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: 40 Thursday 10 December 2009

Hands on Approach by Community Members

Friday 11 December Special Screening 6.30 pm

Mao’s Last Dancer

A hands on approach by community members has ensured that the Merriwa Fitness Centre project is progressing, with plans to open the community facility in early 2010.

More information inside. finance for your needs Examples of items we can arrange leasing or financial assistance for include: Motor Vehicles Earthmoving Equipment Trucks and Trailers Coaches and Buses Commercial Property Rural Property Drilling Rigs Underground Equipment Engineering Equipment Woodworking Equipment Bore Equipment Boats – for pleasure or business

Special thanks to last issue’s distributors : Weekly Distribution : 910 copies F Armstrong, MCS Students throughout the Merriwa District MERRIWA RINGER Thursday 10 December 2009

If you need assistance from WEEKEND MASSES Ambulance - Police - Fire St Anne’s - Merriwa 1st, 3rd & 5th weekends, Saturday 6.30pm including Hazardous Incidents 2nd and 4th Sunday, 8.30am St Joseph’s - Cassilis 2nd and 4th weekends Sunday, 10.00am St Bernard’s - Denman DIAL 000 1st 2rd & 5th weekends Sunday 8.30am 2nd & 4th weekends Saturday 6.30pm Parish contact numbers Parish Priest - Fr Des Harrigan 6548 2086 or 0411 984 945 Convent -6548 2123 Merriwa Phone Numbers St Vincent de Paul - 6548 3092 Fr Bill Goldman - Bush chaplain 0429 682 347 [email protected] Police (Administration only) 6548 2203 Police Mobile 0408 293 423 Police Assistance Line 131 444 Fire Brigade (Administration only) 6548 2005 Hospital 6532 5000

Rural Fire Service

1st Sunday/month Bible Study Fellowship - (Administration & Duty Officer) 1800 081 166 6.00pm Prayer Time 5.00pm SES Emergency Number 132 500 2nd Sunday/month Worship service - 11am 3rd Sunday/month Friendship service - 6pm Merriwa Rescue Squad Emergency Centre 6548 2538 Prayer Time 5pm 4th Sunday/month Communion service – 11am 5th Sunday/month Worship service - 6pm SUNDAY SCHOOL each Sunday during Friday 11 December school term commencing 9.30am. MMM Contact Miss BJ Campbell 6548 5131 a/h Special Screening

Mr Ron Campbell 6548 5153 0428 485 153 6.30 pm MAO’S LAST DANCER Drama, Rated PG, 117 Minutes Starring: Chi Cao, Bruce Greenwood, Amanda Schull

Born into a peasant family in a Chinese Services village during Mao’s Cultural Revolution, Li Holy Trinity St Columba Cunxin is selected by Communist Party Merriwa Cassilis officials for special training at the dance academy in Beijing. He grows into a 7.30am Mon Wed Fri 11am talented and powerful young dancer, Morning Prayer 2nd & 4th making a cultural exchange visit to the 5.30pm Wednesday Houston ballet, where the artistic director Evening Prayer Ben Stevenson recognizes his potential. 9am each Sunday The Reverend Mandy Wheatley The student soon becomes a star, and he 10am each Friday Ph: 6548 2218 discovers that America is not the dark, downtrodden place that was the propaganda dealt out by the party in his village school. Despite his concerns for the safety of his family, he decides he should stay in America – but the Chinese Government doesn’t agree.

Starting Time: 6.30 pm (Movie Length-117 minutes) CONTACT Location : Great Hall - Merriwa Central School Cost : $5 per person PRESIDENT: SECRETARY: Robert Telfer 6548 7226 Tickets are available from Merriwa Central School Secondary Office and Merriwa Post Office prior to the evening or at the door on the night.

SRC will be selling soft drink and snack food

Enquiries Merriwa Movie Mania committee Phone: 02 65 482119 Email: [email protected]

MERRIWA RINGER Thursday 10 December 2009

MERRIWA CENTRAL SCHOOL

I had the opportunity to attend St Joseph’s Return Dates 2010 presentation night on Tuesday evening. It was a Staff Wednesday 27 January wonderful night of celebration for the students, Students- Yr 1-12 Thursday 28 January parents and teachers of St Joseph’s. Being on the Students- Kinder Friday 29 January school grounds brought back many fond memories of my time in primary school at St Joseph’s. We look forward to welcoming St Joseph’s students Darren Noonan into Year 7 2010. Principal

Benefactors Morning Tea Merriwa Central School operates in partnership with our local community. There are many people in town who regularly give their time, and money to support students at our school. On Friday morning we are holding a benefactors morning tea to say thank you to the community members for their support. It is a wonderful opportunity to get together to acknowledge the contribution of many to our school. However like most things my only concern is if we have overlooked someone, and if so I apologise in advance.

Graduation Dinner Students in Year 6 and Year 10 celebrate the end of the year tonight with dinner at the RSL Club, followed by a disco. I know students have been very excited about the end of year function and are looking forward to a great night. Coming Events December Presentation Night Presentation Night will be held next Tuesday Week 8 evening at the School of Arts commencing at 7pm. Friday 11 K-6 Party Day 12.00-3.00pm The venue has been changed this year to escape the warmer weather. Students receiving awards Week 9 have been advised and a rehearsal will take place Tuesday 15 Presentation Day - before the big event. All students and parents are Infants (Primary campus encouraged to attend the presentation evening. 10.00am) Parents are reminded that all students should be in Years 3-12 (School of Arts full school uniform on the night. A presentation 7.00pm) assembly for Infants students will occur earlier in Friday 11 Benefactors morning tea 11.00am the day at 10am on the Primary Campus. Wednesday 16 End Term 4 for students Christmas Cheer Friday 18 End Term 4 for staff Merriwa Central students will join students from St Joseph’s singing Christmas carols at the town 2010 Street Party tonight. It is a wonderful opportunity January for our schools to join forces and voices to Wednesday 27 Staff return celebrate Christmas. Thursday 28 Year 1—12 return Friday 29 Kinder students commence

“ValuingMERRIWA individual RINGER potential Thursday - achieving 10 December personal 2009best”

MERRIWA CENTRAL SCHOOL Primary News Mini Olympics supporting your children in this way. Firstly the On Tuesday 1 December, years three to eleven and outgoing speeches took place, where the the Birrong Boys participated in many fun activities at captains and prefects of 2009 thanked the No2 oval. The students were placed into 16 different students for the opportunity to represent them teams who then rotated through the 8 activities. The in 2009. After that the candidates for 2010 had activities included the following: hoopla captain ball, their chance to impress the whole student body egg and spoon, tunnel ball, 3 legged race, netball, with their election speeches, and impress they balloon race and touch. These were great activities did. Many staff and parents commented on the and the primary staff and students had a great time. high standard in which these speeches were delivered. Well done! On behalf of the primary staff and students I would like to thank Mrs Gwen Meyer and the SRC students After counting the votes the 2010 school leaders for a well organised day. I would also like to thank decided as follows: the canteen staff who worked hard in providing Girl Captain - Janaya Austin morning tea and lunch. Thank you for a great day! Boy Captain - Lachlan Walmsley

Girl Prefects - Tiesha Keogh, Miranda Boland Mr Peter Gallagher Boy Prefects - Corey Clare, Mathew Wightman

Captains/Prefects Congratulations to all these students and I hope On Friday 27 November the Primary Campus held the you enjoy this experience. Please not that these captains/prefect speeches in the Primary Library. This students will be presented with their badges on presentation night. was well attended by parents and friends and the students and staff would like to thank you for Mr Peter Gallagher

STUDENTS OF THE WEEK

Primary

This week we would like to recognise and congratulate the following students pictured below who have demonstrated achievement in spelling:

K/1 Jack Ponsford

Yr 1 /2 Alana Smith Year 3/4 Corey Smith-Wildey

Year 4/5 Demmi Hilton

Year 5/6 Michael Smith-Wildey

Well done everyone. Keep up the terrific effort! Miss Maher, Mrs McAlister, Mrs Morgan, Mr Gallagher, Mrs Marshall and Miss Temessl

MERRIWA RINGER Thursday 10 December 2009

MERRIWA CENTRAL SCHOOL

Book Awards Merit Certificates Kindergarten/1 Mackenzie Blackadder Izabella Neale - great work in phonics Giann Folpp Ashleigh Orton - working hard in all areas Molly Wong Gaby Nicholls - improvement in writing Molly Wong - excellence in Literacy Year 1/2 Jamie Constable Tori McNaught - improvement in all areas Joseph Whaley Lachlan Walker - enthusiasm in all areas Blake Smith Nikki Anshaw - improvement in work habits Liana Byfield - uniform Harry Liondis - Numeracy James Bristow - Literacy Year 3/4 Jazzmine Orton Elaina Sormaz - impeccable manners Ross Proctor Teianna Taylor - trying hard in all areas Tarah Cox Logan Constable - trying hard in singing Paige McConnell - uniform Dylan Daniel - Numeracy Emily Towel - Literacy Year 4/5 Manda Sormaz - improvement in Literacy Sharri Speed - effort in Numeracy Mathew Porter - consistent effort Aidan Crawford - consistently wearing uniform Ava Hearne - Numeracy Miranda Boland - Literacy Year 5/6 Sarah MacGregor Bardot Clinton Rawlinson - using good strategies in Maths Alex Kirk Thomas McAlister - being a mature, considerate student Jay-me Taylor Isaac Austin - being a mature, considerate student Alex Ashman - using great strategies in Maths Jake Barry - Numeracy Alex Kirk - Literacy Performance: 5/6 presented a power point presentation which included activities of what we did at The Great Aussie Bush Camp plus a magic trick and war cries.

MERRIWA RINGER Thursday 10 December 2009

MERRIWA CENTRAL SCHOOL Secondary News

Mixed League Tag Day On Thursday 3 December, 28 Merriwa Central Both captains displayed maturity and were very School students from years 7-10 took off to fair all day making sure each student received Singleton to take part in the Upper Hunter equal game time. annual Tag Day. The two teams captained by Jared Austin and Jeremy Mead played a total of I would like to thank all students for their attitude 5 games each and were highly successful. The and behaviour on the day. I would also like to day ended when the two Merriwa Central teams, thank Paul Medd who again was in full support of ‘Magpies 1 and Magpies 2’ optioned to play each our school by attending this event. other in a ‘decider’ round. The results were very close but Magpies 2 went down to Magpies 1 in Alexis Moore a very exciting game. Sports Organiser

It was an extremely fun day in which Merriwa Central School was very highly represented by each student. Their behaviour was excellent.

MERRIWA RINGER Thursday 10 December 2009

MERRIWA CENTRAL SCHOOL

Try-A-Trade On Friday 4 December, 18 Merriwa Central School students participated in Try-A-Trade in Muswellbrook. This day involves many different trades people giving up their time to promote both their trades and the skills involved with their work. Each trade allowed students to experience hands on activities that were similar to their working environment. All students were heavily involved with the day and all learnt new skills and discovered the education paths needed to gain these trades.

It was an excellent day and yet another day for the students of Merriwa Central School to be exposed to possible career paths while also allowing them to realise the vast array of career opportunities that exist for them.

Well done to all the students that attended, they were behaved excellently and were great representatives of our school.

Alexis Moore Careers Advisor

MERRIWA RINGER Thursday 10 December 2009

ST JOSEPH’S PRIMARY SCHOOL

From the Principal committees but wish her many more family hours This will be the last Ringer article from me this year and lower fuel bills as she spends more time and as next week will be news from the 3/4 classroom. energy at home this year. On behalf of the St Joseph’s School community I Holiday Reading Challenge: We know that over would like to thank all the Merriwa community for the holidays many children regress in their reading their support of our school over the past 12 months. skills as they forget to practise their skills. These It has been a wonderful boost to our energy levels holidays we would like to send out a challenge to to hear people in the street speaking about the all our students to continue reading. We are news from our school that they have read about in offering great incentive prizes to children who the Ringer. I am so grateful to think you are participate in the challenge and we offer a fun and interested in what we are doing “up here”. Merriwa stimulating program of activities to keep them is a great town and we have great schools here. We interested. More details to come. need that wonderful support of the local community Christmas Street Party -10 December – our to sustain us. We in turn endeavour to educate the children will again be singing carols at various children of this town to be active, able citizens of business houses in town between 4.30 and the future. 5.30pm. This year the children from the Central On behalf St Joseph’s school community I would like School and Cassilis Public School will be joining us. to thank you and pray that God blesses you and Children will dress in Christmas theme for this your family with a happy and peaceful Christmas event. Last year we had an absolutely fabulous season and a safe holiday. time spreading Christmas cheer throughout the Helen Whale town. P&F Annual General Meeting was held last Our final School Mass and Graduation will be Thursday evening with a dinner at the RSL club. held on Monday 14 December at 6pm in St Anne’s The night was a great success with parents Church. At this celebration we praise and thank volunteering happily in a spirit of generosity and God for the many gifts he has given us this year. partnership in their child’s education. Our long The Year 6 children will be presented at this Mass standing president, Maria Cameron relinquished her with their bibles to take with them on the rest of position to Mrs Cassie Porter who had been their life journey. We appreciate the generosity of assistant President. The Secretary – Mrs Jayne the Trinity Markets for donating the bibles to our Cronin agreed to continue the wonderful work she children and to the Bible society for the special does as did the treasurer Mrs Clare Martin. All sub price they negotiate with the Trinity Markets. committees have volunteers on them and people Service to community is a very important part are already eagerly planning next year’s events. It is of our education at St Joseph’s. Last day Service such a delight to witness the cooperation and eager activities have been planned for the children’s last generosity displayed by our wonderful P&F. day of school for the year. They include visiting the It is timely for me to express a vote of thanks to Gummun Place residents and the long term outgoing president Mrs Maria Cameron . She has residents at the Merriwa Multipurpose Centre led the P&F over the past very tumultuous years (hospital). We always enjoy our visits and we and has worked tirelessly to ensure the school know the residents appreciate them also. remained the very best educational facility it could Helper’s Morning Tea was held last week to be for all concerned. She was very much involved in acknowledge and thank the many parents, the planning of the new building works that finally parishioners and community members who have took place last year. She has been a fabulous helped our school in any way over the last 12 assistant in the marketing strategy for the school months. If you were not able to be with us on the and in the planning in the 125 year anniversary day please know we appreciate your help and look celebrations. Perhaps her most challenging task was forward to celebrating with you next year. coping with a new principal in 2007!!. I am very 2009 International Day of People with grateful to Maria for all her support for myself Disability was celebrated last Thursday with a personally and for the school in general. We know liturgy and assembly. It is wonderful to celebrate she will continue to be a great helper on the various the diversity within the human population and to

MERRIWA RINGER Thursday 10 December 2009

ST JOSEPH’S PRIMARY SCHOOL increase our awareness of this diversity . Greater piano. Elizabeth Hagley joined forces with Jennifer understanding breaks down all sorts of barriers Kershaw and Adam Wills to play in a string trio. We between people. then had our three guitarists - Cameron Ninness This week we also started our campaign to assist played ‘Happy Birthday’, Montana Kisi played ‘Camp the research into the causes of cerebral palsy. The Town Races’ and Bailey McNaught played ‘Advanced campaign is called: Australia Fair’. It was then time for the school Have you the cheek to help with cerebral band to perform. The band consists of James palsy research? Hagley, Brydie Moore, Hamish Cameron, Jacob Medd The University of Adelaide is seeking the support and Adam from the Conservatorium (along with of schools from around the country to participate Harry Inder who was unable to attend on the night). in an exciting national study examining the causes The whole point of the concert was to show the of cerebral palsy. Researchers are approaching community how talented our musicians are. We are schools to get involved as they seek to recruit very proud of the musicians in our school and hope 2,500 families with a child who does not have that they will continue to play. Everyone commented cerebral palsy. The project will also involve 2,500 on how well they are going with their music families with a child who has cerebral palsy. endeavours. Cerebral palsy affects approximately 1 in 500 Montana Kisi and Georgia Cameron children in Australia and is a disorder that affects control of movement and posture. Cerebral palsy is a result of injury to the neuro-motor region of the Here are some photos from the evening - brain and symptoms vary greatly in severity from poor muscle co-ordination to quadriplegia. Every family in St Joseph’s school has been sent an invitation to take part in the research. Fill out your consent form and enrol today! I think this is a very real and easy way we can continue to support the many families who have been part of our school community over the past 126 years who have been affected by cerebral palsy. Congratulations to ex- student James Constable who has just completed his Bachelor of Information Technology degree at Sydney University, graduating with first class honours. Well done James.

Upper Hunter Conservatorium of Music : We are very proud of all our music students who performed at the UHCM Concert last Wednesday evening. Following is a report from two of our talented musicians: On Wednesday 2 December ten students from St Joseph’s participated in the Upper Hunter Conservatorium Showcase at the School of Arts. The night kicked off with a beautiful choir of fifes from the Merriwa Central School. Eliza Peebles was next, she played ‘Love Somebody’ on the piano. Tamasyn McNaught was up next and she played ‘My Hobby Horse’ and ‘Jack Be Nimble’ on the

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MERRIWA RINGER Thursday 10 December 2009

MERRIWA PRE-SCHOOL KINDERGARTEN ASSOCIATION

Look around you………..What do you see? Happy personal memories of childhood often involve interactions with the natural environment. Mud pies…..fun in creeks or beaches…..picnics…..rolling down a grassy slope …may be some of your own memories. Having an interest in the Reggio Emilia approach to early childhood, we place great importance on the environment at Merriwa Pre- school as a teacher in its own right.

Our playground offers varied opportunities for children to interact with nature. Trees and vines at height where children can experience them first hand. Cody always loves to touch the leaves. or log roll down the hill … …….just like Matthew.

Can you remember doing any of these as a child? How precious when a small fist offers you a tiny bunch of flowers that they have free access to care for and enjoy…an appreciation of nature. Children sometimes ask for a vase to place their creative arrangement in – water is added and they are then An ongoing, planned approach to our outdoor play placed, with care, in our indoor environment where space means that we can now offer to children all can enjoy them. Here Jorji takes time out to many varied textures, varied heights of play smell the flowers, while Chloe, Jorji and Claudia use surfaces, varied plantings, lots of wonderful baskets to collect leaves, flowers and seed pods established shade trees, insects and birds that visit from their playground. us from time to time and fruits and vegetables growing in season for the children to care for and enjoy. After an inspirational visit from Kidsafe, we hope to work next year on a dry creek bed where children may combine sand, rocks and water on a natural slope for an extended play space, as well as created ‘secret spaces’ with plantings and seating to encourage further social interactions and an opportunity to simply stop and observe. Here are Olivia and Ruby having some outdoor fun! Outdoors, you can often hear happy squeals as children splodge in water, watch a bubble caught in the wind, get messy in the sand or chase someone to squirt with water,

MERRIWA RINGER Thursday 10 December 2009

MERRIWA PRE-SCHOOL KINDERGARTEN ASSOCIATION

children and adults alike. We make use of the natural light via our art studio which also includes a special light table, which allows us all to view items and the work we do from a new perspective – a perspective filled with light and shadow!

What better way to teach children of their natural environment, than to purposefully provide items placed with care around them, both indoors and outdoors, to provoke fascination and respect of the world around us? Next time you visit Pre-school, slow down, and take an extra moment to stop and really look So much of what we pass on to children comes from around – these provisions have been provided our actions and our values and attitudes. with purpose. It also helps to create a calming and beautiful atmosphere – one in which to Just recently, daily visits by beautiful king parrots, delight in discovery. and of course, Spiky Josh, our resident lizard. Sometimes we’ve taken a moment to bury a tiny Jill Martyn sparrow, which may have died, fallen from its nest or (Teaching Director) to watch a slater munching on one our juicy strawberries.

Once indoors, our interest in the natural world continues. You will see carefully placed containers filled with special seedpods, sparkling shells or interesting rocks for everyone to enjoy. We recently added a gourd to our shelf, which the children were fascinated by. Our art studio is positioned so that we may continue to interact with nature outdoors via a Tel: 6543 2433 large window – here, we often see birds visiting our Fax: 6542 5297 playground. We can even position translucent objects 59 Brook Street, Muswellbrook on our window sill, creating beautiful coloured 2333 shadows which change as the day goes on, intriguing also at 86 Bettington Street, Merriwa (Thursday from 10am - 12md)

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MERRIWA RINGER Thursday 10 December 2009

MERRIWA ACTIVITY CENTRE After School and Vacation Care Catering for 5 – 12 year olds

Not long now until school breaks up and only 15 more starting Kindergarten in 2010 they are more than sleeps until Christmas. The children have created the most welcome to attend MAC during January Vacation beautiful Christmas tree for the MAC room. It is very much Care. It would be a great way for your child to an Aussie bush tree, made from tree branches and spend some relaxing, fun time with their future decorated beautifully by the children. We have also started school mates. to decorate one of our windows with lovely Christmas January Vacation Care Program decals coloured by our children. The program will be finalised and out to the schools

Thank you to Upper Hunter Shire Council by the end of term. Our excursion day will be Lee Watts, Mayor of our shire visited Merriwa last week and Wednesday 13 January and it will be Ten Pin had her photograph taken with 4 of our permanent MAC Bowling and the movies. Please let us know if you children. Ms Watts came to Merriwa to announce a $5000 would like to book in for this particular day so we one off grant to support the Merriwa Activity Centre. On can plan ahead. behalf of the Committee, Staff and Children of MAC we New Blocks would sincerely like to thank the Mayor and the Shire for We mentioned previously we purchased new this wonderful financial boost. It is very satisfying to have wooden blocks for MAC. Well, we must tell you the hard work of all those involved in raising MACS profile these blocks have been one of the best purchases recognised and rewarded. Thank you. we have ever made. The blocks literally get used

Activities for the next few weeks EVERYDAY by both girls and boys. They are such a Most of our activities will be centred on our Christmas simple toy but with the input of your children’s crafts. Of course will be doing other things such as group incredible imagination they turn into the most games, free play, hama beads, cooking and other fun amazing creations. Thank you to all who made this activities. We will still be swimming up until 15 th December purchase possible. so Tuesday’s children please remember to bring your Activity Centre CRN (Afterschool care) is 55501702K swimming gear. and Vacation Care is 555014708J. There is also the

Pupil Free Days/MAC Christmas Party’s potential for working mothers to receive up to 50% A reminder that Thursday 17 th and Friday 18 th are pupil free of the fees outlaid back in their tax returns. days. MAC will be operating on both days in line with Did you know your child can attend MAC for as vacation care hours. We have lots of fun things lined up for little as $3 per session? Contact centrelink via the each day including swimming, free sausage sizzle, making resource centre to find out your child care benefit balloon animal plus our Christmas Party’s. If you would like to book your child in for one or both days please contact us (CCB). ASAP as we only have a few vacancies left for each day. MAC January Vacation Care and Kindergarten 2010 starters We are working on our vacation care programme for the January holidays. It is not too early to book your child in. We open at 8.30am (8.15 by appointment) until 6pm Monday to Friday starting 4 January 2010. If your child is

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MERRIWA RINGER Thursday 10 December 2009

MERRIWA LPO mailing box at the PO stall for Come have a look. More than just a post office! External Computer Hard Discs this evenings Street Party but in Christmas Street Party We have a plethora of HDD’s any case Santa will reply to all If you are reading this on in stock. If you haven’t been correctly addressed mail if posted Thursday then don’t forget the caught yet with a failed before 14 December Street Party this evening. A time internal hard disc drive then New ipod Shuffle for a good time and good it’s only a matter of time! Back We have the new model in stock Christmas bargains. up now! Preferably to an – it’s tall, skinny and small. This Bettington Street will be closed external drive with at least as new model Shuffle is still no-frills from about 4pm until 8pm, much capacity as you internal but now it talks to you! between the two pubs, and there drive (usually called drive C: ). In stock in black and 2GB (holds will be not one but two Jumping Starting with the cheapest - - about 600 songs) for $79. Castles, and a Gladiator Duel for Seagate 500GB external HDD, Acer Netbook Computer the older kids – all free! $109. Available within a couple of days Chocolate Wheel, face painting, Seagate 1TB (= 1000GB) after ordering, the Acer Aspire stalls, carol singing, BBQ, Live external HDD, $149. One Pro has 10.1 inch screen, Nativity scene, dress-up theme, Seagate 320GB portable Webcam, 160GB hard dusk, Santa visit and more! external HDD, $139. The instant-on, carry pouch and more Most stores will be open until late portable drive is small and for only $399 after cashback. Ask and the Post Office will have a designed to withstand more for our full spec. sheet in store. stall with discounted items and hard knocks. All external Christmas Closing there will also be a special drives connect to your USB Merriwa post office will close at posting box for letters to Santa socket and all are Plug-and- 4pm on Christmas Eve, 24 (see below). Play. December. Presented and paid for by the As an example, 320GB will During the following week we will business’s of Merriwa this is their hold about 100,000 photo’s or be open on Tuesday 29 way of thanking everyone for 80,000 MP3 songs or 320 hrs December and Wednesday 30 patronage over the year. Don’t of video. December only. miss! Letters to Santa Normal service will resume from To avoid disappointment 8am 4 January 2010. Tom Tom GPS in stock You cannot buy a car GPS please educate children as Postmasters thought for the anywhere in town so we are now follows, address to: week: stocking the TOM TOM One V4. Santa Why do we happily eat meat at This brand regularly comes out North Pole 9999 BBQ’s that we would send back in on top in independent consumer Don’t forget a 50c stamp in Restaurants? tests. You get the latest software the top right hand corner and Melism. and spoken street names and the return address on the back Mel & Kerry Anne more features for just $189. of the envelope. Colleen & Keirra There will be a special Santa

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MERRIWA RINGER Thursday 10 December 2009

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MERRIWA RINGER Thursday 10 December 2009

M A MACDONALD & CO ANGLICAN NEWS Sentence of the Week

By the tender mercy of our God, Established 1954 Nine Lessons & Carols the dawn from on high will

Accountants and The Nine Lessons & Carols break upon us, to give light to held at Holy Trinity on those who sit in darkness and in Business Advisors Saturday 5 December was a the shadow of death, to guide We specialise in Taxation, great success with an almost our feet into the way of peace. Accounting for Business & Rural full church raising the roof Enterprises with the singing of the loved Luke 1.78-79

Telephone for appointment Christmas Carols. Some of 6548 2226 the Confirmation children read Thought for the Week the lessons along with He went to be registered with members of the parish. A Mary, to whom he was engaged delicious meal followed at the and who was expecting a child. Parish Hall which created an While they were there, the time NRMA Membership Insurance enthusiastic Christmas spirit of came for her to deliver her child. & Road Service available goodwill. Thanks to everyone And she gave birth to her who came along and firstborn son and wrapped him OPEN 6.30AM—7.00PM contributed to a wonderful in bands of cloth, and laid him in DAILY evening. a manger, because there was no AGENTS FOR place for them in the inn. Ford cars, trucks & tractors Gummun Place Luke 2.5-7 Used vehicles & machinery On Friday 11 December there Caltex fuels & oils Events for This Week All mechanical repairs will be a special Christmas Eucharist at Gummun Place. Monday, Wednesday and Friday Anyone who would like to – Morning Prayer at Holy Trinity come along and join in 7.30am worship and singing at 11am Wednesday 5.30pm Evening NSW Rural Fire Service would be most welcome. Let’s Meditation make it special for the Friday 11 10am Morning Prayer Liverpool Range Zone residents there. at Holy Trinity Upper Hunter, Liverpool Plains & Gunnedah Shires 11am Eucharist at Gummun Phone: 1800 081 166 Carols in the Park Place Carols in the Park (previously Sunday 13 9am Eucharist at Fax: (02) 6747 1489 Carols by Torchlight) will be Holy Trinity

REPORT ALL FIRES ON “000” held in Apex Park on Sunday 11am Eucharist at St Columba’s

20 December at 7pm. Please Cassilis

‘Proudly Supporting the Merriwa Ringer’ bring the children, a chair, your singing voice and we will Please come and join us. enjoy a lovely evening. Jean Keeping

Merriwa Rugby Union Club The Bumble Bees Whether a Granny Flat, First Home President: Nigel Wagstaffe or Retirement, 0419 354 425 Colles Manufactured Homes have a Secretary: Ricky Roberts wide range of plans in various price Treasurer: Nigel Wagstaffe ranges. Homes designed for Low Vice President: Rob Whaley Maintenance Living. Training Monday & Phone 4353 3606 Fax 4353 3304 Wednesday Les Mobile 0408 434 566 Lyn Mobile: 0419 292 223 6.30pm www.colleshomes.com.au

MERRIWA RINGER Thursday 10 December 2009

Di’s Clothing Patch

Board shorts Fantastic Selection Summer dresses Polo Shirts of Race Hats Blue Dog Jeans Christmas Gifts Sandals Hats For Everyone Handbags Hankies Christmas Jewellery Socks Receive a free Summer Shorts Boxer Shorts Christmas Voucher Wallets Leather Belts with every purchase Shirts & Skirts Casual Shirts over $20.00

Christmas Manchester & Gift Sets

rty t Pa tree as S istm r Chr be he cem et t De forg y 10 m n’t da .30p Do urs - 7 o Th .30 ay t 4 ry d eve en op s l be tma wil hris We C

Wishing everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Thanking you for your support in 2009.

Free Gift Wrapping

MERRIWA RINGER Thursday 10 December 2009 MERRIWA ROTARY CLUB

Russell’s Earthmoving P/L Educational Bursary 2010 6 Gooch Street Merriwa 2329 The Merriwa Rotary Club invite applicants to apply for our Phone: 65 482246 - 65 482313 Angus Peebles Memorial Fax: 65 482629 Educational Encouragement Mobile: John 0408 496630 Bursary. $1,500 will be given to Andrew 0417 506769 the successful applicant to help EMAIL: [email protected] with educational expenses with tertiary education, whether that *Sand & Gravel Suppliers* be TAFE, College or University. Applicants must have resided in the Merriwa District during their school years to be eligible. Application forms can be obtained from Rotarian Neville Hook at the Merriwa Newsagency Bulldozers – Roller - Grader - Loader or if more information is needed Excavator - *Tilt Bucket *Hammer talk to any Rotarian. Applications close 5 January, Mini Excavator & Tipper – 2010. Interviews will take place 6 Wheel Tippers – Trucks & Dogs on 12 January, 2010.

Water Trucks and Low Loader John Sparrow 6548 8560 (Community Service Director)

DI’S CLOTHING PATCH

Mens and Ladies Clothing

Children and Baby wear Shoes and Joggers

As a result of 2004 Council Work Clothes, Boots & Hats amalgamation the Upper Hunter Weeds Authority is now responsible for noxious weed control in the area Fashion Jewellery & Accessories of the former Merriwa Shire Council.

Contact Details for the Authority are:- Luggage, Handbags & Wallets Merriwa District Inspector : REMIREMI Ph: 0429 683 494 7.30am to 4.30pm Monday to Friday

NDERNDER Bed Linen, Quilts & Towels All correspondence is to be addressed to: Sewing, Embroidery, Beads & Patchwork supplies The General Manager Upper Hunter Weeds Authority PO Box 122 Dry Cleaning Service Available MUSWELLBROOK NSW 2333

Ph: 6549 3802 Sporting Apparel Squash & Tennis Racquets Fax: 6549 3701 Email: Merriwa Phone 6548 3023 [email protected]

MERRIWA RINGER Thursday 10 December 2009

DR BRONWYN STOKES

A reminder to all my patients that I am having my annual family ORANA holiday in January therefore the surgery will be closed from Friday 1 January 2010 and will reopen Pest Control on Monday 18 January 2010. www.oranapc.com.au PC Reg. 898 We will also be closed during the Christmas break. We will be closed from Thursday 24 December and reopen on The Termite Specialists Tuesday 29 December 2009. Exterra is a Highly Successful We now have the services of a Termite Baiting System Mental Health Nurse who will be that Baits and Eliminates! available for counselling sessions • Pre-Purchase Inspec- in our surgery. If you are interested in this service, would tions you please let me or Carol know • Nest Location so we can arrange dates for • Baiting Systems these visits. • Under Slab Soil Pre- Treatments We are giving the swine flu • injections on Thursdays. They are New and Existing Buildings • now available for children aged Domestic and Commercial over 6 months of age. Book with Carol if you wish to have this Fully done. Accredited Technicians We have an Antenatal Clinic every Thursday to assist anyone Call us for a free quote: who is having difficulty travelling to Muswellbrook, Scone, Mudgee 6372-6423 Mudgee or Newcastle for their regular Gulgong appointments. We also have an Mob: 0418 638 923 Rylstone immunisation clinic on Thursdays. Fax: 6884 - 2337 Kandos Appointments can be made by [email protected] phoning Carol on 6532 5013. Coolah Dunedoo Congratulations to our diet group, Servicing Merriwa weekly you have achieved some good results especially Andrew who has lost a total of 29.2kgs. Well CORRIEDALE FOR SALE done.

COMPOSITE RAMS Scott Beaven would like to thank FOR SALE NEC bar fridge - $100 everyone who donated items to CONIA 136 litre freezer the Merriwa Resident Activity Excellent Rams for use with drawers - $150 Group, all items have been put to good use. with First Cross or GL s/s fridge-freezer - $750 [pur. 07/06] Merino ewes Dr Stokes Phone 0428 485150 Phone 6548 2283

MERRIWA RINGER Thursday 10 December 2009 MERRIWA COMMUNITY BANK we have been able to develop reach their potential. The future Bring Another Bank to Merriwa! a commercial model which is for our style of organisation is to The first part of this week’s article proving to have the capacity ensure we are relevant to the is an extract from a recent article to not only secure banking customers and communities we by Rob Hunt which explains why services but to generate local serve. Bendigo started Community profit, regain employment and Many people have already Banks. instil a "can do" attitude in pledged their support for the Helping to Create Sustainable many districts. For many of Merriwa Community Bank and the Communities these towns, this would be the best part is that it doesn’t take A message from former Bendigo first publicly-owned enterprise much to show your interest. We and Adelaide Bank Group they will have seen don’t want money, until we are Managing Director, Rob Hunt established at a local level in sure the bank will run all you Over a number of years now, their lifetime, and this is an have to do is register your Bendigo and Adelaide Bank has important process in learning support by filling out a form and recognised and promoted that how the market and economy lodging it. one of the reasons for decline in functions. Where do you get an expression rural districts as well as many At this point, around 2000 of interest form? suburban areas is the inability of community representatives You complete and lodge a form individual communities to manage have made contact with available at Landmark, Cross the capital generated in their Bendigo Bank about Country Merriwa, Di’s Clothing region. Some years ago, I put Community Bank®, and by Patch or the Chemist. together a few simple guidelines the end of 2008 we had 225 Can I find out more about to help establish more self- Community Bank® branches Bendigo Bank’s community sustainable communities (listed in operation. We also hope we banks? below). Working for an will be moving on further YES – there is a page on the organisation which is regionally- Development Funds, to help bank’s website devoted to based and committed to its demonstrate what investments Communities, and how customer and community base in and opportunities are Communities benefit from both regional and urban districts, available. In some of our community banks - http:// I felt we needed to raise the Community Bank® centres, www.bendigobank.com.au/public/ issues and do something about it. we are already seeing the Community/index.asp We believe it is acknowledged local board (often in Is there someone I can talk to that most country regions and conjunction with Bendigo about this project? many suburban districts export Bank) develop further YES - If you want more capital (in fact much beyond initiatives - previously seen as information about establishing a "financial" capital) and, given we impossible. community bank for Merriwa, are the only regionally-based We are often asked: Why contact: bank, we felt compelled to sit would a bank undertake such Peter Stone 6548 3038 down and develop a new banking tasks? We believe: Shirley Sharpe 6548 2445 model to ensure access to 1. It is in our interest to Peter Walker 6548 5169 essential banking services and a ensure we are banking vibrant Deanna Hollis 6548 2539 or solution which enabled us to communities that have a Kim Fenley [0418 570 743] or unite, involve and engage future - to help secure our email [email protected] community in solving the own business. We have an Help make our town bigger, put problem. In effect this is using obligation to assist, firmly another bank in town, bring jobs "demand side" strategy (the believing that successful back to Merriwa, and support our community's buying power in customers and successful community: banking) to secure a co- communities create a “Buy Local. Bank Local. Be operatively spirited venture - but successful bank. Local.” using very solid commercial We have an obligation to principles. establish a structure that Community Bank By involving locals as the enables all communities investors and having them across Australia to participate involve the broader community, in the future markets and

MERRIWA RINGER Thursday 10 December 2009

Shop 1/17 Bridge Street www.jtsrealty.com.au Muswellbrook NSW 2333 WELDERUP PTY LTD [email protected] For all onsite earthmoving and 1203 Cullingral Rd - $280,000 agricultural welding repairs. * Fantastic 300 acre lifestyle property Mark Sparrow * Currently used as a weekender * Large iron clad bunkhouse with 4 separate ‘Tara Hall’ Merriwa bedrooms * Big lounge room, combustion fire, kitchen & dining 0407 488 560 area. * Outside is a great BBQ area, lockable shed with Local Expertise - toilet Professional Service * Fully fenced & has 3 dams plus an unequipped bore. * Aproximately 120 acres of cleared flat land with the remainder natural bush, backing onto state forest. * The property comes on a walk in walk out basis with everything included, including a tractor & bulldozer. MASSAGE

28 William St - $205,000 Australasian College of Natural * Located in a very peaceful street opposite a park Therapies student home for * There are 3 good size bedrooms all with built- holidays. ins robes & the main with an ensuite. *Basic Swedish Massage * The open plan lounge/dining area features R/C air con & a combustion fire. *Remedial Massage * The timber kitchen is in excellent order & has a *Trigger point therapy large walk-in pantry & breakfast bar. * The large deck at the rear of the home overlooks the fully fenced yard which has a large workshop & kid's cubby. For appointment Please phone Lisa 0431 994 874

52-56 Marquet St - $245,000 * Situated on a Large block made up of MERRIWA 3 titles PAINTING & * There are 2 good size bedrooms, a DECORATING country style bathroom in excellent condition, ABN– 62 038 949 984 * Open plan lounge & kitchen area. Servicing the area for over 25 years * Dado rails & timber finishes are a very nice feature throughout the home. DOMESTIC & COMMERCIAL * Outside is a covered entertainment area with a pot belly stove & a ROOF RESTORATION single garage with a second toilet & attached carport. Call for a free quote Kym– 0409 015 678

Merv– 0447 483 111

HOUSE FOR SALE

4 bedrooms, separate dining, Ph. 0413 724 232 SEAFOOD FOR CHRISTMAS freshly painted in/out. New “OUTSIDE THE ROYAL HOTEL”

bathroom, air conditioned, curtains THURSDAY 24 DECEMBER 8.00AM TILL SOLD OUT blinds carpet. Large block 2 sheds NO ORDERS TAKEN AFTER 16 DEC, close to everything. Email [email protected] for order form

Kent & Family wish you all a Very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year and would like thank all of you for your continued patronage. PLEASE NOTE: Back on Wed. 20 $228,000 January 2010 Times 8.00am - 11.00am (pension weeks only) Phone 6548 2229

MERRIWA RINGER Thursday 10 December 2009 $1.58 per head. The fibre diameter CENTRAL NORTHERN Peter routinely supplements LIESTOCK HEALTH & PEST of the wool from the supplemented his ewe weaners with lambs at 15.87 µm was slightly AUTHORITY selenium but not his wethers. higher than the untreated lambs at Should you treat your Livestock So we had an opportunity to 15.62 µm but the statisticians told with Selenium? conduct a trial on these sheep. us this was not a significant If you are a woolgrower, we In March, Annabel, Jeff difference. have just spent some of your Eppleston, Peter Moore and I You will also be interested to know money. I would like to explain weighed, ear tagged and that the worm egg counts for the what we did with it and what we sampled 208 of Peter’s wether selenium treated lambs were found. lambs. We then treated half always lower than the untreated Annabel Armstrong, a smart with the long acting injectable lambs and on some occasions young Animal and Veterinary selenium supplement, were less than half the untreated Bioscience honours candidate Deposel. lambs. from the University of Sydney, We weighed them every six We can conclude that for this under the supervision of Dr weeks, collected faecal season, on this property selenium Pietro Celi was looking for a samples to see what the treated lambs grew faster and research project involving the worms were up to and in seemed better able to resist sheep industry. Her family run a September with the help of worms. However quite a number Merino stud near Dunedoo so Kevin Thornberry from I&I of investigators have conducted her credentials are impeccable. Orange, weighed the fleeces trials where sheep and cattle were The Australian Wool Education and compared the fibre supplemented with selenium with Trust, partly funded by AWI, has diameter between treated and no apparent response. We need to scholarships for just this sort of control lambs. be cautious in suggesting that this research and Annabel was The lambs weighed about 25 sort of benefit will always occur in eligible. kg at the start of the trial and tablelands sheep. I suggested we look at whether grew rapidly thereafter. We would like to repeat this trial in weaned lambs from selenium However, by week 18 of the a slightly modified form on at least deficient country are better able trial, the unsupplemented two properties next season if we to handle worms if they are lambs weighed 33.7 kg can source some more funding. If supplemented with selenium. whereas the selenium we find a similar response, we will This is a reasonable hypothesis supplemented lambs weighed be more confident of our findings. because we know that selenium 35.6 kg, a difference of almost However, in the meantime I will has a role in the immune 2kg. continue to recommend that if you response. The lambs treated with have cattle or sheep that are We asked Peter Moore, also a selenium also grew more selenium deficient, easily merino breeder from “Blink wool. The average fleece determined with a blood test, then Bonnie,” near Tarana to help. weight of the treated lambs you should supplement them. We know that much of the was 2.93 kg versus 2.75 for country on the tablelands is the untreated lambs. As Peter Bruce Watt BVSc, MS, MACVSc selenium deficient especially if it sold this line for 880 cents/kg District Veterinarian has been supered regularly. the extra wool was worth

Going to Newcastle? PANORAMA MOTOR INN

For all your stationery 256 Pacific Highway, Charlestown, 2290 requirements Ph: 4943 3144 Fax: 4943 5240

Sponsors the www.panoramamotorinn.com.au Magazines - Papers Clean comfortable and affordable Cards - Wrap - Toys accommodation

Merriwa Neville & Leanne Hook Close to hospitals, shopping and beaches

6548 2031 Ringer Don & Judy Riley

MERRIWA RINGER Thursday 10 December 2009

‘Because life's too short to drink bad beer!

Coming Up

This Saturday 12 December ‘Loose Change’ 8.00pm - 11.30pm

Christmas Eve ! Australian Idol finalist ‘Ryan Sampson’

Wednesday nights - Free pool Table Thursday night - free juke box Friday nights—P & C raffles $2.00 each or 3 for $5

Everyday friendly service and smiles!

Come see our fantastic ever-changing in-house specials Bistro Open 7 days Lunch 12.00pm - 2.00pm Dinner - 6.30pm - 9.00pm

Open again Sunday nights serving traditional baked dinners! Bookings preferred Always catering for any occasion so don’t forget to book your Christmas party with us.

Takeaway meals and takeaway coffee. Phone 6548 2235

MERRIWA RINGER Thursday 10 December 2009 UPPER HUNTER WEEDS reliability and longevity – PORTABLE AUTHORITY decreases fire risk. TIMBER To the land holder Dangerous to human health. MILL Danger – Parthenium Weed Causes allergies, skin irritations

Warning! Protect your and asthmatic attacks. Timber cut on your property Injurious to animals from your timber 6m long property and your livelihood. Contains allergenic chemicals Call Petar 6547 5129 Has your contractor been that can seriously affect grazing or 0427 232 803 working in QLD? Does he/she have a permit to animals. Car Restoration Spreads rapidly Paint & Panel bring equipment into NSW? Rust work Upholstery Parthenium Weed could be In Queensland, Parthenium very costly. weed now occurs over an area Parthenium Weed will: of 18 million hectares. Reduce grazing capacity and Difficult to control if allowed to increase costs become established. Affect the health of both stock Early detection is vital. Erodes productivity *KITCHEN *WARDROBES and people. *VANITY UNITS *WALLUNITS It is easily distributed by: Smothers pastures. Invades Bench Tops from Timber, Farm machinery, livestock crops, lowering yield. Laminated, S/steel, Caesar Stone and vehicles Land values decline. or Granite Infested areas have consistently Doors from Melamine, timber or Grain, seed and hay. Polyurethane Parthenium Weed is lower land values. Computer 3-D Designs • Protect your property and

categorised as W1. (Lic No 26786) your lives

For a W1 noxious weed, the NEIL HUNT 6548 2025 presence of the weed on land • Has your contractor been Mob. 0418 262 596 MERRIWA must be notified to the local working in Queensland? control authority and the • Parthenium Weed could be weed must be fully and very costly. continuously suppressed and It is easily distributed by farm *Canvas & PVC Repairs destroyed. machinery, livestock, vehicles, *canvas Seat Covers Clean your header grain, seed and hay. *Canopy & Tonneau • NSW greatest weed Contact Details: All covers *S/H Seats * threat. correspondence General Vehicle & Bike seat • Viability, markets, and Manager Repairs * Awnings *Leather Upper Hunter County Council repairs * Custom made Western quality of life threatened. PO Box 122 Stock Saddles to fit • Harvesters are a source of Horse & Rider. Parthenium spread. MUSWELLBROOK NSW 2333 Phone Enquires 6549 3802 • Clean your harvester on- Upper Hunter Weeds farm, it’s your job. Authority Cleaning improves harvester

MERRIWA & DISTRICT HEALTH Merriwa Tourist Dr Bronwyn ASSOCIATION INC.

Welcoming Centre Stokes NON-EMERGENCY MEDICAL The Hut . MBBS TRANSPORT SERVICE Arts, Crafts, gifts & much more! Open every day. C/- Merriwa Hospital We are here to help you to get to A quote from our Visitors Book states: any health related appointment. “If you can’t find what you are looking Office hours - Medical, Dental, Optical, X-Ray for in here, then you haven’t been etc. Monday - Friday looking”. Please note changes to office hours C. W. Williams, Gunnedah Antenatal & Immunisation We will now receive bookings between Clinic every Thursday 9am & 5pm - Monday to Friday. If President: J. Alker Secretary: E. Shipway Phone - 6532 5013 unattended please leave a message Tel: 6548 7201 on the answering machine giving your A.H. Phone - 6532 5000 full name and phone number after the beep and we will return your call ASAP.

MERRIWA RINGER Thursday 10 December 2009

Merriwa Junior Rugby League & Netball Club

Will be holding their

At the pool on Friday 29 January 2010, between 4-6pm. Come and join us for a Free BBQ and some fun activities. Registration information for the 2010 season will available on the day.

A Quick Reminder – Expression of interest for Coaches, League Safe Officers and First Aid Officers are still open, so please send us a note at PO Box 62 Merriwa 2329 or speak with Kellie Walker (Elders), Max McNaught (Butchers) or Tony Inder (Rockwell).

HOPE TO SEE YOU ON 29 JANUARY

RURAL PROPERTY FOR SALE

“BOW GLEN”, MERRIWA 483Ha / 1193Ac “CLARE PARK”, MERRIWA 411.9Ha / 1017Ac “Bow Glen” is a well maintained, productive, mixed With abundant feed and an excellent water system farm suitable for cattle breeding/fattening, prime “Clare Park” is ready to stock now. It is the perfect, lambs or grain. low maintenance grazing property . ♦ Located 22km S/W of Merriwa. 26 inch rainfall. ♦ Sealed road frontage 27km N/W of Merriwa.

♦ Ranging from productive farming country to undulating grazing coun- ♦ Quality, undulating grazing country with areas of native bushland. try with native pastures and some areas of bushland. Ideal for cattle breeding.

♦ Approx. 30% arable with potential for further development. 40 Ha ♦ Principally black basalt soils. Soft native pastures. sown to lucerne in 2009. ♦ Scenic 360 degree views of distant mountain ranges. ♦ Principally heavy basalt soils with lighter soils in timbered areas. ♦ Excellent automated water system, electric submersible, 30,000 gal ♦ Good quality water with 1000 gal/hr bore on timer, 9000 gal storage. storage, 7 gravity fed troughs in all paddocks. Reticulated water supplies troughs in 14 paddocks. ♦ New internal, plain wire fencing with property divided into 3 paddocks. ♦ New internal fencing, timber cattle yards, steel sheep yards, shearing Boundary fence netting. shed, machinery & storage sheds, 2x30t silos. ♦ Solid timber cattle yards, enclosed 30x30ft shed with power. ♦ Fully renovated, 4br country home with many timeless features, set in Price $920,000 established gardens. Price $1,280,000

For more information please contact; TONY INDER M 0427 485100 E [email protected] HEIDI INDER T/F 65485100 E [email protected]

www.rockwell.net.au

MERRIWA RINGER Thursday 10 December 2009

Your local suppliers of all Stihl equipment and parts support (ordering daily), as well as GREAT CHRISTMAS GIFT chainsaw accessories, chains and chain sharpening ($12 each). IDEAS FOR BIG AND LITTLE BOYS Brushcutter need a service? Drop off and pickup at Landmark FS 38 Brushcutter only $249 Merriwa, With a free lawn care kit! for a service and fast turnaround at our workshop in Scone. Toy Brushutters and Chainsaws from $35!

MERRIWA RINGER Thursday 10 December 2009

DON’T LET STOCK WATER BECOME A PROBLEM THIS SUMMER

In Store Stock Only. Only While Stocks Last. Landmark Townsend now stock a wide variety of Philmac Pipe Fittings, Troughs and Water Tanks. Come and See Em, Tim or Liss at the Store or call on 6548 2122

MERRIWA RINGER Thursday 10 December 2009

ntil leeps u 15 s as! Christm Council Office Hours PO Box 111, Merriwa Phone: (02) 6548 2109 0427 608 301 (ah) Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm Fax: (02) 6548 2340 Enquiries—6548 2109 Email ~ [email protected]

Environmental Services 2010 AUSTRALIA DAY @ BETTINGTON STREET Health and Building Surveyors CASSILIS BOWLING CLUB CLOSURE Available Wednesdays by Congratulations to all Bettington Street (between appointment, phone 6548 2109 the Australia Day Vennacher Street & Bow Street) will nominees, the Australia Director Environmental Services be closed from 3:30pm until 8:30pm Day Committee looks Available by appointment, phone on Thursday 10 December 2009 for forward to celebrating 6540 1136 the purpose of the Merriwa your achievements with Christmas Street Party. the Cassilis and RTA Agency Merriwa community on Tuesday 26 MERRIWA STREET January 2010 at 11am. The Monday to Friday 9am to 4pm CHRISTMAS PARTY Committee would also like to thank * On-Line Agency * people for taking the time to On Thursday 10 December Enquiries—132213 nominate, the day could not be a Bettington Street will be open to the success without the nominations. community to celebrate Christmas. Waste Depot A great fun filled day has been The Merriwa Business Group in conjunction with Council are Merriwa planned for all the community to enjoy and celebrate Australia Day organising the event to thank the Every Friday, Saturday, Sunday & local community for their support Monday (unless otherwise advised) 2010. over the year. The businesses have 8am to 12noon & 1pm to 4pm provided sponsorship to host Time: Awards Event -11.00am Cassilis Pool Event - 3.00pm activities such as face painting, Every Saturday (unless otherwise Where: Cassilis Bowling Club then jumping castles and a visit from advised) 8am to 4pm the Merriwa Swimming Pool Santa at no cost for families. What: Awards Ceremony The businesses will be Libraries Free BBQ Lunch opening their doors to show what Activities afternoon they have on offer this Christmas Merriwa Branch FREE pool Entry after 2pm and promote the importance of Tue -10.30am—12.30pm shopping locally. Everyone in the Wed - Fri - 1.00pm—5.00pm community is invited to come along, Sat - 9.00am—11.00am to dress up as a Christmas Enquiries—6548 2207 character and enjoy the festive spirit. See the inserted flyer for more Cassilis Branch details. Wed - 10.30am—1.00pm Shop local this Fri - 3.00pm—5.30pm WASTE DEPOT Enquiries—6376 1295 OPENING DAYS OVER Christmas….. CHRISTMAS– MERRIWA Government Access Centre Wednesday 23 December in lieu of DOG OWNERS Friday 25 December 2009 Monday to Friday 9am—4pm Thursday 24 December in lieu of Enquiries—6548 2109 Due to recent Saturday 26 December 2009 attacks on livestock, Sunday 27 and Monday 28 Visitor Information other dogs and walkers, December it seems opportune to remind & Resource Centre Open 8am-12pm & 1pm-4pm all days owners of the responsibilities for appropriate fencing for dogs. There Monday to Friday 9am - 5pm CASSILIS are high penalties on the owner of Saturday and Sunday 10am— Monday 28 December in lieu of dogs involved in attacks of any kind. 12.30pm and 1pm—3.30pm Saturday 26 December 2009 Keep your pets contained to avoid Also a Centrelink Access Point Open: 8:00am to 4:00pm fines. Depots will be open on normal days Enquiries— 6548 2607 over New Year Contact : James Binks

MERRIWA RINGER Thursday 10 December 2009

MEDIA RELEASES FOR MERRIWA!

MERRIWA ACTIVITY CENTRE MERRIWA FITNESS CENTRE RECEIVES GRANT FROM COUNCIL KICKS OFF TO GOOD START A HANDS ON approach by community members has ensured that the Merriwa Fitness Centre project is progressing with plans to open the community facility in early 2010. Committee member Annie Rodgers said renovations to the building including carpeting and electricity were underway but the group needs to fundraise to purchase equipment. “We have some funds set aside from a Coal & Allied Community Trust grant and from a CHILDREN attending Merriwa Activity Centre donation by IGA community chest, but we are (MAC) are enjoying a varied program including hoping that business houses might consider swimming as part of the after-school care service, with assisting us by sponsoring equipment,” Mrs the Upper Hunter Shire Council providing a $5,000 grant Rodgers said. “There is still a lot to do, but we are to ensure the service continues to grow. certainly getting closer.” Council resolved at its recent meeting to provide Upper Hunter Shire Council’s Merriwa one-off financial assistance for MAC after the not-for- Growth Strategy Project coordinator Tess Hynes profit organisation reported it was struggling to remain said details such as management of the facility viable with declining enrolments. were still to be finalised but it was hoped the centre Co-coordinators Jill Carrall and Julie Carberry would open its doors in the first quarter of 2010. began on an impressive promotional push and the The centre is located alongside the sports number of children participating trebled and the MAC courts at the No. 1 Memorial Oval and it will serve committee has embarked on a fundraising push that a multitude of purposes. included a recent street stall run in conjunction with the Mrs Rodgers said the plan was for the centre Pre School. to serve the needs of the whole community. Upper Hunter Shire Mayor Cr Lee Watts met with “The idea was to address many issues, including several children on Friday who attend MAC. “The kids women’s health needs, obesity in the community, were thrilled to be able to play after school with their adolescent health, senior citizen’s health, and friends and to be a part of all the exciting programs that fitness education for high school students who may are offered,” Cr Watts said. “As with all community wish to pursue a career in the fitness industry,” she services, it is a ‘use it or lose it’ situation and it would be said. a great shame if this service ceased as childcare The project costing $40,000 is funded from options are limited in the Merriwa district,” she said. approximately $20,000 in grants with Upper Hunter “The increased attendance at MAC means the Shire Council providing the balance to complete service is in a better position for the future, but it needed the project. to make up money lost in the first half of the year and The group purchased a business plan from we felt that a one-off injection of funds to ensure it Coolah Gym, which has been operating stayed afloat was a worthwhile thing to do,” Cr Watts successfully since 2006. said. Coordinator Julie Carberry said MAC was registered to care for 20 children aged between five and 12 years from 3pm to 6pm each day. She said that while the service was useful for working parents, children thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to socialise outside school hours. “MAC is a fun place to be, just ask the children who attend,” she said. Ms Carberry said there was a perception that MAC was not affordable but parents were often pleasantly surprised to learn otherwise because of Federal Government childcare entitlements.

Contact: 6548 2082 for more information.

MERRIWA RINGER Thursday 10 December 2009 MERRIWA HARDWARE starting from as little as $2.00 up to $9.95. Merriwa Welcome back to my loyal We hope that you all enjoy this reader. Central year Street Christmas Party and Just a quick one this week. we would also like to thank all the School As I said last week, the Businesses who have sponsored Christmas Sale is going along P & C this event. quite nicely. I've run out of Ray Association some stock and have replaced a couple of lines. Hopefully TRINITY MARKETS Meets the first Wednesday there will be some more of of each month at 7.00pm in the what you want turn up this Merriwa RSL Club Well, the time has come for Vicki week. Fingers crossed. and Sue to say goodbye as co- I am hoping to have some ordinators of Trinity Markets. Thrifty Link gift cards here by They write: “It’s been a very HANCKEL the end of the week. The profitable, happy, exciting and fun- HAY SALES Thrifty Link gift cards are the filled year. perfect gift to give if you can't “We met some amazing people - All grades think of a gift to give. Make locals and from as far afield as Small square & any sense? Anyway, England and Canada. People are ROUND bales WHITE these maybe a solution to also stopping regularly at Trinity & GREEN CHAFF your problems. Markets, on their way through HAY CONTRACTING Now on to the next thing - SMALL SQUARES & Merriwa to Dubbo. Mudgee, Late Night Shopping and ROUND BALES Brisbane, you name it. Street Christmas Party Phone Darryl “Thank you to the kind people who Thursday 10 December. 6548 5168 have donated clothing, bric-a-brac, To celebrate this event we will odds and ends, and plastic bags. have a specials table available, “We really enjoyed presenting so if you haven't finished your window displays with different Chrissey Shopping yet why not themes, to attract customers and drop in and have a look, you give them pause for thought. & never know you might just “It was great when you dropped in DISTRICT save yourself some cash as for a chat, not just to buy LITTLE ATHLETICS well as finding that perfect something special, and we’ve made present. Specials will only be some great friendships. All Welcome available from 4.30pm until “Of course, none of this would President: Dianne Byfield 7.30pm on Thursday 10 have been possible without our Secretary: Trudie Byfield December. wonderful volunteers who we 6548 2094 Kids, if you are looking for a thank sincerely for their dedicated [email protected] gift for Dad why not check out work behind the scenes and at the Treasurer: Megan Moore our bargain bins with prices counter. “A Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to all. See you down the street. Love, Vicki and Sue.” Annual General Meeting - Trinity Markets’ annual general meeting Call For was held on Tuesday December 8 Personalized Professional Service and new officials were elected for the coming 12 months. RURAL PROPERTY Read all the news about the SPECIALISTS meeting in the next Ringer. Until then, “Dress for Less”.

Scott Waters 0428 860 435 www.cwrural.com.au Trinity Markets

MERRIWA RINGER Thursday 10 December 2009

MERRIWA RINGER Thursday 10 December 2009

CAROLS IN THE PARK XMAS CONCERT THANKS

Carols in the park Sunday 20 Residents of Gummun Place, and David and I and our family December. the public, are invited to a sincerely thank everyone for Christmas concert at Merriwa RSL their best wishes for David Club starting at 10.30am on Ron Campbell during the past week. We Saturday December 12. Merriwa RSL Sub-Branch presents appreciate them very much MERRIWA CWA the Merriwa Matchboxes (flaming along with the emergency care given to David. good entertainment!) in A Musical

Wanted Show with Santa Claus, “The Magic Toy Shop”, and Christmas Barbara Wightman If you have any old ribbons no Carols. matter how small the CWA Gold Coin donations will go to would be grateful for them. Legacy. Please phone Sandra if you can Information - Ray Shotter on help 6547 6049. 6548 2283 or Joy Cook on 6547 WILLIAM (ALLAN) 6005. SWIFT If you are entering Year 12 in E Holt 2010 or going on the tertiary education the closing for the DRIVER-REVIVER Passed 3 December 2009. CWA scholarships is the 7 On behalf of the family and

February. myself I’d like to thank Application forms can be To all our wonderful everyone for their kind words, collected from the secondary volunteers. Bob & I wish thoughts and prayers for Al, office or Kay Burgess. you all a Great Christmas ‘he will be sadly missed’. and a wonderful New Year. The last meeting for 2009 We hope your ever loving Monday 14 December 2009 support & friendship Old boy, goodbye only for 10.30am. continues for the next 12- now!

mths. Till we say Hello again, Robyn McAlister You’ll be in my memory and in Secretary/Publicity Officer We love all you guys & cannot thank you enough. my heart always.

HO!HO!HO! Love Merry Christmas VERO - NORMAN Kelly and Angie Love & Blessings

Jan & Bob Des and Cathy Vero have great pleasure in announcing AGM the engagement of their son CONGRATULATIONS Lincoln to Crystal only Merriwa shooting clubs daughter of Warwick and Congratulations to Mark and SSAA - Pistol Club Cheryl Norman of Scone. Amanda Tudor on the birth of Saturday Both families wish them all the their little daughter Cadence love and happiness in their Rose on the 30 November. 13 February 2pm future together. At the range . Love from Vero-Norman families Both families B Telfer

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.

MERRIWA RINGER Thursday 10 December 2009

Anthea Wright Veterinary MERRIWA BUSHMANS tractor over the weekend and those committee members Services CAMPDRAFT who donated the use of their Thank you letter from the own equipment during the Merriwa Vet Clinic President. working bees and over the 84 Bettington I wish to thank my loyal and weekend of the draft. hardworking committee for their I also wish to thank non- Street Merriwa support and dedication in the committee members; Michael 6548 2452 running of our annual campdraft Nutt for the use of his (all hours) under such trying conditions. equipment during our working There are many people to thank bees to erect the new camp,

– the drovers who walked cattle and to Andrew Russell for in to the showground for three watering the arena over the days in the heat; the men and weekend to control the dust. women who erected and Thanks also to the Pre-School removed the panel fence, put up committee for running the Available at: bunting, hessian and shade steak hut over the weekend Merriwa Traders cloth; those who worked to and keeping everyone fed. Max’s Country Cuts condition the ground with the Roberts Meats Denman, Kerv, Scone aerator; those who worked in The Larda, Scone Wallace Martin and selected Sydney stores the back yards keeping cattle Di and Mark Killen moving in and out of the camp Cannock Pastoral Co. - Tel: 6548 2493 and onto trucks; the ladies in the office; those who ran the Ring 2 events; those who organized and worked in the bar; the men, women and children who attended the working bees to set up and then 12 units clean up after the event. I also 102a Bettington Street, Merriwa need to thank the committee 3 int/conn, family rooms remote control A/C, Austar TV, SBS, Gold Licence No: EC 34206 members who spent hours on hairdryer, toaster, ironing in room, BBQ, cot/s, tea & coffee facilities, WiFi telephones organizing cattle, Electrical Contractors organizing judges, getting zone wireless broadband available. Night bell Appliance Sales sponsors and preparing AE, JCB, MC, Visa, EFTPOS & Repairs programs. Further thanks to 50 Bettington Street Rodger Moore for the use of his Merriwa BH 6548 2303 Phone: 6548 2273 Fax: 6548 2208 AH 6548 2024 - 6548 2045

HORSE ‘N’ ROUND 20 Ogilvie St Denman

6547 2215 HOME LOANS With access to over 22 home loan providers, Good range of equine accessories, let us find the loan that is right for you.

including bridles, saddles, etc INSURANCE With access to many of Australia’s top insurance companies, why not ask as for a quote today Summer rugs & COMMERCIAL FINANCE combos now in stock. Trucks, tractors, excavators or finance for the farm – Talk to us today Compare our prices! 6548 2651 Closed Mondays 92 Bettington St, Merriwa

MERRIWA RINGER Thursday 10 December 2009 WOOLBROOK RURAL INDUSTRIES

The first twenty odd years after the war saw a growers) and we had a quota which, for various devastated world with whole populations starved, reasons, was quite small, so it was 1975 before we ill clothed, their lives in ruin, and it was a golden were paid for the last of our 1969 crop. To age for primary producers. Commodities like wool complicate matters, the AWB chose that year to and wheat sold for very good prices at a time computerise their receiving system and it was a when the cost of production was low, in other disaster such that I was never really sure that we words we had been blessed with the best terms of were eventually paid all that was due to us. trade (i.e. costs as compared to prices received) in So, leaving my family at Woolbrook and as a long living memory. This was coming to an end in the distance weekend commuter, I took a job with late 1960s as world production increased greatly Mercedes-Benz selling trucks while also selling my and many countries, particularly European, farming plant over an extended period. I learnt at American and Japanese, began subsidising least two interesting things in Sydney. The first was agriculture. This was partly to try to ensure that that while in the bush it generally took a few years they would never be short of food again (Europe) for people to go broke, in Sydney they could do it in and also as a vote winner. In some countries like a year or two, no trouble. The second was that, France, where holdings are still small, numerous while I had expected Sydney to be full of hotshot agricultural producers still have political clout, and salesmen and businessmen who would give me this is true even in the USA. Anyway, eventually incredibly stiff competition, this was not the case, in there was a lake of wine, a mountain of wheat, fact it was often the reverse. Most salesmen cold stores everywhere were stuffed full of beef (to seemed to want a very good pay packet and a free name a few), and the countries where these stocks company car for (at most) a 40 hour week, and were held were also subsidising exports to get rid often less if golf, sailing, shopping or whatever took of them, this to an extent which Australia could not priority; further, there seemed to be a good many even begin to match. We had Socialist or Semi- businessmen of questionable ability, often making Socialist governments in power in Australia and in doubtful decisions, than I had ever encountered the case of wheat a Stabilisation Plan under which before. Eventually I decided that trying to make a that for Australian consumption was sold at prices living in the bush had been so comparatively well below world export prices (a vote winner paid difficult for so long that most of those remaining for by Australian farmers) with the promise that there were a good deal more capable than their city when world prices turned around the Australian cousins. At any rate, in spite of my inexperience, wheat farmer would be looked after. It was indeed within less than two years I was the most profitable a great vote winner, but when the time came and truck salesman in Australia, and part of the reward export prices fell the farmers were only looked was an all expenses paid month in Germany, after till the Government realised how costly it was Britain, Thailand and Hong Kong. Before you think I becoming, and that was the end of that. The am boasting, I hasten to add that that my results Australian Wheat Board (AWB), which legally were solely due to my willingness to work bush owned every grain of wheat the moment it was hours, something normal for tens of thousands of harvested, failed to give out price signals by my compatriots working whatever hours it took in continuing to promise to pay very profitable prices the bush. Indeed it eventually seemed to me that if even though a huge world (and Australian) surplus we all went to Sydney, we would probably own the was building and prices were falling, so Australian place within ten or fifteen years. farmers continued to grow wheat furiously till In 1982, after 12 years, I had had enough, so I about September 1969 when the AWB suddenly returned home full time. I had become somewhat said: “Fellows, believe it or not, but we have just out of touch with agricultural trends, and when I did discovered that our wheat storages are all full or some careful research into what had happened to close to it, we are selling very little and there is a our terms of trade over those 12 years and had big crop coming off soon, so we intend to done some calculations, I received an unpleasant introduce quotas on what we take, and what we shock at how much they had deteriorated, and on can’t take you will just have to store on farm till average they have been downhill ever since. we can. In any case, even with delivered wheat, we will only pay you a pittance for it and Max Wurker the balance when we can”. We were growing about 3000 acres of wheat in the district at the time (after the Nutt family we were the biggest

MERRIWA RINGER Thursday 10 December 2009

DEPOT ROAD Ph: 6548 2546 Fax 6548 2309 MERRIWA Mob 0427 482 546 Everything for the Rural Industries. We have no overheads and you benefit from rock bottom prices. Government funded Taxi Transport Services include: # Non-Emergency Transport POLYTHENE TANKS

# TTSS # DVA # HOOTS - Scone We sell more than one brand of polythene tank, so we can Subsidised Local Service: mostly get you the best possible deal. In some cases we # Merriwa Sports Club have saved customers up to $200.00 or even $300.00 on a Servicing the Merriwa District tank, and our deals are so good we have been selling tanks all over NSW and even interstate. So if you want a poly tank, please give us a call, you will probably find it worth Curls & your while.

Swirls Dianne - Wed, Thurs, Fri, Sat

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Waxing, lash & brow tinting available morning. Hair care products for home available All you have to lose is the cost of a phone call -

Call in for free consultations WHY PAY MORE?

129 Bettington Street Merriwa MAX WURCKER 6548 2499 or 6545 4151 a/h Phone 6548 2150 Fax 6548 2614

MERRIWA

SQUASH CLUB Day Tours 13 Dec 2009 Hunter Valley Gardens Christmas Lights Competition is played on Sunday Evening Spectacular. Includes Light Supper Adults Tuesday nights ALL WELCOME $55 Children $45 Any age 23 Jan 2010 Tamworth Country Music Festival Saturday - Great day out for all the family. Why drive home President: Max McNaught when we can pamper you. Includes morning tea $35 Mobile: 6548 2124 26 Jan 2010 Australia Day, Cruising Sydney Harbour 4 hour Cruise Includes Lunch on MV Lady Wakehurst and all Keys available from Merriwa Sports Club the Excitement of the day’s Festivities. After 4pm Monday-Friday Adults $115 Children $100 Sat/Sun open mid mornings 29 Oct 2010 Andre Rieu Friday evening concert commences 8 pm Stop for dinner on the way down – enjoy the Magic of Andre. $250 EXTENDED TOURS 27 Nov 09 3 Day Airing of the Quilts Tour – Braidwood Via Goulburn and Ulladulla 6 March 10 11 Day Cruise into Tasmania Tour – Cataract Gorge Richmond Village Salamanca Markets PRESIDENT Loretta Cooper 6548 2679 SECRETARY Maree Sutton 6548 2199 Cadbury’s Factory Gordon River Cradle Mountain TREASURER A Peebles - C Skehan 15 May 10 Far North Queensland Tour – Gulflander train, Cooktown, Cairns. Escape winter for 15 days. Day - Night - Junior 2 Aug 10 13 day Central Australia Top End Tour Broken Hill Competitions Silverton port Augusta Coober Pedy Uluru Alice Spring

Court Hire Devil’s Marbles Mataranka Katherine Gorge Adelaide River Crocodile Cruise BOOKINGS & ENQUIRIES PH: 6547 4416 or 1800 077 099 (freecall) www.cowans.com.au [email protected]

MERRIWA RINGER Thursday 10 December 2009

MERRIWA NEWSAGENCY magazine. It can be for 3, 6, 12 months or any length of time Your Local Newspower store and that you wish. Office Smart agent. Looking for a modern twist on It is only 2 weeks until Christmas lunch ideas? The Christmas and December/ January issue of now is the time to get delicious is out now. It has some CHECK OUT everything ready!!! great celebrity chef ideas to www.rostogrove.com.au There are so many great inspire you and carries you FOR MORE INFORMATION Christmas ideas in store that through the New Year period. are just waiting to be wrapped up and put under The Ultimate Do-It-Yourself Merriwa Springtime Show the tree. Book This book is great for anyone Friday 17 & Saturday 18 Sept 2010 All of the Christmas editions of who wants to be handy around magazines are out now, the home, whether they have including: been living there 40 years or are just setting themselves up after Australian Women’s Weekly leaving school. This book shows www.merriwashow.com.au Super Food Ideas President:Mr Hugh Kraefft - 6548 5155 - how to do all sorts of things 0402 484 018 Better Homes and Gardens from equipment to use to Secretary: Miss Emma Kelly 0428 127 604 Australian Country Style maintenance and repair and [email protected] Treasurer: Mr Brice Stokes decorating your own home. These magazines are full of EVERYONE WELCOME TO BE MEMBERS great ideas for gifts and Busy Book: Chemistry Explorer wrapping, food for the day This kit contains 6 activities that and what to do with leftovers, are designed to learn about decorating ideas, drinks, and chemical reactions, including many ideas to make your turning a white flower pink, Christmas special writing a secret message and using household ingredients.

Designed for children over 8 Subscribe Now If you are stuck for a gift idea years old this is a great way to for someone, why not start a get them interested in science.

subscription through the Phonecards; all cards are now Restaurant Snack Bar Newsagency! available including Telstra, Take Away Optus & Vodaphone cash` or Lunch Specials Monday-Friday Just pop in and see Neville, eftpos only. Lunch & Dinner 7 days Leanne, Libby or Pat to start

Parties & Weddings a specialty your subscription for any Neville & Leanne ATM, SKY CHANNEL CLUB TAB, CLUB KENO DARTS, SNOOKER, POOL

Friday Raffles and 3 Members Badge Draws Sunday Raffle Members Badge Draw between 11.30am & 1.30pm - Jackpots $50 per week.

Club: 6548 2157 Restaurant: 6548 2295

For the information of members and their guests

MERRIWA RINGER Thursday 10 December 2009

OFF THE WALL VIDEOS Balibo is a political thriller that Dress tells the true story of crimes for

New Releases that have been covered up for Less !! * Terminator Salvation 30 years. This highly anticipated new Trinity Markets * Resurrecting The Champ instalment of The Terminator film Up-and-coming sports reporter Accessories, Books, Nick-Nacks franchise is set in post- Clothing for all the family (Josh Hartnett) rescues a apocalyptic 2018, with Christian homeless man named Champ DONATIONS WELCOME! Bale starring as John Connor, the (Samuel L. Jackson) only to TuesTues––––FriFri 10am ––– 1pm1pm1pm man fated to lead the human discover that he is, in fact, a Sat 9.30am ––– 12.30pm resistance against Skynet and its boxing legend believed to 110 Bettington St. Merriwa army of Terminators. But the have passed away. What 6548 2247 future Connor was raised to begins as an opportunity to believe in is altered in part by the resurrect Champs story and appearance of Marcus Wright escape the shadow of his (Sam Worthington), a stranger B&K fathers success becomes a whose last memory is of being on personal journey as the death row. Connor must decide ambitious reporter re- whether Marcus has been sent Contact Barry examines his own life and his from the future, or rescued from Mobile: 0404 080 049 relationship with his family. Ph/Fax: 6573 3773 the past. As Skynet prepares its final onslaught, Connor and * Coraline Email: [email protected] * Beyond Reasonable Doubt Marcus both embark on an 6 days per week service between odyssey that takes them into the * Eden Lake Singleton and Merriwa, with links heart of Skynet's operations, * Dolan’s Cadillac to all other areas. where they uncover the terrible * GI Joe secret behind the possible * Ice Age 3 annihilation of mankind. * Public Enemies * Four Holidays * Van Wilder: Freshman Year * My Sister’s Keeper The popular and successful Van * Ben 10: The Movie Wilder franchise continues with * Tyson Van Wilder 3. This time Van is off 6548 2088 to college and he intends to make Coming Soon – the most of it in the way only Van 17 /12 - The Ugly Truth can! But what he doesn't know is 17 /12 - Year One that he is on of the most 17 /12 - Inglorious Bastards 31 /12 - Charlie & Boots Pizzas, Burgers Coffee, conservative colleges ever. All Salad, Sandwiches Van can do is work harder than Monday Madness Eat-In or Takeaway he ever has before to prove that All overnights only $4.00 each Mon, Tues, Wed: 11am til 7.30pm when it comes to partying, he'll Amanda & Mark Thurs: 11am til 8pm let no one stand in his way. Fri Sat Sun: 11am til 8pm Staring Kristin Cavallari, Jonathan Bennett & Kurt Fuller. MERRIWA * Balibo After five Australian-based YOUTH journos go missing, veteran SERVICES correspondent Roger East is lured provide the young people of Merriwa to East Timor by the charismatic Swim Trials every Jos Ramos-Horta to tell his tiny Thursday Night activities at the Youth Centre or at nation's story and investigate the Starting at 5pm the Community Resource Centre. men's disappearance. As the President: Clare Martin 6548 8510 threat of Indonesian invasion Secretary: To find out more contact the intensifies, an unlikely friendship Treasurer: Community Worker on 6548 2109. Coach: Kylie Austin 6548 2608 develops between him and Horta. Anyone aged 1212----1818 can participate.

MERRIWA RINGER Thursday 10 December 2009

MERRIWA RUGBY LEAGUE MERRIWA AMATEUR FOOTBALL CLUB SWIMMING CLUB

We still have a few positions to What great weather we have fill for the 2010 season- had for the start of the For information about Natural First Aid Officer 2009/2010 swimming season. Resource Management League Safe Officer The pool water is warm and issues ring Grounds Manager inviting for swimming. For Jon Thorne - those members who have Community Support The CRL will be conducting first on 6542 4426 or Fax: 6543 4164 aid and league safe courses in rejoined this year - below are Hunter-Central Rivers CMA March. You must be CRL a few reminders. For those [email protected] accredited to carry out the duties who have not rejoined or have of these positions. The Club will not previously been part of pay for the courses, so if you are the club – why not come interested please call the along and see what we are all Magpies for more information. about. Swimming is a life skill ABN 38 129 529 040 that may one day save a life. 206 Kelly Street Scone NSW 2337 We are happy to announce that Our first block of learn to Phone:6545 3113 our Magpies coach for 2010 is swim has been completed and Fax: 6545 3855 Ben Morgan. Email: [email protected] we are taking names for the Congratulations Ben, we wish We provide assistance to people you every success for the new next block of lessons. Please residing in the Upper Hunter and year. see Kylie Austin or Maria who have some difficulty with the daily tasks of living and are transport Ben coached last year and got Gibbons to enroll. The disadvantaged. Call Transcare the Magpies to the finals, let’s program is run with 6 lessons Hunter Ltd to help you stay independent see if the boys can take it one over 3 weeks for a cost of and stay living at home longer. step further in 2010. $30. Squad training for swimming If anyone is interested in club members is held on sponsoring the Magpies for 2010 please don’t hesitate to call the Monday and Tuesday afternoons from 4.30pm – Salon open : club for more details. Tuesday - Friday 5.30 pm. Time trials are from 9am—5.30pm Phone 0429 343 127 or Bruce normally held each Thursday Saturday—late night Thursday by Smith- 0447 091 365 afternoon. Next week, appointment only Thursday 17 December will be Using & selling Keune & PPS products. The Birds Nest our final time trials for this Catering for all your home care needs year and we will be having our

For an appointment call: Christmas party and Hayley, Brooke, presentation evening for the Brittany and Hollie on 2008/2009 season. All current 6548 2666 and past swimmers are welcome to attend.

Hidden Time trials will resume on January 28 2010. Stay safe Valley and happy over the holiday Homestead period and may you all enjoy Christmas and the New Year 6548 8588 [email protected] and all that the season brings. President: web: www.hiddenvalleyhomestead.com.au Paul Frampton For All Functions 6548 5182 Birthday Parties, Family Reunions, Business Vice Presidents: Clare Martin Tim Henderson lunches/dinners/meetings. 6548 2888 Accommodation available : David Alker 6548 2095 Up to 25 people in ensuite rooms. Treasurer: Bryce Stokes 6548 3236 Hidden Valley sponsors The Ringer

MERRIWA RINGER Thursday 10 December 2009

MERRIWA CRICKET CLUB bowled finishing with 2/27 off 8 overs and Jon Osmond On 5 December we travelled to taking 2/17 off 3.2 overs. Aberdeen to play Aberdeen 1. We lost in the dying over of We were sent into bat after the match. Catches went to losing the toss. We lost a John Maben, Reg Brazier, couple of early wickets Robert Our Centre is Murray Wright and Justin Osmond and John Maben open Tuesday - Friday Parker. and caters for children aged 2-5 years steaded the ship putting on a The man of the match was Staff are trained in 23 run partnership. Robert was Jon Osmond with his 47 not Early Childhood Education soon out for 6 runs. out and his two wickets. ENQUIRIES WELCOME Jon Osmond joined John Maben The man of the match is Ph 6548 2083 Fax 6548 2925 putting on a 21 run partnership, sponsored by Osmond’s pump when John Maben was caught and water solutions. for 21 runs. Murray joined Jon MERRIWA Osmond but Murray was out Merriwa Sports Club, Di’s ENGINEERING five runs later for one run. Clothing Patch, Osmond’s Another 18 runs were added Pump and Water Solutions, Welding & Machining Specialists when Seth Morgan was out for Elders, Frampton Farms, • Welding • seven. Nev was then out Sandy Hollow Tourist Hotel, Machining • Plasma Cutting cheaply, Reg followed soon Max’s Country Cuts, CM & JM • Fabrication after for 9 runs.. Justin Parker Vero’s and Sons, Merriwa RSL (Aluminium & joined Jon Osmond on the Club, Merriwa Petroleum & Ag Stainless Steel) crease with the going steady Supplies, Merriwa Pharmacy. Equipped for all your rural onsite repairs and maintenance and trying not to lose another Justin Parker Paul Marchese 0427 476 085 wicket. Justin and Jon playing or 6547 6085 every ball on its merit they put on a good ninth wicket partnership of 26 runs both MERRIWA finishing not out with Justin 17 PETROLEUM runs and Jon Osmond on 47 & AG SUPPLIES runs. We lost only 8 wickets for • Extensive range of rural products 138 runs in 40 overs. • Household goods Neville and Brad opened the • Supplier of Caltex fuel and oils bowling. They both bowled • Steel really well with Nev 1/15 off 8 Phone • Fertilizer overs and Brad 1/14 off 8 • Bulk fuel deliveries available overs. Seth was next into bowl, DAVID HICKS Phone: 6548 2071 finishing with 2/45 off 7 overs 0428 899 749 Merriwa Petroleum & Ag Supplies are then Reg bowled finishing with proud sponsors of the 2/45 off 7 overs then Reg Merriwa Ringer

Pitt Son & KKeene eene Phone 6548 2307 Fax 6548 2089 Local Knowledge, Friendly Service Branch Manager/Agronomist Iain Sommerlad 0428 482 329 Merchandise Sales Nathan Barry 0437 961 559

Merchandise Sales Kayla Mullen 6548 2307 Office Administration Kellie Walker 6548 2307

Livestock Damien Crump 0429 485 009

Real Estate Ross Beer 0427 452 572

District Banking Manager Wayne Philpott 6762 1331

Livestock—Merchandise—Real Estate—Wool—Insurance– Banking–Health Insurance—Rental Property Servicing all your rural needs

MERRIWA RINGER Thursday 10 December 2009

Morgan’s Maintenance MERRIWA SPORTS CLUB Bingo HANDYMAN Every Thursday Night Please Note: Raffles commences 7:00pm. Win Rural and domestic fencing transferred to Sunday due Sporties Vouchers $5, $20, $50 Lawn and garden maintenance to the Club Christmas + fruit, veg and meat trays. (push and ride-on) Wood heater and mantle installations Party General home maintenance and Saturday 5 December Saturday 12 December 2009 upgrade Saturday Members Jackpot Club Christmas Party. Dance Hourly rates available 9516 not won next week to “Soul Fresh”. $120. Winners Jackpot 28852 Contact not won next week $160. Tickets now on Sale $20 Per Roy Morgan 6548 2844 Free Tickets Mavis Marsden- Person. Includes the Sporties Lynch Chinese/Australian smorgasbord. Dinner Jeff Cronin Bowls Raffle Jeff Cronin Responsible Conduct of Gaming Ladies Bowling Club Raffle Course Merriwa Branch/ Mark Inder The Merriwa Sports Club is Merriwa District Council Sunday 6 December considering holding a

President: Chris Kemp Sunday Members draw No Responsible Conduct of Gaming Ph: 6548 5150 9091 not won next week course at the Sports Club on a

Fax: 6548 5065 $1200. $20 one off prizes No Sunday in the middle of January. Secretary/Treasurer: Peter Campbell 93090 not won & no 9092 not Ph: 6548 5126 won. Persons interested should Fax: 6548 5053 TPL 06/00262 contact the Club by the 16 New members welcome December 2009 in order that Please Note: Raffles arrangements can be made with transferred to Sunday due to the service providers. the Club Christmas Party The course runs for approx 6 Transport Service is available hours and the cost is approx Friday and Saturday $80. President : Neville Blackadder The Sporties Chinese/Australian 0428 485 110 Don’t take the risk and drive Secretary/Treasurer : when for $2 per person you Restaurant Cynthia Morgan can be chauffeured home. Open for Lunch and Dinner 0418 862 560 To access the transport Lunch Specials service you must book through the Sports Club to Open 5 1/2 days . Lunch Thank you to our sponsors check availability of the Wednesday to Sunday 12noon – Merriwa Sports Club service. 2:00pm Dinner Tuesday to

Ph/Fax 6548 2663 Mobile 0408 293448 Reliable, Friendly service All general freight Cattle Sheep, Wool Supa Gas Agent Servicing Tamworth, Dubbo, HAY FOR SALE Newcastle, Scone & surrounding areas. Oaten Supplying fence posts and stays Wheaten Lucerne Pick up Sydney depot every Straw Thursday

MERRIWA RINGER Thursday 10 December 2009

Sunday 5:30pm to 9:00pm centimetres away from being For bookings and takeaway a hole in one. phone Simon on 6548 3228. The invitation to the event offered prizes to the best IGA Lady Bowlers News dressed pairs so all girls Merriwa Stone Hill Vineyard was the embraced the challenge. Di 104 Bettington St venue for our womens bowls and Pat chose to wear the 6548 2315 Use your Christmas party. Thank you club shirts with matching black Community Merle and Len for you hospitality. pants and presented as a very Chest to support your We all had a most enjoyable professional looking team. local community time. Libby and Tania looked stunningly elegant in white Last Saturday night our Capri pants and matching Christmas raffle was drawn. black shirts topped off with MORE THAN JUST A Thank you everyone for your Panama hats. Merrie and Sue POST OFFICE support. The lucky winner was were very bright and cheerful One-stop shop for paying Mark Inder. in lovely lime green skirts with (nearly) all your bills

pink candy striped tops and Business banking & personal B & JR matching socks and caps. We banking

all looked fantastic but lost out Stationery & Greetings cards – inexpensive, full range on the best dressed award to Computer & technology items a pair of ladies dressed as Ladies Golf News elves?? Go figure. Mobile phones, starter kits & recharge vouchers Six girls ventured off to Cypress Thankyou to Di’s clothing Continuing friendly service Lakes at Cessnock on the 30 patch for stocking all the November to play in their Merriwa PO, 82 Bettington Street outfits. PH: 6548 2042 inaugural ladies event. We Home golf on the 2 nd of entered as a pair and were December saw 6 girls turning matched with another pair from up to compete. Merrie was still another club to compete as a playing well and won with team. It was a lovely day for golf 38points. Tania 2 nd with 34 marred only by the torrential points and Captain Di won the downpour during the last three ball draw. holes. The lightening sirens went Hoping for some rain soon to off and play was abandoned soften the golf course and ALL AUTOMOTIVE before some of the teams could cheer up the farmers. ELECTRICAL REPAIRS & complete their 18 holes. ACCESSORIES The course offered us some The Black Widow challenges not often experienced AUTOMOTIVE AIR CONDITIONING SERVICE at Merriwa. Bunkers so deep that you couldn’t see out of them KEY CUTTING were everywhere and it Agent for: sometimes seemed impossible to find the green without first TELSTRA MOBILENET PHONES CENTURY & YUASA BATTERIES getting in the bunker. The water KANGAROO DETERRENTS holes sucked up plenty of balls ELECTROPHONE 2-WAY RADIOS and the greens were very fast TANDY ELECTRONICS CONTRACT MUSTERING with difficult pin placements but CATTLE/SHEEP WORK golfers love a challenge and we FARM MANAGEMENT IN DENNIS all played with an enormous OWNER'S MORONEY amount of skill. Congratulations ABSENCE 30 Bow Street to Merrie who won the nearest FENCING Merriwa 2329 the pin on the 12 th hole with a Work: 6548 2114 wonderful tee shot that was only Ph: 6548 2389 Mob: 0428 482 114

MERRIWA RINGER Thursday 10 December 2009

MERRIWA RUGBY UNION CLUB INC

The “ Bumble Bees”

RALLY DAY 2ND Congratulations on achievements to SUNDAY OF former Merriwa boys Tom Shannon EACH MONTH for taking out jointly the Newcastle President: Complete Building and Hunter Rugby Anderson Medal best Matthew Moore Maintenance Contractors and fairest NHRU and Jay Strahan 6545 4171 for leading points scorer in Premier Secretary: Specialising in: One Division NHRU. Cassandra McLaren 6548 8561 Bathrooms, Renovations, Treasurer: Tim Henderson 6548 2888 extensions, Pergolas, We have nominated a team for next Decks, Rural and year and have been accepted by Residential sheds, the Newcastle Hunter Rugby and concreting. included in their draw 2010.

121 Bettington Street Servicing Merriwa and Our next meeting of the “ Bumble Merriwa 2329 Bees “ will be on Saturday the 23 6548 3188 Surrounding District January 2010 at Merriwa Sports Trading Hours Club and we welcome all old, Mon -2pm to 7pm Contact : present and new players to attend. Tue -Closed James Curtis (excluding holidays) 0432 533 152 Wed -2pm to 7pm Contact : Thu -2pm to 7pm e-mail Fri -2pm to 9pm Nigel Wagstaffe 0419 / 354. 425 Sat -10am to 9pm [email protected] for further information. Sun -1pm to 7pm Robert Whaley

McConnell’s Good Looks This ‘n’ That 6548 2889 Nail &

Clothing Beauty Giftware for all Manicures/Pedicures/Waxing/ occasions Tinting/Acrylic Nails/Make-up/ Garden accessories Ear Piercing/Facials/

Ahava Facial & Body Products

PH 6376 1002 Authorised Thomas Call Hollie on 0408 175 028 Cook Dealer Available at 27 Collins Street and 118 Bettington Street Hair Indeed.

THETHE MERRIWAMERRIWA SURGERYSURGERY Available for charter 5 star coach with seatbelts. 6548 2305 Modern air conditioned buses. Dr R Salama Various sizes from 20 to 50

Monday to Friday seats. Competitive rates and Saturday morning by arrangement discounts for repeat bookings. EMERGENCY & after hours 6548 2305 Ph: 6547 4416 Fax: 6547 4496

MERRIWA RINGER Thursday 10 December 2009 MERRIWA RSL CASSILIS BOWLING CLUB

The Members Lucky Badge for Friday nights – Twilight Bowls NO BULL $700 was won on Friday at Names to the club by 6.30pm BUILDING 8.30pm the number was 417, this Come along and join the fun week it commences at to $250.00. Saturday 12 December – The 7pm draw for $440.00 was Xmas Housie not won the number was 364, this Steak and sausage sandwiches start from 6.30pm week it jackpots to $460.00. The Mick O’Halloran 9pm lucky ticket draw for $200.00 Housie starts at 7.45pm was not won the number was Lots of fun and great prizes Hunter Valley 86603, this week it jack pots to Liner prizes included $240.00. LTPS/09/06339 All welcome. Phone for free measure- The Sunday Morning Badge Draw Friday 18 December - quote was not won last week the number Children’s Xmas Party was 636, this week it jackpots to Starts 6pm ~ Santa arrives at * Custom Built Homes $350 and will be drawn between 6.30pm. Members children – * Horse Stud & Rural Buildings 11.30am and 1.30pm and you free, (non-members children * Renovations & Extensions must be present to win the money. $5 per child). * Commercial & Industrial LTPS/09/06339 we have now Parents please bring a present * Available 6 Tonne Tipper Hire, doubled the Sunday morning raffle (s) to the value of no more Bobcat Hire & 3.5 Tonne vouchers from 3 to 6. than $20, to put under the Excavator Hire

Christmas Raffle tree – thank you. Phone 0407 897 120 Christmas raffle, one prize only Saturday 19 December – Adult Fax 6545 2848 consisting of a Simpson 5.5kg Xmas Party [email protected]. Washing Machine and 4kg Dryer, Starts 7pm for dinner at Lic: 210171c tickets $1.00 each drawn 7.30pm. 2hr show by Pixie Christmas Eve Thursday 24 Jenkins. Dancing ‘til late to December, raffle night. These music by the ‘Sly Pigs’. $30 products where purchased locally per person (includes dinner, R & M Moore from CJ & JM Vero & Sons. show and music and dancing). Christmas Eve Raffle Night Bookings are essential due to Rural Support The RSL Club will have the normal limited places. (Age limit – Services Friday night raffle on Thursday 24 High School and upwards) December. Book now, no time like the ABN 84 044 570 209 This night will also see the present, to avoid Christmas Raffle drawn, and the disappointment. monthly prize drawn; which consist Phone the club on 6376 1002 Phone/Fax of 2 Resort Chairs, a 26lt Sports (after 5pm) by 12 December 6548 2992 Cooler and a 5lt keg of Heineken please (for catering purposes). 0427 153 446 and you must be present to win 0400 653 446 the monthly prize. The bar will also H Parker Email: have Crown Lager stubbies on [email protected] .au special for $3.00 each. PO Box 162 Merriwa

All types of Rural Fencing M J Morgan Welding and Fabrication Secretary/Manager Contract slashing Bobcat and Tipper Hire COFFEE SNACKS Property Maintenance MEALS DRINKS and small building works Mustering and all

Hosts : Wendy & Gary Smith associated cattle work Phone: 6548 2255 Your local comprehensive rural contracting service

MERRIWA RINGER Thursday 10 December 2009 Voice, Interest & Education of Women

A valued part of the Smith Family Meet 4th Thursday of each month Visitors always welcome Enquiries to: Pres: Jenny Johnson 6548 2509 DECEMBER Sec: Elaine Sparrow 6548 8560 Supporting The Smith Family Saturday 5 • 9 Lessons & Carols Anglican Christmas Party

Tuesday 8 • St Joseph’s Presentation Night New South Wales Fire Brigade Thursday 10 • Street Party 4.30pm - 8.00pm Emergency Business Saturday 12 • Merriwa Sports Club Christmas Party 000 6548 2005 • Christmas concert Merriwa RSL Club 10.30am

Tuesday 15 • Merriwa Central School Presentation Night

Friday 18 • Merriwa Youth Centre Pool Party 6.00 - 9.00pm

Station 393 Merriwa Sunday 20 • ‘Carols in the Park’ Apex Park

Smoke Alarms Save Lives Thursday 24 • Christmas Eve

Friday 25 • Christmas Day

Thursday 31 • Merriwa Sports Club New Years Eve “Open Mic with Dahlia” JANUARY 2010

Friday 1 • New Years Day

Tuesday 26 • Australia Day Meets each Tuesday at the Merriwa Sports Club DISCLAIMER 7.00pm for 7.30pm 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. 4 X 4M MARQUEE FOR H IRE The advertising of and use of product names does not constitute recommendations or endorsement by the 6548 2025 Publisher or its Committee. Advertisers indemnify the Publisher and its Committee against all liability claims or proceedings whatsoever arising from the publication.

“United We Stand” MERRIWA SPORTS CLUB LTD Club: 6548 2028 Golf, Bowls, Squash, Putt Putt, Darts and Pool ATM and Club Keno

Club Opens Monday and Tuesday 3:00pm

Wednesday to Friday and Sunday 12:00pm Saturday 11:00am Thursday Night 7:00pm Bingo Friday 5:00pm - 7:00pm Happy Two Hours and Free raffles

Saturday - 8.00pm Monster raffles and members’ badge draw Sunday : 5:00pm to 7:00pm meat voucher raffle and members’ badge “THE VOICE OF draw. MERRIWA” Meet every 4th Wednesday The Sporties Chinese/Australian Restaurant 6548 3228 Dine in or Take Away. Banquets and Function catering available. More on 6548 2948 or 6376 1165 Lunch Specials

Lunch: Wednesday to Sunday. Dinner: Tuesday to Sunday

MERRIWA RINGER Thursday 10 December 2009