June 2013

THANK YOU HALLIDAYS POINT GARDEN CLUB

Riding for the Disabled (NSW) Manning Great Lakes was the designated Charity for the Hallidays Point Garden Club’s

Open Garden weekend on the 4th & 5th of May.

At their monthly meeting the Garden Club presented a cheque to the RDA for $11,719.70. RDA President Jacqui Nuttall, Coach Jeff Patterson and other hard working members were present to enjoy the occasion.

The RDA centre ran lunch and refreshments at three of the Open Gardens. Sales of sandwiches, soups, tea, coffee, slices, scones jam and cream and cold drinks raised a total of $2755-00.

The organisation of the Open Garden weekend was a massive logistics exercise. Hallidays Point Garden Club should be commended on the way they publicised the event and represented the community. It truly was a community event on a large scale. The King, Horsburgh and Linden families opened up their homes to invasion by RDA volunteers, members and their families all through the weekend. To those families a very special thankyou. Another very special mention to Pat and Jeff Patterson who were the liaison between RDA and the Garden Club, not to mention the endless batches of scones cooked up by Pat over that weekend. Denise Marr is a legend when it comes to catering for lunch on a large scale. Seeing her in action was an education. Thank you!

There are many, many people to be thanked for supporting this event, especially from other local community groups. If you know people that helped out please thank them in person. Thank you to all our own members for putting in many hours of extra volunteering.

The end result: WE CAN NOW BUILD AN ARENA FLOOR!

HALLIDAYS POINT GARDEN CLUB

This past month has been a very active one for the Garden Club and its members and friends. On Wednesday April 17th, 50 members and friends travelled by comfy coach to Woodville to view the beautiful gardens at Albion Farm, the home of Sandra and Philip Redman and their daughter, Kate Conen. The property was first settled in 1812. Phil Jackson had done his homework and gave GC members and friends a brief overview of the history of the area. The Redmans settled there in 1974 and there are now 15 acres of garden between three properties of 42 acres each. The espalier orchard contains figs, grapes, apples, pears, peaches and a variety of other fruits and berries, sixty in all apparently. Although not the flowering season for wisteria the one hundred and six vines, with sixteen varieties, were still magnificent. Water gardens bursting with lotus plants, an arboretum of flood-tolerant native plants, clumping bamboos, a forest of swamp cypress, rose gardens, two lakes, one planted with iris, water lilies and ornamental grasses and two dams, a folly garden and an enormous vegetable garden were only some of the delights seen while wandering around the properties. The walled garden features magnificent stonework and there is a fine example of a Victorian slab building. The weather was perfect and members and friends enjoyed their picnic lunch on the lawn in front of the historic home.

Most of your readers will be aware that on the weekend of May 4th and May 5th the Garden Club hosted its (first??) Autumn Garden Festival. Nine beautiful private gardens were opened to the public over these two days at a cost of $10 a head with all proceeds going to the local branch of Riding For The Disabled. Firstly, the Club would like to express its thanks to the owners of these gardens for their generosity, their enthusiasm and their very hard work in having these gardens prepared to such a high standard. So, thanks are extended to Carolyn and Chris Begg, Lyn and Tony Pasierbek, Sue and Steve Barnett, Jenny and Bill Lyndon, Ingrid and Stuart Horsburgh, Robyn and David King, Lyn and John King, Barbara and Terry Wright and Carol and Terry Pearson. The open properties were within 7 or 8 kms of each other and once one was armed with a map, it was easy driving from one to the next. Two of the gardens were at Darawank, one at Rainbow Flat, two in Homestead Estate, one in Federation Estate and three at Diamond Beach.

While the Garden Club organised the weekend and helped man the gates, RDA took on the responsibility for the catering for lunch and refreshments. The weather was perfect for strolling round the gardens, we could not have wished for better. Every garden glowed with good health, colour and variety and the hundreds of people who attended made it abundantly clear they were very happy to be there. Visitors came from Coffs Harbour, South West Rocks, Port Macquarie, Gloucester, Comboyne, Port Stephens, Raymond Terrace and Newcastle and, of course, our locals from Taree, Forster, Tuncurry and Hallidays Point were out in force. The event was a huge success and we thank all readers of this newsletter for their support. The Garden Club and RDA would like to thank the Hallidays Point Landcare Group too for the assistance given in raising the money to stage this event.

The Garden Club has handed over a cheque to RDA for the sum of $11,720 as a result of the Open Gardens weekend. What a fantastic effort!! RDA can now proceed with the laying of the new floor for its under-cover arena.

Without our sponsors the event would not have been the success it was so thanks is extended to:

Bears Tyres, Boxfish, Casual Cuisine, GL Packaging and Party Hire, Gnomes Landscaping, Hickmans Nursery, JR Richards, Jan Lee, Kellie Turner Embroidery, Lumpys Landscape, Oasis Tuncurry, Reef Bar and Grill, Taree and Wingham Produce, Tates Nursery, The Tartt Café, Tony Pasierbek, Townhead Landscape Supplies, Wingham Nursery.

EISTEDDFOD

BONNIE & I on a whim decided that we would spend Thursday morning of 2nd May at the Eistedfodd at Manning Entertainment Centre. We didn't know any entrants and went only for our own entertainment.

You will understand our delight when after our surprise at their entry, and watching them perform, Hallidays Point Public School won first and second prizes in the Ensemble section.

We would like to congratulate the Musical Director and the School and of course the children for the amount of skill and work that must have gone into the preparation for this event. Well done alL.

Tony & Bonnie Knight

Hallidays Point District Seniors Association

Some of our members recently arrived back from Nambucca Heads - touring with friends makes for a really enjoyable and companionable trip, which was enjoyed by all.

The photograph is Doreen Heaps, our Treasurer, accepting a giant cheque from Steve Bromhead, our local MP, for $4,000 for the purchase of the new very comfortable (and light) chairs in our Hall.

The yearly fee is $15 to become a member of Seniors, and $2 attendance fee at K4S classes. Details of all activities are listed in the monthly newsletter, so oo come along and take part in our many and varied activities, both indoors or outdoors, you are all very welcome.

Lions Park Clean Up

Some three months ago a huge historic river gum fell in Lions’s park, as a result of major rotting of the core. Council did the hard work of removing it and tidying up the surrounds.

On Saturday May 11, members of Halliday’s Lions teamed up with Barry’s Bobcat and Concreting to continue the work and spread a large amount of mulch produced from the tree. The morning included a general cleanup of the native gardens and furniture.

The tree was obviously very old and if it could speak would tell us much about the area over a very long period. I believe the tree had some cultural significance in Aboriginal life. If anyone knows more you may like to share it with readers of News of Our World.

Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea

This year we had a different venue – the Surf Club which seemed to go very well.

Our thanks go to the Probus Choir and to the Surf Club for making the venue available. With the stall at the Car Boot Sales the Halliday Shores Craft Group and the 125 people who attended on the day we will be sending over $6000 to Cancer Council this year. The organisation and work necessary to make this event a success is a full 12months effort and to Lions Lady Denise we say thanks for a great event.

Halliday Shores Craft Group Present a Cheque for $2,800.00L to R: Denise Clarke, Jeanette Anderson, Peg Masters,Bev Sayers, Isobel Prindable, Denise Bray, Hazel Blight.

Sixth year for Saturday Surf Awareness

This year marked the return of the very popular SSA program at Black Head SLSC.

The program was designed specifically for people with a disability who can take advantage of our beautiful beach at Black Head and at the same time, learn all about beach safety and lifesaving.

This year marked the 6th year of the program and service users from both Inclusions at Taree and Great Lakes Leisure and respite options attended the program that runs on Black Head beach each Saturday from mid Feb to April, at total of 8 weeks.

The program runs along the same lines as surf lifesaving and includes activities such as pool activities and beach flag races, identifying rips, lifesavers and dangers in and around the beach.

New skills are learnt and reinforced each year such as basic first aid techniques, resuscitation, self and others rescues, negotiating the surf etc.

All this is carried out under the watchful eyes of the many qualified surf lifesavers that assist each week with the program.

At the end of the eight weeks a much anticipated presentation was held and all attendees left with a hand full of trophies and certificates.

Thanks to all BHSLSC members who assisted over the 8 weeks, BH committee for their ongoing support and belief in the program but most of all the "Green Machine" (Clients) who come back every year to participate.

Thank you to our generous sponsors, 3 Beaches Chemist, XX Trophies, Diamond Beach Butchery and Hallidays Point Newsagency.

Jim Crookston

BHSLSC SSA Coordinator

News of Our World

Hallidays Point

is published by Manning Great Lakes RDA

as a service to our community.

Please send advertising and contributions to hpnews@westnet.com.au

BEFORE the 15th of the previous month

Editor and Advertising Ingrid Horsburgh - with help from a lot of other people. Thanks.

Delivered by 10 very healthy people.

Contributions very much appreciated.

Thanks Everyone!!

The opinions of contributors do not necessarily reflect those of Manning Great Lakes RDA or the editor. The decision to include or exclude contributions is final. (and probably because of lack of space). If you do not receive a copy of the newsletter each month, spare copies are left in the Library, at Cellarbrations at Diamond Beach, LJHooker Real Estate, Andrews Gardner RE, Diamond Beach Vet, and at Foodworks. People affected live on Blackhead Road, Old Soldiers Road , a small sections of Diamond Beach Road and Belgraiv Close and if you don'thave letter box. If you would like to deliver to these areas, please let us know.

hpnews@westnet.com.au 65592295

A New Generation Lions Club Planned for

Hallidays Point

The successful recent Shave for a Cure Fundraiser held locally for Leukaemia Research was triggered by young Taylor Wagener from 3 Beaches Chemist. Taylor engaged the help of the Hallidays Point Lions Club but she continued to be a driving force and encouraged the involvement of many of her peer group including her sister Cassey and other family members. Other young members of the community including James Clarke and Andrew Card from Diamond Beach Butchery also enthusiastically contributed their time and efforts to help with the fundraising.

As a result of this initiative by young adult members of our community an interest has been shown by this group to continue in service by forming a New Generation Lions Club. By having a minimum of five members to start, they will be able to form a Branch Club of the existing Hallidays Point Lions Club. Once they reach a minimum of twenty members they will be able to become an independent entity. It is planned that this new Club will encourage membership with an age group between 18 and forty years. They will plan their own projects and social activities suited to a younger generation and in doing so will ensure the continuation of the Lions Organisation in our community.

Invitations were recently circulated inviting interested people to attend an informal lunch gathering held on Sunday 19th May at the SLSC. This was organised by Hallidays Point Lions newest member Ingrid Horsburgh together with Taylor Wagener and John Finnie. The informal gathering was also attended by Lions Club President Peter Clarke, Lion Gerard Cross, Lion Margaret Willard and Lion Ray Piper. Prospective new members attending were Taylor Wagener, Ryan Eschler, Alex Finnie, Lia Decino-Lane, Kielle Goolagong, and Cassie Wagener.

During a delicious light lunch prepared by Ingrid Horsburgh, there was a constructive exchange of information and ideas among the gathering. As a result four of those present signed up to become Charter Members of the new Club and the others are giving the matter some serious consideration while weighing up their other commitments.

Only one more person is required at the moment to begin the Branch Club and hopefully others will quickly follow in order to form the new Club in the very near future.

If you’re interested in joining and want more information, contact Taylor Wagener on 0468 942 726 or email taymar16@hotmail.com or John Finnie on 0411 785 011 email john-finnie@bigpond.com

FIRE BRIGADE

Winter is the season when most house fires occur. Is your home fire safe? House fires can cause serious injury or death, and can destroy your most cherished possessions and home. The area of the house where most fires occur is the kitchen, followed by the lounge and bedrooms.

Have you given your family the best chance of surviving a house fire?

1. Have at least one installed and operating smoke alarm on each level of your house.

2. Know two safe ways out of every room in your house.

3. Ensure that keys to all locked windows and doors are accessible in case you need to escape.

4. Have a written escape plan and practice it regularly with all occupants.

5. Test smoke alarms regularly and change the battery at least every 12 months.

6. Have a licensed electrician check your wiring and install a safety switch.

7. Don’t overload power points and switch off household appliances when not in use.

8. Never smoke in bed.

9. Never leave open fires unattended and always screen with a proper fireguard.

Heaters should be kept at least one metre from curtains, furniture and other flammable items.

10. Never place clothing over heaters.

11. Keep matches and lighters out of the reach of children.

Photo’s are from our 2nd pile burn this year on Friday 10th May. Fire-fighters are - Graham Hill, Russell Gray and Ashley Skillicorn.

PROBUS

From snakes to musical saws, Hallidays Point Combined Probus Club Inc. meetings are never boring.

The Ten Minute Speaker at their May Meeting was something out of the ordinary. Probian Robin Billings gave an account of her recent life and death encounter with a red bellied black snake. While putting out the garbage at her Red Head home she upset the snake hiding under the bin. The snake bit her on the leg. Quick thinking by neighbours, alerted by Robin’s screams, kept her still and calm, applying a tight bandage and laying her with her head higher than the leg, until the ambulance arrived.

The ambulance staff had to move the garbage bin to take her to the ambulance and in doing so disturbed a second red bellied black snake under the same bin. Although the appearance of this second snake caused alarm it confirmed the identification of the type of snake, ensuring the correct anti-venom could be given when Robin arrived at Taree Hospital.

During the fifteen or so minutes it took the ambulance to arrive, Robin started to develop severe stomach cramps, vomiting and high blood pressure. If not for the quick actions of her neighbours in keeping her still and the arrival of the ambulance she may well not have survived to tell her tale.

After morning tea the meeting needed cheering up and that happened when Cheryl Ritchie, a local girl from Wingham, played the saw, not just any saw but a 36 inch saw from the Music Saw Co. of America. The full range of notes she produced by stroking her saw with a violin bow was enthralling. From Danny Boy through “I like Aeroplane Jelly” to the theme from Skippy all members sat listening in wonder. Cheryl also played the wash board and finished with a few tunes on the harmonica.

Anyone interested in knowing more about Hallidays Point Probus can ring the secretary. Ray Bell, on 65592581.

Jack McDonald/Bulletin Editor

BLACK HEAD QUILTERS

You may or may not know that the surf club is trying to raise about $3000 for an alarmed defibrillator for community use which will be situated at the surf club, well I just thought that maybe you could include in your next newsletter that the Black Head Quilting group has made a donation of $500 to that cause, and challenge other groups in the Black Head community to also contribute.

The person that I have dealt with on this matter was Scott Crawford who can be contacted on 0418 226 988 or via the surf clubs web site.

Carolyn Dawson

Black Head Beach Quilting Group

News from Hallidays Point Library

Home Library Service

Did you know that Hallidays Point Library offers a free home delivery service for eligible people?

Can’t get to the library due to: poor health, a disability, frail aged?

We can select and deliver on a permanent or temporary basis, depending on your need.

Do you have a neighbour, friend or relative who may like to use this service? We can deliver books, DVDs, talking books, magazines, and music CDs. Contact the Library on 65593066 for more information.

National Simultaneous Storytime

We had a fun morning when we read “The Wrong Book” by Nick Bland, to a large group of pre-schoolers as part of National Simultaneous Storytime on 22nd May. This story was read right across Australia at the same time to promote Australian children’s literature. Children from The Kiddies Hut visited the library to participate.

Wi-Fi Hotspot at Hallidays Point Library

Locals and visitors alike have been making tremendous use of our free Wi-Fi service. If you need internet access from your own mobile device, wireless is now available via the library.

Library gearing up for Holiday Activities

Children’s holiday activities will once again be available at the Hallidays Point Library during the July School Holidays. Brochures that advertise the activities should be available from the middle of June. Bookings for activities are essential, so drop in to the Library and collect a brochure.

Exhibitions in the Library Gallery

During June pop in to see amazing photography by Black Diamond Images

In July we will be displaying the “Wrap for Love” rugs that our weekly knitting group have produced during the last 12 months. If you are a knitter and have time to spare any Monday morning, you are very welcome to come along to the library at 10am for a fun morning of knitting and chatter.

Magazines to Borrow

A couple of new titles have recently been added to our collection. Cleo and Cosmopolitan are now available for borrowing each month. Check out the variety of magazines covering gardening, motoring, arts and crafts, health, computing, cooking and science. We have 45 different magazine titles at Hallidays Point Library, and many more within the Greater Taree Library Service that we can request for you to borrow.

See you soon at the Library – Open Mon – Fri 10am – 5pm,

Sat 10am – 12 noon.

DIAMOND BEACH VETERNARY CLINIC

10 years of ServiceYour Local Vet Performing Surgery on a 10th Birthday Cake

On July 15th 2013, Diamond Beach Veterinary Clinic will have been providing care and service to you and your pets for 10yrs. Many people wondered whether we were here to stay when we opened. We should have answered that question by now. We are not affiliated with any other clinic in this district and we provide a FULL Veterinary service for small animals. Our clinic is fully certified for all procedures and our equipment and facilities are the equal, and in some cases, the best and most modern available.

The clinic is staffed by Joe Power, Veterinary Surgeon of 40years experience, part time by Breck Muir, Veterinary Surgeon of 45years experience and Helen Power, Accredited Veterinary Nurse of 30 years experience and also greatly involved in the training and assessment of Veterinary Nurses.

We make our appointments every ½ hr so that we have adequate time to attend to all your questions and any problems your pet has developed. One of the proudest comments we get from clients is that the clinic does not smell like a clinic and is always clean.Tank Hard at Work

Our Digital X-ray system is the most modern available and allows us to take x-rays of your pet with minimum stress as there is no uncomfortable x-ray plate underneath them and 10 seconds later we have an x-ray on our screens – no chemical developing and no time between X-rays. We have an in house biochemistry machine and centrifuge which can be used for more urgent cases to help with diagnosis and can also be used for a routine health check on your pet.

Our anesthetics are similar to those of a human hospital with various induction methods available and Isofluorane gas maintenance, which reduces the risk to older and frail patients. We also have dental scaling equipment, an Autoclave for sterilizing instruments and drapes, computerized record keeping, weighing scales, a range of Royal Canine prescription diets and an attitude and aptitude for providing the best care we can for your pet.

We invite you to inspect our clinic during July and to meet our staff and our “official greeter” called “Tank”. We would be happy to show you the workings of our Veterinary Clinic, especially to demonstrate our DR X-ray system.

Greater Taree City Council

Thanks A Million to Manning Valley Volunteers

National Volunteer Week 13 - 19 May 2013

National Volunteer Week is Australia’s largest celebration of volunteers and volunteerism. Today there are over 6 million people volunteering annually in Australia, representing 36% of the adult population. Greater Taree City Council recognises the valuable contribution each individual provides by offering their time, skills and passion, continuing to demonstrate our proud culture of giving.

Council and the Manning Valley benefit in many ways from the efforts of volunteers, through the support and time they give to assist in its service delivery. Along with many organisations in the Valley, Council has volunteers working in a variety of fields such as parks and gardens, youth services, Manning Regional Art Gallery, our libraries, Visitor information Centre and the Manning Entertainment Centre, just to name a few. National Volunteer Week provides a platform to pay tribute to these volunteers who donate their time and energy to help others.

Without the support of these dedicated individuals, Council’s ability to provide the diversity of services would not be as extensive.

Australian volunteers contribute more than 700 million hours of community service to so many areas of society, including community health care, heritage and arts, environment conservation, emergency services, education, social justice and sports

To make this Volunteer Week <http://www.facebook.com/volunteeringaus> a great success, Volunteering Australia wants your help to spread the word!

From 13 - 19 May 2013 Volunteering Australia is asking you to visit the National Volunteers Facebook page (at www.facebook.com/volunteeringaus <http://www.facebook.com/volunteeringaus> ) and Twitter (www.twitter.com/VolunteeringAus#NVW2013 <http://www.twitter.com/VolunteeringAus#NVW2013> ) pages to post your own messages of thanks. These can be in the form of pictures videos and stories.

If you know a volunteer, or a volunteer team who deserves recognition, let them know!

Businesses Invited to Councillor Forum

Businesses, community service organisations and Tourism Committee members are invited by Greater Taree City Council to the next Councillor Forum.

The forum will take place in Council Chambers for members of the local business community, on Wednesday, 3 July 2013, from 6pm to 7:30pm.

Whether you have a business large or small, are part of a service organisation, or are involved in local tourism, you are invited to attend the special forum with a business focus.

Discussion will take place across topic tables, each facilitated by Councillors. The General Manager and Executive Leaders will be on-hand to assist, as businesses of the Manning Valley talk with Councillors on key discussion points.

Topic tables facilitated by Councillors will feature discussion on Closed Circuit Television, business and environmental levies, economic development issues, and an open discussion on a variety of issues important to the business community of the Manning.

“Council wishes to have the most inclusive and diverse range of issues and options represented,” said Acting Mayor Alan Tickle. “The forum will be flexible, and we encourage all those coming to take part in any and all conversations that they find to be relevant at each of the tables”.

Those attending the forum may stay as long or as short as they wish, and may arrive at any time within the 90 minute consultation time (between 6pm and 7:30pm).

Groups are encouraged to distribute the invitation to attend within their networks.

The consultation takes place at Council Chambers, 2 Pulteney Street, from 6pm to 7:30pm on Wednesday 3 July. Please RSVP to gtaree@gtcc.nsw.gov.au

LANDCARE

Community Building Partnership Program Grant

Hallidays Point Landcare Group has been successful in attracting a $22,000 grant to assist in refurbishing the toilet block at Black Head Beach. The grant has been awarded under the NSW State Government Community Building Partnership Program.

This project, to be completed in co-operation with Greater Taree City Council, will provide a welcome upgrade for this much used facility. Work will not begin until later in the year to fit in with GTCC’s works program.

It may surprise some to see a local Landcare group becoming involved in this type of project, but HPLG is not your average Landcare group! Since the group’s amalgamation with Hallidays Point Tidy Towns a couple of years ago, it has added a number of civic improvement tasks to its work list, in addition to its core business of caring for our unique rainforest reserves and facilitating the provision of environmental education. Recent examples of some of these projects are providing park benches, constructing and improving beach and reserve access, and building and maintaining vegetable gardens for students at Hallidays Point Primary School. HPLG also gives financial support to a number of local groups, including Riding for the Disabled, the Combined Pensioners, and the Anzac Day Committee. Hallidays Point Landcare Group’s main source of income is the popular Black Head Bazaar, which members work so hard on each month. Every cent raised goes back into our local community. The next Bazaar is scheduled for September, after the usual winter break.

After over 10 years on the HPLG executive, with most of that as President, Alan Pursch needs a break from the committee and will not be standing for the posts of President and Public Officer at the August AGM (although he will still be working enthusiastically in the rainforest reserves!) If you are interested in taking on this enormously satisfying role, working with a friendly and highly capable executive and a very supportive membership, and would like to know more about what is involved – it’s not that hard! – feel free to contact Alan on 6559 3365 or 0413 482 505, or at apursch@bigpond.net.au.

For news about Landcare, and also other local groups, remember to visit www.hallidayspointinfo.com

OUR NATURAL WORLD

WITH

GERALDINE

AUTUMN IN THE BUSH

As you drive down Blackhead Road you see dramatic colours appearing in gardens, bright yellow poplars, rustic orange liquid ambers, bright red maples and you know that autumn is upon us.

But if you go for a wander through our local forests and heathlands I think you would be hard pressed to tell it was autumn. It seems to me that the Bush doesn’t do autumn!

That was until I came across a forest she-oak, an allocasuarina. It was covered with resplendent red rust autumn foliage. After some research I found out that it is not the drooping pine needles dying on the branchlets that is giving the she-oak the rust colour. It is the male trees that produce tiny rust flowers encircling the branchlets giving it an autumn plumage.

Let NOW know if you have seen any other autumn trees in our local forests.

FISH 'N' TIPS

WITH

DENISE GREENAWAY

There is nothing like a wet tail and no fish to dampen one’s enthusiasm. Many of my fishing attempts ended this way, but I am dedicated… so I kept on trying and have recently been rewarded with some catches of a few nice bream off the back beach. Just nice plate size around 30cm in length, with 25cm being the legal size to keep. I caught mine on beachworms – fresh is best, but they will bite on strips of mullet or mackerel, pippies, green prawns and some say even diced chicken breast – though I’ve not had much luck with that. Bream are a timid fish who feed along the shoreline where the waves turn up the sand providing various foods. It is best to fish for them on the rising tide and I find they bite best on the top of the tide. They like some cover from dirty or white water. When you get one on they give a good fight and are delicious eating.

In the same conditions, and with the same bait, you will also often catch little spiky flathead or Skipjacks for a bit of sport. There is no size limit on Skipjack, but they don’t offer much meat for eating – we usually throw them back. Flathead have to be 36cm in length to be keepers and are my favourite fish. Be sure, to throw back any undersize fish to keep the supply going, know your bag limits for the different species and make sure you have a current fishing licence.

I believe there are still some tailor around but not as many as earlier. The sea mullet have been running but have not graced our local beaches. Some good catches at Crowdy Head, Tuncurry and southern beaches have been had. Happy fishing!!

ANZAC DAY Commemoration

We will remember them - LEST WE FORGET

Over three hundred members of the community attended the Anzac Day Commemoration service held at the Hallidays Point War Memorial located at Black Head Bowling Club this year. An increase over previous years. The commemoration commenced with a parade of ex-service personnel, School representatives and community members proudly displaying family service medals. The parade was led by Parade Marshal Bob Whitaker and Flag Bearer Dave Mercer. David Gibson managed sound. Anzac Day Organising Committee President Colonel Peter Stuart MM (retired) welcomed attendees in perfect weather conditions.

Alan Buckingham led the ‘Recessional Hymn’ and Anthems. This year’s Anzac Address was presented by Group Captain Brent Crowhurst who covered the great wars and the ultimate sacrifice made by so many service personnel. Hallidays Point Public School was represented by students Jill Black who delivered the ‘Commemoration of the Fallen’ and Ned Gardner delivered the ‘Prayer for the Nation’. Student Brooklyn Daniels presented two books in remembrance. The books ‘Vietnam Diary by Mark Wilson’ and ‘Anzacs in Arkhangel by Michael Challinger’ can be found in the Hallidays Point Library.

Student Jill BlackAlan Tickle, GTCC Councillor played the ‘Last Post’ and ‘Reveille’ accompanying Neil Meath lowering and raising the flag, after which those present were invited to lay wreaths on the memorial. Following historic convention, ‘God Save the Queen’ was sung followed by the ‘Australian National Anthem’. The commemoration concluded with an invitation into the club for drinks and refreshments provided by our sponsors Tallwoods International Golf Resort, Hallidays Shores Retirement Student Ned GardnerLiving, Hallidays Point Landcare/Tidy Towns, Hallidays Point Tavern, Hallidays Point Probus Club, X-Styles Hairdressing, Hallidays Point Medical Centre and 3 Beaches Chemist. Thank you to attendees who contributed to the slouch hat collection. Our thanks to Black Head Bowling Club for permitting the use of club facilities and provision of the traditional Veterans Rum and Milk refreshment, and to Marg’s Bistro for catering. During the afternoon the traditional Anzac Day ‘Two Up’ commenced on the Ocean Terrace.