After the Lockdown? the Ancient Greek Word ‘Autarky’ the Last Incarnation of the Pub’S Means Self-Sufficient Living

Volume 199 Print circulation 570 — Readership keeps growing June 2020

More ‘autarky’ after the lockdown? The Ancient Greek word ‘autarky’ The last incarnation of the pub’s means self-sufficient living. It is most bottleshop before being returned to commonly used to describe societies its well-known bar layout. and countries. But it can apply to The Nest at Gundaroo, after households. months of empty rooms, is It would be interesting to know how being booked solidly, as people many Gundaroo households practised escape their long confinements. more autarky during the Coronavirus And ‘Phil the Fruiterer’ has lockdown. A strong societal trend returned – not only to his emerged very early in the lockdown as own joy and relief, but to that vegetable seeds and seedlings, of happy customers as well. gardening tools and materials, and DIY (pictured below). mushroom kits walked off the shelves in hardware stores and nurseries. Chooks were hard to find too, as well as food preservation kits. that was so warmly and quietly It would be good to learn, as Gundaroo practised throughout that time. emerges from the months of isolating While the changes are now becoming homestay restrictions, that the good more obvious by the day, especially in intentions and self-sufficiency lessons the streets, we appear to be justifiably might become a core element of village cautious – still practising the social life. They would easily complement the distancing and hand hygiene we’re thoughtful and generous neighbourliness now adept at – lest we lower our guard and unexpectedly become a In this issue … new ‘hotspot’. Local News pp 1–3 Plenty is still not ‘back to normal’. Community Noticeboard pp 4–5 Most large gatherings have not From ‘The Desk’ p 5 recommenced – Film Society, Fire Brigade bulletin p 6 Community Association, Historical As described on page 2, Gundaroo Park has School News p 7 Society, church services, Scouts, and now been allowed to re-open, including On servos and supermarkets p 8 more. the camping area and Gundaroo’s only An Anzac Day like no other p 9 But school is back, GOSH never stopped, public toilets. Darwin dreaming p 11 the Grocer and Post Office likewise, and Assuming the current trend continues, Tales of a backyard beekeeper pp 12–13 our eateries and ‘drinkeries’ can once an acceptable ‘normality’ seems likely McLandscaping p 15 again serve dine-in patrons – albeit with to return within a few more weeks. When to prune hydrangeas p 17 strict conditions about signage, seating While we all have different home lives, capacity and constant sanitation. Flying foxes fly into trouble p 19 job security, health and financial Top five wins of the decade p 21 Kurt Neumann, from the re-opened and situations, we can still do our best to Eateries p 23 already heavily booked Grazing, says that maintain the spirit of cooperation that patrons have been very agreeable and has been so much on display these past Church services p 23 understanding, which is also apparent at months. Emergency & community contacts p 24 the pub and Rolling Hills Kitchen. Quote for the month “There can be no doubt that the tribe including many members who are always ready to give aid to each other, and to sacrifice themselves for the common good, would be victorious over other tribes. And this would be natural selection.” * Charles Robert Darwin (1809–1882) English naturalist, geologist and biologist, best known for his contributions to the science of evolution. *‘The Descent of Man’ (1871), Chapter 5. This quote gets overlooked by those who use Darwin to support their argument that society functions better with unfettered competition than with cooperation.

1 LOCAL NEWS proposals, including the structural Park re-opens for camping design, and the local groups that Gundaroo Park re-opened for short- wrote supporting letters. term camping on Wednesday 3 June. The new shade and solar system Bookings are essential, as part of the complements a suite of projects Park’s required COVID-19 Safety Plan. currently under way or imminent Ron Miller, from the Park Land that will improve the amenity and Manager Board, reports that social utility of Gundaroo Park for the distancing and space rules will community and visitors – as well as continue to apply, especially in the its formal registration as a camping amenities block. original family homestead at ‘The ground. These projects have been New rules are coming for camping Gums’ at Bellmount Forest. That reported previously and include at the Park as part of our formal house was built by an ancestor, Ben rejuvenation of the playing surface registration as a campsite. These Hilder, in 1862. One section of the (pictured below), a new bore for a will be rolled out progressively in timber has already produced 360 more reliable water supply, and a the next few months. They include metres of lining boards. new amenities block. nominated camping zones, limits on Park playground grant numbers of campsites (20), and restrictions on noise and officially announced inappropriate behaviour. These Member for Goulburn Wendy changes are mostly aimed at being Tuckerman MP was in Gundaroo on good neighbours and not impacting Tuesday 27 May to officially on those living around the Park. announce a grant for the While the new rules have been Playground Shade and Solar Project planned for some time, it seems a for Gundaroo Park. The Grant for good time to start bringing them in $55,724 comes from the NSW as we re-open following the COVID Government’s Stronger Country restrictions. More signage will be Communities Fund, and will provide a steel shade over the park Grants for three more appearing around the Park as the Gundaroo projects rules are progressivly applied. playground (pictured below). The shade will carry an array of solar Three other Gundaroo community Old pines felled and put panels for a solar system that projects were successful in Round 2 to good use includes battery backup, giving the of the Yass Valley Council’s 2019/20 Community Grants. Recently two of the historic Park power for lighting and water Ponderosa pines at Gundaroo Park supply during blackouts. Solar will The Soldiers’ Memorial Hall were felled as part of the Park’s also cut running costs for the Park. Management Committee was management plan. granted $3,000 towards the cost of installing five wall-mounted fans The trees were planted by William and upgrading the lighting. The old Affleck and other locals in about hanging ceiling lights will be 1890 as part of a 140-tree replaced with modern energy- pinetum (an arboretum of pines efficient and versatile LED lighting and other coniferous trees). Park strips; and the emergency floodlight Land Manager Ron Miller said that and some out-of-code exit lights are unfortunately most of the trees being replaced. are now past their use-by date. Gundaroo Community Association “We’re trying to keep them as (GCA) Gundaroo Website long as possible, as they’re part of Subcommittee was granted $2,000 the local landscape. We have towards the cost of developing the them inspected each year for new community website. safety reasons, but over time they need pruning, and some more will As described in the May edition of need to be removed. The Gundaroo Gazette), the new site, www.gundaroo.org, is now “Some replanting has taken place live in beta mode for the and we’re hoping for more in the Ms Tuckerman with Gundaroo local community to visit and try out. It future”, Ron said. Rhiannon Jones from Marked Tree Road and her children Penelope (left) and Valentine. is meant to serve all community The trees weren’t wasted, as all of The March edition of The Gundaroo organisations, activities and local the timber was take by locals for Gazette (page 2) carried a detailed businesses. various projects. The photo (above article about the grant award and the The community working group right) shows Denver and Nigel project, and Park Land Manager Ron developing the site with the Baines from Bellmount Forest Miller’s acknowledgement of the Queanbeyan web consultants, loading some of the bigger pieces of massive efforts by the team that Throttle Media, is making good timber. They'll mill it and use it for developed the original and follow-up progress in formulating various projects that include restoring the 2 LOCAL NEWS operational and administrative Folk should get used to seeing this Being in the communities they arrangements heading towards to a sign around, mostly on a poster (see ‘police’ is a key element of an old more public launch of a trialled, page 9). model that is being given higher stress-tested and populated new priority – i.e. spending time ‘getting site, later in the year. to know’ and ‘getting known’. The GCA Memorials Subcommittee If the conversation they had with was granted $2,200 towards the The Gundaroo Gazette is followed cost of planting a memorial avenue up, it is likely that one or both of 40 trees, with the associated site officers will periodically contribute preparation. news items and commentary on The avenue is planned for the police matters they think we southern entrance to the village, should pay attention to. along Sutton Road after the bridge. News Shorts Gundaroo Emerging Muso Springdale Solar Farm battle is back The extraordinarily overdue ‘Response to Submissions’ to the 2018 public The disappointment of having to consultation on the proposed solar farm cancel the 2020 Gundaroo Music on Tallagandra Lane was finally lodged by Festival last month hasn’t Police pay us a social call the new owners, RES, with Dept of dampened the enthusiasm of the The Gundaroo Gazette is calling this a Planning, Industry and Environment at GMF organisers, who have been welcome intitiative – the roadside the end of May. busy planning and setting up an stall set up beside Clemenger’s It is a very long collection of documents alternative event to showcase local Cottage where local police officers prepared by global infrastructure emerging musical talent, as was the met and talked amicably with casual consultants, AECOM –around 470 pages, late Scott Windsor’s ambition. with drafts seen by the previous owners, passers-by and with Gundaroo Renew Estate, in October 2018. AECOM The Gundaroo Emerging Muso residents who went there especially also prepared the Environmental Impact battle (GEM) was launched in 2019 to ‘meet and greet’. Statement that was the subject of the as part of the GMF Fringe Program, Officers from the Hume Police District public consultation. Some have claimed and was a serious success. Although – a massive sprawling ‘jurisdiction’, this represents a conflict of interest. the grand final can’t be held this not unlike the almost unworkable Sutton Solar Action Group (SSAG), as year on a full professional stage Eden-Monaro Federal electorate – always, is watching the next steps in this in front of thousands, the organisers spent three hours handing out some process very closely and is studying the have planned an online format literature but mostly engaging in documents. Interested readers, especially instead, with the prospect that it those who made submissions, should friendly conversation and Q&A about refer to the SSAG website: may still become possible, as almost anything of interest. COVID-19 restrictions are lifted, for www.suttonsolaractiongroup.com. the later performances, especially Two Council matters the grand final on 24 October, to be held at the Gundaroo Colonial Council each week publishes its Maintenance Grading and Works Inn. schedule. The 1–5 June schedule lists The organisers hope to conduct local roads of significance to Gundaroo. GEM so that the heats and finals can Maintenance grading was due to be done also raise much-needed funds to on Marked Tree Rd and begin on Dairy assist those living with Motor Creek Rd. Gravel resheeting was Neurone Disease (MND) – the core scheduled for part of Back Creek Rd. purpose of the Gundaroo Music Stormwater drainage maintenance was Festival. due to begin on Back Creek Rd and Yass Four officers attended. At one River Rd. The GEM battle is open to all remove from us were the two Regular users of these and other shire solo/duo/multi-member bands who seniors: Inspector Matthew Hinton, roads who get concerned about their play originals or covers or both, and OIC Goulburn, and Acting Inspector condition might find it useful to check have not been signed for a recording David Cowell, OIC Yass. (They’re the this schedule regularly. It is posted on the contract. By 19 July, they audition to ones wearing peaked caps.) Council’s website under ‘News’, not be chosen for the heats with a video Closer to home were Senior under ‘Maintenance Grading’. via a publicly accessible web link, www.yassvalley.nsw.gov.au/our- Constable Daniel Wise, OIC Gunning council/news and complete the entry form with (attached to Yass), and Senior terms and conditions (found on Constable Joe Fitzgerald, OIC It has been a few months now since The www.gundaroomusicfestival.com). Collector (attached to Goulburn). Gundaroo Gazette and the relevant A panel of musical judges will assess public land managers heard any further Gundaroo is formally covered by progress with the proposal to construct the auditions. Heats will be held Collector, but Gunning – which stops a detention basin scheme to reduce from July to September, and a semi- at Bellmount Forest – shares the the impact of flooding on existing final on 26 September. Three acts roster for Gundaroo when needed. developments within the village. will be selected for the grand final This will be monitored more closely. battle on 24 October. We can expect to see more of Snr Constables Fitzgerald and Wise. 3 COMMUNITY NOTICEBOARD

IMPORTANT! READ THIS FIRST! GUNDAROO POST OFFICE New weekend hours for P.O. services (Does NOT affect Shop and Takeaway hours)

2019/2020 Community Grants Round 2 Saturday – 9am to Noon Ten community projects have received $28,650 in funding under round two of Council’s 2019/2020 Community Grants Program. Sunday – CLOSED • Murrumbateman Progress Association – $4,000, to purchase (Complies with Australia Post rules) portable grandstands for use at events You may still collect your mail and make • Murrumbateman Village Markets Committee – $1,650, to cash withdrawals during shop hours, but upgrade the interior and exterior lighting of the Recreation shop and takeaway customers will be Ground food shed served first. • Murrumbateman Men’s Shed Committee – $4,000, for reverse cycle air conditioning No other Post Office Services will be • Gundaroo Soldiers’ Memorial Hall Management Committee available outside these times. – $3,000, to replace lighting and instal fans We apologise for any inconvenience this • Gundaroo Website Subcommittee – $2,000, to develop a may cause, but it’s a change we have to make. new community website Jess and Conny • Gundaroo Memorials Subcommittee – $2,200, to establish a memorial avenue of trees Gundaroo LPO • 1st Yass Scout Group – $4,000, to paint the exterior of the ONScout HallHOLD – until further notice • 1st Yass Scout Group – $4,000, to remove and replace internal Gundaroo Common Trust asbestos panelsFIRESIDE CHATS Notice of (the rescheduled) •and Yass allCommunity other Radio activities Association – organised$1,500, to upgrade by Annual General Meeting of Commoners Gundarooequipment Arts & Culture Committee • Yass Netball Association – $2,300, to instal a storage cage for 7.30pm, Monday 13 July 2020 Pleasenetball equip watchment. The Gundaroo Gazette and St Joseph’s Church Hall, Morning St, Gundaroo All Commoners and Gundaroo residents welcome. Gundaroo Community Connect for news. Applications are now open for Local Heritage Grants st Applications for Yass Valley Council’s 2020/2021 Local Heritage 1 Gundaroo Scouts Grants Program are now open, with $19,000 in funding available for 1st Gundaroo Scout Group is planning to heritage conservation projects. resume meetings in School Term 3, subject to Local Heritage Grants aim to contribute to the preservation of advice from NSW Scouts. structures of historic value and to foster positive attitudes towards Scouts Section should re-commence on Monday 20 July. heritage andGundaroo conservation. SoldierS’ Cubs and Joeys should re-commence on Tuesday 21 July. In 2019, six groupsMemorial received Heritage Gran Hallts across the Yass Valley. We thank everyone for their continued support, and look St Columba’s Church in Bookham used the funding to undertake forward to seeing you back soon. Phil Gaden, Group Leader important restorationWorking work, including Bee replacement – April of the church roof. 0413 137 761 Mayor Rowena Abbey said the Local Heritage Grants Program is a way for CouncilBiggest to provide Morning financial assistance Tea –to enableMay maintenance projectsCurry to structures Night of sig –nificant June historical value to Gundaroo Community Association ensure their conservation for future generations. Annual General Meeting will be “Council’sThere is financial nothing support urgent is needed to morebe done. than ever But as randomCOVID-19 has presented many challenges and prevented many groups from reconvened later this year. fundraisingindividual in their acts usual of ways,” kindness Cr Abbey won’t added. be rejected. GCA has gratefully accepted two community grants from Yass Valley Council: Applications for the LocalMove Heritage concrete Grants slab Program to garden close shed at Jobs include: 5pm – on Friday, 3 July 2020. $2000 – Memorials Subcommittee, for a memorial avenue of trees – Fix bridge timber cap on brick wall $2000 – towards developing the new Gundaroo community website. More information –and Relocate application old forms roofing are iron available on Council’s website by following this link: https://www.yassvalley.nsw.gov.au/our – Paint pickets -council/news/article/721 Gundaroo & District Historical Society – General clean-up, cobwebs, leaves – Finish off the pergola Check out our new Facebook page! – Inspect building for termites www.facebook.com/gundarooanddistricthistorical society Coronavirus (COVID-19) – Council updates If you have any historical information or events (such as RememberDirect: You your can inquiries find regular to updatesColin Lee on disrup0432 tio629ns 789to Council reunions), or items of historical interest from the region, services and facilities by clicking on the red banner at the top of each let us know and, if appropriate, we will be happy to post. page of Council’s website, and in the table at Just message us through Facebook, or email at https://www.yassvalley.nsw.gov.au/our-council/news/covid-19/ [email protected].

nformation may change at any time and with little notice. Please continue COMMUNITY NOTICEBOARD

GUNDAROO OUTSIDE OF June Update SCHOOL HOURS CARE Presentations BEFORE AND AFTER SCHOOL CARE As with most organisations, Sutton Landcare Group has not been able to host presentations as we are used to. With restrictions easing over the Before School ― 7am–9am $15 per day, $18 Casual coming months, we hope to get back to you soon with a series of new After School ― 3pm–6pm $25 per day, $28 Casual and interesting speakers. GOSH is an Approved Service offering Weed Management Strategy Child Care Subsidy to eligible families. Yass Valley Council has published its weeds strategy, and has established an advisory group from community bodies. Sutton Children from all schools are welcome to attend. Landcare Group is represented by the President of the Yass Area Enquiries to Network of landcare groups. You can access the weed strategy here. [email protected] McLaughlin's Creek Gundaroo Public School, Lot Street, Gundaroo Over the past few years, Sutton Landcare has made several attempts to replant a small area in Sutton, adjoining McLaughlin's Creek. Two sets of 150 tubestock from Greening Australia were planted by volunteers. Unfortunately, the first planting died, Gundaroo Film Society because of heavier than expected frost (–8°C!), and the recent drought meant that 2020 Program remains suspended only 30 plants from the until further notice. second planting have Subscription refunds available on request. survived, thanks to the * * * * efforts from members of watering regularly. GOOD NEWS. This year the Sydney Film Festival is being Some of the survivors released online, so you can enjoy the festival without travelling. look healthy and have For details, go to: https://ondemand.sff.org.au grown (pictured). Now that we’ve had some decent rain, we have decided to do a Gunning medical services – 4845 1166 third planting in August/September 2020. We will keep you informed Doctors and allied health services. about dates, and invite anyone ― big and small – to help plant. (Phone for bookings and more information) For more information, contact us on [email protected]. Gunning Pharmacy – 4845 1339 Arnold Dekker Coordinator Monday to Friday 9.00 to 5.00pm Sutton Landcare Group Saturday 9.00pm to 1.00pm

pays for printed copies; readers choose our advertisers From ‘The Desk’ for their trades and services before looking elsewhere. Back to our standard 24 pages this month. That feels Since the first 2020 edition in February, new advertisers better. Sadly I didn’t have any space to spare for that are still with us are Minerva Electrical, OzProperty ‘funnies’, but I’m not complaining when we have Law, Back2New, Sutton Mobile Stockfeeds, Rivendell interesting contributions from readers. Finance, Peter Sutton Wall and Floor Tiling, Gibley Water, Kenny Dowling, Carpenter, and Wayne Lloyd, Thank you as always to all our correspondents and Hairdresser (started this edition). Welcome to all of you. columnists: our ‘regulars’ – Deidre, Nigel, Geoff, Sue, Lisa, Merran, Sean and Nick: our ‘guests’ – Professor The Murdoch press recently announced it would cease Jane Goodall, Barbara Westerway, and Paul Davies, to print 112 ‘local’ papers ― in small towns, rural who’ve all written thoughtful pieces worth reading and villages, city suburbs – and close 36 of these altogether. reflecting on; and our unseen contributors to the The rest will be digital only. A massive loss to society. Community Noticeboard, who make my life easier. As small and infrequent (only monthly) as we are at The Jane Goodall’s piece is especially worth more reflection Gundaroo Gazette, we like to think the reading – and it’s also worth reading the chapter about Gundaroo community and the advertisers value it enough to in her latest book, The Politics of the Common Good. remain partners in our endeavour to continue to bring you, the Gundaroo community, a local ‘paper’ worthy of The other important dimension to the Gazette is the its title. support we get from our advertisers. Without them, there would be no print edition – unless readers paid. And the And we thank again our reliable distributors: Gundaroo day of ‘no printed copy’ will be a long time coming, if and Sutton POs, and RMB distributors Colin Lee, print remains as popular as it has been for so long. Maureen Travanion, Fiona Martin and John Corry. We should see our advertising as a partnership, in this Till next month, stay safe. stay positive, stay connected. way – businesses pay to advertise with us; that money Your Editor / Custodian

NSW Rural c/– Post Office Fire Service Gundaroo NSW 2620 Gundaroo Rural Fire Brigade

Thank you to our community for your ongoing support of the Brigade’s Donation Hat at Gundaroo Shop, the raffles at the Pub, and the following people for their generous donations: Marty O’Connor, Matt Davies and Cromwell Property Group. A donation of $50 per family to Gundaroo Rural Fire Brigade is tax deductible if made by June 30. Payments can be made by cheque, cash or direct transfer. Please include your name & address for receipt. Contact Treasurer, Peter Laudenbach 0402 725 375, or email [email protected]. New bank details for direct transfer: Gundaroo Rural Fire Brigade BSB: 032746 Account No: 015969 Home Fire Safety Checklist Gundaroo residents should be vigilant with fire safety in their homes during winter. To help, here is our handy checklist. • Install smoke alarms throughout your home, keep them clean, test and replace batteries regularly. • Develop a Home Escape Plan in case of fire and practice it regularly. All your family should know two safe ways to escape from each room and know a designated safe meeting point. • If you deadlock doors when at home, always leave keys in the lock to avoid becoming trapped. • Never leave cooking unattended. • Clean chimneys or flues before lighting up and call a professional chimney sweep if needed. • Arrange authorised inspectors for a maintenance check on oil, gas or wood heating units. • Always use a fire screen in front of an open fire. • Check electric blankets for damage or frayed cords. and test before placing on the bed. • Keep clothing, toys or curtains at least one metre away from heaters or fireplaces. • Clean the lint filter in the clothes dryer every time you use it. • Only use one appliance per power point and switch off when not in use. Do not overload. • Keep candles, incense and oil burners away from anything flammable. Never leave them unattended. • Always read and follow instructions carefully on wheat-filled heat packs. • Do maintenance checks on portable outdoor gas heaters. • Store matches and lighters out of reach of children. • Buy a fire extinguisher and a fire blanket and store them in the kitchen. • Do not leave appliances unattended when charging, they can overheat and ignite, e.g. mobile phone, iPad, battery chargers etc. More information : www.fire.nsw.gov.au GRFB Training Normally held on the last Wednesday of every month, but like so many other organizations, we’ve been prevented by the COVID-19 restrictions. We’ll notify members when and how our training will commence. Incidents Brigade Captain, Michael Cliff, reported no incidents since last report. Pile or Control Burns The official Bush Fire Danger Period has ended, and you no longer need a permit for hazard reduction or burn-offs. But, at least 24 hours before your burn, you must still notify your adjoining neighbours and Yass Fire Control (Ph: 6226 3100 Monday-Friday during business hours). Notify Gundaroo Captain, Michael Cliff (0428 494 403).too. We don’t want unnecessary callouts! The Brigade advises all residents conducting pile or controlled burns to take care and remain vigilant. In an emergency, ring triple zero (000). Deidre Robinson – Publicity Officer

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Gundaroo School News

And finally, after seven weeks of online learning, we out how we can keep our events going ‘from a distance’. have welcomed all students back to school full-time! The We started this with National Simultaneous Storytime children have returned to school happy and excited, and via Zoom with our wonderful Mrs Harris, dressed eager to see their friends and teachers. It has been fabulously complete with feather boa, projected into funny to hear just how many students say that they each classroom, reading Whitney and Britney Chicken missed school; I guess it goes to show that we must be Divas for the whole school. doing something right when kids would rather be here For now, we’re keeping busy in other ways; working than at home! hard in the classroom and having fun in the playground. Despite the full return, there are still many things we are It’s great to be back! yet to be able to do, so we aren’t quite back to normal. Nigel Trethowan Assemblies, carnivals, excursions and most other whole- Principal school activities are on hold and we are busy working

7 Out and about in Gundaroo A random feature about local matters of interest

On servos and supermarkets Soon there will be a franchise café or restaurant, and local caterers will struggle against the aggressive By Jane Goodall competition from a streamlined business model designed for nothing but increased profits. In a small When I moved to Canberra five years ago, I was trading environment, it is very difficult to maintain a attracted to Gundaroo as a weekend destination for its healthy balance between independent and corporate- obvious appeal as a unique heritage settlement. owned enterprises, though both have their advantages. Gradually, through friends who are long-term residents It’s easy, for example, to see the advantages of a service in the village, I got to know more. We spent Friday station in the Gundaroo area. Driving 20 kilometres for evenings at the wonderful Gundaroo pub, attended fuel is neither convenient nor safe, and if you are sessions of the film society, and walked the streets, returning to the village on a dark evening, tired and learning more about the historic buildings and the facing the prospect of an empty fridge, you may be very stories they told. glad of the opportunity to stock up on some essential In my recent book The Politics of the Common Good, I groceries at 8pm. But if the company that owns the wrote about Gundaroo as an example of an enduring convenience store decides to open a fully-fledged community-based culture. A distinctive local economy is supermarket nearby, the local economy as a whole a key element of this culture. Although many residents starts to be pulled in that direction. work in Canberra, the pubs, stores and cafes of Cork There’s no simple answer to this dilemma, but being Street – and their suppliers –are essential to the aware of what is at stake is vitally important. Long-term dynamic life of the village. thinking helps, and here I would resist the binary view The historic presence of the Caledonian stores and Sally that it’s a case of “clinging to the past” versus Paskins shop is a reminder of how trading and “embracing the realities of a market economy”. commerce were central to the growth of the civic If it’s a competition of realities, I’m with the local vision environment. every time. A crisis – and with the bushfires followed by Recent renovations to the Grocer and Post Office, with the pandemic, we’ve had two major crises in succession their evocation of stalls and fittings from a ‘bygone’ era – has a way of focusing our priorities. We need each and pastoral scenes on the walls, strengthen the other more than we need the abstract provider called imaginative relationship between past and present. “the market.” We need food, shelter and company more This is not just nostalgia. Traditional economies and the than we need growth profits and convenience. values that go with them have a new urgency in the * * * * * * present as we start the recovery from the pandemic crisis, and face the ongoing crisis it has brought to global Jane R. Goodall (2019). The Politics of the Common trading patterns. Good. NewSouth, Sydney. One of the influences on my thinking is the American http://www.newsouthpublishing.com/articles/politics- poet Wendell Berry, who is also a sixth generation common-good/ farmer in Henry County, Kentucky. Berry talks about ‘the Wendell Berry (2003). The Art of the Commonplace. land economy’ as a timeless principle, one that anchors ‘Counterpoint’, p.58. Berkeley. our understanding of commerce in the realities of the Jane R Goodall is Emeritus Professor with the Writing and natural world. Global trading with its corporate power blocks, he says, “destroy the commonwealth – that is, Society Research Group at Western Sydney University. She the natural wealth of household, neighborhood and writes regularly for Inside Story. www.insidestory.org.au community”. This occurs most directly through the encroachment of Past … all now well-loved private homes franchise corporations as they take over high street businesses, transforming them according to a brand identity and controlling the stock, décor, payroll, opening hours and profit margins. And the largest profit margin, typically, goes back to the overarching corporation. In other words, a row of franchise businesses in a regional town is a means of drawing money out of the local economy and spinning it off into the hyperspace of international profiteering. Once a regional population centre reaches a certain level, the strategists of the franchise world start to sit up and take notice. A supermarket or service station with convenience store will often be the first sign of their presence, and unless there is a real estate slump with an attendant drop in the residential population, the encroachment is unlikely to stop there.

8 Out and about in Gundaroo A random feature about local matters of interest

Present … well-loved village store and post office Following the Address, and after the last lines of the Ode were spoken, a bugle sounded and the haunting refrain of The Last Post could be heard over the radio. A scant minute later, a bugler from the village could also be heard playing The Last Post, in a poignant echo of the sounds from the radio. I learnt later that it was our publican Choppy playing a recording over the pub’s PA system. An Anzac Day like no other What a thoughtful community gesture. By Barbara Westerway As dawn broke and we observed a reverent ‘Minute of Silence’, the magpies, as if on cue, trilled their I was woken by the gentle tap of my granddaughter’s magnificent chorus. I always shed a few tears then. The hand. 5.30am, Anzac Day, 25 April 2020. I hastily pulled sound of those birds in the rather eerie dawn silence is on my dressing gown and followed her out to the family like no other, and is so absolutely and brilliantly room where the fire had already been lit and the ABC’s Australian. Anzac Commemoration broadcast had just begun. God Bless Our Land. I am a newcomer to Gundaroo, and because of the COVID-19 situation I knew that this Anzac Day was going to be different to any other that I remember. What I didn’t know was that it would be one that I will never forget. We stood in silence in the flickering firelight while the tributes were read, and the names of the dignities laying wreaths were recognised. Just before dawn we took a lantern and our candles and headed towards the front gate of my daughter’s property. There was a thick fog, and I was very glad she had lent me a warm coat. Fog shrouded the sky, giving the world a misty quality, and as it gradually grew light ,the dark silhouettes of the tall trees that lined the road stood out sharply. My son-in-law placed our lantern on the gatepost and we stood still and silent. It is 105 years since that awful time in World War 1, and I thought of all the men and women who had sacrificed their lives for our freedom. My daughter’s family is a ‘military’ one, both past and present, and Anzac Day is almost sacred to them. The road was empty. I couldn’t see any other people, but I could feel their presence. All over Gundaroo there were families doing what we were doing; standing at their gates, on their verandahs, their porches, their front steps; REMEMBERING. 9

CORK ST. CELLAR DOOR

Open again from Saturday 5 June We are delighted to announce that our Cork Street Cellar Door will resume weekend trading from Saturday 5 June for seated wine tastings and sales. For this long weekend, we will be open from 11am to 5pm each day, including Monday 8 June. Plates by GRAZING will be available in the Cellar Door. We will strictly follow the social distancing rules and wine-tasting health and cleaning recommendations. Spaces will be limited and we recommend booking where possible by email or phone. We look forward to welcoming you back!

Remember our special pricing for Gundaroo residents and our Loyalty Card! Phone 02 6236 8276 or email [email protected]. www.gundogestate.com.au

The Pub is OPEN rolling hills K I T C H E N * * * * * * Thank you for supporting our is OPEN ! bottle shop and virtual raffle (Thank you, Gundaroo, for your support and these past months! encouragement.) Bar is open from Tuesday to Sunday, We’re getting back to ‘almost’ normal afternoons and evenings, DINE IN and TAKEAWAY variable hours (see Directory page 23) Social distancing limits Dine-in seating. Walk-ins are welcome if there’s space. Limited table seating only. Bookings advised. Bookings are strongly advised. Sign-in and out required. Social distancing www.bellasfeast.com.au and hygiene rules still apply. No mingling. 0401 579 650, 6236 8060 (Much extra work is needed to meet our legal MENU: Pub Classics always available, and health obligations. We appreciate your with weekly specials and desserts. patience, cooperation and ongoing support.) TAKEAWAY: 20% off entrees and mains

TO ORDER: VIRTUAL RAFFLE – Fridays 1. Check out the most recent menus on Facebook 2. Place your order: Tickets available at the Pub or follow the link a) Online order (preferred) and pre-payment at www.bellasfeast.com.au on Facebook @gundaroocolonialinn. b) email [email protected] Meat supplied by Gunning Butcher. c) phone (leave message if outside business hours) 6236 8060 *Watch Facebook @gundaroocolonialinn regularly for any changes and new services. Watch Facebook @gundaroocolonialinn for weekly menus, specials and any change to opening times.

10 Epicureanista An occasional column about food and wine By Geoff Burton Correspondence and recipe requests welcome to [email protected]

Darwin Dreaming SOP BUNTUT (Indonesian Ox-tail Soup) Serves 4 as a meal. The dragonflies arrived a couple of weeks ago and I’m Ingredients told they have now been joined by the magpie geese. This means that The Dry has begun, and for the next 1.5 kgs ox-tail cut into 30mm pieces four or five months, conditions in the Top End will be 75mm piece of ginger, unpeeled but smashed 3 eschallots, finely sliced better than anywhere else on the planet. At least that’s 3 cloves of garlic, finely chopped what all the locals claim at every opportunity, and in 20 cloves my view they’re not far wrong. 3 nutmeg seeds, broken In years more normal than this, we would by now be 50mm piece of cinnamon, broken looking for somewhere to visit, to kick back for a 1 tsp crushed peppercorn while, somewhere more temperate, like Darwin. But 1 tsp sea salt this year is no normal year; bushfire smoke taint has 1 tbs butter or oil meant that we have not been able to make any 3 carrots, halved and cut into 3cm pieces 2 leeks, white part only finely sliced Canberra wines from this vintage, and the travel 3 potatoes, cut into chunks restrictions of COVID-19 mean that even a brief visit 1 cup celery stalk, finely sliced to Darwin is not possible. Darwin itself has been shut 1 tsp sugar down as severely as any other city. 2 tomatoes, cut into wedges All the annual events of Darwin’s communities have 2 tbs fried onions for garnish. been cancelled or put on hold, including the spectacular Greek Glenti Festival. It is the ethnic mix of Darwin’s population including Chinese, Timorese, Indonesian, Malaysian, Thai, Sri Lankan and Indian settlers and immigrants that contributes to my greatest longing for the city: its food. It has become an iso-craving for me. During The Dry in Darwin, I am most often found at the Deckchair Cinema or in the Hanuman Restaurant. Founded by chef Jimmy Shu in 1992, the restaurant, with branches in Alice Springs and Adelaide, is now First find your … gather your Cook! Sop Buntut! rightly world famous for its integrated Thai-Chinese- oxtail aromatics Malay-Indian menu. It was Jimmy’s support for family-operated market gardens in Darwin and Alice Method Springs that led to the supply of fresh Asian greens, 1. Fill a heavy-based pot with enough cold water to herbs and exotic tropical fruits that are now available cover the amount of oxtail. Add ginger and bring to the at the weekend food markets at Rapid Creek and boil, add oxtail and boil vigorously for 3 mins. Tip out water and ginger, leaving the oxtail pieces in the pot. Parap. Cooking your own Asian feasts with freshly Cover the oxtail with fresh cold water and bring to boil. picked ingredients and seafood bought off the boats in Darwin Harbour is a real joy. 2. In a small pan, heat half the butter or oil and saute the eschallots, garlic, salt and pepper until the eschallots Darwin’s CBD is the place for lunch from Monday to soften. Add nutmeg, cinnamon and cloves and continue Friday. One of my favourite haunts is the Sumatra to cook gently for a few minutes until the mixture Café, owned and operated by a group of four or five becomes aromatic. Add to the boiling oxtail pot. ladies who arrive at the laneway shop each morning 3. Simmer for 2 hours or until the meat becomes tender. and start preparing their variable lunch menu. 4. In a separate pan, heat the remaining butter or oil and It was my dreaming and longing for a Sumatra saute the leek and carrot for a few minutes. Add to the Café lunch that led me this week to cook up one oxtail pot along with the potato pieces. Cook until the of my favourite Indonesian dishes – Sop Buntut, potato softens. (Oxtail Soup). It was a cold and windy day in 5. Add celery and sugar to the pot, adjust seasonings to Gundaroo, and although Sop Buntut originates in taste, and turn off heat. the tropics, it provided a comforting, warming 6. Skim the surface of the pot, add tomato wedges lunch on a late autumn day. Like much Asian before serving and sprinkle with fried onions. cuisine, it is a simple dish to prepare, yet over- Serve in a soup bowl with a quantity of rice on a side plate, delivers in flavour and fragrance. with space for the eater to separate the meat and vegetable The recipe here was put together after much watching pieces from the soup. and questioning at the Sumatran Ladies Kitchen. Bon apetit!

11 On our farms An irregular column about primary production

Tales of a backyard beekeeper (never swarms, supers, framing tools, drones, and all manner of mix plumbing with beekeeping) unfamiliar things. When we left, Ali and I looked at each By Paul Davies* other and agreed we were destined to become beekeepers. We attended every meeting over the winter and by the More on plumbing later in the article. time the CIT course started in October, we had bought As a kid growing up in the Goulburn Valley in the 1960s some boxes, frames, suits, a smoker and all the other kit. and 70s, I spent a lot of time with my Grandpa George, The only thing missing was the bees. We learnt that if who was an orchardist. He grew the most beautiful you ask one question to a group of 50 beekeepers, you apples, pears, peaches and apricots for the now defunct will get 50 different answers. Ky fruit cannery. At the October All school holidays and many weekends were spent on meeting, I put the orchard – picking, grading, spraying (God knows my hand up what chemicals were used) or just mucking around in and asked if the shed. There were only two places that were out of anyone could bounds – the chemical shed and the beehives way down help me catch the back. Of course that’s were I wanted to be. a swarm. I could have had The bees weren’t Grandpa’s, but belonged to a local 20 swarms by beekeeper sharing a mutual benefit; we got honey, he the end of the got fruit. I remember being allowed to go down to the meeting. hives, all suited up, and watching the bee man do his business. The bloke sitting behind me, Eric, took my number and by the weekend we were rescuing a swarm from a Wind the clock forward to the late 90s on the South backyard in Lyons. The bees were soon living in our Coast of NSW. I had a neighbour who had about 40 hives backyard. Things were looking good. in the bush near Culburra. After a bit of convincing, he let me come out with him to work the hives. I was The first month we were like first time parents. Checking hooked. He almost talked me into buying the lot, but my on our bees, looking at the Queen, waiting for signs of circumstances changed and I moved to Canberra. brood. It was fascinating to see how quickly they drew out the comb, but still no sign of eggs, grubs or brood. I had almost given up on the idea of beekeeping until I met my wife Ali. I mentioned this long-parked idea of I took some photos along to the CIT course on my iPad being a beekeeper and she said let’s do it. The idea and showed them to Lyn. “Why don’t I have any babies stayed parked for a few more years until we were at the yet?” I asked, zooming in on pictures of empty cells. Royal Canberra show in 2012, and of course we ended “There they are” was the answer – hundreds of tiny up at the amazing ACT Beekeepers Association stand. I eggs. The bee family was on its way. asked all the silly questions about bees. Then I asked the Over that first spring, the hive grew rapidly. We clanger. How can I become a beekeeper and can I do it re-queened before Christmas and all seemed like it in suburban Kambah? was going according to the book. Then in February The advice I got was the same as I have given over the disaster struck. I looked in the hive and no fresh eggs, years: “Come along to the Beekeepers Association grubs or brood. The new Queen had met a premature meetings and get to know a few other beekeepers, then end. I got on the bee hotline and Eric came to the do the CIT course in spring.” rescue with a new Queen. Disaster again when she didn’t take. The number of bees was dwindling “Cant I just get some bees now?” rapidly. Eric again came to the rescue with another “No probably not a good idea until you know a bit about Queen and we were back in action. Phew. them.” “But I do know a bit about them.” The summer of 2012/13 was a Anyway, the third Thursday of March rolled around, and terrible honey Ali and I ventured off to the meeting in Garran. To our season: hot and amazement there were about 50 other beekeepers dry. We took one there, most off whom also lived in suburbia. At the frame from the meeting we listened; Ali took notes, and we met the hive that had beautiful Lyn and her now late husband Pat. struggled to survive Lyn and Pat invited us around for a cup of tea on the with three queens weekend and for a look at their bees. We were both in three months hooked. Pat started talking about stickies, excluders, and extracted it.

Well, two jars of honey at February and both hives were so heavy, it was time for around $800 a kilo was the second harvest of the season. On one of those like liquid gold thinly horrendously hot weekends, we extracted about 30kg of spread on the toast. beautiful Kambah, Holder, Tharwa, Gundaroo honey. We locked the bees up by When Ali and I headed off to live in Scotland for a year, Anzac day for a cold we had to come up with a plan for the bees. Not Eric this winter. I fed them most of time but Celia and Malcolm Laurie. the winter, as there was Our bees moved up the hill on Dairy Creek Road for a very little honey in reserve year, feasting on Celia and Malcolm’s beautiful native to get them through. garden and eucalypts. While travelling around Scotland, When spring hit, out came the bees and all the eucalypts I always looked out for beekeepers and local honey. I in the neighbourhood. The hive started to get heavy and was amazed at the beautiful heather honey from the we started to get excited. Highlands, so different from our own eucalypt-based Just to throw a spanner in the works, we decided to sell honey. On our return, our hives were moved back to the our house and move to Gundaroo. What do you do with village full of honey, which we shared with their hosts. a beehive in your backyard when you have an open This was our eighth season as beekeepers. Many stings, home every Saturday? lessons learned, friends made. Our best seasons Eric to the rescue again. We moved the bees to the produced over 50kg of the beautiful sticky stuff and our Holder community garden, where Eric kept a few hives. worst (this season) only10kg. The gardeners loved them and there was plenty of bee food around. We harvested about six frames in early November for about 10kg of honey. The price per kilo was starting to go down. Disaster struck again. Some of the gardeners started to complain about ‘cranky’ bees stinging them. I was running out of options, with the move to a bee-friendly Gundaroo still some time away. Eric to the rescue again. We loaded up my 3-box hive and his two 4-box hives on a trailer and drove them out past Tharwa to a beautiful spot under a stand of flowering gums on a mate’s property. There they stayed for about a month, filling those hives with beautiful and heavy honey. Ali and I moved to Gundaroo, and the only thing missing were our bees, still way down south past Tharwa. One beautiful full moonlit night, Eric and I But what about ‘plumbing’ you ask? Well here goes! headed south with trailer in tow to move the bees home. The hives weighed a ton. It must have been a This has nothing to do with pipes or irrigation. One hilarious scene as the two of us struggled to lift them windy afternoon (note: don’t open hives when the wind over a fence and into the trailer. is up), we opened the hive. The bees were not happy, and started looking for any piece of exposed skin they It was about midnight when I could get at. got them home to Gundaroo via Eric’s house and a fast- Ali will tell you that I have a bad habit of allowing my food drive-through. trousers to slide down when I bend over, exposing my ‘plumber’s crack’ (apologies to any real plumbers). Ali and I soon decided one hive wasn’t enough. So we One cranky bee found the crack, then another. Ten more bought another from a quickly took advantage. I panicked and ran. Ali laughed member of the Beekeepers and chased me with half the hive after me. I ended up Association. I was now with about 20 stings on my bum, and on my head. (Don’t ‘expert’ in moving hives, so take the suit off until you know it is safe). the trip from Holt to With more than wounded pride, and with more than the Gundaroo was uneventful. recommended dose of anti-histamine, I promised myself This hive had a very that plumbing and beekeeping don’t go together. different temperament to our original hive. The bees were much calmer and * This article is derived from one previously easier to handle. published by the ACT Beekeepers Association (Canberra Region Beekeepers.).

13 PHYSIOTHERAPY – GUNDAROO Musculoskeletal – Sport – Spinal – Post Surgery General Physiotherapy Marion Langworthy – Physiotherapist B.App.Sc (Phys), M.PT

ZOOM PILATES EXERCISE CLASSES Improve your balance, posture, strength and flexibility. TUESDAYS 6.30–7.30pm and THURSDAYS 8.30–9.30am Family Day Care ** DUE TO THE COVID-19 SOCIAL DISTANCING POLICY, PILATES CLASSES ARE in Gundaroo CURRENTLY VIRTUAL VIA A ZOOM LINK ** We are seeking an additional Please contact me for a Physio appointment or to join the Zoom Pilates classes. Family Day Care Educator in The Caledonia Store, 32 Cork St, Gundaroo Gundaroo Ph: 0498 146 977 Em: [email protected] Contact us on 6236 8305 or at [email protected] for further information.

Caring for our Country Kids and Post Office SHOP OPENING HOURS TAKEAWAY HOURS Monday to Friday 8am to 7pm Monday to Friday 9.30am to 7pm Saturday 9.30am to 4pm Saturday 9.30am to 2.30pm Sunday 10am to 2pm Sunday 10am to 2pm TAKEAWAY SPECIALS To find out what’s on, check our Gundaroo Grocer Facebook page, give us a ring, or ask when you visit the shop. Hot organic BBQ chickens are available on Friday nights. Pre-ordering is advisable to avoid disappointment. Phone: 6236 8141 Fax: 6236 8681 [email protected]

14 Indumentum An occasional column about things natural By Sue McIntyre

McLandscaping Australia has similar problems with disputes, and councils Planting lines of cypress trees is a common enough practice such as Wingecarribee have been working to regulate the in south-east Australia and rarely attracts comment. But I planting of hedges, but to date it is a case of negotiating do often reflect on their impact in the landscape while with your neighbours or go to the Land and Environment driving about, and I have to admit up front of having a long- Court. They can be pruned, but any lapse in the pruning held, and seriously jaundiced, view of cypress plantings. regime can lead to out-of-control growth and much expense But now I have done some research on the topic, I find that to remediate or remove. my prejudice seems to be completely justified, perhaps even too mild. What can happen when Since childhood, when we would play in a large cypress in the pruning of the churchyard near my grandmother's house, their grey a Cypress sterility and dead ground beneath has given me the creeps. Leylandii hedge This view was reinforced by a Greek fable which warned me is neglected. that if you fall asleep under a cypress, the roots will suck Removal is not your brains out. As a grown-up, my problem with cypress is an option for they way they transform our landscapes. Finding myself the faint- without an image of cypress windbreaks for this article, I hearted or typed in "rural Australian landscape" and in the images those on a limited budget. displayed there was not a cypress to be seen; they were all eucalypt-adorned. Which underlines my view that they denature our distinctive Australian landscape, rendering it sterile and largely bereft of its native wildlife. The most widely planted cypress is an accidental cross Although often planted as a windbreak, cypress are too between Monterey cypress and Nootka cypress. This sterile dense for this purpose and create turbulence on the lee hybrid (x Cupressocyparis leylandii), which appeared in a UK side. Effective windbreaks are semi-permeable and slow garden, is propagated by cuttings and is known as Leyland the wind moving through it, rather than pushing it over the Cypress or simply Leylandii. It is planted all over the planet. top. Stock access is a problem when the lower limbs are Its dense habit and fast growth are the reasons it is both grazed and pruned, creating large ground-level gaps which liked and hated. Leylandii can grow up to a metre a year the wind whistles through. Pregnant cows in their last when young and 40 m tall. It is commonly used for trimester can abort if they eat the foliage. hedging, but is frequently allowed to grow to its full height. I know that people sometimes shy away from planting the local eucalypts because of dieback problems, but what about cypress canker which kills a wide range of conifers, including Leylandii? It is caused by the fungus Seiridium cardinale and has reached pandemic status. Well established in Australia, the disease can kill suddenly, and drought-stressed trees are very susceptible. If all this does not deter you, perhaps the prospect of asthma, rhino-conjunctivitis and contact dermatitis will. Though to be fair, humans can be allergic to all sorts of plants. Finally, and possibly most importantly, consider the massive fuel load that sits in a windbreak of large cypress, together with its flammability. I know of at least one community- Cypress windbreaks seems to appeal to the real estate owned building in Gundaroo which has a line of Leylandii market. This block for sale is described as "..clear and planted within a few metres, and along its whole length,. clean with a gentle fall and lovely aspects and surrounds." However, the hazard can only be eliminated by the landholder who planted it. I started this article out of The reason for its use, is the same as the reason behind the concern for the landscape and nature. I finish it with estimated 17,000 disputes over high hedges (mostly concern for the community. Leylandii) In the UK in 2005. These disputes have led to violence and at least one case of murder. The trees Sue McIntyre stealviews, soil nutrients and sunlight, and can be used as June 2020 'spite hedges' when planted by neighbours with a grudge. http://www.gang-gang-gundaroo.com

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16 In our gardens by Lisa Walmsley

Annabelles can be pruned close to the ground, leaving When to prune hydrangeas a few inches of last year’s wood to create support I have found over the years that folk either love or hate structure for new growth. hydrangeas. In my mind, every plant has a place, and Panicle hydrangeas don’t need to be cut back so hard, this one is particularly good in those shady spots in and you will leave 1/3 of the plant above ground. your garden, where a lot of other plants will not grow. As noted before, most of the hydrangeas we can buy However, they are not a set-and-forget plant, and a in this area grow on new wood. little care will guarantee glorious flowers in the Some of the old wood hydrangeas include Oakleaf and summer. climbing hydrangea and, although some of these survive in our climate, many die or are hard to grow, especially if you live in an area with lots of frosts. I like a different style of pruning – selective pruning. This involves selectively cutting our branches that are dead, diseased or old, and spent flowers. Also cutting out cross-branches that are rubbing each other. And if this all seems too complicated, you don’t have to prune your hydrangeas. The benefits of pruning are shaping the plant, and maintaining size and vigour. If you think your plants are a good size and shape and healthy, they will be fine left to their own devices. If you have followed all the general rules of maintaining hydrangeas and they are still not flowering, there are a few main reasons. 1. Old wood hydrangeas in a cold climate will die back in harsh winters. Pruning hydrangeas can be confusing. When you 2. Pruning old wood hydrangeas after flower google, ‘How to prune hydrangeas’, the usual chaos of buds have developed. mixed and conflicting information occurs. The main 3. Plants are still not mature enough. concern is that pruning incorrectly will lead to your 4. Not enough sun – 4 hours is good. hydrangeas not flowering. And really, if they don’t 5. Possums love hydrangea flower buds. flower, what is the point of having them? And don’t forget to add a tablespoon of baking soda The reason they can be a little tricky to prune is to a full watering can of water every two weeks as the because some hydrangeas bloom on new wood, that plant starts to grow in spring. is, the current season’s growth, while others flower Lisa Walmsley on old wood, last season’s growth. June 2020 Making this all more complicated is the fact that in our cold climate, old wood hydrangeas can fail, even when following the old-wood pruning rules. Most of the hydrangeas in this little part of our world bloom on new wood. This means the flowers bloom on flower buds that formed in that season. These flower buds were not on the plant during the winter months. The buds were developed during new growth in spring. These hydrangeas should be pruned in late winter or early spring, before the plant starts to put on new growth. To make things a little confusing, there are a few choices when is comes to pruning new wood hydrangeas. Sometimes you will cut the plant back to within a couple inches of the ground. At other times you will need to cut the plant back to 1/3 of its size. In here is the problem. To simplify this, you need to know which type of hydrangea you have. New wood hydrangeas are either Annabelles or Panicles.

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Servicing Wamboin, Sutton and Gundaroo areas Providing an exceptional and professional service with a friendly approach New homes and extensions/renovations Lighting and power installation Switchboard upgrades Other general electrical works Contact Mitch on 0429 116 338 [email protected]

18 Wildcare by Merran Laver

Young flying fox pup’s foot caught in Flying foxes fly into trouble barbed wire. Alissa Willacott photo In recent years, Wildcare has seen more and more If you come across an injured flying foxes in need of rescue around our region. flying fox, it will need to be rescued by a vaccinated Wildcare This is often because of having been caught in barbed member (or other relevant wire fences or netting over trees. Their injuries handler). If it is badly entangled, unfortunately are often fatal and, if not rescued, they great care will be needed to are likely to die in a slow and agonising way. remove it while minimising injury Flying foxes belong to the megabat group due to their to the animal. Any bat on its own larger size – in contrast to the tiny microbats – and in during the day is likely to not be our region they include the okay and will need assessment (usually they return to ‘grey-headed flying fox’ and camp to sleep). It might be injured or ill, or could be the ‘little red flying fox’ an orphaned baby, due to mum having been killed (eg species. Now listed as electrocuted on powerlines) or somehow separated. vulnerable to extinction, all Bats can carry a rabies-like disease called Lyssavirus, flying foxes in Australia are which is transmitted through a bite or scratch. It is legally protected. Australia- unlikely that they’ll be carrying the virus, but they wide, populations have shouldn’t be handled by anyone who is not vaccinated. suffered dramatic declines (If they are dead, however, it is safe to pick them up for because of habitat loss and disposal.) Members of Wildcare and other wildlife other factors, such as rescue groups who are vaccinated have been specially heatwaves. trained in rescuing and caring for bats. If you come Adult female flying fox – rescued across a flying fox or any bat in need of help, please call with netting injuries during a heatwave – with adopted pup. Wildcare on 6299 1966. Photo by Denise Morgan. Flying foxes form colonies and congregate in large ‘camps’, which are appearing more commonly in urban settings. We are seeing more camps in our region; Going away? Canberra has a long-established one in Commonwealth Need your pets looked after? Park, and others have appeared in Queanbeyan, Yass, ✓ Experienced pet sitters Braidwood, Jindabyne, Cowra and Young. ✓ In business since 2016 Flying foxes feed on blossoms, fruits and nectar from ✓ Reasonable rates flowering plants, such as the many gumtrees in our ✓ Referees available region, and have an important role as pollinators in Need a babysitter? the ecosystem. Going out for the night/day, or just need a break for a few Gardens and orchards can attract flying foxes due to hours and want your kids looked after? cultivated fruits, such as figs, peaches, apples etc. ✓ Experienced babysitters Please consider using ‘wildlife-friendly’ netting rather ✓ Reasonable rates than netting that can entangle wildlife of all types (birds, bats, snakes, lizards etc.). A good rule of thumb ✓ Available most evenings and weekends is, if you can put your own finger through the holes, ✓ Referees available then animals can be snagged and trapped by it, so the Also available for: friendly netting has smaller holes (available at stores House sitting, odd jobs, gardening and cleaning. such as Bunnings). See this link for more information about wildlife-friendly netting: Help us to help others https://www.wires.org.au/wildlife-info/wildlife- We are Nikita and Grace. We’re currently saving to take factsheets/wildlife-friendly-netting part in World Challenge, where we travel to Vietnam and Cambodia and give back to a local community, working on If you cover fruit trees with netting, please consider a worthwhile project with them. leaving some trees uncovered for bats/birds to access; there has been a lack of native food sources recently, Contact us: which can cause a great deal of stress for wildlife. Grace: 0490 782 594 Many animals also get caught on barbed wire, so Nikita: 0490 391 520 please consider removing this if it is on your [email protected] property’s fencing.

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20 Gundaroo Sport

Gundaroo’s top five wins of the decade In our continuing series on boring cricket recollections, this #2 – v Snipers (x2), early 2017 month we are looking at the best five wins in Gundaroo Midway through the 2016/17 season, the Goats made history (well, the last decade anyway). the decision to step up to A Grade, the lopsided nature of a lot of contests early in the season not making it #5 – v Murrumbateman, February 2015 much fun for anyone. After winning their first game Defending a paltry 79, Gundaroo were looking down the against Bookham, the Goats struggled in the next two, barrel of a rare defeat by their closest rivals. Murrumbateman with a number of 'almost' results. The exceptions were were seemingly cruising at 5 for 53 before the ball was thrown the two wins against the eventual A Grade premiership to Scott Harding, who proceeded to rip through the rest of the side, the Yass Snipers. Although there was nothing innings, take 5/4 with a mixture of guile, spin, slow full-tosses particularly memorable about either game, the wins and boundary catches. Goats won by 22 runs. gave the Goats belief that they belonged in the top grade and propelled them into that year’s A grade #4 – Grand Final v Murrumbateman, 2015/16 finals series. After a surprising loss to the Blues in the semi final, then a tight preliminary final win, Gundaroo were looking to #1 – Grand Final v Boorowa, 2018/19 make a statement in the Grand A great comeback victory. The Goats struggled to 154 Final. The Blues were in trouble with the bat, thanks mainly to solid innings from Rob from the moment they went in to Clarke and Mark Oliver. Boorowa were batting strongly bat. Our tight bowling and excellent at the break, a couple of favourable umpiring decisions fielding put the pressure on, putting them in the box seat to claim the prize. A few dismissing them for 68 inside 30 mind games from the Goats during the break and some overs. The runs were chased down helpful suggestions to the batsmen after the break saw in 15 overs. Much merriment was the dam wall break, the last 7 wickets falling for 13 runs, had that evening. mainly to catches from junk slog shots. Mitch Callagher took a few wickets and was ‘man of the match’ with his Captain Jez Clarke with the Sweeney Cup match ball now proudly on display at the pub. Much and scoreboard after destroying merriment was again had that evening. Murrumbateman in the Granf Final. #3 – v Binalong, November 2014 Honorable mention – 2019/20 Grand Final The COVID Cup. Despite having been beaten handsomely Things weren’t looking good. Only seven players could make twice by Murrumabatemen during the season, the Goats the trip, one being Gundaroo's third-best wicketkeeper. The took home the premiership without a ball being bowled, Goats just wanted to avoid being too badly beaten. But due to finishing higher on the ladder. MUCH celebration things took a turn after winning the toss. The opening was had, just prior to the pub being closed. But now it's batters went nuts: Clint Harvey scored 26 off 10 balls, Yabba open again – so get down and support Choppy and his Mortimer got 101 off 56. Number three Rob Clarke hit an team. unbeaten 101 off 75, and Sean Egan took 68 off 35. The Goats had lived the dream, declaring after 33 overs of a Sean Egan 40-over match on 2/325. Binalong chased hard for 200-odd, President but the beers tasted extra sweet that night. Gundaroo Goats CC

you start from your handicap time and record your finish Sunday Handicap returns time – the organisers calculate your actual run time and After an eight-week break due to the pandemic, the Sunday adjust your handicap accordingly. th Handicap will return on Sunday June 14 . If it’s your first time, just estimate an appropriate handicap Start time is 16:00, so be at the pub a little before. As well as to get the process started. Walkers start with the clock. the standard distancing and hygiene to manage COVID 19 risk, No fees, no joining, almost no rules, come as often or as we suggest that finishing runners continue past the finish seldom as you like. Everyone is very welcome. clock and find some space until their breathing is back to normal before joining others. Every Sunday rain, hail or shine. Perhaps I’ll see you there. It is a 5.2km course and runners start from a handicap time Nick Drew to bring everyone into the finish in a tight group. Each week E: [email protected]

Sutton Mobile Stockfeeds Opposite ‘The Baker at Sutton’ Saturdays 7.00am to 1.30pm Wednesdays 3.00pm to 6.00pm Ph: Shane Keir 0412 166 443 Pay by card or cash

21 GoodWords HAIRDRESSER Consulting Professional Edit | Write | Rewrite Private salon in Gunning and house calls Affordable (Gundaroo clients) Accessible 6pm–9pm Local Monday–Thursday 9am–6pm, Friday Alan Cummine Appointment only 0407 488 927 Call or text Wayne [email protected] on 0488 700 440 www.goodwordsconsulting.com.au http://fb.me/blankcanvasbywayne

• Lawyer conveyancing • Wills • Probate ACT and NSW Online conveyancing service www.ozpropertylaw.com Local Gundaroo and Yass Valley 1300 136 386 Rhondda Nicholas Solicitor 22 IMPORTANT NOTE ― The information on this page has been temporarily amended to reflect changes in government decrees about COVID-19, in place at the beginning of June. They will most likely change again during the month, and guests are encouraged to contact each venue for further updates in coming weeks. The contact details remain as listed – for Eateries and for Churches. Eateries in Gundaroo Tallagandra Hill Winery ― Wine Bar Grazing (The Royal Hotel) 1692 Murrumbateman Road Cnr Cork and Harp Streets Booking essential – 0434 041 915 6236 8777 www.grazing.com.au [email protected] Open Saturday and Sunday for seated tastings, and our special lunch/tasting package. Award-winning restaurant in a 19th-century pub Lunch/Tasting Package (2hrs allocated): 11.45am to Two ‘sittings’ (1¾ hrs each), due to space limitations 1.45pm or 2.15pm to 4.00pm Phone and email bookings. Wine Tastings: (45 mins allocated): 12.15pm onwards Lunch: Thursday to Sunday – 11.45am and 1.45pm Dinner: Thursday to Saturday – 6pm and 8pm Limited numbers. Book ahead to avoid disappointment. ‘Grazeaway’ – dinner only, Thursday to Saturday For more info, visit our website 5.30 to 8.30pm. Phone orders only. www.tallagandrahill.com.au/wine-bar/

Cork Street Gallery Café 24 Cork Street (down driveway to the old police stables) Church worship in Gundaroo 6236 8217 All in-person services and activities were still Innovative gourmet pizzas, with salads and home- suspended as at the beginning ofJune. made cakes, served in the stables or the paved Check with the relevant contact person about garden. BYO. Casual and popular. Phone orders online services or new arrangements. welcome. Takeaway available. Catholic Thursday to Sunday, Dine in, from 9.00am. (May change, so call first). Spaced seating limits numbers. St Joseph’s Church Booking advisable. (Cnr Harp and Morning Streets) Mass: 9.00am every third Sunday Gundaroo Colonial Inn and Rolling Hills Kitchen Communion Services: 9.00am every other Sunday 23 Cork Street Contact: Narelle Buckley – 0422 808 964 6236 8155 Anglican www.gundaroocolonialinn.com.au St Marks Church The ‘village pub’. Great family friendly atmosphere. (Cork Street) Live music often. Takeaway available. All services start at 4.00pm See also the two advertisements on page 10. Patrons must be seated at a table. Limited capacity. Communion Service (first Sunday) (No standing or mingling) Family Service (third Sunday) Contact: Royce Thompson — 0416 265 600 Bar: Seating limited. Bookings advisable. Tuesday 4.00–7.00pm Uniting Wednesday 4.00–9.30pm Gundaroo Community Church Thursday 4.00–10.00pm (Cnr Lot and Cork Streets) Friday 4.00–late Saturday 12.00–late Services on the first three Sundays of the month, starting Sunday 12.00–10.00pm at 9.00am and finishing with morning tea. Restaurant: Seating limited. Bookings advisable Gundaroo Community Church (first Sunday) Dine-in and takeaway Family service, led by local families. Lunch: Friday–Sunday (12.00–3.00pm) All ages worship, with activities for kids. Dinner: Wednesday–Sunday (From 6.00pm) Open Service (second Sunday) Online bookings preferred, via www.bellasfeast.com.au Shared worship with Canberra district home churches, Phone bookings via 0401 579 650 or 6236 8060 with activities for kids and youth. Gundaroo Grocer, Cork St Cellars & Takeaway Uniting Church Service (third Sunday) 54 Cork Street Led by Gunning Uniting Church worship team, with activities for kids. 6236 8141 [email protected] Quality meals. Wide menu. Eat-in or takeaway. Contact: Marion Meischke — 6236 8192 Spaced seating limits numbers. Ecumenical Services Refer to advertisement on page 14. The three churches arrange an ecumenical service in each month with a fifth Sunday, rotating the venue. Gundog Estate Cork Street Cellar Door Cnr Cork and Harp Streets (enter from Harp Street) 6236 8276 www.gundogestate.com.au Facebook pages (Local groups) Gundaroo Community Connect [email protected] Gundaroo Buy, Swap and Sell Saturday and Sunday, 11.00am to 5.00pm, for seated Gundaroo & District Historical Society wine tastings and sales. Spaced seating limits numbers. Website Booking advised, via phone or email. (See ad, page 10.) www.gundaroo.org

23 The Gundaroo Gazette Gundaroo Services and Contacts

LIFE-THREATENING EMERGENCIES Editor /Custodian: Alan Cummine Team: Elona Hanner. Mick Joyce. Extra help welcome. Fire/Police/Ambulance: Dial 000 e/m: [email protected] mob: 0407 488 927 Service Contact Contact the Editor with enquiries and to contribute a notice or an article, or to place an advertisement. Defibrillator (AED) See this page for the list of core responders. Publication: Every month except January. Deadline for th Police content is 25 of the preceding month. Queanbeyan 6298 0599 Text/photos: Please supply text in an MS Word document Yass 6226 9399 attached to an email. Preferably send photos in separate Gunning 4845 1244 files, rather than embedded in the document. (stops at Bellmount Forest) Snr Constable Daniel Wise Advertising rates and approximate dimensions. (Ads are Collector 4848 0271 often ‘tweaked’ to fit the available spaces.) (includes Gundaroo) Snr Constable Joe Fitzgerald Small — $20 55mm wide x 85mm tall NSW Ambulance 131 233 Medium — $30 120mm x 85mm (non-urgent) and 55mm wide x 175mm tall Fire Brigades: Large — $40 185mm x 85mm Gundaroo 0428 494 403 (Mike Cliff) Back Creek 0429 443 260 (Ben Haseler) Extra large — $45 120mm x 175mm Sutton 0418 303 232 (John Cooper) Advertisements: Artwork may be sent in Word, pdf, jpeg or Fire Control (Yass) 6226 3100 png, appropximately matching the dimensions above and State Emergency Service saved in high resolution. Please specify the time period for the (SES) 132 500 advertisement to be run. (Sutton) 0417 502 396 (Duty phone) The billing cycle is three-monthly, in arrears. Other emergency services: Gunning District Nurse 4845 1166 Veterinary Surgeon 6236 8222 (Joseph Nowak) Injured wildlife 6299 1966 (24 hours) Gundaroo Community Association Defibrillator Justice of the Peace 0418 449 984 (Mick Nicholls) 0425 650 283 (Rachel McBeath) Gundaroo is fortunate to have a portable automated external defibrillator (AED), centrally located and ready for use in a Yass Valley Council cardiac emergency around the village. Council Office 6226 1477 It is kept in a locked cabinet fixed to the outside front wall Gundaroo Councillor 0429 930 628 (Cecil Burgess) of the Gundaroo PO and shop, together with a list of ‘core Gundaroo Community 0421 520 278 responders’ (shown below). Association (Moraig McKenna) Interested in being a responder? Contact Gina Collins on Soldiers Memorial Hall [email protected] 6236 8435 or [email protected]. Gundaroo Park Trust 0411 400 897 (Ron Miller)

Gundaroo Common Trust 6236 8129 (Helen Willett) Name Address Telephone/s Police Paddock 0418 496 908 (Sue Burns) Lisa Bell 4 Lot St 6236 8950 (h) 0412 102 714 Village Monuments 6236 8169 (Dallas Leach)

Cathy 44 Morning St 6236 8377 (h) Gundaroo Public School 6236 8115 Stephenson 0414 648 763 Gundaroo Outside School 6236 8105 Joselyn Udi 23 Rosamel St 0488 089 067 Hours (GOSH) Ist Gundaroo Scout Group 0413 137 761 (Phil Gaden) (Joeys to Rovers) Emily Wallis Morning St 6236 8948 (h) Gundaroo Playgroup 0405 776 518 (Katherine Barry) 0404 215 531 (Little Explorers) Gundaroo & District 0418 496 908 (Sue Burns) Cecelia Davey 0417 203 023 Historical Society Gundaroo Arts and Culture [email protected] Stephanie 0427 300 393 McCaffery Gundaroo Community 6236 8104 (Maartje Sevenster) Singers Darren Cork St 6236 8481 (h) ‘Gundaroo Loves Books’ 0406 377 025 (Kylie Bourne) Book Club Schoevers 0402 494 604 Gundaroo Men’s Shed [email protected] (Ric Andrews) Gina Collins 35 Cork St 6236 8435 (h) Gundaroo churches See p 23 for services & contacts. (For admin 0412 256 490 Civil Marriage Celebrant 0401 267 851 (Lorraine Bird) matters) [email protected]