MERRIWA CENTRAL SCHOOL Ph : merriwa2 … · MERRIWA RINGER Thursday 25 October 2012 Page 1...

MERRIWA RINGER Thursday 25 October 2012

Published by: MERRIWA CENTRAL SCHOOL

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

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

Issue 33Issue 33: : Thursday 25 October 2012

With over 100 entries in the “Everything Equine” photo competition the judges had a difficult time picking their

favourite.

After much deliberation this entry by Aileen Hogan was chosen to receive the $50 Pre-Paid Visa Card donated

by CJO Photography.

The photo was chosen for its excellent composition

and clarity.

The next theme is “Fire & Lightning” and is sponsored

by Stay „n‟ Play Hay.


DISCLAIMER

Views expressed by contributors are not necessarily endorsed by the Publisher, Merriwa Central School. No responsibility is accepted by the Publisher or its Committee for the

accuracy of information contained in articles. The advertising of and use of product names does not constitute recommendations or endorsement by the Publisher or its Committee.

Advertisers indemnify the Publisher and its Committee against all liability claims or proceedings whatsoever arising from the publication.

Producers Market Sunday 28 October

10:00am to 2:00pm Stalls include: Falcon Grove Olives: Oils, Vinegars & tastings,

Endora Aromatherapy: Soaps (soy) reed diffusers and hand made candles Stone Hill Winery: Wines and Vegies

Colleen Olderman: Flowers and Plants S. Peters: Embroidery

Children‟s Clothing and many more new stalls this month.

Chinese Smorgasbord Dinner

Sunday 28 October All you can eat Entrees, Mains and Dessert. Adults

$18, Children under 12 $10


MERRIWA CENTRAL SCHOOL

Important Dates OCTOBER Friday 26 Waste Watchers Recycling Visit to

Primary Secondary Cricket - Dunedoo Monday 29 Year 12 VET Work Placement (Continues all week) Tuesday 30 Year 3-6 Dubbo Excursion (Returning Friday 2 November) NOVEMBER Friday 2 Beef Bonanza - Scone (Returning Sunday 4 November)

PRINCIPAL’S REPORT Cultural Exchange Our school has been selected to take part in a cultural exchange program in the coming weeks. The program will see our year 7 students make contact with students from Waratah Technology Campus who come from a variety of backgrounds. Next Monday will see the program kick off with a video conference between the students where they will begin to make connections by learning a little bit about each other. Later in the term students from Waratah Technology Campus will make the trek to Merriwa to enjoy our hospitality as they get a taste of rural life. The program will end with our Year 7 students travelling to Newcastle on a return visit. While we are there our students will take part in a Cultural Awareness Day entitled “Building Bridges Not Barriers”. This is a worthy program and I look forward to the learning experiences that will be presented to our students. “MYNITEMYLIFE” As part of providing a comprehensive learning experience for our students we often have guests visit our school to provide information that broadens their understanding. This workshop is designed specifically for Year 11/12 students who are entering the phase of life when partying becomes a more dominant part of their social lives. Turning 18, having a licence, the end of school life, schoolies, all encourage parties to celebrate these occasions. Or to hold a party for no reason at all except to be with friends. The workshop deals with the health, legal and safety issues surrounding alcohol use by young

people through a hypothetical story about a teenage party, using a panel of experts to give the correct information. We are very fortunate to be hosting one of these panels on December 3 with a variety of health professionals attending. This presentation also supports the Crossroads curriculum that is a mandatory component of the Stage 6 curriculum for all students. MOVEMBER Movember is almost upon us and that means it is time to raise awareness of Men‟s Health. As the main charity for ROAR I will once again be attempting to grow a moustache and if the rumours are true there may be additional contenders for the crown of Man of Movember. However given past form it will take a special effort to overcome the veritable forest that Mr Grant produced in record time last year! Keep an eye out for the ROAR boys during Movember as they will be selling raffle tickets for a one of a kind ROAR Movember jersey. Full details in the ROAR report next week in the Ringer!

Adam Johnston Relieving Principal



JUNIOR CHOIR ASSEMBLY Our Junior Choir, under the guidance of Miss Willis and Mrs Strachan, performed 4 very enjoyable items at the assembly on Friday morning. The audience of parents, staff and students enjoyed “Let‟s Go Fly a Kite”, “Whistle While You Work”, “Zippety Do Da” and “The Woolly Sheep Song”; all of which the choir has been working on each lunchtime in preparation for the assembly.

Part of the choir performing “The Woolly Sheep”.

“Let‟s Go Fly a Kite”. Lots of great work was on display at the assembly this week. Work samples included: artworks on perspective from class 5/6, lovely handwriting from class 1/2, poetry from class 4/5, story writing from Kindergarten and artworks from class 2/3.

Shai Blackadder, Elaina Sormaz, Jackson Keane, Jamie Constable, Giaan Folpp, Mekayla Towell, Thomas Bates, Jack Goodear, Damien Constable and Duncan Harrison were all chosen as workers of the week from their classes.

Ruby and Molly Wong, and Harrison Amidy all received Participation certificates for their efforts in the NSW mathematics test.

B r o n z e awards for good work w e r e p resen ted to Logan Dewson and J a c k G o o d e a r . S i l v e r

awards went to Giaan Folpp and Samantha Bristow. Congratulations on your great work!



REMINDERREMINDER

The last Ringer for Term 4, 2012, will be Thursday 20 December.

The Ringer will resume in Term 1, 2013 on Thursday 4 February

The deadline will be 12 noon Monday 1 February as per usual.

Student of the Week books were awarded to Paige Dewson, Jackson Keane, Jasmine Hammond, Mervyn Crane-Turner and Claudia Parker-Olive. Congratulations on your great work over the past weeks.

PLAYGROUND CLOCK The Primary campus would like to thank the current Year 7 students who were in Year 6 at Merriwa Central in 2011 for your great gift of an outside clock which now hangs on a wall under the Cola. It allows everyone to see what the time is when they are playing outside or are at assembly. The money was raised through a very popular lolly guessing competition which was organised by one of our great parents: Wendy Hobday.

Ruth Hoye

‘PATCH TO THE PLATE’ Last term the P & C committee granted the Primary campus with funding to begin a herb and veggie garden. This will help us begin our program „Patch to the Plate‟. This is a project designed to enhance environmental education in the school focussing on sustainable food growth.

Our goal is that students will be able to grow and maintain the ingredients that they will cook with when attending cooking lessons on the secondary campus. Students will also be given the chance to sell some vegetables and herbs to parents and community to help maintain the cost of running an ongoing garden.

If anyone has any soil, tools, seeds, seedlings or plants they would like to contribute to the school to help get the project up and running it would be greatly appreciated.

If there are any parents or members of the community, with a passion for gardening, that would like to volunteer some time to help with our garden please contact the school. We look forward to updating you on the development of the herb and veggie garden.

Rebecca West

Assistant Principal



ROAR Athlete Profile

ROAR - Respect. Ownership. Awareness. Rewards

Name: Matthew Orton Year Group: 9 Favourite Subject: History Favourite sport: MMA/Soccer/Footy Favourite team: Jets/Roosters Favourite player: Emile Heskey Best personal sporting achievement: Blue belt in Karate Who inspires you: People Advice to young players: Have fun! Why is ROAR valuable?: It teaches you to be a better man. Captains Comments: Matt is a vital member of our

group. His positivity and

enthusiasm rub off on others.

Matt walks the walk, he always

shows respect regardless of

who he is involved with.

CAREERS NEWS This term is shaping up to be very busy. The following events are already scheduled in the school calendar: Week 4 – Year 12 Vocational Education

Work placement for the following subjects will be taking place; Business Services, Hospitality, Metal & Engineering, Primary Industry, Financial Services

Week 6 – 15 & 16 November there is an Induction to OHS course running at Merriwa Central School for all students who are considering taking a course related to a trade industry. Cost $40

Week 7 – 19 to 23 November - Year 10 Work experience will take place.

Hunter TAFE 2013 - TVET Pathway Scholarships - Twelve scholarships, each of $1000 are available for students who have previously studied a TVET or Pathways course (see Part C of application) at Hunter TAFE

and are enrolling in a course at Certificate III level or above next year. Closing Date: Friday 1 February 2013. Charlie Bell Scholarship - In recognition of the contribution made by former McDonald‟s Corporation CEO Charlie Bell, McDonald‟s awards scholarships with a contribution of $1,5000 to future leaders. To be eligible students must have gained acceptance into an undergraduate degree, be available to commence university in semester 1 2013, and be an Australian citizen or permanent resident. Applications close Mon 29 October 2012 http://mcdonalds.com.au/#/home/promo2.

Fuji Xerox Business Centre Northern Rivers Engineering Scholarship (B. Eng., Lismore) $20,000 The Lord‟s Taverners (Northern NSW) University Scholarship (Any degree in School of Education, Health and Human Sciences, all campuses) $15,000.

http://mcdonalds.com.au/#/home/promo2

http://mcdonalds.com.au/#/home/promo2


STUDENT OF THE WEEK


Innis Foundation Scholarship for Diploma of Sport Management (Surfing Studies) $5,000. Mayor of Lismore Scholarship for Outstanding Academic Achievement (Any Bachelor Degree, Lismore Campus, applicant must reside in Lismore local government area) $5,000. Eligibility requirements for each scholarship may differ. Applicants must nominate SCU as their 1st preference via UAC by close of preference dates for the main rounds of admission. Applications due 30 November, 2012. http://www.scu.edu.au/students/prospect ive/index.php/19. Years 10, 11 & 12 Government Assistance for Tertiary Education Any students unsure about government assistance for financing tertiary study including youth allowance and fee help should visit this website. http://www.studyassist.gov.au/sites/StudyAssist.

Important Dates Applications to UAC. Thursday 31 January 2013 final close of

applications with late fee $147* HSC and ATARs Wednesday 19 December 2012 NSW HSC

results released by Board of Studies Thursday 20 December 2012 ATARs

released by UAC at www.uac.edu.au Change of Preferences Friday 4 January 2013 for consideration in

Main Round 16 January–23 January 2013 for

consideration in Late Round 30 January–31 January 2013 for

consideration in Final Round

Jane Hegarty Careers Advisor

Name: Megan Hourn Year Group: 10 Favourite Subject: English Favourite Pastime: Listening to music Best Personal Achievement: Girls Choice Summer School Future Aspirations: No idea!

http://www.studyassist.gov.au/sites/StudyAssist

http://www.studyassist.gov.au/sites/StudyAssist


CASSILIS PUBLIC SCHOOL

Student of the Week

Bonny has been awarded the Student of the Week for her improving and impressive learning. She especially enjoys literacy, where Bonny is able to write and read great sentences. For “Sentence A Day” this week, we were focusing on adjectives (describing) words. This is an example of a sentence that Bonny wrote: One windy night, when Jaz was walking through the enchanted forest, something jumped out of the darkness! She has a very pleasing ability to comprehend what she has read and answer related questions and give her opinion. Bonny enjoys all the learning experiences at school and is always willing to assist. She consistently follows our school expectations and her maturing behaviour is being noticed in the

classroom and out in the playground. Congratulations and keep up the good work Bonny! A Great Team

“The relay team went to State for the second year in a row. It was a significant run but sadly lane nine ran into our lane and slowed our team down. Brady and Taine tried their hardest to catch up. We ended up coming fourth. We were coming second coming into the second baton change”.

Tarnisha

We are all so proud of Tarnisha, Taine, Thomas, Brady and Sarah. These five students have shown their dedication, talent, friendship and compassion to each other as well as being able to accept decisions even when they were


CASSILIS PUBLIC SCHOOL

extremely disappointed. Special mention to Taine and Tarnisha who will be heading off to secondary school soon. Thank you for being part of the Cassilis Public School‟s Relay Team. Lots of great memories! Cassilis Community Clearing Sale - This Saturday hosted by the Cassilis Public School P&C. Saturday 27 October at 9:30am at the Cassilis War Memorial Park. Entries are being called for our community clearing sale...if you have something to sell whether it is machinery, poultry, household goods, fencing supplies, tools or sundry items please send them in. Contact Jo Morton on 6377 4563. Proudly supported by Davidson Cameron & Co Coolah & Milling Stuart Dunedoo. There will be a BBQ lunch available on the day. Number systems to operate, cash or approved cheque on the day of sale only. ID required, 10% buyer‟s premium, 10% seller‟s premium will apply. Community Sessions Jolly Phonics (the K-2 phonic program) is the topic for the session this Wednesday, 2-3pm. Please let Miss Bell know if you are able to attend. It would be fantastic to see you there! Raffle to Raise Money for Cassilis‟s Sporting Achievements 2012 Cross Country Merriwa has kindly donated a Car Service to the value of $150.00. „Alexander Downs‟ has kindly donated half a Christmas Ham and a piece of pork. Mrs Sue Whitby will make another beautiful Christmas stocking and the school will fill it with delicious goodies.

All of these items will be raffled off from today and drawn at Presentation Night on Wednesday, 12 December. Merit Awards Congratulations to the following students. We are very proud of your efforts and achievements. Congratulations to Sarah and Brady for reaching their 15th PBL award.

Katie Bell Principal


ST JOSEPH‟S PRIMARY SCHOOL

News from 1/2

Year 1/2 have begun Term 4 with great enthusiasm and are enjoying their time back at school with their friends and teachers. It is great to hear that they are reading eagerly at home and in the school holidays. On Tuesday 23 October our „Operation Christmas Child‟ boxes were collected. I would like to take this opportunity to say thank you to all of the children and their parents, who were able to contribute to this worthy cause. Your lovely gesture will bring great joy to a child living in poverty this Christmas. The boxes were filled with items I am sure any child would love and cherish. The first few weeks of term have been very busy at school with our school play rehearsals which will take place this Thursday commencing at 6.30pm at the School of Arts. Our school play is called Bully Bull-Ring. Bellamy the young Bison Bull loves her

enclosure at the zoo but not the other

Bison Bulls who bully her!! Being the focus of the “Bully Bull-Ring” is

tough for a young Bison when none of the adult herd seem to notice.

Now name calling, being left out & getting roughed up have become part of everyday life. How much can one Bison bare??

Join Bellamy as she escapes her enclosure & travels the zoo learning the animal kingdom‟s solution to bullying.

Will she “Rise Above It” like a Giraffe, use the “Camouflage” of a Zebra, or find a “Better Buddy” like the Polar Bear? Which way works best?

The characters will all perform their own song & dance numbers to help Bellamy understand different approaches to resolving the issues of bullying. A big congratulations to all of the children who have worked very hard these last few weeks to put on their best performance. You have made the teachers very proud.


ST JOSEPH‟S PRIMARY SCHOOL

In HSIE this term the children will explore the customs and practices associated with celebrations. They will focus on what celebrations mean to people, and the similarities and differences in the ways people celebrate. Birthdays from 1/2 Some of the children in 1/2 have celebrated birthdays since our last entry to the Ringer and have enjoyed talking to the class about their morning. The children always enjoy finding out what their classmates did for their birthday. Many happy returns to Olivia, Chloe and Patrick.

Congratulations to Nicholas Morgan who recently won the story book challenge. Here is a copy of the winning entry. My favourite thing to do is ride motorbikes with my Dad. We like to ride in pop‟s paddock. I love it because it is fun and you get really dirty.

Award Winners Congratulations to the following award winners: K Roy Stanley - for good work in identifying

correct pronouns Mikayla Telfer - for always doing beautiful

bookwork.

1/2 Rebecca Keegan – for her fantastic

attitude in all areas Axul Hourn – for his super effort in all

areas Olivia Gill – for her great effort in Maths

lessons Thomas Hunt – for his contribution to

classroom discussions Will Henderson – for his contribution to

Religion lessons. 3/4 Emily Ninness – for fantastic preparation

for our school play Eliza Peebles – for great dedication to

preparing for our school play. 5/6 Tamasyn McNaught – for greatly

improved results in Times Table and other Maths concepts

Clancy Martin – for an extraordinary result in written algorithms – subtraction assessment.

Principal‟s Awards: Eliza Peebles, Tahnie Caldecoat and Paige

Caldecoat for your wonderful help at the working bee on Sunday.

Playground Champion: Adam Constable – for showing initiative

and making good choices in and out of

school.

Helen Whale

Principal


MERRIWA PRE-SCHOOL & KINDERGARTEN ASSOCIATION

LITTLE LEARNERS NEWSLETTER FOR OCTOBER

I recently spent an inspiring Saturday on a Stickybeak Tour in the Maitland area, visiting 3 other services, two of which were 80 place services, while one was a small Steiner school and in contrast took 13 children per day. Networking with other services, looking at how services are approaching different aspects of National Quality Standards and having the opportunity to view different resources and approaches was an enriching experience. I also attended a Webinar entitled "Being a Nominated Supervisor." Committee Interest - Have a think about getting involved next year as a Committee member. Now is the time to come along to a meeting to see what's involved. As our Pre-school is Community based, it is dependent upon a devoted group of parents to act as the Management Committee in order for this vital service to continue. Please give more than a passing thought to getting involved next year. Guidance and assistance is given and we'd love to have some more interest. Speak to any existing Committee Member (a list with photographs is on our noticeboard) or one of our Educators. Perhaps there may even be a Community Member experienced in Committee work / Meeting Protocols, who is not currently connected to the Pre-school, who may be interested in joining us next year. We'd love to hear from you! Good Luck to Leah - This week Leah embarks on a 4 week block Work Placement for her TAFE course. Best of luck, Leah. We continue to wish both Leah and Jessyca well as they continue through study at TAFE to achieve their goal of Diploma in Children's Services. Thank you also to Lucy Naef (from Activity Centre) who has just completed her work placement at the Pre-school. Lucy is also working towards her Diploma in Children's Services. Thank You - Lucy Naeff for taking down our recent Show Display.

Work Health And Safety - Following enquires made on our behalf recently, Upper Hunter Fire Protection have now added a chemical fire extinguisher to our Mower Shed, together with an additional fire blanket (in the same location) which could be used for our BBQ. The children have also been practicing their Fire Drills. Coffee Mornings at Pre-school - As the year draws to a close we recently held a week of Coffee Mornings for parents to gain some feedback. A timely reminder to parents that Feedback Forms are always available at the sign on desk. Just place your ideas/concerns into the Fees Box and we'll do our best to act upon them. Many parents have been with us now for at least a year, and we like to hear from you your thoughts on our service. Anyone who missed out, or who still has one at home, please return it no later than Friday 26 October. Final Reminder - Portfolio Photographs - A final reminder to parents that we'll soon be finishing off your child's portfolio in the middle of this last term, and we still need some parents to bring in an individual photograph. It really does make a difference to this important document for your child. Time is running out! Please bring it along in the next couple of weeks.

Parent Exchanges For Kinder Children - Week 7 (beginning 19 November and the following week) we'll be holding Parent Exchanges. These are held each year as a way of exchanging or sharing information with parents as their child prepares to move on to Kindergarten. Please make a booking on the noticeboard so that you can speak to myself.

End of Year Christmas Parties/Concerts: Prior knowledge for working parents. Please mark these dates on your calendar: 9.30am - 11am Monday 3 December 9.30am - 11am Tuesday 4 December 9.30am - 11am Wednesday 12 December 9.30am - 11am Thursday 13 December

Jill Martyn


MERRIWA ACTIVITY CENTRE After School and Vacation Care

Catering for 5 – 12 year olds

This week the children at MAC have been learning all about Halloween! The traditions and culture behind it all have fascinated the children and extended their understanding of the “why”, when and where facts of the tradition. We have been completing craft to decorate the room before we celebrate Halloween in week 4, Wednesday 31 October! With a Halloween celebration including dancing, finger foods, games and few spooky tricks. It should be really fun and all children are welcome to either sign in for the afternoon or get an adult to accompany you to enjoy the fun from 3:30pm. We have been very lucky this week to have welcomed a Wii into the MAC room, where we are able to practice driving with our friends and the Mario Brothers. It will be lots of fun to get our skills at turn taking and mixing together more refined, as we only have two remotes and a lot of keen children!

New enrolments are always welcome. Come in and grab a package today! Activity Centre CRN (after school care) is 555 014 702K. Vacation Care CRN 555 014 708J. Contact Centrelink to find out about your Child Care Benefit (CCB) or contact MAC for more information.

Lucy Naef, Jo, and Kids


ANGLICAN NEWS Note: Guild Meeting 1 Nov will be a bring & share lunch at 12.30pm followed by our meeting.

Calendar of Events: 26 October: Messy Church 3.30pm 27 October: Men‟s Breakfast 2 November: All Souls Day service

Everyone is welcome to come along and remember their loved ones in this special service at 6pm

3 November: Parish Picnic & Bush Eucharist. At “Eagles Drift”, Never Fail Rd. (Ted & Jenny Finnie‟s). All welcome, bring your rug or chair, picnic food to share, family & friends ready for start at 11am

4 November: a re-visioning day for “Holy Trinity” come along and be involved, as we re-examine our vision and call to mission within our parish community

10 November: Deb Ball - Phone Joan Morgan 6548 2036 for more details. Tickets & table bookings available at the RSL

25 November : Seafarers Mission 30 November: Messy Church 3.30pm First Thursday of each Month: Guild

Meeting 12.30pm meeting for lunch Last Friday of the month: Messy Church

3.30pm Last Saturday of the month: Men‟s

Breakfast, 7.30am.

Church Services Friday October 26: 10am Eucharist Holy

Trinity with discussion & sharing Gummun: 11am Extended Eucharist. Reflection; This story was taken from the occasional letter of a dear friend who is a priest with the Company of the Good Shepherd and exercises ministry in the parishes of Nyngan and Cobar in the Diocese of Bathurst, NSW. The story begins with the Rev‟d Graham McLeod telling us that the reason he wanted to visit Louth was to see the “Mary Matthews Monument”, the large Celtic Cross. Louth is the site of an amazing structure known as “The Celtic Cross” – a 7 metre polished granite cross that dominates the cemetery on the hill overlooking the town. The cross was constructed by the founder of Louth, Thomas Matthews, who erected the monument as a perpetual memorial to his wife, Mary Matthews, who died in 1866. Each year on the anniversary of her death on August 19, the sun reflects from the Celtic Cross to the front door of the spot where their house, “The Retreat”, once stood. The monument is not only a testament to the love & devotion of a husband for his wife but also the accuracy of navigation technology in the 1880‟s as its alignment was reportedly aided by one of the river boat captains of the Darling River. Anyone visiting Louth can observe the occurrence and the locals have thoughtfully marked the places throughout the year that the visitor can experience the 3 minute light show.

Rosalie Drew


DISCLAIMER

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

responsibility is accepted by the Publisher or its Committee for the accuracy of information contained in articles. The advertising of and use of product names

does not constitute recommendations or endorsement by the Publisher or its Committee. Advertisers indemnify the Publisher and its Committee against all liability claims or

proceedings whatsoever arising from the publication.

PRODUCERS TO DECIDE ON OJD AREAS Sheep producers in areas that may meet the technical requirements of a protected area for Ovine Johne‟s Disease have the opportunity to vote on whether they wish to become a protected area. Under the revised National OJD Management Plan, being led by the Sheepmeat Council of Australia and Wool Producers Australia, which is proposed to take effect on 1 January 2013, regions throughout Australia will be declared either a Protected Area or Control Area for OJD. Simply, a Control Area is where there are variable levels of OJD and producers manage their own disease risk, while a Protected Area is where the disease is rare or unknown and there is active management. At a series of meetings across NSW during September, sheep producers were informed on how they could elect to become part of a Protected Area and what their responsibilities would be. Representatives from the sheep industry, Livestock Health and Pest Authorities (LHPA), NSW Farmers‟ Association and NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI) were present at the meetings. Areas which met the technical prerequisites for becoming a Protected Area and for which producers have elected to vote on obtaining an OJD Protected Area status include: Walgett Narrabri Warialda Moree Coonamble Nyngan Forbes – Vote anticipated during February

2013 West Wyalong – Vote anticipated during

February 2013 Hay Individual sheep producers within these areas will soon be receiving a mail out from the LHPA which will contain information on the revised plan, Protected and Control Areas and a voting paper for becoming part of the producer‟s proposed Protected Area.

If 50% of eligible sheep producers in the proposed Protected Area return the survey form, and if 50% of these vote “Yes”, a Regional Biosecurity Plan will be developed for the area with the assistance of an LHPA District Veterinarian. To fully appreciate the implications of voting to be a Protected Area, producers should review the information on the National OJD Management Plan available at www.ojd.com.au before casting their vote. It is intended that areas that do not satisfy the criteria for Protected Area status will become Control Areas on 1 January 2013. LHPA Acting CEO, Tim Johnston, said the LHPA has played a lead role in the implementation of previous OJD management plans for NSW and will continue to work with government and industry in implementing the revised plan. “The LHPA is supportive of industry deciding on how it wants OJD managed at the local level and will assist industry where appropriate,” Mr Johnston said. Individuals and regions should be able to determine how they can manage pests and diseases – including OJD – at the local level, but it is also important that a balance is achieved between the ability to trade and the ability to manage a disease. For more information on the surveys contact your local LHPA office. Further information on the revised National OJD Management Plan is available at www.ojd.com.au.

Kylie Neville 6391 3720 / 0428 465 378

http://www.ojd.com.au

http://www.ojd.com.au


AN AUSSIE ROAD TRIP ADVENTURE DAY 3 – MUNGO TO HALL’S GAP

I am asleep, but my face is numb with cold. I am awakened by “Mum, Mum? I need the toilet. Now!” It‟s dark and bitterly cold, a quick trip to the fetid long drop was not the way I wanted to start my day! Oh the joys of children! We arrive back at out tent shivering, find my watch and discover that it is 5am. No getting the little Miss back to sleep now, she always has been an early riser. She jumps into my sleeping bag to warm up, a tight squeeze, but a warm arrangement, and we chatter away while the sun comes up. Before long the birds began to sing their morning songs and the sun appears on the horizon. Out of the tent it is still bitterly freezing, so much so that the gas cylinders that power the gas burner to heat the kettle is refusing to work properly. All I want is a warm cup of coffee to get me defrosted! While we wait, we play “Sun Dogs”, a game my daughter has devised, were we all stand in a row in a patch of sunshine, like Meerkats apparently, defrosting in the warm morning light. We look like idiots, I know it, but it‟s effective, I wonder how many more times we will have to play “Sun Dogs”? The sound of the whistling kettle is like heaven to my ears! Cups of hot tea and coffee in hand, we resume our “Sun Dog” positions. Now thoroughly defrosted we start to break camp and get the day underway, once more on the road before 8am. First stop for the day is “Vigars Well”, another point of interest along the Mungo circuit. We leave the car park and it is still a little fresh so we leave our jackets on, a decision we soon

regret. We investigate the well, which was once used to water Cobb & Co coaches and now forms a small swampy oasis in the desert before climbing into the huge sand dunes. We scramble up one peak and then another, the view from the top is well worth the climb, but the exercise accompanied by the rising temperature now has us sweating in our jackets. We roll, slide and tumble our way down the loose sands back to the bottom. Vigars Well is one of the most photogenic spots on the trip so far, and also a lot of fun.

Next along the circuit is Zanci Homestead, a historic cluster of buildings that was absorbed into Mungo National Park in the 1980‟s. The


homestead features a unique underground bunker were the family hide from the scorching heat during the Summer months. You can go down and look around the small dark hole, it‟s quite interesting. The site also contains old stables, and another impressive old shearing shed, still smelling of lanoline, that bears shotgun shell marks on the walls. The mind wanders as to why they are there. From Zanci we return to the main road and head South. The GPS has a mental breakdown over which way to go. Eventually we agree on a route through more low scrub, red gravel and bull dust that brings us back into civilisation near Euston on the Murray River. We continue South, crossing the Murray into Victoria at Robinvale. We stop for fuel and ice-creams, the day is exceedingly pleasant. We continue in a southerly fashion, passing through many small towns with strange names. The wheat crops are in desperate need of a drink and are very patchy. The canola however looks in fine condition. We also pass our first of several salt lakes. The most enjoyable and surprising detail on this leg of the trip is the vast sections of gazinnias which line the road for miles at a time, in a rainbow of colours. We reach Sea Lake in time for lunch. It is another neat and tidy town with wonderful old architecture. The main park/tourist stop is a new facility full of information on the area, clean amenities and even free showers for weary travellers. Back in the car and still travelling South, we pass through a small town called Whatchem which we agree is not much of a name for a

town but a great name for a blue heeler. As we continue the crops improve and the sheep become fatter. We arrive at Stawell mid-afternoon and after an embarrassing incident involving our car driving on a footpath, we stop to stock up on supplies. Stawell has more amazing old buildings, the church spire is a must see.

Leaving Stawell the country becomes more mountainous. The road has more bends, the country is amazing, lush grass and fat livestock in every direction. We catch glimpses of the Grampians rising before us, 24km later we arrive at Hall‟s Gap, a pretty little place at the bottom of the mountains. We book into a cabin at the Grampian Gardens Holiday Park, un-pack and hit the showers for the first time in 3 days. Ahhhh, it is bliss! I wash away the layers of red dust, scrub my hair 3 times and for the first time since leaving home feel human again. Clothes are soon washed and dried and we are off to the pub for dinner. Just a short, torch lit walk from the cabin is the Hall‟s Gap Hotel, boasting stunning views of the mountains. The meals are a little more expensive than I had expected, but when my plate arrives I am not disappointed. A huge portion of chicken parma surrounded by mountains of vegetables threatening to overflow from my plate. We all scoff our dinners like a pack of savages, but I don‟t care, it is hot, and good, and filling. With bellies bulging we head back to camp, looking for possums along the way, but failing to spot any. I climb into bed, a real bed, and fall instantly into blissful, contented sleep.

Candice O‟Neill


MERRIWA TYRE AND SERVICE CENTRE Come in and see us about our Husqvarna outdoor product range. With a ride-on mower from Husqvarna you can cut your lawn quickly and with first class results, using the cutting method best suited to your lawn. Plus, the wide range of accessories allows you to enjoy the efficiency and driving pleasure they offer, in all types of gardens, all year round. With cutting decks starting at 30 inch and finishing at a width of 72 inch and with a selection of designs including Tractor, Riders, Zero Turns and diesel powered Zero Turns, there‟s sure to be a mower that suits your needs. With its stylish good looks you will make your neighbours green with envy. Husqvarna are now doing a range of walk behind mowers that are easy to start and comfortable to use. With Husqvarna‟s wide range of landscape maintenance equipment you‟ll find the tools to make your job easier and your results better, whether you work full time in the forest, parks

and gardens or in your spare time at home in your own garden. With a range that includes brush cutters, trimmers, split shaft trimmers with separate attachments such as hedge trimmer, pole saw, tiller, edger and sweeper, stand alone hedge trimmer and pole hedge trimmers, blowers and blower vacs there‟s sure to be something in the range to suit you. Call in and see us, I‟m sure we have something in stock to suit you, and all ready in time for Christmas. Our new range of Husqvarna Ride-on‟s, Zero Turns and Walk Behind mowers are in stock now there should be something for every application. We service and do warranty work on all the products that we sell. Finance available - Quick and easy. Drop in and see us at Merriwa Tyre and Service Centre.

Glen Hunt


MERRIWA AUTO ELECTRICAL We are excited to advise you about some new products available here, at Merriwa Auto Electrical, at 30 Bow St. Lots of people have been very interested to know about all the options available to light up the road when you are driving at night. You can simply increase the light output of your bulbs by 100%. But, this may not be an option for all cars. If you like driving lights, we use the Nite Stalker range for quality and performance. There are a range of LED light bars available to suit your vehicle. In each LED there is a combination of pencil and broad beam to give you the best coverage. The lumens created by the latest in LED technology has to be seen at night to be believed. We have access to a variety of superior quality light bars, each boasting features such as waterproofing, shock and vibration dampening, 5 year warranty, whiter and brighter light, longevity and importantly, reduction of eye strain.

If you require visibility and safety, we have LED roof top light bar assemblies and rotating beacons. All these great new lighting products can be installed here too, by a qualified auto electrician. Correct wiring will ensure you

have reliability, safety and confidence when travelling.

Other products we can offer are: solar panels, solar trickle chargers, battery boxes, mobile phone accessories, UHF's: Uniden and GME, good quality Bluetooth devices, trailer wiring kits - excellent value and easy, LED spotlights $60/$80, digital multimeters, test lights, LED light assemblies, beautiful quality boxed LED torches, LED worklights. We sell the correct digital TV aerials for the area, HD set top boxes from $40, Pioneer Blue Ray player $179, Outback radio $124 and Kenwood car stereos from $169.

If you need an air freshener for your vehicle, we have an exclusive selection of fantastic designs, from a new Australian company, Aussie Car Crisp, for $2.50 each. Merriwa Auto Electrical is fully licensed to carry out all air conditioning and auto electrical repairs. Please call 65482114 to book your vehicle in.

Sally Hagley


MERRIWA HOME TIMBER & HARDWARE Welcome back loyal readers for yet another short bit of dribble with a bit of special gibberish thrown in for good measure. Because it‟s Spring, lets start out in the garden. For anyone thinking about starting a garden or adding to an existing garden, the thing to do is start with a few trees and then create your garden around them. We have a variety of ornamental trees in stock such as Eucalypts, Chinese Elms, Golden Elms and London Plane Trees. To compliment them we also have Crepe Myrtles, Lilly Pilli's, Photinias, Viburnum, Buxus - Japanese box, a variety of shrub and climbing roses and vines, Camellias and Hydrangeas. Thinking about starting or adding to your own orchard – we have cherry trees in stock as well as apple, pear, plum, nashi, apricot, peach, fig, thornless blackberry, passionfruit Vines and citrus trees. Yes, we have a heap of plants in stock to suit just about every part of your garden, and remember, if we don‟t have it in stock - we can probably get it in for you. For a short while, if you purchase 10 or more 140mm potted plants you will receive 10% off those plants. Don‟t forget that the osteospermums are down to $10.00 each or 3 for $25.00. Don‟t forget that we also have a range of potting soils in stock that are dirt cheap. The range of Resource products include potting mix, tomato & vegetable potting mix, garden soil, cow manure, chook manure and mushroom compost. All of these Resource products are $6.00 each or 4 for $20.00. We also should have had a fresh delivery of seedlings yesterday (Wednesday) for anyone who may have missed out from our previous delivery or may have had to replace some frost bitten plants. I‟ve planted a heap of shrubs and vegie seedling over the past couple of weeks so I think that‟s enough for the garden for the moment. Have you noticed our range of picnic and camping supplies? We have tables, chairs, plates, cups, single and double jaffle irons,

SHOW WINDS UP WITH A PARTY On Friday evening at Merriwa Showground around 140 adults and children gathered to enjoy a barbecue and entertainment, and celebrate a very successful 2012 Merriwa Show season. As with everything about this Show, it was a great event thanks to mighty efforts from our members and volunteers who work so well together. I would particularly like to thank Patrick Ryan, vice-chairman of the Show executive, for all his efforts in co-ordinating and organising the evening. Many thanks also to the Show ladies who organised the food and ran the kiosk for the evening. They were: Maria Cameron, Anna and Kerry Gill, Julia Hardy, Clare Martin, Meredith Munro, Kathy Ryan, and Carina Shannon. We all enjoyed the delicious salads and well-cooked steaks (courtesy of Alexander Downs who provided the winning carcases from the

toasters, sleeping bags and heaps of other stuff (yes that‟s the technical term for it). Have you noticed the Wattyl Paints ad on the TV lately? You know the one, about liking your colour or we‟ll replace it. Well it‟s true, if you purchase 4 litres of Wattyl Interior Design paint and don‟t like the colour, we will replace it and Wattyl will reimburse you for the cost of the original can of paint. Not too shabby at all. I think I mentioned last week that it is now flea season. Look after your dogs and cats by using Frontline Plus. Frontline Plus will control both fleas and ticks for up to 2 months, or we also have Advocate which will not only control fleas and ticks but also help with lice, mites, mange, intestinal and heartworm. Well and truly out of time so yibbidah yibbidah, that‟s all folks.

Ray McConnell & the crew


MERRIWA DISTRICT EDUCATION FOUNDATION

Applications for the 2013 year of grants are open to any students who reside in the old Merriwa Shire boundary and are available from Jane Hegarty at Merriwa Central School or the E d u c a t i o n F o u n d a t i o n w e b s i t e . (www.cef.org.au) Applications close on 30 November 2012 and for any further information please contact one of the committee members who are listed in our Ringer sponsorship box. The Merriwa District Education Foundation would like to thank all our sponsors and encourage anyone interested in donating to the foundation to contact one of the members (see The Merriwa District Education Foundation sponsorship box). The committee are very proud of all the students‟ achievements and amazed by the range of areas their studies and careers have taken them. Below is a brief report from one of our past recipients: Anastasia Nixon After graduating in 2010, I spent twelve months on Rotary Youth Exchange in Finland. This was an amazing experience full of memories and new experiences. This year I began my studies at the University of New England, Armidale. I am studying a Bachelor of Arts studying 2 majors: Linguistics and Psychology. Attending university has allowed me to further my studies into areas I am interested in as well as a whole series of extra-curricular activities. I take part in many cultural events at my college such as the small music ensemble and debating as well as college events such as the St Albert‟s College Ball and attending Football matches. I have also been taking part in research on the Australian accent for the Linguistics department which has been thoroughly intriguing. I have had an amazing year in Armidale and am feeling enthusiastic about continuing my degree there.

Jane Hegarty MDEF Secretary

Show‟s Prime Cattle section). Brett Larkham from Tamworth played guitar and sang, and two winners from the Show‟s Merriwa‟s Got Talent quest, Daniel Hogan (Merriwa) and Keedie Hartin (Muswellbrook) had ample opportunities to impress the guests with their talents as well. Thanks go to Brett for helping these two young artists on the night. The auction stirred up a great deal of interest and bidding was fierce and fast. Auctioneer Huw Llewelyn talked up a storm as buyers competed for holiday accommodation, luggage and wine. Many thanks to those generous supporters who donated the prizes: Jim and Cherie Edwards, Hugh and Annie Kraefft, Ted and Jenny Finnie, Harvey World Travel Mudgee, and Two Rivers Wines. Raffles of two large hams donated by Alexander Downs were won by James Curtis and Tash Taaffe. We also presented our 2012 Show administration volunteers with a memento of our appreciation for a job well done. They were: Mel Bates, Enid Holt, Toni Jones, Melissa Marshall, Jean Price, Allen Reed and Megan Richards.

Last night we held our wrap-up Show meeting and plans for the 2013 Show are already underway. It has been a great pleasure and a privilege to occupy the office of Merriwa Show President this year and I am very much looking forward to working with everyone again in 2013. A President is only as good as his team and our team this year was superb.

Rob Tindall President

http://www.cef.org.au


TIPS TO PAY OFF YOUR HOME LOAN EARLIER

There are many advantages to repaying your home loan quicker. Not only will you own your home sooner, you can avoid hefty interest payments and may be able to access built up equity to use as a security to upgrade your home or purchase an investment property.

When looking to pay off your loan sooner, one option might be to make more frequent repayments, for example making repayments on your loan fortnightly instead of monthly. There are 12 calendar months in a year and 26 fortnights, so if you were to repay fortnightly you would end up making the equivalent of 13 monthly repayments each year.

Following lenders passing on some of the recent interest rate cuts by the Reserve Bank of Australia, your home loan interest rate may have dropped. If you find this to be the case then it‟s a good idea to continue repaying your loan at the pre-rate cut levels, to reduce the overall life of the loan and interest payable.

Making a lump sum payment (big or small) into your loan can also make a substantial difference to repaying the loan sooner. Take

a loan of $300,000 at a standard variable rate of 7% over 30 years; If a borrower who was one year into their loan term contributed $1000 from their 2012 tax return into the above mentioned loan, this would reduce the overall term by three months and the total repayments by approximately $6,509. Imagine the difference that doing this every year or with a higher amount would make!

All in all, it really comes down to finding a repayment strategy that works for the you and meets your individual needs. Those with an existing loan should give themselves a home loan health check every year or two. It may be that another loan offers a lower interest rate and/or fees.

However, a more affordable loan may have fewer features, so carefully weigh up the emotional and financial pros and cons of all options.

Please follow me on Facebook at www.facebook.com/mortgagechoicehunter. Visit Lauren Murphy‟s website at www.mortgagechoice.com.au/hunter1 or call 0408 480 562.

Lauren Murphy Mortgage Choice

http://www.facebook.com/mortgagechoicehunter


MCCONNELL'S THIS N THAT Lots has been happening in store of late so much so that I haven't had a chance to get to the computer to do my weekly article. I have much to tell you, but the best thing that I have to tell you is that Christmas is now only two months away - scary isn't it but don't despair we are here to help with gift for all members of the family.

The ever popular Lang calendars are in and moving very quickly, so for all those people who must have one, please don't leave it too late as you may miss out. We also had a new shipment of the calendars arrive last week, these along with the calendars make great gifts.

We have also stocked up on our Primo Best Ever range of cookware with some new additions and some old favourites such as Best Ever Chicken Roaster, Best Ever Lasagna Dish Large and Small, Best Ever Anzac Biscuit just to name a few.

For those who love our Colonial Homeware range of items we have also made some new additions to this range so you can keep your colour schemes flowing. Also from the same company we have just had a new delivery of the Shop & Go Cooler baskets. These carry baskets come in two variations insulated with a lid or uninsulated with no lid. They are very handy and can make great picnic baskets - the red and white Polka Dot baskets are proving to be very popular and are moving very fast.

We are currently in the process of creating a range of pre-made hampers using our Tall Poppy and Pukara ranges as these proved very popular last year. Orders for these can be

taken from now up until closing time Christmas Eve - depending on availabilty of stock. We can also tailor make a gift hamper if you have a special request.

We have now incorporarted a new section into our store - we now have a small section titled "Christmas Gifts with a Twist". We have decided to add this section as every year we get many people looking for that gift that is just that little bit different or a little bit quirky for all those work secret Santa Gifts.

Mums, Dads and Grandparents - don't forget our Schleich, Siku and Melissa and Doug ranges - they make great Stocking fillers.

So as you can see we have been very busy, so why not pop in for a look and let us take the stress out of your Christmas Shopping - don't forget that we also gift wrap - all we ask is that you make a gold coin donation to the Cancer Council.

Carlita McConnell


STAYING FREE FROM INFECTION

The history of infectious disease is as old as life itself. The various plagues of Egypt were documented in the Old Testament (though the causes might be in some dispute) and in this context the word plague really means, and from time to time still means, not just some widespread infectious disease but any form of major calamity. From a medical perspective, plague refers to a specific disease caused by a bacterium and carried by rats. The plague (also called the Black Death) of the mid 14th century is said to have wiped out between 30% and 60% of the population of Europe. Of course other significant epidemics of infection have occurred since then. It‟s estimated that the flu pandemic of 1918 killed 75 million people worldwide. SARS (severe acute respiratory syndrome) first identified in Hong Kong in 2002 and spread to 37 countries within a few weeks. And, more recently this century, the influenza variations of Swine Flu and Avian Flu have raised concerns of uncontrolled infection; whilst in the last couple of years there have been major outbreaks of mumps, meningitis, measles, cholera and dengue fever.

The “germ theory” of disease was promoted vigorously by French chemist and microbiologist Louis Pasteur in the 1860‟s. Then, the discovery a short time later by German physician Robert Koch of the organisms which cause anthrax, tuberculosis and cholera, and the pioneering of antiseptic surgery by Scotsman Joseph Lister all increased our pool of knowledge relating to infectious diseases and the likelihood that such diseases could be effectively treated and prevented. Antibiotics were not freely available until well after World War II; and we now tend to take the use of antibiotics very much for granted, but they are not effective against all infections; and overuse or inappropriate use will make them even less effective. At least equally important in combating infectious disease have been improved sanitation and hygiene and the introduction of immunisation programs. The spread of infections such as the common cold and influenza, which can be transmitted by respiratory droplets (both airborne and on surfaces such as door handles and eating utensils), can be reduced by practising good respiratory hygiene. This includes: Turning away from others when coughing

or sneezing Covering the nose and mouth with a

tissue when coughing or sneezing Disposing of used tissues in a waste

basket or rubbish bin If a tissue is not available, coughing or

sneezing into the arm – not the hands After coughing or sneezing, washing

hands with soap and water or cleaning them with an alcohol-based hand rub.

Alcohol hand rubs are effective for reducing bacterial and viral contamination on the hands.


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

Muswellbrook NSW 2333 [email protected]

Ph: 6541 5331 Fax: 6541 0330

1541 Merriwa Road Sandy Hollow - $380,000

The main house is brick and has a beautiful country feel. There are 2 big bedrooms the main with a walk in robe, an open plan

lounge and dining featuring reverse cycle air conditioning and a unique combustion fire. The kitchen is in excellent condition and

is constructed of steel and timber. The bathroom is also fully

renovated. At the rear of the house is the third bedroom with r/c air and would be ideal in-law or teenager accommodation. There

is a 10m x 5m shed with power plus a 2 bay carport and garden shed. There is plenty of room for a couple of horses with one fully

fenced paddock room for another. Water is supplied via town water, tanks and a dam. The very well established small acreage

is priced to sell and well worth a look.

25 Cullingral Street Merriwa - $159,000

Situated in easy walking distance to the local shops, doctors and clubs this is an ideal investment or for someone looking to down

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

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

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

25 Collins Street Merriwa - $57,000

1067sqm block

• All services connected • Easy building site

• Quality new homes • Excellent views

• Close to all amenities

However, these products are not effective for cleaning dirty hands. If soap and water are not available, and provided the hands are not visibly dirty, an alcohol-based hand rub can certainly be used. Many infectious diseases can be prevented by immunisation with an appropriate vaccine. And the risks from these diseases that immunisation prevents are far greater than the very small risks of the immunisation itself. Comprehensive information about vaccines which are available in Australia can be found in the Australian Immunisation Handbook. It's online, too, at www.immunise.health.gov.au The Department of Health and Ageing also publishes a booklet titled Immunisation, Myths and Realities. It puts the immunisation debate into proper

perspective with an objective view of the risks and the benefits. More advice about preventing, or at least reducing the risk of, infection can be obtained from Merriwa Pharmacy. There are special “fact cards” on Antibiotics, Childhood Immunisation, Travel Health and a number of specific infectious diseases.

8 weeks to Christmas and we have new stock of handmade rustic metal ornaments and jewellery a great selection of toilet bags, photo frames, cosmetic gift packs, watches, and plenty of ideas for stocking fillers. 2013 Calendars have arrived. Please ask for one.

Robert Smith Merriwa Pharmacy

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

mailto:[email protected]

http://www.immunise.health.gov.au


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

MERRIWA ROTARY CLUB Melbourne Cup Calcutta Merriwa Rotary extends an invitation to the residents of Merriwa to attend the Melbourne Cup Calcutta which will be held at the Merriwa Sports Club on 5 November 2012. Sweep Stake and Calcutta tickets can be purchased from our local Newsagents, Pharmacy, Post Office and all Rotary members. Previous Calcutta events have been extremely successful for raising funds that will ultimately help within our community. Organise to come with your partner, friends or as a group and enjoy the evenings fun……you may be lucky! Melbourne Cup – Calcutta Venue – Merriwa Sports Club Date – 5 November 2012 Entry - $25:00 per head; this covers your meal Start time: 7pm. Rotary Hat Day A big thank you to all who participated and generously donated to the Rotary Hat Day fund raiser; $800.00 was raised on that cold and windy day and Rotary will top the donation up to $1000.00 so as to round off our communities contribution to mental health research. Thank you to our shop owners and all who joined in on the day.

The Rotary District Governor visited Merriwa on 9 October for an evening of talks and good fellowship. Speakers for the evening were Merriwa Secondary students, Amy Nicholls and Tyler Austin who have recently attended a RYAG camp and Taylor Cyopick also gave a great presentation on her home country.

Canadian Exchange student Taylor Cyopick and Rotary District Governor Peter Raynor. If you would like to find out more about Rotary, our regular dinner meetings are at the Sports Club Tuesday nights 7pm for 7.30pm dinner. Membership is open to both men and women.

Michael Wheatley


Entries Close 12 Noon on Monday 19 November

This month the theme is:

The winning photo this month will receive a prize donated by Stay „n‟ Play Hay.

The competition is open to photographers of all ages. The winning photo will be published in the Ringer on Thursday 22 November and will receive a prize donated by our sponsor. All entries will be displayed at Merriwa Pharmacy after the winner

is announced.

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

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


WOOLBROOK RURAL INDUSTRIES When the rabbits arrived at the Merriwa Freezing Works in their thousands George Kelly would hang them in pairs on wooden rails cut locally years before from scrub, and put them into low temperature rooms till they were frozen solid. At that distant time low temperature meant about zero degrees Fahrenheit (about minus 20 degrees centigrade), but there were times when I suspect the rooms struggled to maintain anything like that. Still, hygiene laws were not as strict then as they are today, which very likely helped give our 1950‟s immune systems something to do and perhaps helped to keep us healthier than we are in 2012, since there is evidence accumulating that our increasing problems with such as asthma and some allergies can be linked to our obsession with hygiene giving our immune systems too little to do. It also seems possible that the method of getting them to Jimmy Hilder‟s rabbit processing business at the Haymarket also boosted our immune system. The 1950 rabbit transport business was about as basic as it could get, and certainly nothing like the temperature contro l led refr igerated pantechnicons of today where the temperature of the load is constantly recorded and, if the graph rises above a certain point, the whole load may be condemned. No, Siddy Walmsley was the carrier, and he had a simple flat top bogie trailer pulled by an AEC Matador, a very good truck for its day. However, it was tiring for the driver as it was rough, uncomfortable, underpowered and slow by today‟s standards, and driver unfriendly (to use a modern term) unless one had arms as long and strong as a gorilla to comfortably manage the gear lever. There were very good British trucks in those days till they were all Leylandised (if I may coin a term) and

bastardised, though the Empire Preference Policy in force at the time virtually still condemned Australia to buy the now second rate trucks and buses which Britain then began to export; however, more of that later in these chronicles. Before he loaded, Siddy first went to the Police Station and obtained a permit which legally entitled him to take a load of rabbits to Sydney; further, he also perhaps obtained a permit to return with a backload if he could find anything which he could legally carry; further again, he would have known that while on the road he could be stopped anywhere at any time while Transport Inspectors inspected his load and checked his permit, and that other Inspectors would be sitting in cars as he passed to take his license number for checking at head office to ensure he was legally entitled to be on the road. Yes, this was Australia, not Russia, about 1950, this really happened and it was routine procedure for carriers! So, armed with the Permit, Siddy went to the Freezing Works to load. My recollection is that his sole concession to hygiene was to cover the deck of his semitrailer with a tarpaulin before the hard frozen rabbits, still with their skins on, were brought out and loaded in hundreds and thousands into a great heap which was then covered with another tarpaulin or even two or three before Siddy set sail for Sydney and the Haymarket. A trip to Sydney today is a piece of cake compared to what it used to be since down, unload, load, and back in a day is quite possible and often done, though it does mean a long and tiring day. However, a trip to Sydney in 1950 was very different, the truck was slow and grossly underpowered by today‟s standards, the


Woolbrook Rural Industries Max Wurcker 6548 2150

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

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

Visit our very comprehensive website:

www.woolbrookrural.com.au

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

Clipper Cuts $7 Men‟s $15 Ladies $25

Pre-School & Primary $10 A travel charge per residence visited applies and depends on distance travelled. The best

time to call is evenings but an answering service is available

Ph Carla on 6548 8531

roads dreadful and even the distance longer because the traveller did not, for instance, go through Cessnock and soon onto a magnificent Freeway!! No, he went almost into central Newcastle, then took the slow windy road to Gosford, then the even slower and windier road up high, then down to the Hawkesbury, up again and down again to Sydney. If it were night time and/or winter, the rabbits were still solidly frozen when he got to the Haymarket near Central Railway. There they were unloaded, skinned, drawn (gutted), the carcases went to feed rabbit meat lovers, and the skins to make the hats that most people wore those days. To enlarge a little on the Transport Regulations to which Siddy Walmsley had to comply: Socialists believe that industry should be run by Governments, not by Private Enterprise. The Private Enterprise system is certainly not without its faults, however all the Socialistic enterprises I know of, from the most extreme (Communism) to moderate (post war Britain) to the comparatively benign (Australia, also post war) have ended in chaos, and the NSW Government Railways, though somewhat better now, in 1950 were an absolute disaster, a shambles. They were losing vast amounts of

money and being run so badly, so inefficiently, that sending anything by them, and particularly by so-called fast passenger rail (as opposed to goods rail), was little better than a lottery, perhaps you got it, perhaps you did not, and even if you did it was a matter of chance as to how long it took to arrive. This was demonstrated graphically by a man who sent a parcel by passenger rail from Central Station to Melbourne, then wheeled an identical parcel in a wheelbarrow down the Hume Highway to Melbourne, and beat the first parcel!!! Next week, the Government‟s Solution!!

Max Wurker

Merriwa Activity Centre Merriwa Activity Centre (otherwise known as MAC) operates an essential after school care service for school aged children. MAC is open from 3-6 during school term and full days during the holidays and booking can be made on permanent or casual basis. MAC has the following vacancies for staff:

Part-time Coordinator - Merriwa Activity

Centre - MAC is looking for an enthusiastic, energetic and dedicated person with an interest in

children's education. Working with children check

applies. 20 hours per week 2-6pm, must be available for vacation care. (Primary trained

educators are welcome to apply)

Clerical Position - Merriwa Activity Centre - MAC is looking for an experienced clerical officer.

MYOB experience preferred but not essential. 6 hours per week. Working with children check

applies.

Applications close Friday 2nd November 2012. For

more information please contact Kim on 0422035576 or [email protected]

For Sale “Rev” - American

Bulldog x Bull Arab, 10mo Male $250 ono

M‟chip & Vacc. Owner can no longer keep due to moving. Could be trained as a pig dog.

Ph: Ebony on

0419 816 690 after 6pm

Wanted Babysitter for 1 day per week.

Must be honest, reliable and trustworthy.

Ring for details 6548 2414


MERRIWA NEWSAGENCY Your Local News Power store and Office Smart agent. Online at www.merriwanewsagency.com.au.

It is shocking to realise that we have less than 8 weeks until Christmas. It still seems so far away that we do not need to start thinking about it just yet. However, that is just wishful thinking and couldn't be further from the truth. We have to start thinking about Christmas now.

At Merriwa Newsagency, we have recently received a massive shipment of Christmas gift ideas, cards, wrap, decorations and stocking fillers. We will give you an idea of what we have today, but you best come in and see for yourself as they will sell out fast.

Lay-by Do not forget that we are happy to lay-by your Christmas purchases. You can add to your lay-by and pick parts of it up as they are paid off. It is a great way to stay within your budget at a time of year when spending can easily get out of hand.

For the Artist Jasart - a very reputable and affordable art supply brand - has released a very nifty sketch set. It includes 8 pencils of varying hardness, 3 charcoal pencils, 1 graphite pencil, pencil sharpener, charcoal sharpener, charcoal sticks and 2 erasers. Not only does the kit include all of these things, but it comes in its very own canvas wrap.

For the Crafty Kids Jasart Kids has released a brilliant kit that allows the kids to create their very own dough animals. There are 8 different, pre-designed animals, 7 different coloured dough, a plastic dough cutter and an instruction sheet all included in the very handy carry case. For the Travelling Kids The Holiday Activity Pad comes in 2 great designs - Barbie and Elmo. It is full of great activity ideas that allow the long Christmas car trip to be less stressful for everyone involved.

There are over 100 re-usable stickers, 32 pages of colouring in, puzzles, problems, and activities to complete and even a create-a-scene glossy poster for the stickers. It all comes on a clever pad with removable pages that has a convenient handle included to make lugging it around easy.

For the Car Collector There are several new series of Matchbox style cars available in store. There is the City Car, Fire Rescue and Military set. They all include 6 die cast vehicles, props, maps and hours of entertainment. It all comes in a great carry case with a clear lid to allow it to be used as a display case.

For the Pre-Schooler The Learning Interactive Laptop is a great gift idea for young kids. We live in a world that relies (and causes us to rely) heavily on technology. Let the kids learn the basic principles of a laptop computer where they learn their alphabet, numbers, words, maths, music and games. This colourful mini computer has a full QWERTY keyboard and means that they can use it whenever they want to - not only when you are able to supervise them on the family computer.

For the Christmas Card List We have a great range of single and packaged Christmas cards to suit every budget, including the Silver Collection - 40 Christmas cards with envelopes, 5 designs and under $6. There are many other ranges to choose from, and now is the time to buy them. Now is the time to think about having to send cards overseas as they take that much longer at this time of year.

Better Homes and Gardens The latest issue has hit the shelves and has heaps of Christmas craft, decorating, food and gift ideas. Grab one before they all run out.

Phone Cards; all cards are now available including Telstra, Optus & Vodaphone.

Cash or Eftpos only.

Neville & Leanne Hook

http://www.merriwanewsagency.com.au


DO YOU HAVE SOME UNWANTED SPECTACLES OR SUNGLASSES?

Lions Recycle for Sight Australia is a part of the Lions Clubs International Worldwide Eyeglass Recycling Programme, headquartered in Queensland and operating throughout the World. It involves the collection of used spectacles, sunglasses, new frames and other ancillary equipment. The spectacles are sorted, cleaned and regraded before being labelled and prepared for dispatch to people and communities in need. A customer in the Post Office this week asked if we knew how unwanted glasses could be put to use to improve the quality of life for another person. Thanks to that enquiry, the wonders of the internet, and support from Suzie Fitzpatrick and Merriwa Pharmacy, we would like to invite anyone who has unwanted spectacles or sunglasses to drop them into Merriwa Post Office or Merriwa Pharmacy. They will then be passed on to the Lions Recycle for Sight Project with the help of Suzie Fitzpatrick. It couldn‟t be easier and your donation will make an enormous difference to those who receive the gift of better vision. Thanks for your help.

Kerry Hapgood

MERRIWA HEALTHY ENVIRONMENT GROUP

New Documentary Film – Bimblebox

On Thursday, 8 November 2012, Merriwa H e a l t h y Environment Group will be h o l d i n g another public meeting to discuss the p o t e n t i a l impacts of coal and coal seam gas mining in our area.

The meeting will feature a showing of the film “Bimblebox”. This film is aimed at drawing international attention to the issues surrounding the huge expansion of coal and coal seam gas mining in Australia (particularly the expansions planned in New South Wales and Queensland). This film has been acknowledged as a brilliant documentary, and Paola Cassoni‟s introduction provides a glimpse of the landscapes under threat. This is not just a “coal is bad” film. It also features solutions from the Beyond Zero Emissions organisation to turn Australia into a world centre for renewable energy. They offer a captivating, verifiable alternative. The music of Geoffrey Gurrumul Yunupingu, the renowned aboriginal musician, accompanies the sound track. Alternative Energy At this meeting we will also have a representative from a photo-voltaic company (roof solar panels) to discuss the installation of this source of energy on houses in the Merriwa district, with the possibility of bulk purchase discounts.

A delicious supper will be provided following the meeting.

Ted Finnie MHEG


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

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

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

AGM NOTICE The Merriwa RLFC AGM will be held on Sunday 28 October 3.00pm at the Merriwa RSL Club. All positions will be vacant and need to be filled to compete in 2013.

Matt Morgan

FAMILY GATHERING

As part of the Year of Grace, the Parish Pastoral Council invite you to a Parish Family Gathering at St Anne‟s Church on Saturday evening, November 3. The Gathering will commence with the Vigil Mass at 6.00pm followed by tea in the garden area near the MacKillop room at St Joseph‟s School. We hope you can keep this evening free and please extend the invitation to family and friends.

Sr Brigid Linehan

MERRIWA HOSPITAL AUXILIARY MEETING The Merriwa Hospital Auxiliary wish to advise the community that we will be holding our final meeting for 2012 on Friday 16 November, 2012 at 2pm following our Street Stall. All interested community and members are asked to attend. The meeting will be held at the Nurses Home Conference Room, 2pm, 16 November, 2012. See you there.

Elaine Sparrow Secretary

6548 8560

MERRIWA TENNIS CLUB

The Merriwa Tennis Club are looking for interested players to join a Junior Tennis Competition in term 4 from 4.30pm on Wednesday afternoons. For more information call Loretta 6548 2679 after 4.00pm. Ladies Tennis – Social Tennis is held on Tuesday mornings from 9.30am for interested ladies (past and present). All are welcome to come and have an enjoyable morning. Children are welcome as tennis grounds are fenced in and child friendly.

Loretta Cooper

CAROLS IN THE PARK The Combined Christian Churches of Merriwa invite you to Carols in the Park at Apex Park. To be held on 16 December, 2012.

Ron Campbell

THANK YOU Many thanks to Candice for the wonderful descriptive holiday journal. As you read along you are taken away and yearn to know more and more. For those of us who haven‟t ventured out on this wonderful journey, thank you for taking us along with you. It has been such an experience! One can ponder in awe at the craftsmanship of past eras displayed in the woolshed from last week, it held me transfixed in the picture. Wow…keep us posted Candice. It is a wonderful journey.

Rosalie Drew


WANTED, TRAINING FOR MY OWNER! My name is Click, I am the kelpie from the Ringer‟s front cover and am looking for someone who could help out my owner, Tina!

She is doing ok, as far as someone who doesn‟t have a clue can do, but she needs help!

So far she has taught me the basics and we have worked on the 13 sheep we have but we are at a stand still! Can you offer some assistance?

You would need to have a fairly soft approach as anything heavy handed won‟t work as she is a softie!

If you think you can help, please rescue her on 0447 219 193.

Tina Taylor

GUMMUN PLACE HOSTEL STREET STALL Thank you to everyone who supported the Gummun Place Hostel Street Stall held on 21 September 2012. In particular thank you to all those who donated items to sell. The street stall raised $694. Raffle Winners 1st Prize - IGA Voucher sponsored by IGA Merriwa - Leone Williams 2nd Prize - Gift Basket - Sister Mary 3rd Prize - Wine - Suzanne Duggan 100 Club Winners 1st Prize - No 53 - Chris Nutt 2nd Prize - No 30 - Eva Towler 3rd Prize - No 14 - Fiona Morgan.

Tina Taylor

MERRIWA PONY CLUB AGM Merriwa Pony Clun will be holding it‟s AGM on Wednesday 7 November from 6pm at the RSL Club. For further information please contact Christine Riley on 0427412128.

Christine Riley


IN MEMORY

A loving sister-in-law and Aunt Cheryl Ann Byfield

30.10.1997 Although you have gone you have not been forgotten. Your memory will be treasured always in our hearts.

Eva Towler, Mick and families

MERRIWA SENIOR CITIZENS ASSOCIATION

Our Christmas luncheon will be held on Sunday 25 November in the RSL Club auditorium from 12 noon, with lunch at 12.30pm. Cost of lunch $15.00 members. Raffle – hamper $1.00 tickets and lucky door prizes. Exchange of gifts, not exceeding $5.00. Numbers are required for catering so please let me know if you would like to come.

Mary O‟Neill

MERRIWA RSL SUB BRANCH Remembrance Day Sunday 11 November. There will be a short service at the Cenotaph at approx. 10.45am. All are welcome to attend. The Sub Branch meeting will take place at about 11.30am followed by a short dedication service for additional plagues in the Remembrance Garden at 1pm.

Mary O‟Neill

ANGLICAN WOMEN’S GUILD The Anglican Women‟s Guild‟s last meeting for the year will be held on 1 November. All welcome. There will be a “Bring and Share” luncheon starting at 12.30pm with the meeting to follow.

Joan Morgan

MERRIWA RINGER Thursday 25 October 2012 MERRIWA RINGER Thursday 7 June Page 35

NAME PHONE

Andy Carrigan 6548 2646

Anthea Wright Veterinary Service

6548 2452

Beauty on Bettington 6548 3030

Boardman Peasley Pty Ltd 6543 3600

Bricklayer Block layer 6548 2591

Cassilis Bowling Club 6376 1002

Cassilis Public School 6376 1009

CJ & JM Vero 6548 2303

CJO Photography 6376 4642

CJ‟S Cuts 6548 8531

Colles Manufactured Homes Pty Ltd

4353 3606

Craig McPherson Haulage 6548 2663

Cross Country Merriwa 6548 2106

Crystal Clear Water Tank Cleaning

6557 0074

Curls & Swirls 6548 2499

Curtis, Irving & Gant 6543 2433

Custom Made Kitchens 6548 2025

David Houlahan 0429 485 119

Dean Hancock - Master Farrier

0488 591 723

Di‟s Clothing Patch 6548 3023

Festival of the Fleeces 6521 7046

Hair Indeed 6548 2666

Hanckel Hay Sales 6548 5168

Hunter-Central Rivers Catchment Management Authority

6542 4444

Hunter Mutual 6548 2651

Integratedliving 6548 3062

MA Macdonald & Co 6548 2226

McConnell‟s This „n‟ That 6548 2889

Melaleuka Rural Services 0429 131 339

Merriwa Activity Centre 6548 2082

Merriwa Amateur Swim Club

6548 8510

Merriwa Anglican Parish 0429996769

NAME PHONE Merriwa Caravan Park 0418 668

402

Merriwa Catholic Parish St Vincent de Paul

6548 2086 6548 3092

Merriwa Central School Primary office Secondary office

6548 2101 6548 2119

Merriwa Central School P&C Association

6548 2119

Merriwa Cricket Club 0428 485 110

Merriwa Darts Competition

0428 899 749

Merriwa District Education Foundation

6376 1052

Merriwa District Health Non-Emergency Medical Transport

6548 2653

Merriwa District Progress Association

6548 2245 6548 3060

Merriwa Engineering 0427 476085

Merriwa Home Hardware 6548 2077

Merriwa Healthy Environment Group

6547 6048

Merriwa Junior League & Netball

0437 482 375

Merriwa Little Athletics 0427 799 22

Merriwa Magpies Rugby League Football Club

0411 800255

Merriwa Newsagents 6548 2031

Merriwa Pharmacy 6548 2213

Merriwa Post Office 6548 2042

Merriwa Pre-School & Kindergarten Association

6548 2083

Merriwa Race Club 0427 482 095

Merriwa RSL Club Restaurant

6548 2157 6548 2295

Merriwa Rotary Club 6548 2025

Merriwa Springtime Show

0402 484 018

Merriwa Sports Club Restaurant

6548 2028 6548 3228

Merriwa Surgery 6548 2305

Merriwa Tennis Club 6548 2679

Merriwa Traders - IGA 6548 2315

Merriwa Tourist

Welcoming Centre

6548 3201

NAME PHONE

Merriwa Tyre & Service Centre

6548 2078

Mortgage Choice - Lauren Murphy

0408 480 562

Painter Decorator 0402 943 918

Panorama Motor Inn 4943 3144

Pitt Son & Keene Elders 6548 2307

Plough Inn 6376 1220

Peter Lawler Pest Control 0428 482 332

Rockwell Livestock 6548 5100

Running R Cutting Horses 6548 8531

Russell‟s Earthmoving 6548 2246

Scott Witton Building 0427 761 169

St David‟s Uniting Church 6548 5131

St Joseph‟s Primary School 6548 2035

Tash Holden Communications

6548 5002

Trinity Markets 6548 2323

Upper Hunter Shire Council - Merriwa Branch

6521 7000

Welderup 6548 2500

Whale, Mark 6548 2389

Woolbrook Rural Industries

6548 2150

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


G’DAY TO THE FRIENDS OF IGA Again I find myself sitting down at the end of yet another week to write the IGA wrap up. Christmas is getting closer and we‟re getting ready, you‟ll notice that IGA is beginning to put on its Christmas charm. „The Gigantic Sale‟ ends Sunday 28 October. So make sure that if you spend upwards of $30 in store then enter on the computer at the checkouts. Now in store is a new line of Nescafe Coffee pod machines, Dolce Gusto. At the reasonable price of $149.00, you could be making café quality coffees in your own home. To top things off the pod system means an easy to use system and an easy clean up. So be sure to check them out, you‟ll find them just up from toilet paper. The catalogue starting Monday 22 October continuing until Sunday 28 October is in store now. With savings so good you‟ll think you‟re dreaming. Feel free to come on in and take advantage of these specials. Once again while in store you should have a look at the fresh food specials, you‟ll be amazed at how much you can get for your dollar. This weeks specials are as follows: Economy Beef Porterhouse Steak, $9.99

per kg BBG Lamb Forequarter Chops, $7.99

per kg Economy Beef Porterhouse Roast, $9.99

per kg Pork Butterfly or Medallion Steaks,

$15.99 per kg Fresh Chicken Wings, $3.99 per kg Primo Honey Leg Ham, $9.99 per kg Kensington Pride Mangoes, $2.79 each Red Delicious Apples, $2.99 per kg Iceberg Lettuce, $1.99 each Hass Avocadoes (Product of New

Zealand), $1.99 each. This week in the liquor there are specials to take advantage of, with many of your favourites at prices you will like. The specials this week are as follows: Stock up with these low prices! Tooheys

New and Carlton Draught 24 packs and XXXX Gold 30 Packs, $39.99 each

Victoria Bitter 30 Packs and Pure Blonde Premium 24 packs, $43.99 each

3 For $20 Multi-Buy on selected 750ml Wines, including; Lindeman‟s Bin 65 Chardonnay and Penfold‟s Rawson‟s Retreat Cabernet Sauvignon

2 For $30 Multi-Buy on Selected 750ml Wines, including; Oyster Bay Sauvignon Blanc, Taylors Estate Cabernet Sauvignon, Secret Stone Sauvignon Blanc and Mcguigan Reserve Shiraz Cabernet

2 For $65 Multi Buy on Bundaberg Rum, Jonnie Walker, Jim Beam and Canadian Club 10 packs

Jonnie Walker Red label, Smirnoff Red Label, Jim Beam White Label and Canadian Club White Label 700ml spirits all at the low price of $33.99 each.

Market Day savings will return to Merriwa IGA on Friday 26 October. As you know these savings are upwards of 30%. So come on down and enjoy the following Super Specials: Tru-Blu 12x300ml Varieties, $3.49 each Mission Wraps 8 packs, $2.49 each Peters Ice-cream 2l, $2.79 each Cadbury Dairy Milk Marvellous Creations

Chocolate 290/300g varieties, $3.69 each Netted Pork Shoulder Roast, $5.99 per kg Warrnambool Cheese 250g Varieties,

$1.99 each Garlo‟s Beef Pie 220g or Sausage Rolls

200g, $0.99 each IGA Baker‟s Oven Rollettes or Jam Tarts 6

packs, $1.99 each Seedless Watermelon, $1.29 per kg 700ml Jonnie Walker Red Label, $29.99

each. With plenty of savings to be had, we look forward to seeing you on Friday. Quality and Freshness is always ensured in IGA, with 200% freshness guaranteed, that has stood for 10 years, that‟s something you can trust. You‟ll find our friendly service, market fresh food and a range that suits you is just how the local‟s like it! Until next week, I‟ll see you in store!

Daniel Hogan


MELBOURNE CUP GARDEN LUNCHEON Everything is well planned for the Melbourne Cup Garden Luncheon at „Mountain Station‟ Homestead on Tuesday 6 November for a 11am start. The word around town is that people are going! But the tickets are still in Di‟s Clothing Patch waiting to be purchased. If you are coming along to our Luncheon please purchase your ticket so that our catering team know how many to cater for. Chris and Bill Wild are gardening to their hearts content to make the luncheon area look perfect. It definitely is a wonderful setting to be holding our Melbourne Cup function. All proceeds from the event will go to purchasing equipment for our Merriwa M.P.S. The cost for the lunch will be $15 and there will be sweeps available on the day or pre-purchase sweep tickets ($2 or $5) from Di‟s Clothing Patch. The ladies from the Hospital Auxiliary will be catering for the day, led by Rose Witney, and as usual we will have a scrumptious luncheon spread out for your delight on the day. Get your friends and your neighbours together and purchase your tickets at Di‟s and come along to our luncheon on Tuesday 6 November, 2012. Surprises on the day include lucky person through the gate prize, best dressed couple, best hat and more. Dress up or dress down – hats on or hats off – your choice. We just want you to come along and enjoy great company in a wonderful peaceful garden setting and totally relax. We definitely need more relaxing in our busy lifestyles. So take the day off and we‟ll see you there. For further information talk to Elaine Sparrow, Kay Taylor or Rose Witney. Balloons will show the way on the day. Head out of town and turn left onto Willow Tree Road and follow the balloons to the orange mail box. Don‟t forget! Go into Di‟s Clothing Patch and get your tickets now!!

STAGE 1 DEVELOPMENT FAST-TRACKED The NSW government has recently changed the planning legislation regarding transitional Part 3A projects, including the Liverpool Range Wind Farm. As a result, Epuron must now lodge the Environmental Assessment for the project by 30 November 2012, substantially earlier than the previous deadline of 31 October 2013. Although these changes were unforeseen and carried out without consultation, we intend to do everything possible to meet this new timeline. As a result, Epuron is targeting a reduced part of the site (“Stage 1”) which it is able to develop and submit in the timeframe available. Epuron is committed to developing further stages of the wind farm, and will update the community in due course regarding development of those stages. While this is unfortunate for those involved, landowners who cannot be included in Stage 1, the earlier approval of this initial stage should pave the way for development of further stages. Community Open House - To outline the changes and the proposed development, Epuron will host an Open House information day for the local community: Where: Cassilis Bowling Club, Mudgee Rd, Cassilis When: Thursday, 1 November 2012 Time: 2pm – 7pm Please feel free to drop in anytime over the course of the day for a cup of tea and an informative chat with our project team. All are welcome. Community Consultation Committee - Epuron is also in the process of establishing the Community Consultation Committee (CCC) for the project. Nomination forms were distributed with our last newsletter and are available on our website. We propose to hold the first CCC meeting in the coming month. If you are interested in joining the CCC, please return your nomination form to us as soon as possible.

Brian Hall Liverpool Range Wind Farm


MERRIWA CWA For the first time in its 90 year history the CWA of New South Wales have inducted honorary members. All branches were invited to select a member of their community male or female to be presented with this membership and certificate. Merriwa CWA chose somebody that gives tirelessly to the branch and through our work to the community. Congratulations to Tom Witney the first male member of Merriwa CWA although he has been at many of our activities over the year. Tom is always ready to help when items need moving from one venue to another, loading and driving his vehicle with a smile. He has been a quiet willing supporter of the CWA helping with minor repairs of our rooms and just being there with his quiet unassuming presence. Thank You Tom. This week several members will attend the CWA Hunter River Group Conference at Salamander Bay. During the conference new office bearers will be selected and general business discussed. Susie Fitzpatrick will hand over her badge as Group International Officer by announcing the new country of study for 2013 as Morocco.

Two of the three agriculture and environment topics have been announced with an underwater theme – Seagrass as the flora and sharks as the fauna of study. For members remember that the cultural writing and photography entries must be in Sydney by November 5.

Our next meeting is on November 12 at 10 am in our rooms.

Sandra Stewart Merriwa CWA Publicity Officer

MERRIWA RAILWAY SOCIETY INC Next Monday 29 October brings up 95 years since the first train pulled into the Merriwa Railway Station. It is hard to even imagine the excitement this would have caused amongst the residents. It had taken 30 years of Local and Government lobbying to obtain approval for the line. A further 5 years of construction. In 1917 there was probably only about 700 people in the total in the Merriwa District with many living on farm properties. I would expect most of them would have been at the Station 95 years ago to greet that first steam train. Just think of the difference the train service would have made to their way of life. Social, medical and shopping trips to Muswellbrook and beyond. Freight services for goods arriving and farm produce sent to markets. The horse and dray still played a role and later motor trucks as they were needed to get from the station to their final destination. Already at the Station we are exhibiting some membrobilia. We ask everyone to look through their different collections for anything relative to then and bring it to us to use as a display. Also we ask anyone who souvenired items from the site when the line was closed down to please return them so they can be displayed for younger and future generations to better understand our history. If you want to be anonymous leave it at the Station near the Parcel Room door. We are also looking for stories of your experiences travelling on the train to and from Merriwa. Please write them up so they can be exhibited.

A photo from 2009 before work began on the station.

Bryan Baker 6548 5000


CASSILIS BOWLING CLUB Friday night fun: Twilight Bowls began on Friday 12 October. Bowls will be played each Friday. 7pm start – names to club by 6.45pm – choice of prizes for winners – progressive points competition. Last weeks winners: Jo, Celia and Brian. Friday night Snack Bar – The Two Ds Affordable family meals. Friday night raffles Meat trays, Vege trays, Schooner Draw, Joker Draw, Members Draw. Last week‟s results Members Draw: $95 – Max Weiss - unclaimed - $100 next week. Joker Draw: $1357 – Denise Cornish – unsuccessful - $1382 next week. NYE – Monday 31 December Fancy Dress – “A Night with the Stars” (come along dressed as your favourite celebrity ie: movie star, music star, etc, etc). BYO supper. Music by “The Sly Pigs”. Tai Chi – (will resume soon – watch this space) Low impact exercise. Excellent for relaxation, balance and reducing high blood pressure. Gold coin donation. Come along and join us. See you there. Reminder: Memberships are now due for renewal. Internet - Check out our website at www.cassilisbowlingclub.com.au. Facebook - The Club now has it‟s own Facebook Page, so please check it out and like us. Coming Events will also be advertised on this page as well as the web page (as soon as there is a confirmed date for them).

Hilary Parker

RSL CLUB NEWS The Members Lucky Badge for $1000.00 was not won on Friday at 8.30pm the number was 821, this week it jackpots to $1050.00. The 7pm draw for $200.00 was not won the number was 753, this week it jackpots to $220.00. The 9pm draw for $400.00 was won the number was 313, this week it commences at $100.00. LTPS/12/03880. The Sunday Morning Badge Draw for $850.00 was not won last week the number was 254, this week jackpots to $900.00 and will be drawn between 11.30am and 1.30pm and you must be present to win the money. LTPS/12/03880. The Friday 8.30pm badge draw and the Sunday badge draw both now commence at $500.00. Coming Events In the Bistro on pension day we now have a choice of a couple of senior‟s meals for $7.50, but you must show your senior‟s card to be eligible. Spring/Summer Bistro evening hours are 6.00pm to 8.30pm. Christmas Social – Saturday 15 December. Special Tooheys New Stubbies $39.50, from 18 October, while stocks last.

Matt Morgan Secretary/Manager

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


MERRIWA SPORT CLUB Saturday 20 October Saturday Members Draw 59 - Won, next

week $170 Winners Jackpot 72065 - Not won, next

week $1500 Free Tickets Trish Sandruly Dinner Eileen Barwick Bowls Raffle Max Barwick. Sunday 21 October Sunday Members draw no 87 - Not won.

next week $1200 $20 one off prizes no 86 - Not won & no

88- Won. Transport Service is available Friday and Saturday. Don‟t take the risk and drive when for $3 per person you can be chauffeured home. To access the transport service you must book through the Sports Club to check availability of the service. Members and Associations - looking for a venue to hold your meetings etc? The Sports Club may be able to assist. Please contact the Club for further details . Bingo - Every Thursday Night commences 7:00pm. Win Sporties Vouchers for meat and other business houses + Super39 $100 gift voucher. Sunday 28 October - Producers Market 10:00am – 2:00pm. Sunday 28 October - Chinese Smorgasbord Dinner all you can eat. $18 for adults, children under 12 $12. Saturday 10 November - “Venus2”

Saturday 17 November - Trivia Night The Sporties Chinese/Australian Restaurant Smorgasbord last Sunday in the month. All you can eat Entree‟s, Mains and Dessert. $18 for adults and $12 children under 12. Shan and Jinna also have lunch time specials $7.50. Open for Lunch Wednesday to Sunday 12noon to 2pm. Dinner Tuesday to Sunday 5:30pm to 9pm. Closed Mondays. Reopens 5pm Tuesday. For bookings and take away ring 6548 3228.

John Rindfliesh

LADY BOWLERS NEWS A lovely day was had on Wednesday 17 at our Friendship Day with Coolah and Cassilis. 1st Doreen Brazier, Dianne Clark and Kevin

Izzard 2nd Ken Tuckey, Merle Coluccio and Geoff

Atkinson Lucky Prizes Skip Joan Schiemer, 2nd Glen

Clark and Lead Sheree Nicholls Nearest the Spider Steve Williams, Coin

Dot Cox and Ditch Sylvia Wickens The Raffle was won by Dot Cox, 2nd Allison

Goninan and 3rd John Rindfleish. Our Christmas Party will be held on 28 November. Details soon. The green is having annual maintenance and is out until further notice. Coming Up Wednesday 31 October - Scone RSL Charity Day.

Beatrice Voysey


UPPER HUNTER VETERAN’S GOLF Treasurer Bob Minch with 40 stableford points won the Veterans golf event at Denman on Tuesday, 16 October from Rod Auld on 39. There were 19 players including visitor Kevin Nebauer from Tin Can Bay, Queensland and new member Rod Upton. Welcome gentleman! The fairways have been recently slashed and now await a good fall of Spring rain. Here‟s hoping! Get well soon Mal. In the ball comp balls went to Laurie Hollins 35, Jock O‟Connor, Reg Davidson and Graham Turvey 34 and Les Eaton, President George T. Smith, Ron Bartush and Graham Boles 33. Nearest the Pins: 3rd/12th Jock O‟Connor 5th/14th Phil Ledgerwood On Tuesday, 23 October we played a stroke with putting event including the final for the Jack White Trophy at Aberdeen with hit-off from 8am until 8.30am with a meeting to follow the round. On Tuesday, 30 October we play a stableford event at Murrurundi with hit-off from 8am until 8.30am.

Graham Turvey

LADIES GOLF Along with the rest of the district, the Merriwa Golf course is suffering badly from the lack of rain. Despite some of the fairways resembling the Sahara, seven ladies played Canadian Ambrose last week. On a hot and windy day it is a great way to mix it up and have some fun. It was a close competition with Dinie and Robyn winners, closely followed by Libbie and Tania and Jane and Gaye. The AGM was also held on Wednesday. All office bearers were returned, President Tania Carrigan, Secretary Merrie Llewelyn and Treasurer Sue Weiss, and we welcome Captain De Patterson as our new Captain. Unfortunately Di Thorley decided not to stand for Captain. Di has done the job so well for many many years. We would all like to thank Di for her years of dedication and hard work for Merriwa Ladies Golf.She is a wonderful mentor for new players, encouraging them, and guiding where necessary. Her contribution generally has been massive. We all hope she will continue her association with the club as a non executive member. Those truly keen and tough players travelled to Cobar on the weekend (just to see if it could get any hotter or windier, I think). Predicted temperatures were in the high 30‟s. Brave women indeed. As it turned out Cobar is not an easy course. It has a channel running through 5 of the holes and a big dam, so more water than anyone has seen for a w h i l e . Dinie, Gaye, Tania, Merrie, Libbie and caddie Sue, had a great weekend of golf with the western women and apparently they Birdied the 19th on Sunday! Next Wednesday is the last competition day before we start the summer comp and begin at 8pm to beat the heat. New members are always welcome so if you think you might like to play or would like to see what it all involves, come along and have a go. Fresh air, exercise and good company. It‟s a win win.

GOLF NEWS On Saturday 20 October it was the Williams Concrete Putting Comp. Five Golfers played in very warm and windy conditions. The winner was P Murray on 25 putts, good putting. Runner Up was new member P. Mos with Nett 68. Ball comp winner was D Walmsley. Next Sunday 28 October it is the Men‟s Foursomes Championship. Enter with a partner at 10am. Also a small working bee is planned on Saturday 27 October. Ring Des Vero for starting times.

Andrew Medway


MERRIWA JUNIOR RUGBY LEAGUE AND NETBALL CLUB

AGM Merriwa JRL & N Club held their Annual General Meet ing on Monday 15 October. Following on from a successful presentation it was great to see some new faces eager to keep netball and football alive for our kids. Congratulations to the following newly elected committee members: President: Matthew Attenborough Vice President: Andrew Jamieson Junior Vice President: Daniel Towell Secretary/Treasurer: Kellie Walker Canteen Coordinator: Amanda

Attenborough Publicity Officer: Zoe Jamieson Public Officer: Kellie Walker Junior League Coordinator: Paul Medd Netball Coordinator: Heidi Inder Registrar: Amanda Attenborough General Committee: Max McNaught and

John Lannen Congratulations to all elected. Anyone interested in becoming a general committee member are welcome to attend our next general meeting on Tuesday 13 November 2012 at Merriwa Sports Club, 6.30pm start. Meetings are held every second Tuesday of the month. If you would like to be involved but meeting times don't suit please speak to Matt or Kellie as we will be reviewing the meeting time at our next meeting. Teams: Under 6's - Coach: Belinda Keane Jackson Whitby Hudson Attenborough Dylan Keane Matthew Edwards Clayton Porter

Under 8's - Coach: Karen Brazier Charles Brazier Damien Jamieson Christian Beveridge William Whitby Kade Attenborough Dylan Turner Nicholas Morgan Thomas Bates

Under 9's - Coach: Matt Attenborough L o g a n

Dewson R h y s

Turner N i c h o l a s

Whitby


Under 12's - Coach: Mark Edwards with Phil Neale Ben Keane Bailey McNaught Luke Edwards Dylan Daniel Kasey Cassar Dylan Cox Lachlan Walker Joseph Whaley Logan Constable Mikey Wilkins Jack McAlister Ben Nebauer Riley Deasey Thomas Neale

Best Forward: Luke Edwards Best Back: Bailey McNaught Best & Fairest: Jack McAlister Most Improved: Locky Walker Coach‟s Award: Ben Nebauer Under 14's - Coach: Brock Morgan Clint Rawlinson John Cronin Jacob Medd Andrew Edwards

Luke Cronin Jake Barry Matt Wightman Hunter Hood Alex Ashman Connor Deasey Cody Towell John Whitby Hamish Cameron Alex Kirk Joshua Smith Tom McAlister

Best Forward: Alex Ashman Best Back: Andrew Edwards Best & Fairest: Connor Deasy Most Improved: Joshua Smith Coaches Award: Jake Barry

Kellie Walker


Attention Readers!

We would like to feature some new regular columns on the following topics:

Cooking Gardening Pets/Livestock Craft

If you would be interested in submitting columns on one of these topics on a regular

basis we would like to hear from you!

MERRIWA PONY CLUB NEWS There was a Pony Club meeting last Tuesday night. The Pony Club Christmas party will be held on the weekend of 8 and 9 December 2012. It will take the form of a trail ride and activities in the afternoon, including swimming. Further information will be forthcoming when they are available! A Pony Club Instructors School will be held in Merriwa on the 3 & 4 November. Contact Christine for further information and to register. The Pony Club AGM will be held on 7 November at the Merriwa RSL Club at 6pm! All members are invited to attend. The Martin family have been busy competing at the following events: Highlights from Merriwa Show: Anastasia - 1st, 2nd and 4th in the 13 - 17

years ASH Challenge, 2nd 13 - 17 years campdraft, Reserve Champion District Senior Girl Rider, Champion ASH Youth Handler, Champion ASH Ridden by a Youth and winner of the Throwley Station Trophy for Highest Scoring Rider 13-17 years.

Clancy - 1st and 4th in the Under 13 years ASH Challenge, 1st Under 13 years campdraft, Champion District Junior Boy Rider, Reserve Champion ASH Youth Handler, winner of the Kevin Shannon Memorial Trophy for Highest Scoring Rider Under 13 years.

Nicole - Reserve Champion District Junior Girl Rider, 1st Parent and own child rider under 13 years, 1st ASH handler under 9 years, 1st ASH working under 9 years.

Highlights from Singleton ASH Show: Clancy - 1st under 13 years campdraft,

2nd under 13 years ASH Challenge Nicole - 1st ASH working 8 - 11 years Anastasia - 1st Rider 13-15 years, 2nd

Hack and working 13-15 years Highlights from National ASH Youth Show: Anastasia - 1st Challenge 13-15 years,

2nd - Campdraft 13-15 years, 1st Polocrosse 13-21 years

Clancy - 1st Polocrosse under 13 years, 1st Showjumping 8 - 11 years, 3rd - Campdraft 8-11 years, 2nd Flag race

Nicole - 2nd Showjumping 8-11yrs, 1st Bonfield Bounce, 2nd Barrel race, 3rd Polocrosse under 13 years, 3rd Working 8-11 years

Upcoming dates: 27 October - Gundy Campdraft 3/4 November - Instructors School at

Merriwa 7 November - AGM Meeting 6pm 10 November - Bunnan Campdraft - full

second ring - rider, hack, sporting 24 November - Scone Campdraft

Cancelled! 8/9 December - Christmas Party.

Tanya Ninness

REMINDER

The deadline for articles and advertisements for the Merriwa Ringer is

Monday 12.00pm


OCTOBER

Thursday 25 National Shoe Box Collection Day - Operation Christmas Child

St Joseph‟s Merriwa Performance Night - 6pm- School of Arts

Entries open for “Fire & Lightning” photo competition

Friday 26 Messy Church - Parish Hall - 3.30pm

Saturday 27 Cassilis Community Clearing Sale

Anglican Deb Ball Car Wash

Anglican Men‟s Breakfast - 7.30am

Men‟s Bowling Club Trivia Night

Gundy Campdraft

Sunday 28 Producers Markets - Merriwa Sports Club - 10am

Chinese Smorgasbord Buffet Dinner - Merriwa Sports Club

Wednesday 31 Digital Farm Planning Workshop - CMA

Scone RSL Charity Bowls Day

NOVEMBER

Thursday 1 Digital Farm Planning Workshop - CMA

Movember commences

Wind Farm Forum - Cassilis Bowling Club, 2pm - 7pm

Friday 2 Sisters of St Joseph‟s Street Stall

Friday 3 Anglican Parish Picnic - “Eagles Drift” - 11am

Pony Club Instructors Course - Merriwa Pony Club

Sunday 4 Denman Farmers Market

Social Club Party - The Royal Merriwa - 2pm

Pony Club Instructors Course - Merriwa Pony Club.

Tuesday 6 Melbourne Cup

Mountain Station Melbourne Cup Garden Party Luncheon

Saturday 10 Merriwa Anglican Church Deb Ball

Bunnan Campdraft

“Venus 2” - Merriwa Sports Club

Sunday 11 Remembrance Day

Thursday 15 OHS White Card Course - Merriwa

Friday 16 OHS White Card Course - Merriwa

Merriwa Hospital Street Stall

Saturday 17 Trivia Night - Merriwa Sports Club

Monday 19 Entries close for “Fire & Lightning” photo competition

Thursday 22 Entries open for “On the Road” photo competition

Saturday 24 Anglican Men‟s Breakfast - 7.30pm

Sunday 25 Merriwa Senior Citizens Christmas Luncheon - 12 noon - RSL

Wednesday 28 Merriwa Lady Bowlers Christmas Party

Friday 30 Messy Church - Anglican Parish Hall - 3.30pm

BAR, BISTRO ACCOMMODATION

PH 6548 2235

UP COMING EVENTS Sunday 4 November Social

club party 2pm. Thursday

4 Cricket club meat raffles. Buy a ticket and get a free

ticket in the “Grab the Queen of Hearts” Jackpot game. Purchase any drink and

receive a free ticket. Drawn between 6.30pm and 8.30pm

Thursday nights. Jackpots $50 per week. $11 chicken

schnitzel night, normal menu also available.

Grab the Queen of Hearts $200 not won by Craig,

jackpots to $250. Friday

Happy hours 5-7pm, Pick the Joker - $4,200, was not won

by Col Cronin, jackpots to $4,300.

Saturday

Between 4.30 pm and 6.30pm Social Club draw. Happy hour

3 to 4pm, $2.80 middies, $3.90 schooners. Mexican

night assorted dishes plus $5 Coronas, main menu also

available. Sunday

$12.50 roast, baked veg and gravy, normal menu also

available. Tuesday

$11 rump night, normal menu also available. Wednesday

Between 4.30 and 6.30pm Social club draw. $10 pasta

night, normal menu also available

SOCIAL CLUB DRAWS Wednesday $50 was not won by #69 Paige Cunningham, Saturday $100 was not won by #94 Samantha Carter,

jackpots to $150 Wednesday. Dining room open for

lunch 7 days a week, with 10 meals for $10 each.

Dinner 7 nights with main menu and daily specials.

Bar snacks every day 4.30pm.

DVD‟s for hire. 9kg gas bottles refilled for

only $34.99. Bags of ice $3.50.

MERRIWA CENTRAL SCHOOL Ph : merriwa2 … · MERRIWA RINGER Thursday 25 October 2012 Page 1...

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