, circumstances and his extraordinary gift for interpreting dreams are in Joseph’s favour, and he becomes Pharaoh’s right-hand man.  He shows compassion when his famine-stricken brothers come to the court to beg for food.

The entire story is put to music, and the songs are lively, memorable and sometimes very funny. The clever mix of musical styles sees Pharaoh (Matthew Wood) break into an Elvis impersonation “Song of the King”, Joseph’s brother Rueben (Mike Sheehan) tells his story as a hillbilly western , “One More Angel in Heaven” and brother Simeon (Trevor Stone) sings the French-style ballad “Those Canaan Days”. Audiences are also treated to 1920’s swing, calypso and disco. Brother Judah, played by local Dunoon resident Liam Gatt (pictured right), performs the entertaining calypso piece defending the innocence of his younger brother Benjamin (Landon Broadley) when he is accused of stealing the Pharoah’s precious golden cup. Other well-known hits are “Close Every Door” and “Any Dream Will Do”.

Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat is directed by Paul Belsham, assisted by Sue Belsham. Paul and Sue have been involved with Ballina Players since 2003 and this year were made life members. Paul Belsham is also Musical Director and is assisted by Leanne Broadley who was Musical Director earlier this year for the production of Shrek Jr. The amazing choreography throughout this musical is the work of the very talented Jamie Sheehan.

Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat will be staged at the Players Theatre, Swift St, from
16th June to 9th July. Tickets are available online at
www.ballinaplayers.com.au and at Windrose Travel, Riverwalk Arcade, Ballina, Phone 02 6686 6566, heavy demand is anticipated.

Dunoon Film Society

We had to hold the most recent screening at Dorroughby Hall due to the vandalism of Dunoon Hall. Thank you to the Dorroughby community for allowing us to use their hall.

We still have the following dates for screenings in 2017;

Saturday, July 29

Saturday, September 23

Write Your Life

Meets fortnightly. Please send an e-mail to
writeyourlife@dunoongazette.com if you are interested in joining or in forming a group that meets in the evenings.

Byron Writers Festival

4–6 August 2017

Tickets at www.byronwritersfestival.com

Lismore Friendship Festival

Lismore’s Friendship Festival is an annual celebration of community spirit highlights the special connections between Lismore and the cities of Conegliano and Vittorio Veneto in northern Italy. Following the success of last year’s lively salute to all things Italian, the Piazza in the Park is set for Spinks Park on Sunday, June 25, 2017, (10 a.m. – 3 p.m.) the day after Lismore’s iconic Lantern Parade. The festivities allow residents and visitors to be an Italian for a day! Enjoy the free, fun-filled family entertainment with a distinctive Italian twist, the great variety of authentic food and wine, conversation, games, workshops, car and bike displays, dancing, local produce and merchandise stalls.

One of the new features of this year’s program is the inclusion of the inaugural tug-o-war competition. It is by the way of a nod to the Italians who actively participated in the very successful Nimbin tug-o-war teams in the 60s and 70s. Local media at the time praised the strength and energy of the community members who took their tug-o-war commitments seriously winning local, state and national titles. One team made it to the world championships!

This year’s Piazza in the Park version of the tug-o-war, while still competitive, will be much more relaxed and spectacular! Those interested in participating need to contact Friendship Festival Manager, Aliison Kelly, @ 0428216079 or aliison@internode.on.net. Teams will be competing for a special trophy sponsored by Parker and Kissane local solicitors.

2017 Masters Games open for registrations

Are you a sportsperson or sports lover over 30? Then now is the time to join the 10th Lismore Workers Masters Games with registrations open for the event this September.

The Lismore Masters Games is known nation-wide as a great social event, with competitors having as much fun off the field as they do on it. 2017 promises to be no different with a high-quality social program to entertain all competitors.

Lismore Masters Games Chairperson Matt Barlow said the Games offered up three days of action-packed competition with more than 1500 competitors expected to descend on Lismore.

“In the last 20 years the Lismore Masters Games has gone from strength to strength and we have competitors flying-in from right across Australia. The social aspects of the competition are a big drawcard and people have made lifelong friendships through the event. The social aspects of the competition are a big drawcard…”

The Lismore Masters Games will be held from the 22-24 September across Lismore’s quality sporting venues.

There are 14 sports people can choose to register for: baseball, cricket, dressage, golf, hockey, lawn bowls, netball, Oztag, fitness challenge, football, five-side football, softball, swimming and mini-lympics.

To register for the 10th Lismore Workers Masters Games, visit www.lismoremastersgames.com.au.

Early bird entries close 30 June 2017.

Masters Games and Lismore Cup partnership a winning combo

Lismore Workers Masters Games organisers have joined forces with the Lismore Turf Club so Masters Games competitors can enjoy a day at the races.

The popular Lismore Cup will be held on Thursday, 21 September, the day prior to the commencement of the Masters Games. All registered competitors will receive free entry to the Lismore Cup as part of their registration this year, valued at $20 per person.

Lismore Aviation Expo

Dates postponed to Saturday 29th July

Naidoc Celebration Day

June 29th Lismore Showgrounds 10am – 2:30pm Free Entry!

Rural Landholder Field Day

Friday 30th June Tuncester

Sustainable House Day Competition

Closes 1 September

For more information, see Lismore City Council website or facebook page for further updates of Lismore events

 

 

DUNOON UNITED FOOTBALL CLUB – www.dunoonunitedfc.org.au

While the wet weather has put a bit of a dampener on the actual playing of football by our members, Dunoon Football Club has had some other wins of late.

We have hit the news recently with the exciting confirmation that we will be hosting the 2017 Football Far North Coast Grand Final matches at Balzer Park, Dunoon. This opportunity will see 25 finals matches being played in Dunoon over two weekends. These matches will be played over Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday between the 8th September and 17th September.

This is an important opportunity for the Dunoon Sports Club, Football Club and Dunoon businesses. It will see a large influx of people and traffic over the weekends involved. The Dunoon Football Club, Football Far North Coast and Lismore Council are working diligently to ensure local traffic, parking and major event infrastructure is in place to ensure smooth operation for the duration of the event.

Part of securing this event was to have the confidence of Football Far North Coast that we could run a quality event. Confidence was increased through the recent accreditation of the Dunoon United Football Club to Level 2 in the National Club Accreditation Scheme. To put this in perspective, there are only 12 clubs out of 228 in Northern NSW who have achieved this, and only two so far from the Football Far North Coast area. This shows the dedication and commitment of our committee, and demonstrates how much work goes on behind the scenes.

You can read more news reports by doing an internet search on “Dunoon United Football Club in the news” In the following news stories the reporters have done a great job of accurately portraying the message and values of the club.

Dunoon United Football Club president Rob Gatt said that the club is exceptionally proud of this achievement. “The process of achieving Level Two Accreditation has helped us take a closer look at the club and really focus on what is important to the club,” Gatt said.

He highlighted the benefits of social interaction through football, saying, “this process has helped us to recognise the benefits of participation, both for the club and broadly within the community, with the concept of winning a particular game or trophy being secondary to the holistic benefits of the sporting activity.”

Bronwen Campbell, DUFC Member

 

 

 

DUNOON PRESCHOOL NEWS WITH KATE SCANLAN

2017 has started beautifully at Dunoon Preschool. We have settled into our new opening hours (8–4 every day!) and are spoilt with great staff ratios (3 teachers every day!). We have enjoyed watching new friendships grow and new children develop their sense of belonging.

We have of course been busy playing, learning and making friends through our lovely indoor and outdoor play spaces and have had some great additions to our regular program like…

Thanks to a member of our team we have been learning new Bundjalung words, songs and developing our understanding about local culture through stories, books, art and discussions every week.

We were lucky to have had another lovely visit from the Japanese Uni students – thanks to SCU (Southern Cross University). This is our third visit from them; it is always exciting but now it also feels very comfortable and relaxed.

Earlier in the year we welcomed back last year’s schoolies group for a catch-up and a play… it was a busy, exciting and festive afternoon. It was so nice to connect kindergarten children from different schools back with each other and to chat with parents about how they are going.

We have had a new cement path installed out the front, which joins up to our bridge that goes over the rocky creek and leads to the sandpit. Thanks to Jimmy Bull for the beautiful work. We collaborated with families and native plant experts to work out what would be the best plants for the edges of the path.

Thanks to a recent Working Bee the garden was completed, the tanbark and the sand and rock areas were refreshed. We are also thinking of an outdoor sculpture; does anyone know someone who could make a water dragon sculpture to be put near our path?

After our hard work at the Working Bee we had a mini-concert by the children, BBQ dinner and a Smoking Ceremony. Thank you to Gilbert, a Bundjalung Elder, for sharing his culture with the children and adults! It was a lovely evening despite the cold and rain!

Every term we are lucky enough to have a visit from Joanna who has her yoga qualifications and early childhood teaching experience. She takes the children on a Yoga journey using a story book then yoga movements to tell the story. The children and teachers always enjoy this opportunity to stretch, move, breathe and quietly think about the world.

As always, we are keen to be part of the community and would love to learn from community members who have interesting skills and knowledge to show the pre-schoolers. Get in touch!

Until next time… enjoy the rain, the sunshine and the cooler moments creeping in…

Kate Scanlan

 

 

 

DUNOON & DISTRICT SPORTS & RECREATIONAL CLUB – www.dunoonclub.org.au

BALZER PARK PLAYGROUND AND FITNESS AREA

We are excited to report that the Lismore City Council has put out the Request for Quotation document for the playground and fitness area, with a planned completion date of 31st August this year, just in time for the Football finals.

Here are some pictures that show some of the planned works:

What’s On

Pluckers & Poets

2nd Sunday of each month
Starting @ 3pm

Free Bingo

1st & 3rd Wednesday of the month
Starting @ 6:30pm

Free Trivia

2nd & 4th Wednesday of the month
Starting @ 6:30pm

Trivia Afternoon

3rd Saturday of each month

Starting @ 3pm

 

 

 

MEMORIES WITH CHARLES BETTERIDGE

In the last Gazette, I mentioned our overseas holidays from Papua New Guinea into Asia and especially seeing the 800 year old Golden Buddha made of solid 18 carat gold weighing five and a half tonnes and the history that belonged to this Buddha.

During the centuries of upheaval throughout Thailand there were many wars and possibly the one that stands out the most would be the 2nd World War (1939–1945). In Thailand, we know of the many lives lost during the construction of the bridge on the River Kwai and the railway line that ran north to Burma. I was keen to see this bridge after reading so much about it and seeing the movie several years ago starring William Holden and Alec Guinness.

It was Thursday, 12th January 1984, when my wife, daughter, and I arrived in Kanchanburi. We had lunch of rice and chicken at a nearby restaurant which overlooks the river Kwai and is only about 100 metres from the actual bridge itself. Whilst waiting for our lunch to come, a train came slowly over the bridge so I raced down and managed to film the train coming over the last section of the bridge. After lunch, we walked over the bridge itself. They have laid long wooden planks over the tops of the sleepers which allows people to walk across or ride their motorbikes or bicycles. If a train comes along moving very slowly there are several “outlets” on the sides of the railway tracks which you step out onto to allow the train to pass.

The present bridge is a solid steel structure with cement pylons. The original wooden bridge (as shown in the film) was about 50 feet or so from the current bridge but it only lasted a short time as it was blown up with dynamite by Allied agents. This bridge was a main link in the railroad the Japanese had built by prisoners and slave labour linking Burma in the north to Bangkok in the south.

About 100,000 oppressed labourers and 16,000 Allied prisoners of war lost their lives building that “Death Railway” for the Japanese. The main bridge was eventually bombed in the middle by a raid of American B24J Liberator bombers in July 1945.

The main steel bridge had steel archways all along it. However today, there are two boxed steel sections on it. I since found out that when the Allies bombed the bridge these two sections were knocked out and were replaced with the boxed sections we see today. It is quite a long bridge but very well constructed and no doubt will last for years to come.

Before we saw the bridge itself we were shown one of three war cemeteries with Allied victims from the building of the “Death Railway”. 250 miles of railway was built in just under fifteen months which included numerous other small bridges. Later we were taken down to a temple situated on one of the original Japanese prisoner of war camps which housed some of the prisoners building “Death Railway”. They have re-created exactly the bamboo hessian type huts that was used in those cruel days to house the prisoners. Inside this hut are actual photos, sketches etc taken of these infamous prison camps. There were 32 such camps along death railway. These photos and sketches were used as evidence in the war crime trials in Tokyo after the war was over.

The Buddhist monks have put a notice outside the camp calling it “Jeath Camp” (not death camp) as the word “Jeath” comes from the first letters of each country of personnel used to construct the Death Railway. The initial, “JEATH” are Japan, England, Australia/America, Thailand and Holland.

Today, the bridge on the River Kwai is peaceful and trains still run between Thailand and Burma but at a slower pace because there are many sections of the train track that are still there from the 2nd World War – especially where wooden bridges were built on the side of a mountain rather than tunnel through it as this would have delayed the building of the railway even more.

I was glad to see this famous bridge at long last because I had read all about it and heard so much of it. This is one “pilgrimage” I will never forget.

Charles Betteridge

 

 

 

2017 NSW LANDCARE AWARDS – ENTRIES DUE 17 JULY

The 2017 NSW State Landcare Awards are now open, with the addition of the inaugural NSW Fish Habitat Award.

The Landcare Awards celebrate the achievements of the volunteers around the country who dedicate their valuable time and energy into caring for the land and water that sustain us.

To allow time for Landcarers to get their entries into the Awards the closing date has been extended to 17 July.

The existing categories of the Awards recognise work in a number of areas, including sustainable farming, Indigenous land management, young Landcare leaders, Coastcare, innovation, and now work to protect and build fish habitat in NSW. The NSW Fish Habitat Award is proudly supported by the NSW Fish Habitat Partnership.

Chris McCulloch, Landcare Program Manager with Local Land Services, encourages everyone who works with community, schools, government, Councils, Indigenous groups or even by themselves to enter these great awards.

The NSW Landcare Awards link directly to the National Landcare Awards and will be presented at the Gala Dinner of the 2017 NSW Landcare and Local Land Services Conference in Albury from 25 to 27 October.

Champions of each category will receive financial support to attend the Conference in Albury.

For more information, to submit an entry or to nominate a champion in your community visit: https://landcareaustralia.org.au/landcare-awards/

 

 

 

RURAL FIRE SERVICE NEWS WITH ROSS McDOUGALL

 

The Rural Fires Act 1997 states that before lighting a fire it is a requirement that:

At least 24 hours before burning, you must notify your local NSW RFS Fire Control Centre or Fire & Rescue NSW Station of your intention to burn. You must also notify any adjoining neighbours (including those separated by a road, lane or waterway) at least 24 hours before burning. Your neighbours may be exposed to the smoke from your burn and may need to make preparations to avoid any negative impacts (medical conditions, impacts on sensitive crops, livestock and pets).

These notifications apply all year round, regardless of whether a fire permit is required or not (even if you think that the fire is safe and controllable). Notification can be given verbally or written. Apart from being a requirement under the Act, it is common courtesy.

If you do not provide notification, your neighbours may call emergency 000 to report your fire and your local volunteer fire brigade members will take action and respond. This is a big inconvenience to your local volunteers, who may have to leave their workplace in Lismore to attend the fire. Just recently Dunoon brigade were called out at 3 a.m. in the morning to investigate a fire that was not a threat to houses or property.

The weather is now suitable for burning off any piles that have accumulated and also conduct any hazard reduction burns to prepare your property for the summer months.

In an Emergency – dial 000

Ross McDougall

 

 

 

LOCAL BAHA’I NEWS WITH BILL HENDERSON

 

When was New Year?

It depends who you are and where you’re from.

New Year is celebrated at different times and in different ways. Bahá’is celebrate it as a Holy Day and call it Naw Ruz, from the Persian for New Day.

The Founder of the Bahá’i Faith, Bahá’u’lláh, chose the Northern Hemisphere spring equinox – the day when the length of day and night are equal – for Bahá’i New Year’s Day. In Persia (Iran) this equinox has been celebrated as New Year for at least 2500 years – since the time of an earlier Messenger of God – Zoroaster. This year it fell on March 20.

Local Bahá’i New Year Party

This was held in the Butterfly Room in Lismore, and the late-afternoon programme was organised by the facilitator and members of the local Bahá’i Junior Youth Group. These groups offer a programme of spiritual empowerment, and are open to all young people between the ages of 11 and 14.

They follow smoothly on from the Bahá’i Children’s Classes for ages 5 to 11 which are held in local public schools like Dunoon where some of the parents have asked for Bahá’i Scripture to be offered, as well as Christian Scripture.

These classes are also held in private homes, either after school or in the weekend.

Our Naw Ruz celebration attracted people of various faiths and no particular faith, in a spirit of loving unity.  We began with some prayers, then the children played a game that needed them to visit all the adults sitting in a big circle and find who had the card that matched theirs.

Another game for the children was a relay race. In each of the two teams, the children took turns dressing up in three extra garments and then cutting off and eating a square of chocolate with knife and fork, then taking off the extra dress-up clothes so the next team member could put them on. After the games we all shared a party meal and a cuppa.

No Bahá’i News last time

I was tied up helping to de-mud my wife’s small meeting hall The Butterfly Room. It’s on the flood-plain near the Lismore Square and when the levee overtopped, we had greasy flood-
water up within a foot of the tall ceiling.

Martyrdom of the Báb

July 9 is an important holy day for Bahá’is, similar to Good Friday for Christians.

The Bahá’i Faith was started in 1844 by two Persian Messengers of God in quick succession: the Báb (meaning door or gate in Arabic) and Bahá’u’lláh – the Glory of God. The Báb warned everyone that a new Messenger of God was coming soon. This was like Christianity, where John the Baptist had come before Jesus to prepare the people for His coming.

The Báb was soon killed for offering an alternative to the traditions and entrenched beliefs of the time.  The priests and other leaders feared that if the people began to follow the Báb, the traditional leaders might lose their jobs, income and status, so they got Him executed.

The Báb was executed by a firing squad of 250 soldiers at noon on July 9th, 1850. This is commemorated every year on July 9, ending just after midday. As with all Bahá’i Holy Day celebrations, it is open to all.

Bicentennial of the Birth of Bahá’u’lláh

In October, it will be 200 years since the Founder of the Bahá’i Faith, Bahá’u’lláh, was born, and this will be joyously celebrated in Lismore, with everyone welcome to join in. More details in my column next time.

Bill Henderson

billh6@bigpond.net.au

 

 

 

INTERVIEW WITH DARRYL ROSE – LOCAL REAL ESTATE AGENT

Darryl Rose is a Dunoon local who has recently made a radical career change.

What drove your career change into real estate?

I sold Modanville Takeaway late last year and had a month off. After a road trip to Uluru (which I must do again!) I found that I actually missed working 7 days a week but what I didn’t miss was the 4 am starts! I knew that I needed a change and a challenge. I have always had an interest in real estate and thought it could be an exciting and rewarding career. Real estate is a dynamic industry and it takes dedication, passion and hard work to succeed.  It’s about building relationships and providing outstanding customer service. People have very strong emotional connections to their homes so it helps that I am used to dealing with people. It seemed the perfect fit for me. And in true Darryl Rose style I have made myself available 7 days a week so that I am always there to help people with their needs.

Why did you choose Elders Alstonville?

A chance encounter at the cricket with one of the Elders Property Managers actually got me intrigued about the real estate industry. I met with Troy and Krysti MacRae and was sold! With nearly 50 years combined experience under their belts they still have so much energy and enthusiasm for what they do. They are both so passionate about their business, their team and the area in which they live and work. Akin to how I have always run my own businesses, their main focus is always providing professional, outstanding customer service and always going the extra mile for all their clients, it was impossible for me not to want to join their team.

What is the Darryl Rose difference?

I am 100% devoted to providing outstanding customer service. Yes, I work for the vendor but I am also committed to ensuring that potential buyers receive the best service I can offer. I always give honest, ethical advice and I am available 7 days a week.

What are buyers looking for?

It goes without saying that everyone wants value for money (or even better, a bargain!). Of course, everyone is looking for the right property for their individual needs but if a home has good bones and is well presented there is always solid enquiry. Generally, buyers are looking for properties that are neat and tidy inside and out, with nothing to spend, however in today’s market we’re getting enquiry on all types of properties.

How are you assisting locals with the buy-sell process?

Number one is that I am available for them any day, any time! It doesn’t take too much effort to answer a phone and help someone. If I cannot answer the question I will endeavour to find out the answer and call them back. I can’t help it, I just like helping people.

What makes you the ‘go-to’ guy for Dunoon residents?

For the past decade, I have been the proud owner of one of the manager’s cottages from when the Butter Factory was in full swing and I am passionate about once again making it a beautiful residence. We are so lucky that Dunoon is still a beautiful small village. As your local agent, I would run open homes on the Channon Market days to take full advantage of the number people passing through. Living in the local area, who better to sell the delights of living in Dunoon?

Darryl Rose is available 7 days a week for all your real estate needs.

Darryl can be contacted at Elders Alstonville on

Phone: 6628 0000

Mobile: 0418 270 975

E-mail: darrylr@eldersalstonville.com.au

 

 

 

ST. MATTHEW’S ANGLICAN CHURCH NEWS WITH ‘GINA MURRAY

 

Well, Easter has come and gone and now, suddenly, we are half way through the year!

We had two very spectacular Services for Palm Sunday and Easter Sunday conducted by Stephen Hall (from Lismore) and our Assistant Rector Alan Shaw. The services were very well attended and I hope you enjoyed them both.

Following the problems in the hall, Mark Roberts (fitness instructor) and Alison Wilson (Yoga instructor) are now conducting their classes out of the under-croft of our church.

We have now also embraced the Euchre Players and the Craft Group on Thursday evenings and Wednesday mornings respectively and both groups would welcome any new members who feel inclined to come along.

Very soon we shall be preparing for our ‘Back to Church Sunday’ and then, later in the year, our ‘Remembrance Sunday Service’. In the meantime, we have a communion service every Sunday morning at 10:00am and we would welcome anyone who cares to come along.

‘Gina Murray (Anglican Women’s Guild of St. Matthew’s, Dunoon)

 

 

 

DUNOON HALL NEWS WITH IAN MURRAY

 

Our old faithful hall has had a battering of late, unfortunately some people do not hold our local values as much as we do.

As Denis Matthews says in his article the hall is controlled by the Dept. of Primary Industry, an historical fact I believe due to financing of the then new hall.

What was damaged? the front foyer wall was smashed by a fire extinguisher, yes it was also let off, people crawled through the man hole cover behind the stage and broke a hole in the ceiling, a window was smashed and the door broken into the store room and, believe it or not, the fence beside the hall was pushed down. The major problem with the hall is that it contains asbestos which means specialised persons are required to carry out the work. As well as the damage, the hall was left in a filthy state; alcohol and cigarette butts were everywhere, including the car park and the farm lane next door. Plated and alcohol bottles were used as, what we assume, Frisbee’s into the paddock.

At the moment, we are waiting for the insurance assessors to carry out their work and then we can get on with repairs. How long this will take is unknown.

The damage and the attitude of the hall users has left the community saddened and devastated; how could our old faithful be treated in such a shameful way? Where can we hold our activities?

Thankfully the Anglican Church has offered their facilities, a gesture the hall committee is very grateful for. Jillian Blake is handling negotiations with DPI etc, a special thank you to Jillian.

Ian Murray

 

 

 

HALLS ALIVE!

Dunoon Hall History

In 1900 there was no sign of any village in Dunoon. The first local subdivision of a former selection took place in 1904 and Alfred Friedman opened his Post Office Store that year.

But the first hall had been opened in its present location on 10 August 1900. Richard Bourke had not finished paying off his selection but the committee could lease the land. When Bourke completed his conditional purchase, he acquired title to the land and was finally free to sell that half acre to the committee.

In December 1908, the committee advertised in the Star calling tenders for the purchase and removal of the makeshift building. Tenders were to close on 14 January just 16 days later. The committee were on a roll. The hall was to close on 10 February and a new hall was to be designed by none other than Lismore’s leading architect FJ Board. The magnificent building was opened on 8 June and by all accounts it was quite splendid — light and airy with stained glass windows like a cathedral. Lighting was provided by acetylene burners, three suspended in the main hall, one at the entrance, one in the supper room and one in each of the two smaller changing rooms. The gas was generated in a central plant and piped into the building. There was even a cottage for the live-in caretaker.

Improvements were made with a new supper room, and when electricity became available it was installed. But this magnificent building was destroyed by fire on 3 October 1963. It is thought that some workmen sheltered under the building to boil their billy but failed to douse their fire completely. Trash blown in from the adjacent property caught fire and there was a desperate bid to save what little could be rescued.

Bruce Duncan was the local MLA (Member of the Legislative Assembly). He approached the appropriate minister for help but was told that any financial assistance would be conditional to the land reverting to the Crown. It seems that a grant of £4000 was provided by the Lands Department. A pitiful contribution when the tender accepted for the rebuild was £12,850. To add insult to injury there were further costs of £295 due to alterations insisted on by the Chief Secretary.  Twenty local residents were required to act as guarantors for the bank loan, which was still outstanding when the “Dunoon Story” was published in 1971. Michael Donoghue Jnr was the last surviving trustee. He had left the village to live in retirement, but his letter, agreeing to the handover of the Government, eloquently portrays his bitter disappointment.

Sometimes it is hard to believe that the Government really owns this hall. There are few people in the community who really believe that it does. They have seen generations of locals slaving away to pay off the debt and to maintain the hall. And yet we have received precious little contribution from the ultimate owners of this precious asset.

It would seem that a major source of revenue was the band of stalwart women from Dunoon who took over the dining room at the Lismore Show ground to provide meals for show-goers. One venerable member of our community tells how he used look forward to his annual visit to the Lismore Show. For him a highlight was being able to sit down to the superb meals provided by the women of Dunoon. He was a young man at the time and lived as far away as Montecollum, but later he came to make his home in this village which could boast such a wonderful team of dedicated and well organised women, most of whom have since passed away.

How frustrating to see blow-ins from outside our community take such fiendish delight in trashing our hall during one short-lived but quite insane period of frenzy.

Denis Matthews

Dorroughby Hall

Small local community halls are all over Australia. In the past they were often the hub of the community and over the years have been the venue for many functions and celebrations. It is when our halls are threatened that we realise what an important role they play. Sometimes they may become derelict or may be sold. When this happens there may be no communal building left in an area. Communities have saved their halls, renovated their halls, built new halls and maintained their halls. Sometimes historic halls have been saved and maintained. Dorroughby Hall is one such hall. It was going to be sold in the 1980s and was saved by the surrounding residents. For the last 30 years, volunteers have maintained this small, beautiful hall and grounds for people who need a venue for weddings, funerals, parties, sports, communal dinners, children’s drama, art shows, film nights and on it goes. Sometimes the hall is not utilised very much and then energetic groups bring vitality and spirit back to the building once more.

Trouble is hardly anyone seems to have time to volunteer to maintain the building and grounds any more. Yes, life is hectic. Yes, we hardly get time to do our own home maintenance. A while ago there was a vigorous group of residents (many in their 30s with young children and jobs) who came together to garden, clean and fix stuff at Dorroughby Hall. Now there are a few, very few, who are mostly in their 50s/60s. Volunteering could be a few hours a year – not much to keep these great communal buildings alive.

In the next edition, we’ll put some history of the Dorroughby Hall, but in the meantime, anyone interested in coming to an occasional (1 to 4 times a year?) working bee at Dorroughby Hall could send their number to Robin 0411 420 608. They usually start any time you like after 8am, Saturday or Sunday, last for 2-3 hours and finish with morning tea. Home for lunch. Easy!

 

 

 

PROTECTING PRECIOUS FROGS AND THREATENED SPECIES

 

At a recent Field Day hosted by EnviTE Environment and Border Ranges Richmond Valley Landcare Network (BRRVLN), noxious weed officers and bush regenerators from Rous County Council were shown how to implement management protocols for minimising impacts on frogs and threatened species.

Dr Jai Sleeman, Senior Land Services Officer said of the training, “Participants were given practical hygiene solutions such as disinfecting tyres and footwear to prevent the spread of Chytrid fungus – a key threatening fungal pathogen affecting native frog populations.

“Staff also learned about weed control methods that minimise herbicide use and to modify weed control schedules to cooler months when frogs are less active. Better identification of frogs, plants and habitats helps to focus restoration programs and prevent ‘off-target’ impacts,” Jai said.

Emma Stone from BRRVLN and Whian Whian Landcare shared her experience in developing community guidelines for undertaking weed control in riparian areas.

“It is important to seek appropriate licences to undertake bush regeneration around known populations of threatened species such as frogs, crustaceans and obscure understorey plants such as the Vulnerable Thorny pea (Desmodium acanthocladum),” Emma said.

Jai continued, “Ideally, this knowledge is further passed onto landholders, helping them meet their biosecurity duty and guiding them in protecting their land’s natural values.

If you would like more information about the training or the protecting riparian vegetation project please contact Jai Sleeman at North Coast Local Land Services on 6623 3917.

 

 

 

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Dear Bronwen,

On my recent visit, I was particularly taken by the old Esso sign – my employer until retirement last year.

The car in the photo in front of Dunoon Automotive is a 1925 Alvis SC 12/50 Super Sport with the “ducksback” body in polished aluminium; photo taken at Dunoon 13 May just after we erected the hood due to rain.

We are on the way home to Melbourne from the biennial Alvis National Tour, held in Warwick Qld this year.  There were 32 Alvises present of the approximately 300 in Australia; ranging from 1923 to 1968 models; Alvises were built in Coventry England from 1920 to 1968.  They were all coach built with bodies provided by various coach builders; the total combined production of all models was about 20,000. Our one was sold with a guaranteed speed capability of 70 miles per hour (110 kph), and it can readily do this still.  They were quite fast cars for the time! The engine is a 4 cylinder overhead valve design, coupled to a 4 speed gearbox.

We anticipate that we will complete about 4500 km on this trip.

Bob Northey

(Note from the Editor: Esso Australia stopped selling petrol directly to the public through service stations in 1990, so the sign above Dunoon Automotive has to be over 27 years old!)

Dear Editor,

It’s Snez here, I’m a singer/songwriter from the Blue Mountains.

I’ll be coming through the North Coast in July on my House on Four Wheels tour and I would love to get some editorial/promo in the Dunoon & District Gazette to co-incide with my concerts, when I’m in town.

Thursday 20th July – Tintenbar Upfront, Tintenbar Hall

Friday 21st July – The Citadel, Murwillumbah

Special Guests include Stewart Peters (Sydney) and local acts.

Thanks, Snez

 

 

LOCAL BUSINESS PHONE DIRECTORY

 

 

Advertising	Dunoon Gazette	6689-5954
Aged Care & Respite Services	Nimbin Aged Care & Respite	6689 1709
Auto-Electrician, Rewinds and Electrics	Marcus Rewinds & Electrics	0408 215 696
Bolts and Fasteners	Bolt Barn*, 183 Union St, Sth Lismore	6621 9090
Bottle Shop	Dunoon General Store	6689 5225
	Mary G’s	6622 2924
Bus Service	Dunoon	6624 8734
	Whian Whian	6628 4101
Cafe/Bakery	Henry’s Bakery*, 87 Keen St, Lismore	6621 7035
Carpenter	John Ferronato	0429 895 130 A/H 6689 9437
Celebrant	Gina Murray	6689 5104
Doctor	Dunoon General Practice, James St, Dunoon	6689 5811
Driveway repairs	R & J Field Contracting – Adam	0423-101-206
Earthmoving	Tom Thumb – Jeremy	0457 895 4146689 5414
	Dugright – Michael	0412 230 982
	Backhoe – Des	0409 952 068
Electrical Services	Warren Lewis, Whian Whian	6689 5034
– including solar	Martin Mader	0429 891 555
Fencing Contractor/Firewood	Andrew Shepherd	0431 095 583
General Store	Dunoon General Store	6689 5225
Insurance	Dudgeon & Berry, 5/76 Woodlark St	6621 3000
Laundry Service	Clean & Green Laundry, 50 Terania St	6622 1359
Mortgage Broker	Sue James	6689 57800408 605 537
Pet Minding & Garden Service	Simone Phillips	0421 686 600
Plumber	Nik Hyde	6689 5174 0428753796
Postal and Related Services	Dunoon Post Office – Fiona	6689 5101
Pottery Supplies	Northern Rivers Pottery Supplies, 54D Terania St, Lismore	6621 4688
Real Estate	Elders Alstonville, Darryl Rose	6628 00000418270975
Refrigeration	Russell’s Refrigeration	6621 3992
Restaurant	Dunoon Sports Club, Cowley Rd,	6689 5469
	Mary G’s, Cnr Woodlark/Keen St	6622 2924
Septic Tank Pumping	Summerland Environmental	6687 2880
Slashing	R & J Field Contracting – Adam	0423101206
Sports Club	Dunoon Sports Club	6689 5444
Takeaway/Restaurant	Little Delhi*, 32 Carrington St, Lismore	0422 938 248
	Modanville Takeaway	6628 2005
Tipper/Handyman	Darren Bassey	6628 2147
Towing Service	Bruno Zambelli, OL90247,Modanville	6628 2230
Tractor Repairs	Doc Dorahy, 30 Tweed St, Nth Lismore	6622 2842
Transport	Northern Rivers Community Transport	6628 8806
Travel	Schirelle Domski Escape Travel	6621 6344
Tyres	Pirlos, 30 Union St, Sth Lismore	6621 3561
Wired4 – Home Theatre & TV	Iain Thompson	0421 871 144