OON 0908:OON 0608.qxd.qxd - Wollombi Valley Online

Our Own 

News 

SE NON E VERO, E MOLTO BEN TROVATO Issue 302 - September 2008 

Dispatch from Laguna Public School 

“And yea, the sap rose and so the stick did push forth buds and leaves, and made itself new again. 

The school looked upon it, and it was good.” 

Now 

$2 

These words of dubious origin are our inspiration as we follow the progress of a Kurrajong tree planted at the school to mark 

Schools’ National Tree Day on 25 July. This tree was underperforming at a local residence, and was brought to school to give it 

another shot at life. Be sure to send it some positive thoughts as you pass it on your way in and out of the school grounds. 

Term 3 is underway and is a typically busy one at Laguna. The biggest event on our calendar, the Annual Laguna PS P&C Art Show, 

opens on Friday 29 August and will run through the weekend. This is the major fund raising event for the school and showcases the 

work of local artists. The students will also be submitting artwork to the show, and local artists Branka Uzur, Kes Harper, Bhrett 

McIntyre and Phil Drummond have held workshops at the school to help students produce their artworks. 

Laguna is participating again this year in Coalfields Rock, a night of dance, drama and song for schools in the Cessnock region. 

Students are working hard under the enthusiastic tutelage of Simone Smith, with thanks to ex-students Laura and 

Bronte Annis-Brown for choreography tips! The performance date is Thursday 4 September at Cessnock High School. 

The old shipping container that was our general purpose shed has gone, replaced by a new colourbond double garage that doesn’t 

require performance of arcane rituals to open it. Rumours that John Donkers has set up a TV, bar fridge and couch in the shed are 

surely scurrilous. The other big news is that construction has commenced on the new Art Room, located next to the Senior room. 

This term the Junior classroom is hosting two preschool orientation days for 2009 Kindergarten students. The dates are Friday 15 

August and Friday 19 September, and follow on from the orientation days in Term 2. If you are considering enrolling your child at 

Laguna in 2009, please contact the school. 

The Senior class are keeping busy this term participating in a range of academic and sporting competitions. Kirra Philip, 

Fergus Pengelly and Sam Williams represented Laguna PS in the Mayoral Academic Challenge, and were runners up in their heat to 

the eventual competition winners. Riley Clough, Summer Bolton, Ryan Dixon and Matt Herron represented the school at the Zone 

Athletics Carnival – a fantastic effort. Over the next couple of weeks students will be participating in the University of NSW Maths 

and English competitions, having completed the UNSW Science competition in Term 2. 

Craig Howe 

Community news for Wollombi and surrounding districts 1

NEW RELEASES 

2006 Late Harvest Semillon – Slightly sweet, 

very fruity style 

2005 Reserve Chambourcin – Richly flavoured, 

good tannin balance. This wine is a tribute to 

Alistair Sutherland’s great winemaking skills. 

From very ripe fruit, it is 13.5%alc. 

An excellent winter drink unchilled – 

great flavour. 

Open 7 days, 10 - 5pm. STONEHURST WINES, 

WOLLOMBI ROAD, CEDAR CREEK NSW 2325 

ph.4998 1576 www.cedarcreekcottages.com.au 

August Garden Group 

Community news for Wollombi and surrounding districts 

Issue 302 - Our Own News - September 2008 

What a privilege it was to be invited to Hugo Brandli's 

garden. This man, through trial and error has devised his 

own system of organic gardening based on biodiversity and 

biodynamic principles. BD 

practitioners like Hugo, believe healthy 

soil is a prime basis for healthy plants, 

and animals and people. To improve 

the soil, specific preparations are made 

from farm-sourced materials, to add 

'good' bacteria. Horn Manure, Horn 

Silica and Compost Preparations help 

to enliven and enhance the soil. They 

assist in the fertilising process, as well 

as providing better fruit and seed 

development, improved flavour, aroma, 

colour and nutritional quality. 

As we followed Hugo around listening 

to his philosophies and practical goodsense 

gardening tips, we couldn't help 

be impressed by his dedication to the 

earth he is tending so lovingly. He 

follows a planting calendar dictated by 

the moon and the planets. Crop 

rotation is also very important. 

Weeds are an integral part of this garden providing 

Note to all contributors and advertisers 

The deadline for copy and ads in OON is on the 10th day of 

each month. Contributions are only accepted in a simple 

Word file or on an email sent to our email address below. 

Our Own News will now be published on or around the 

20th of the month to give more notice of events. 

OON Coordinator: Sandy Thomas 

If you have not advertised in OON before but would like to, 

please email the address below for our rates & booking 

details. 

To submit advertisements and contributions email: 

oon_news@hotmail.com 

Our Own News is written by volunteers and published by the 

Wollombi Valley Progress Association Inc., although not to be seen as 

their official newsletter. WV Progress and the OON Coordinator 

accept no responsibility for statements made or opinions expressed, 

nor are responsible for the veracity of advertising material, be it 

business, community or private. Opinions expressed in OON are not 

those of the OON Coordinator or WV Progress, although WV 

Progress has the final word on content. All rights reserved: no part 

of artwork/photography for this publication in whole or in 

part may be reproduced without the permission of the 

OON Coordinator. 

information on the imbalances of the soil, plants and 

animals. They are a natural mulch, and a basis for the 

'weed-tea' he enriches with urine to provide nitrogen 

helping to break down his compost heaps. 

Fruit-tree trunks and branches, linking the 

earth and sky, are covered with a thick 

mixture composed of compost, clay, 

diatomatious earth and whey, acting as a 

healing agent following pruning. 

The chickens following Hugo around like 

children, chattering and pecking up titbits 

from the garden beds, also provide a 

permaculture aspect to this intriguing 

garden. 

Hugo has used his life experiences, years 

of experimentation and knowledge of 

different garden techniques to create one 

of the most interesting and unusual 

gardens we have visited – it certainly 

made most of us think 'outside the box'. 

Next month on 1st September at 1 pm 

we will be visiting Lindsay and Loris Self's 

garden at 630 Yango Creek Road 6 km south of the Tennis 

Courts. The settlers house and garden is a 'must-see'. 

Maggie Brown 

2

Wollombi Valley Matters 



Many have asked, what are the aims of the Wollombi Valley 

Progress Association? So I take time to list them here. They 

were determined when Laguna and Bucketty joined with 

Wollombi to form the Progress Association as it exists now. 

Statement of Objects 

1. To represent and progress the interests of the residents 

and ratepayers of the Wollombi Valley. 

2. To provide a forum whereby such residents and ratepayers 

can involve themselves in, and contribute to, matters 

pertaining to the Wollombi Valley and the villages situated 

therein. 

3. To seek ways and means to bring about social, cultural and 

material benefits for the Wollombi Valley community. 

This Statement of Objects, and the adoption of the Model 

Rules, was subsequently formally recorded with the NSW 

Department of Fair Trading, and remains the current position. 

Other matters of interest in the Valley are briefly noted 

below. 

GAS EXPLORATION IN WOLLOMBI VALLEY 

A special group has been formed to deal with the gas issue in 

the valley - Wollombi Valley Against Gas Extraction (WAGE). 

This group is independent of Progress but is being supported 

by Progress in its community involvement. Sean Gough is 

leading this group and has reports and comments elsewhere 

in this issue. 

ON LEP matters, we are all awaiting the exhibition of the 

final LEP for public comment. 

RECREATION SPACE has been the subject of local and 

Council interest and discussion. 

Progress Association is yet to finalise this subcommittee that 

is to be led by Robyn Lamond to progress the recreational 

landspace allocation in the area as well as the exciting idea of 

a cycleway between Laguna and Wollombi. 

Those of us who attend the Wollombi Store may have seen 

the exciting proposals that Michael Noyce has submitted for 

the WOLLOMBI COTTAGE. Wine Museum, Cellar Door 

and a home for Mary Blazey’s much loved craft store are all 

part of the upgrade for the historic buildings. Sympathetic to 

the “in keeping” rebuilds of the cottage , barn and the old 

kitchen, is a special feature cellar door, the latest in minimal 

environmental footprint from photovoltaic imported glass. 

Michael Noyce took time to explain his ideas to an attentive 

Progress Meeting. Hopefully another unused historic building 

(the Barn) can be sympathetically brought back into use. 

October Market Day will soon be upon us and Robyn 

Lamond and Carl Hoipo are eagerly awaiting the throngs of 

willing helpers who are asked to contact them to help run 

this annual event for the benefit of Progress and the Laguna 

Fire Brigade. 

Just a wee reminder that the next meeting of the Progress 

Association is the AGM. This will be held on Saturday 30 

August. All office holder positions are up for re-election and 

all current members of Wollombi Valley Progress Association 

are encouraged to participate. Nominations for positions can 

be obtained from Paul or Priscilla Flemming or myself, and 

have to be submitted to me, as the Secretary, more than 7 

days before the AGM. Everyone is welcome to come along to 

the AGM and participate. Membership fees are also due for 

the next year at the AGM. 

Michael Young, 

Secretary, 

WVPA 

Letter to OON 

At the WAGE meeting in Laguna on 9 August concerning the 

intrusion by Sydney Gas into Wollombi Valley, solicitor Josie 

Walker from the Environmental Defenders Office was asked 

what protection might the Valley be afforded against gas 

exploration and operations from being zoned E3 rather than 

RU2. 

While she pointed out that E3 zoning would not carry any 

legal power to prevent gas exploration or production, she 

made it clear that it would ‘lend weight’ to our capacity to 

prevent, halt, hold up, and/or obstruct, these activities. 

Surely anything that ‘lends weight’ to our community’s very 

tough fight on the gas issue should have support. E3 zoning 

and its intentions would be a valuable weapon in opposing 

bureaucratic and political decisions to allow further gas 

activities, including production, in the Valley. It has other 

merits for the Valley that have barely been discussed, but its 

apparent restrictions, so loudly proclaimed in recent months, 

in my view pale into insignificance compared to its potential 

to help defeat the likes of gas moguls. 

Bronwyn Duncan 

...elegant 

exceptional 

exciting 

Catering for all 

occasions & venues 

Contact: Sheryl Thomas 

Phone: 02 4323 3610 

Email: thebrook.wollombi 

@bigpond.com 

...dedicated to serving 

your interests 

3

The Greens Stance on Methane Gas 

Extraction in Wollombi Valley 



The extraction of coal seam methane gas has no place in the 

historic, environmentally sensitive Wollombi Valley. Despite 

assurances by Sydney gas, there is no guarantee that mining will 

not cause damage to the local streams and aquifers in the valley. 

The local creek and tributaries are already under stress from 

population and farming. The recent environmental assessment for 

the Paxton sewerage works tested water quality in both 

Congewai and Wollombi Brook. It found that at 5 out of 9 test 

locations (including one upstream from Wollombi) the water 

quality was poor. The CMA record that the Wollombi Brook 

stops flowing into the Hunter River for an average of 70 days per 

year. Methane Gas extraction may contribute to the stress our 

water quality. 

The Greens are opposed to new mining at ‘green field‘ sites such 

as the Wollombi Valley. There is only a small window of 

opportunity to reduce our carbon emissions to avoid the worst 

effects of global warming. Now is the time to stop new mining 

for non-renewable energy sources such as coal and methane. 

There may be a place for the use of methane gas as an energy 

source at existing operations during the transition to renewable 

energy sources. Burning methane gas can reduce carbon 

emissions by up to 45%. Unfortunately this is often used as an 

argument for developing new fields such as at Wollombi. In reality 

it just allows state and federal governments to delay the 

investment in renewable energy and the large gas companies to 

make higher profits . 

The Environmental Defenders Office informed the recent public 

meeting at Laguna Hall that the proposed E3 Zone would add 

another layer for the Minister to consider before before 

deciding whether to approve or reject any proposed gas mining 

in Wollombi, as it would show that both the local Council and 

the community valued the environment. 

It should come as no surprise that a motion by Greens 

Councillor James Ryan to write to the Minister asking that he 

look at this issue was voted down by the Labor Councillors at 

the last Cessnock Council meeting. 

As Lee Rhiannon pointed out at the recent meeting at Laguna, it 

is very difficult to challenge the legal right of mining companies to 

explore and ultimately mine unless all of the community gets 

behind the issue. Ultimately it has only ever been groups of 

ordinary local people getting together that have eventually 

stopped inappropriate developments. 

The Greens candidates for Council, with James Ryan, support 

communities in their campaigns to fight inappropriate 

developments. The local Council should be a place that assists 

communities to protect and maintain their character and allows 

everyone have their say. 

The NSW government has a history of granting mining approval 

despite all the best evidence presented as to why projects should 

not go ahead. We call on Premier Iemma to say no to this 

ill-advised development. 

For more information 

Councillor James Ryan mob. 0414922591 

stringybark@hunterlink.net.au 

Elizabeth Hilton – Ward A Candidate ph. 4998 0337 

elizabethhilton@bigpond.com 

Tim Plater, Convenor, Cessnock Kurri Greens 

WOLLOMBI SANDSTONE 

Building & Restoration Work 

Monumental Work 

Fireplaces, Sculptures etc. 

Albert Kraan Lic No. R97059 

Ph 02 4998 8340 

Fax 02 4998 8352 

Mob 0418 280 367 

www.wollombisandstone.com.au 

Wombat Lawncare 

Eats Grass and Leaves 

Call Glenn on 4998 8150 or 0419 195 501 

● Ride-on mowing for large areas 

● Lawnmowing 

● Brushcutting 

● Weed poisoning 

● Owner operated 

● Fully insured 

● 12 years local experience 

In and out, no mucking about! 

Check out wots on @ 

www.lagunawinebar.com.au 

Arabesk are back!! 

Sunday September 7 

from 4pm 

WOLLOMBI 

EARTHWORKS 

PTY LTD 

Dozer, Grader, Backhoe, Tractor 

Call Scott and Nickie 

Ph/Fax 4998 3308 or 0414 722 292 

‘Lochnei’ Yango Creek Road, 

Wollombi NSW 2325 

4

Wollombi Valley Arts Council 



The COMING of SPRING. PENNY WALTON and HADYN WILSON are holding an exhibition to celebrate the Coming of 

Spring. This is the first combined exhibition of this wonderfully talented husband and wife team. Join them for drinks at 4 pm, on 

Sat 23 August, at the Wollombi Cultural Centre. 

Penny is an illustrator who has worked mainly in children's books, illustrating picture and educational books. Her illustrations are 

often influenced by nature. 

Hadyn has exhibited widely within Australia and overseas. He has won many awards throughout his long career as an artist and his 

work always has a strong connection to the environment. 

Gallery hours are from Saturday 23 August to Sunday 31 August, 10am to 4pm. Weekends only. 

FIONA BATEMAN & FRIENDS 

Join Fiona on Friday 5 September at 6pm at the WCC, for drinks, nibbles and some very cool guitar music. 

Fiona is an enormously talented local artist who last exhibited at the WCC in August 2005. Her works virtually sold out! This current 

exhibition of paintings and mixed media promises to be very bold and beautiful and runs for two weekends, 10am to 4pm, until 

Sunday 14 September. 

BLACK & WHITE, an exhibition of Aboriginal art by PETER WILLIAMS, will open at the Wollombi Cultural Centre on Friday 19 

September at 6pm. Refreshments available. Don't miss it! 

Peter, a Ngemba man from the North West (Brewarrina) of NSW, last exhibited at the WCC in 2005 and has been travelling this 

wide brown land since then, most recently based in Alice Springs. 

This is Peter's 4th exhibition at the WCC and his works should be visually stunning as, for the first time, he has decided to use only 

black and white acrylics. 

Joining Peter will be artist Lochie Dennis, of Walgett origin. Lochie's works are very intricate in design and reflect his great love of his 

culture. 

This exhibition will be open for two weekends, 10am to 4pm, from the 19 Sept. to Sunday 28 Sept. 

IT'S BACK! 

Peter is also extending a personal invitation to the people of the Wollombi Valley to join him and his brothers at the 2008 

WOLLOMBI CORROBOREE at Sundown, on Sunday 5 October at the Selwood Property, 6 kms from Wollombi on the Broke road. 

No tourist buses allowed. 

This is the same location where the first corroboree in the Wollombi district, in probably 150 years, was held in 1990. Bring your 

family and friends so as to share this wondrous experience. Be on site before dusk, as the dancing will commence shortly after 

sunset. Bush BBQ/tea/coffee available (also bush loos), or bring your own picnic and, remember come prepared for a cold night bring 

a blanket/cushion to sit on as well. The dancers represent Ngemba, Worrimi, Thungaddi, Wiradjuri and Kamilaroi tribes. Don't miss 

this rare opportunity to be part of a memorable experience as our Indigenous friends are travelling long distances to share 

Aboriginal Culture with the Valley. 

Proudly sponsored by Valley Artists Inc and Wollombi Valley Arts Council Inc. 

LAST CALL - TIME'S RUNNING OUT! 

EMERGING ARTISTS AWARDS - $3000 AWARD MONIES ON OFFER. 

Entry forms must be submitted (postmarked) by 6pm Mon 22 September 2008. 

The Wollombi Valley Arts Council is inviting entries from all emerging artists of any age in any 

medium. 

The major Award of $1500 is an Acquisitive Award funded by Cessnock City Council. Thank 

you CCC. 

The WVAC is funding two Encouragement Awards of $600 each plus an Under 18 Award of 

$200 and an Under 12 Award of $100. There will also be two Highly Commended Certificate 

Awards. 

The entry fee is $10 and the presentation of awards will be on Friday night 3 October 2008. 

The Exhibition, with all works for sale, will run to 19 October, 10am to 4pm. 

For more information visit our website and download an entry form at www.wollombi.org 

Or contact Rebecca on 0412 572 651 or email artscouncil@wollombi.org 

WCC Booking Enquiries for 2008 to Bronnie (49988347) or Fi Fi (49983339). 

Next WVAC Meeting 2pm Sunday 7 September at the WCC. 

Email artscouncil@wollombi.org 

Go www.wollombi.org Bronnie Aliotti Picture: Penny Walton Still life 

5



Cunneens Bridge and Paynes Crossing Road - End July updates from Council 

Cunneens Bridge 

Section 87 Permit (Aboriginal Heritage Impact) has been approved by the Dept of Environment and Climate Change. Excavation 

works will be carried out in the near future. 

Statement of Heritage Impact addendum has been completed. It will now be sent to the Heritage Office to be approved. 

The chicanes in place around the bridge have reduced the number of overloaded vehicles using the bridge. There have been reports 

from several residents recently of heavy vehicles turning around at the designated areas. This is helping to reduce loads on the bridge 

and maintain its use as a sidetrack while the new bridge is constructed. 

Tender docs for the bridge design and construction are still under way. 

A brief has been prepared for a consultant to carry out a Flora and Fauna Assessment on the site 

Paynes Crossing Road 

Agreements to Enter have been received from several land owners adjacent to the gravel section of the road. Council is now in a 

position to carry out Indigenous, archaeological and environmental assessments required to assist with the project impact 

assessment. 

A brief has been prepared for a consultant to carry out a Flora and Fauna Assessment on the site 

A decision has been made to pursue investigations of only the low level dual carriageway option to allow the project to be 

expedited. This will have prolonged road closure consequences during the construction phase of the works. 

Wollombi Valley Progress Association 

6

Wollombi Valley Landcare Group 

CVA volunteers use rakes and a pump to remove Salvinia near 

Wollombi, July 2008 Photo: HCR CMA 

SALVINIA ALWAYS A CHALLENGE 

In late July a team of young volunteers, one of many recruited 

from throughout the world to work on conservation projects 

around Australia by Conservation Volunteers Australia started to 

tackle the Salvinia, a noxious water weed originally from Brazil, 

choking the wetland next to Avoca House on Wollombi Road. 

These projects in natural areas always present challenges and this 

was no exception. However, despite the cold and rain the group 

has made a sizable hole in the infestation. It was unrealistic to 

expect much more from a few days work. The team was very 

grateful of the cosy and comfortable cottage accommodation 

provided by Capers Guesthouse. 

Different equipment will be required to remove a significant 

amount of this infestation. However, a more mechanised approach 

may also be prohibitively expensive. If we are able to clear the 

Salvinia off half the wetland, there may be an opportunity to 

introduce the Salvinia Weevil, a biological control, in the spring 

when the conditions will be warm enough for the new growth it 

lives off. 

Meanwhile a new infestation in Wollombi Millpond is being 

treated, confined by booms and closely monitored by the Weeds 

Officers at Cessnock Council. It is critical to tackle Salvinia as 

early as possible when volumes are lower. Once it is thickly 

layered its treatment presents greater challenges. 

The Hunter-Central Rivers Catchment Management Authority is 

providing some funding assistance through to the end of October 

/early November this year, targeting infestations such as this 

which have appeared since the June 2007 flood. It's a joint project 

with CMA, Council, Hunter Councils and the local community 

working together. The CMA would like to hear ASAP from any 

landholders who know or suspect that they have Salvinia on a 

dam or waterway. Contact Lorna Adlem 4938 4925. 



FOX CONTROL UPDATE 

Encouraging widespread fox baiting in the Valley has turned out to 

be much more restrictive than we expected. There are 

understandably very strict regulations on the use of 1080, 

including a minimum distance of 500 metres for any bait burial 

station from an occupied site. As our area is quite closely settled, 

it is difficult to find many places for stations in areas that foxes 

frequent. 

We are now making enquiries about another option, which will 

involve an outside agency doing the baiting with smaller minimum 

distances due to their undertaking a fox control risk assessment. 

There are very successful fox baiting programs, even in urban 

areas, using this approach and we are keen for the wildlife of the 

Wollombi Valley to enjoy some respite from fox predation. Areas 

of northern Sydney are enjoying the return of small native 

mammals and ground dwelling birds as a result of a twice yearly 

‘Outfox the Fox’ program. 

Wollombi Valley Landcare Group Committee 

WOLLOMBI 

LABOUR DAY MARKET 

Monday 6th October 

8.00am – 1.00pm 

Wollombi Sale Yards, Paynes Crossing Rd 

Over 100 stalls, many of local produce and crafts 

Refreshments include BBQ, Tea Shed, 

Mexican, Vegetarian, fresh coffee 

Bring your friends 

Want to be a stall holder? 

$30 for 6x6m stall collected on the day. 

NO BOOKING REQUIRED 

EXCEPT food / drink stalls only by prior negotiation 

Can choose your site the day before; open after 1pm 

($5 overnight booking fee) 

We need volunteers 

Please call with your offers of help on the rosters 

& making cakes and slices 

(No peanut ingredients please) 

Proceeds support Laguna Fire Brigade 

& other local projects via 


Contact Robyn Lamond 4998 8415 

7

Spiritual Diary 



In February 2007 the BBC program “Songs of Praise” went to the small village of Wreay in Cumbria. The Parish Church, St Mary’s, 

(look at the website http://www.stmaryswreay.org/index.html) was facing a huge repair bill of £50,000. Aled Jones interviewed 

writer and broadcaster Eric Robson. I thought that what he had to say was very interesting and encouraging for small rural village 

communities in Australia. He starts off talking about the roof. 

“The biggest problem is that the stone slabs on the roof were originally pegged with wooden pegs and those wooden pegs have 

given way. Some of them have slipped letting water in. Some have fallen off altogether. So unfortunately its going to cost £50,000. 

It’s nothing in terms of amounts that can be spent on great Cathedrals, but a huge amount for a small Cumbrian Village. 

I first came across this place ….. I was brought up in Carlisle, 5 miles away and I suppose we came out here on weekends, on bike 

rides and trips out with Mum and Dad. 

Now I regard this rather as an Ecclesiastical Crossword. The symbolism, the conceits … it’s just wonderful really, a really hopeful 

building because, although they’ve got all the nasty bits, the bats and dragons and nasties hiding in corners, overwhelmingly it’s a 

church of redemption, resurrection and new light.” 

And this I found was the really interesting comment…….. 

“There’s a danger of saying that the congregation is not very big these days. It will cost a lot to put the roof back on. Why bother? 

And yet for all sorts of reasons, all sort of different layers of interest, this place is important. It’s at the heart of the community. 

That’s the most important thing of all. Rural communities that rely on agriculture are under a lot of pressure and having 

somewhere which actually embodies the Christian message and the soul of the place ….. It’ll make the community survive.” 

In March this year all of the repairs were completed and the church is once again open to the public. 

When we look at small rural villages and towns in Australia we are often overwhelmed by the futility of dreaming about their 

future. However, so often throughout the world, churches, synagogues, temples and mosques focus the heart and spirituality of 

small rural communities. It is important to retain them. It is important to do all we can to ensure that they are symbols of hope 

for the future of humanity and the world. 

Graham Jackson 

Lynn Wall (DipRM, DipCM) 

Wollombi Massage & Health Service 

Remedial Massage, Chinese Massage 

Deep Tissue Muscle & Acupressure Therapy 

Hot Stone Massage, Workcover 

Australian Bush Flower Therapy 

Petrea King Graduate 

for "Cancer Massage & More" 

Phone 02 4998 3277 Mobile 0417 651372 

Email: lynnywall@bigpond.com 

Massage details - http://www.wollombimassage.com 

Mimaranda Horticulture & Pool Services 

greg kelso 

landscaping horticulture lawn care 

pool maintenance 

www.mimaranda.com.au 

4998 8015 info@mimaranda.com.au 

Wollombi Real Estate 

“For a Unique Lifestyle Opportunity” 

Our friendly team has been providing real 

estate services within the Wollombi Valley 

since 1986. 

Take advantage of years of experience and 

local knowledge, contact our office to discuss 

your property needs today. 

As your local Agent for Bushman’s Tanks, we 

can also provide information on monthly 

specials on water storage tanks and other farm 

products. 

At Wollombi Real Estate we pride ourselves on 

being part of the Wollombi valley 

community. 

www.wollombirealestate.com.au 

Ph: 4998 3219 

8

DIXON 

PLASTERERS 

Lic. No. 72278 

Plastering Contractors 

Ben obol Electrical 

Lic No. 161665C 

Domestic, Commercial & 

Industrial Installation, 

Maintenance & Breakdown Service 

Ph: 4998 1659 

Mob: 0405 121 282 



Phone: 02 4998 8453 after 5pm 

Mobile: 0412 130 184 

Ken Maurer 

on 

9413 1377 

Wollombi Museum 

Although the number of Tour 

Group (small bus tours) visits are 

down the admissions of tourists 

to Wollombi Museum are up. We 

therefore think regular tourists by 

car are not reacting to the higher 

petrol prices but the retirement 

villages, resorts and small bus 

tours are being affected. Financially 

we are therefore to July 2008 

slightly down against the same 

period last year. I wonder if this is the same trend for other 

Wollombi businesses. 

We note it is common to hear from tourists that they want 

more to occupy them when they are visiting Wollombi. To this 

challenge we are reenergising and reprinting our Wollombi 

Historic Walks brochure, which we have handed out free from 

the Museum in the past and will continue so to do. We wish to 

improve on this brochure as well as work with other Wollombi 

groups to broaden the number of walks and to distribute the 

brochures from businesses throughout Wollombi. To do this we 

need support both financially and through more manpower to 

improve on this service to Wollombi visitors. Please contact 

Carl Hoipo or Lindsay Self or leave a note for us at the 

Wollombi Museum and we will work together to achieve a 

better service for our Wollombi visitors. 

Work on the Cell, Timber Industry Exhibition and the Museum 

Display projects is moving ahead steadily and we invite local 

residents to come and see what our Wollombi Museum looks 

like and how we are changing our displays to represent the 

history of Wollombi Valley and surrounds. 

Lindsay Self, Wollombi Museum Convener 

The Alternative ‘City to Surf’ 

The Alternative "City to Surf" was again successfully held at Laguna 

on Sunday 10 August, a very cold windy day. Despite this there 

were over 30 competitors of ages from age 3 [Atticus] upwards. 

The fastest man was Michael Young and the fastest lady was 

Lorraine Saxon. At the conclusion of the event a BBQ was held 

despite the weather . Thanks to all competitors and helpers, 

particularly Doug Mackie and Peter Gibson. 

Put Sunday 9 August 2009 in your diary for next years event. 

John Forsyth and Robbie. 

M.N.B. Roofing 

Rinus B. Yirmibes 

P 02 499 88 284 

M 041 041 8285 

E MNB.roofing@gmail.com 

E rhinob25@aapt.net.au 

LIC 201955C ABN 51 571 160 646 

Licensed and insured roof plumber 

SERVICING THE LOWER HUNTER AND SURROUNDS 

9

Over the Hill 



Have the Indian Mynas reduced in numbers? Or is it an illusion? 

This week a magpie sang from a fence post and was not 

molested. A pair of Peewees patrolled the lawn for slugs and 

snails and, best of all, a pair of Blue-faced Honey eaters joined 

the native noisy miners for a feast in the Grevilleas. 

There are still some of those horrid bullies around but not in 

the vast numbers we had last summer. I hope someone is 

trapping or somehow getting rid of them. One of the worst 

things about them is that they nest in tree hollows and there 

are not enough nesting places for some of our most 

spectacular birds. The parrot family including budgerigars and all 

the owl group need tree hollows only found in old mature 

trees. If they can’t find suitable nesting sites they do not breed 

so the Indian mynas are reducing the number of parrots and 

owls 

Possums and snakes and feather-tailed gliders and the big 

yellow- bellied glider also need tree hollows for shelter. - 

“Wood man spare that tree”. 

We all fear the odd dead branch that could be dangerous when 

it falls. Before you destroy it think. “This is some creature’s 

home”. At the Botanic Gardens they built nest boxes of timber 

and fastened them high up when they had to remove old 

hollow branches. They had to consider the danger to visitors. 

This involved the use of a machine they called a “Cherry 

Picker” and they got the Council involved – something we 

ordinary conservationists cannot hope for. It is good to plant 

trees but it takes a lifetime to grow a tree that drops a branch 

and leaves a hollow for a nesting site. 

Bette Thomas 

Cleaning house 

Well, after years of moving furniture and all other types of stuff 

so as to be able to vacuum efficiently and get the carpet clean 

and get rid of all the dust, putting the little johnson on the end 

of the suction device to get into all the nooks and crannies, you 

know, those inaccessible places where that thing just will not 

suck out of with good result, there is another way! 

I have invented it!! All you need is a compressor with hose and 

a blow tool at the end of it, I did it today, far out, nothing needs 

to be moved, (perhaps those full ash trays if there is a smoker 

around). Man oh man, what a blow job! It takes a few goes for 

the first time, anyway 120psi does wonders, after ten minutes, 

go back inside. There will be a fine layer of dust over everything, 

put the fan on facing out the door, then pshshhsh again, even 

the dishes on the sink were safe only because they were dry, 

just another blow and..... pshshshs gone. All those nooks and 

crannies, gone! Spiders, cobwebs, gone. I guess that a high 

pressure blow is better than a weak suck. I did this today and 

my pad is now dust free and clean. 

Stephen Spreckley 

Laguna Public School’s P&C Association 2008 

Fundraiser & 

Art Exhibition 

Opening Night 

When: 7pm, Friday 29 August, 2008 

Restaurant opens at 6pm. Exhibition opens at 7pm 

Where: Laguna Community Hall, Great North Road, Laguna 

Entry: $15.00 includes commemorative glass, a 

complimentary glass of wine & catalogue. Due to 

NSW liquor laws, no person under 18 will be admitted. 

General Exhibition 

When: Saturday 30 & Sunday 31 August 08, 10am to 4pm 

Entry: Free. Children welcome 

The exhibition showcases work by local artists and children. 

Pictured: “Still Life (Lemons)” Philip Drummond 

Detox your body with the 

Ion Detox Machine 

Easily and painlessly pulls all the toxins out of the body using 

Ion. The toxins go into a tub of saltwater that your feet are in. 

The machine pulls out heavy metals which cause depression. 

It drains your lymphatics, pulls out candida and parasites and 

cleans out your liver, kidneys and digestive system. 

The machine also pulls out uric acid from your joints, helping 

relieve arthritis. 

Treatment $40 for 50 min. Machines sale $450 

Black Crow Ph. 4998 1475 

10

Plans for “Wollombi Cottage” 



The Noyce family have been farming in Milsons Arm Rd for 

nearly 40 years, and have had a small vineyard since 2002. Sales 

are mainly through restaurants and independent bottle shops in 

Sydney, the internet, and our mailing list. Family members also 

owned and operated the Wollombi Tavern in the 1970s. 

To expand our sales and have a retail outlet we are presently 

purchasing “Wollombi Cottage” in the centre of the village. 

“Wollombi Cottage” was constructed in 1840 and also includes 

the building facing the main road in which a craft shop 

operates, a large detached kitchen at the back, and a lovely old 

wooden barn at the front. Next to the driveway is the original 

well that is virtually covered by vegetation, and not really able 

to be appreciated by the community. 

We have lodged plans with Cessnock City Council basically to 

1. Stabilise and upgrade “Wollombi Cottage” 

2. Use “Wollombi Cottage” for a wine museum and wine 

display area, through interpretive signs, in situ displays and 

exhibitions. 

3. Construct a new glass building in the shape of a pyramid 

next to the Cottage. Retail wine sales would be made from 

this new building. 

4. Restore the old kitchen. 

5. Restore and stabilise the barn for a new retail shop, possibly 

a craft shop. 

6. Restore the old well. 

7. Undertake some miscellaneous work including a new toilet, 

‘Enviro-cycle’ septic tank, additional rainwater tank. 

We are very appreciative of the heritage and history and 

“Wollombi Cottage”, the township and surrounding area. With 

this in mind we engaged heritage architects to develop our 

plans and manage all the heritage aspects. Our architects have 

ensured that at all times our plans respect and actually enhance 

the heritage significance of the site and satisfy the heritage 

principles, particularly as outlined in Principles Applying to 

Conservation Work in Heritage Places from the NSW Heritage 

Office. 

We believe our plans represent a sympathetic and appropriate 

solution because 

1. Within the Heritage Conservation Village of Wollombi, the 

glass pyramid will largely reflect its surroundings and 

therefore negate its visual impact on the streetscape. This is 

a similar effect to the glass pyramid in the courtyard of the 

Louvre in Paris. 

2. The glass and its structure will represent state-of-the-art 

sustainable design incorporating solar energy absorbing 

photovoltaic cells and double glass for energy efficiency. A 

large natural sandstone rock shelf will be incorporated 

within the glass building. 

3. Being a modern and quite unique 21st century building, the 

glass pyramid will be a wonderful contrast to “Wollombi 

Cottage”, and will emphasise the cottage’s heritage and 

historical significant, thus accentuating the old by 

counterbalancing it with the new. 

4. Incorporating the required extra retail area in a separate 

building means “Wollombi Cottage” is left intact both inside 

and out. This is a key consideration stated in the Cessnock 

Heritage Inventory SHI 1340091, and maximises the 

continued integrity of “Wollombi Cottage”. 

5. This will ensure continued use and access by the public 

which is vital for heritage buildings and precincts. 

Our plans and a photo montage are on display in the front 

window of Wollombi General Store, and on the front door of 

“Wollombi Cottage”. The two photos below and the plan from 

the street will give an idea of our proposal. Our plans and 

photos can also be accessed on our website 

www.noycebros.com.au 

We believe that our proposals will ensure conservation through 

the use and maintenance of the buildings and grounds, and our 

proposed wine museum and glass pyramid will develop into 

interesting and significant attractions for the Wollombi. 

We welcome any comments and our contact details are below. 

Michael Noyce mobile 0416 245655 

Peter Noyce phone 91441479 

email sales@noycebros.com.au 

11



My name is Caroline Maul. 

My family moved to "the Wollombi Valley" 20 years ago. 

I have grown to love The Valley, its surrounds, and people. 

Being a Small Family Business Operator has been 

challenging, 

I have seen this Valley grow and flourish over the years. 

My daughter has grown up in this beautiful Valley. 

My interest can now turn to a passion I have had for some 

time, "Being a Voice" for Wollombi as an "Independent 

Candidate" in the coming Council Elections 

There are issues that are pending and need to be 

addressed. 

I see these issues as being, 

● Transport 

● Education 

● Controlled Sustainable Development 

● Improvement to our Infrastructure 

● Ensuring the Protection of our Environment and Heritage 

● Safe and Well Maintained Roads and Bridges 

I am already an active member of The Tidy Towns 

Committee, Wollombi Progress Association and Chamber of 

Commerce. 

I intend to work hard to ensure we never lose the natural beauty and benefits we now enjoy here in 

The Wollombi Valley, 

This doesn't mean, I wish Wollombi to stagnate, being in business I am fully aware progress is 

necessary. 

I hope you will support me in the coming Election, as I take up the batten for us all in Our Valley. 

Authorised by Caroline Maul. 3226 Great North Road, Wollombi 2325 

12

Performance 



LAST CALL FOR ENTRIES 

to the Wollombi Valley 

Short Film Festival. 

Remember - entries close 

14 September, 2008. 

So shoot it, edit it and send it on in! 

Please avoid late entries, they may not make it 

to the selection panel. 

Bob Philippe's Directors Workshop was a huge success 

with a total of 12 directors completing the course. Some of 

these will go on to direct a piece in the end of year production 

'ECLECTICA'. 

AUDITIONS 

Alan Glover is calling for expressions of interest for the end of 

year production 'ECLECTICA'. 

Actors who are chosen will play multiple roles. 

The dates of production are: Opening night November 21, 22, 

23,, 26, 27, 28., and 29. 

Rehearsals: Tuesday & Thursday evenings and Sunday afternoons 

at Laguna Hall. 

Those interested please ring Alan Glover 4998 1656. 

POSITION VACANT 

Valley Artists need a Stage Manager for the next production. 

This is an important role in any production. We are happy to 

provide training and support for this role. You will need to be 

available from early September to work alongside overall 

director Alan Glover. Unfortunately there is no pay, we all work 

for the love and the thrill of producing live theatre. So if your 

life is empty, devoid of excitement, put up your hand and come 

work with an eclectic group of people towards our end of year 

production 'ECLECTICA'. 

Ring Janine for further information. 4998 8282 

Janine Oliver 

13

Poem - The River 

The river might die 

Said Walrus 

With the frogs and the fish and the water fowl 

And poison our water 

If we let them in 

We’ll watch them and stop them 

Said Alice 

With trenches and fences and spade and trowel 

And we’ll build an E3 

We’re in this together, we’re part of a crew 

Sang Walrus and Alice 

R U 2? 

Anon. 2008 

National Tree Planting Day July 20 2008 

ANZAC Reserve Island- three paperbarks. 

(Melaleuca Stypheloides) Photos: Tidy Valleys 



Wollombi Valley 

EXTRA VIRGIN OLIVE OIL 

PEPPERY / MELLOW / INFUSED with BASIL, 

CHILLI, ROSEMARY or LEMON MYRTLE 

250ml 500ml 2 Litre 

HOT WINTER PRICES at local stores and markets 

4998 8415 0419 800896 talumberi@bigpond.com 

Local accommodation 

Bellbird 

Tabitha Hill Cottage 02 4990 5091 

Laguna 

Apptrak Stud 02 4998 8412 

Judsons at Laguna 02 4998 8085 

Watagan Retreat 0411 195 042 

Wombat Bottoms 02 9498 4372 

Yango Bend Cottage 02 4998 8069 

Millfield 

Bellbird Cottages 02 4998 1705 

Millbrook Estate 02 4998 1155 

Vicar’s House 02 4998 1336 

Wollombi 

Avoca House 02 4998 3233 

Capers Guesthouse 02 4998 3211 

Cedar Creek Cottages 02 4998 1576 

Cody’s Cottages 02 4998 3256 

Guesthouse Mulla Villa 02 4998 3254 

Mystwood Cabins 02 4998 3234 

The Bungalow 02 4998 3220 

Tarrawonga 02 9410 0024 

Undercliff Settlers Cottage 02 4998 3322 

Wild Edge Retreat 02 4998 3304 

Wollombi Barn Stay 02 4998 3221 

Restaurants, pubs and food stores 

Laguna 

Old Northern Trading Post 02 4998 8244 

Millfield 

Millfield General Store 02 4998 1263 

Wollombi 

The Gate Cafe 02 4998 3377 

Cafe Wollombi 02 4998 3220 

Wollombi General Store 02 4998 3230 

Wollombi Tavern 02 4998 3261 

Wollombi Tea Rooms 02 4998 3137 

14

Spring back into 

Saturday 8.30 am 

Tuesday 6.30pm 

Wollombi Community Hall 

$12 casual or $60 for 6 sessions 

No booking necessary 

Phone Lee Duncombe 4998 8170 



This Guide has been developed especially for those living on 

rural residential properties. It aims to bring together in one 

central location a range of useful information and resources to 

assist you to enjoy the rural lifestyle you have chosen and to 

achieve the personal goals you have set for your property. 

These could include raising livestock, keeping horses, growing 

your own food or recreating your own personal patch of the 

Australian bush. In particular, the Guide aims to assist you in 

ensuring that these activities complement the natural 

environment and community in which you live. 

Living on a rural residential property is becoming an 

increasingly popular lifestyle choice. Being able to enjoy peace 

and quiet, open space and the natural environment, while still 

being close to large towns and cities are key factors driving this 

trend. Rural residential properties are generally considered to 

be those that are no less than approximately half a hectare 

(1 - 2 acres) in size and which are located in the urban fringe 

between towns and farming areas. 

Moving to a rural residential property however, requires a 

whole new set of skills and knowledge than those needed for 

living in town. It often requires some understanding of how to 

manage weed, land, water, animal, fire and biodiversity 

considerations. However finding information and assistance in 

this regard can often be a time consuming and complex task. 

This Guide therefore brings together for you a range of existing 

information and resources to assist in implementing activities 

that may be suited to your property. It will also assist in 

understanding and addressing the many land management issues 

and challenges that you may face. The resources included in the 

Guide have been developed by a range of government agencies, 

local councils, community organisations and others. However 

they have not previously been brought together in one readily 

accessible location. 

We hope that it will assist you in achieving your land 

management goals. The guide can be accessed through its 

website www.ruralresidentialliving.com.au (which is updated and 

monitored regularly) or on disc from Cessnock City Council. 

For more information please call Council’s Sustainability 

Projects Officer Tricia Donnelly on 4993 4236. 

The Essential Gardeners 

Is Your Garden Looking Tired? 

We specialise in garden design & 

essential maintenance 

❁ Preservation, weeding, pruning, lawn mowing, 

maintenance and caretaking 

❁ Creating specific Garden Rooms to suit your home, 

lifestyle & environment. 

❁ We use and recommend certified organic garden 

products to improve the health of your plants and 

protect the environment from harmful chemicals. 

Call Julie on 4998 8786 

Email: julienelson1@optusnet.com.au 

All Timber Repairs & 

Building Carpentry Services 

30 years of experience 

❁ Home extensions, renovation & maintenance, 

internal and external repairs. 

Pergolas, decks, handrails, stairs 

To view some of my work please visit 

www.alltimberrepairs.com.au 

Contact Marty on 49988786 

We believe in personal service using quality products, 

materials and excellent workmanship, treating every project 

as if it was our own home and garden. 

We look forward to hearing from you! 

15

Diary & Events 

Crafty Yarns 

10am 3rd Monday monthly. Wollombi Tea Rooms, Wollombi 

500 Card Group 

7pm last Monday in the month. Wollombi Tennis Clubhouse 

Garden Group 

1st Monday monthly. Contact Sandy Draper 4998 3345 

Laguna Fire Brigade 

4pm in winter: 5pm in summer 

1st Saturday even months, Laguna Fire Station 

Laguna Market Day 

9.30am-1pm. 3rd Sunday, monthly. Old Northern Trading Post, 

Laguna 

Laguna P&C 

2pm 1st Tuesday monthly. Laguna Public School 

Native American Indian Trading Blanket 

1pm 28th Sept then 4th Sunday monthly. 

1367 Wollombi Rd, Millfield. Ph Black Crow 4998 1475 

Parent’s Group (for all kids 5 and under) 

10am every Tuesday. Wollombi Recreation Ground, Wollombi 

Stitch ‘N Bitch 

11am 1st Saturday monthly. Wollombi Tea Rooms, Wollombi 

St Johns Anglican Church Services 

10am 2nd and 4th Sundays, St Johns, Wollombi 

St Marks Anglican Church Services 

10am 1st and 3rd Sundays, St Marks, Laguna 

St Michaels Church Services 

Masses 7pm, 2nd and 4th Fridays, St Michaels, Wollombi 

Theology in the Pub 

4pm first Sunday monthly at Old Northern Trading Post, Laguna 

Wollombi Cattle Sales 

1pm 2nd Saturday monthly, Wollombi Sale Yards 

Wollombi Chamber of Commerce 

6pm 2nd Monday of the month see www.wollombivalley.com 

for venue or T: 4998 3322 

Wollombi Fire Brigade 

Training: 1pm, 3rd Saturday monthly, Wollombi Fire Shed 

Meetings: 4pm, following training in even months 

Wollombi Museum 

6pm summer - 5pm winter, 1st Wednesday monthly except 

January, Wollombi Cultural Centre 

Wollombi P&C 

2.30pm last Thursday monthly. Wollombi Public School 

Wollombi Tidy Valleys 

1pm Winter, 4pm Summer. 2nd Tuesday monthly. 

Wollombi School Residence. Enquiries 4998 3227. 

Wollombi Valley Arts Council 

4 pm summer - 2pm winter. 1st Sunday monthly, 

Wollombi Cultural Centre 

Wollombi Valley Landcare 

3rd Saturday even months 

Contact Jane Mowatt 4998 8158 

Wollombi Valley Pre-school 

9.30 am - 2.30pm, every Wednesday at Wollombi Hall 

Wollombi Valley Pony Club 

Every 3 weeks contact President Simone 4998 8214 or 

Secretary Tanya 4998 8319 for details 


10am, last Saturday monthly, Wollombi Hall 



Ken Fletcher Isy Fletcher 

Josh Bruce 

Wollombi Stonemasonry 

Services 

All aspects of beautiful stonework 

Ph: Ken Fletcher 49 981 664 or 0418 456 245 

E: kenstone21@optusnet.com.au Licence no. 90492C 

Are your kids 

misbehaving? 

Can't help there either! 

Should your computer misbehave 

call Charles 

Tel: 02 4998 3440 

Mob: 0418 657 476 

charles@yourpcgp.com.au 

16

Wollombi Valley Pony Club News 



For Pony Club information and coming events call Simone 4998 8214, Tanya 4998 8319, Kerri 4998 8207 or Julie 4998 8431. 

Frank McLachlan 

Native American Indian Trading 

One of the fun things American Natives and the Smokey 

mountain men do is trade. They call a trading blanket to be 

held at a certain hour, people gather up there skins and knives 

and baskets of hand made goodies or produce from their 

orchard, wine, chocolate, pickles, jams, soaps or even jewellery. 

Sometimes they are things that other people have made like 

baskets, jumpers, wool, art gear, paintings, tools or even services. 

Green backs are accepted after all who is going to say no to 

money? As long as the item is good and not a piece of junk. 

A person is chosen to run the blanket and people offer this 

person an exchange of energy It is usually a pouch of tobacco 

tied with a red ribbon but that is because tobacco is so 

incredibly cheap in America. However, in Australia a $5 

donation is acceptable. A large blanket is placed in the field or 

area, the person in charge shows the hand signals that are used 

if you decide not to trade for a particular item. An item is 

placed in the centre of the blanket and people around the edge 

deciding to trade for it will place something of equal value in 

front of them on the blanket. The person with the centre item 

then looks at all the items offered to trade very respectfully and 

chooses one. He may, however be unable to decide, where 

upon the traders might sweeten the pot with something extra. 

Having chosen or decided not to trade his item he will pick up 

his item and the item he wants to trade with and shake that 

person’s hand, handing them the centre item and saying "good 

trade". We had our first trading blanket this month, mandarins 

were traded for chocolate cake, ponchos were traded for reiki 

sessions, art supplies were traded for chocolate and wine and 

paintings were traded for lighams. It was awesome fun and 

everyone wants to do it again. Do come with lots of items in 

your basket, you never know what you’re going to see that you 

just have to have. Blessings, Black Crow 

17

Laguna Bush Fire Brigade 



COMMENCEMENT OF BUSH FIRE DANGER PERIOD 

1 SEPTEMBER 2008 

As you will see from the associated notice below, the Local 

Bush Fire Danger Period will commence on 1 September. Any 

lighting of fire in the open will require the issue of a Fire Permit 

which is obtained in this area from NSW Rural Fire Service. 

Permits are free of cost and may issued for a maximum 21days 

(if weather permits). Penalties do apply for non-compliance or 

illegal fires. For further information please contact 4991 1733 

during business hours or website www.rfs.nsw.gov.au 

The Permit Issuing Officer for the Laguna bushfire district is 

Trevor Winn, who can be contacted on (02) 4998 8381. Permits 

become valid 24 hours after the signed (by the applicant) form 

has been submitted to the Fire Control Centre to be entered 

into "the system”. This is normally accomplished by fax and will 

only be processed during office hours. A moment's cogitation 

will reveal that if the applicant wishes to "light that fire" on a 

weekend, the signed permit to do so will need to be submitted 

on a Thursday at the latest. This places weekenders at 

something of a disadvantage as they will need to plan well 

ahead. Also bear in mind that I do not issue fire permits for 

Wollombi, Millfield or Bucketty fire districts. The contact details 

for Permit Issuing Officers for these districts can be obtained 

from Cessnock Fire Control Centre on (02) 4991 1733 and is 

listed on the next page. 

Trevor Winn, Senior Deputy Captain, Laguna Brigade 

NSW RURAL FIRE SERVICE 

MEDIA RELEASES 4th August 2008 

FIRE PERMITS REQUIRED FROM 1st September 2008 

Fire Permits will be required from Monday 1st September in the 

Council areas of Cessnock and Maitland Council Areas with the 

start of the Bush Fire Danger Period, the NSW Rural Fire 

Service (RFS) announced today. 

The local statutory Bush Fire Danger Period is from 1st 

September to 31st March and requires people who want to 

light open fires to obtain a free Fire Permit. 

“The generally dry conditions and higher temperatures as we 

get closer to summer increases the risk of open fires getting 

out of control,” RFS Hunter Zone, Zone Manger Jayson 

McKellar said. 

With the current dry and windy condition the brigades are 

experiencing an increase in the number of calls. These calls are a 

result of fires escaping from control burns. 

“Fire Permits will help us deal with these conditions as they 

enable fire authorities to regulate use of fire. We can apply 

conditions to encourage safer burning and the permit ensures 

fire authorities are aware of exactly where and when fire is 

being used.” 

Fire Permits are free and are available through the RFS through 

the Hunter Zone Office on 49 911 733 during Business hours 

and NSW Fire Brigades Stations. 

A complete list of where Fire Permits are required is available 

on the RFS website at www.rfs.nsw.gov.au. A range of 

information to help people prepare their homes and families for 

bushfire is available on the website. 

The start of the Bush Fire Danger Period does not prohibit 

burning completely, and landholders are encouraged to do 

hazard reduction safely by applying for a Fire Permit. 

If you want to do hazard reduction burning and think you might 

need an environmental approval for the work, the RFS provides 

a free hazard reduction environmental assessment service. Ask 

about a Bushfire Hazard Reduction Certificate. 

If you do wish to burn ask the RFS for advice, fire permits and 

approvals: 

give fire authorities and neighbours 24 hours notice 

check weather conditions/Total Fire Bans 

delay the burn if concerning winds are forecast 

create proper fire breaks 

have adequate water resources on hand 

supervise the fire at all times 

Call triple zero (000) immediately if fire escapes. 

PREPARE FOR BUSHFIRE ALL YEAR ROUND 

Lower Hunter Team 

Eighty-six homes were destroyed by bushfire in NSW during 

the 2002-2003 fire season. One hundred and nine were 

destroyed in 2001-2002. 

“Hundreds more homes faced the threat of bushfire. Many 

survived while their neighbours burnt down,” said Inspector 

Glenn Byrnes Lower Hunter Team. 

“Those properties survived not only because firefighters could 

provide protection, but also because they were properly 

prepared and defended by able-bodied homeowners.” 

“The NSW Rural Fire Service can help you increase the chance 

of your property surviving bushfire by helping you prepare. Call 

your local RFS Fire Control Centre or Rural Fire Brigade for 

advice.” 

“By preparing property well before the bushfire season and 

making decisions about whether to stay with it when fire 

approaches, you can decrease the risk of your home 

catching fire or if your property is not properly prepared 

you should make the decision to leave early. The NSW 

Rural Fire Service can assist with a Bush fire Action Plan .” 

said Inspector Byrnes. 

“Ember attack is the most common cause of homes catching 

fire. Hot embers can fly several kilometres in front of a fire 

fronts and last for a number of hours afterwards.” 

The NSW Rural Fire Services advises: 

Prepare your house NOW 

Prepare your family, pets and possessions NOW 

Decide whether to stay or go NOW 

Know what to do when fire approaches 

Know who can help you if your property is damaged or 

destroyed. 

18



RFS Open Day 

Bucketty, Laguna, Wollombi and Millfied 

Rural Fire Service (RFS) Brigades 

will be participating in the annual 

RFS OPEN DAY event on the weekend of 

20 and 21 September 2008. 

This event has played a very important function 

to inform the community about the 

role of the NSW Rural Fire Service and the 

important work it does in our 

community. It also provides brigades with an 

excellent opportunity to meet 

local residents and answer any enquiries in 

regards to fire safety around 

the home. 

Look out for the posters advertising the times 

and locations that your local 

brigade will be open and come along and meet 

the volunteers that support our 

community. We'd love to meet you! 

www.rfs.gov.au 

FIRE PERMITS REQUIRED 

1 September 08 to 31 March 09 

Who do you call? 

Your local BFB Fire Permit Officer: 

Laguna Trevor Winn 02 4998 8381 

Wollombi Tony Hawkins 02 4998 3208 

Grahame Maclean 02 4998 3130 

Ian Bawden 02 4998 3226 

Millfield Des Kaminsky 02 4998 1723 

Bucketty Les Stewart 02 4376 1368 or 

David Finnie 02 4998 8191 

If you are uncertain about which area you are in, 

or for other advice, call Cessnock Fire Control on 

4991 1733 to arrange an inspection and fire permit 

THINK AHEAD - a minimum of 48 hours 

is required to ensure your weekend 

permit is processed. 

YOUR LOCAL 

FINANCE BROKER 

Residential – Business – Personal 

Richard Davies M Bus (UTS) JP 

Member Finance Brokers Association of Australia 

Ph: 4998 8337 or 0418 600 245 

Email: richard_w_davies@bigpond.com 

Experienced Painter & 

Decorator, Handyman 

Locally and Rural 

Remote Areas 

Nicola Dice 

Ph 4323 3115 Mob 0458 531 801 

19

"Who Cares about Cessnock's Environment?" 

Survey 



As part of an exciting new program called "Sign up for 

Sustainability" about to commence in the Cessnock LGA, 

Council is undertaking a survey to assess the knowledge, 

awareness, attitudes and actions of the community towards our 

local environment. From this survey a program of educational 

activities will be developed to take to local service clubs, P&C 

Groups, youth groups and community events. The survey only 

takes a few minutes to complete with 10 short, tick box 

questions. 

The survey is available online through Council’s website at 

www.cessnock.nsw.gov.au 

Alternatively contact Tricia to have a printed version mailed. 

Have your say now! 

"Sign up for Sustainability" 

A system of pledges will be incorporated into the program 

whereby residents will 'sign-up' to undertake specific actions to 

change their behaviour and improve their sustainability impacts. 

These pledges will then be tracked for evaluation purposes to 

see if actions are being undertaken and savings achieved. 

The programs objectives are to: 

1. Gauge level of the community's knowledge, awareness, 

attitudes and actions on urban sustainability issues. 

2. Decrease participant household energy and water usage 

by at least 10%. 

3. Increase participant knowledge of biodiversity and 

dryland salinity issues. 

4. And, enable existing community groups to develop 

sustainability skills 

If you have any questions about this program please contact: 

Tricia Donnelly 

Sustainability Programs Officer 

Cessnock City Council 

Ph: 4993 4236 

LAGUNA MARKETS @ 

Old Northern Trading Post 

3rd Sunday of every month 

9.30am till 1.00pm 

Sept 21 / Oct 19 / Nov 16 

LOCAL produce: veggies, free range eggs, fruit, herbs, 

plants, flowers, tubestock, olives, olive oil, preserves, 

lavender products, 

as well as: hand spun wool/beanies/scarves, jewellery, 

vintage linen, bric-a-brac, secondhand books, etc… 

together with: Wollombi Valley Landcare's landholder 

resources stall 

Tim the Barber, coffee and refreshments available 

Snow Day? 

Scott and Clio Hamilton skiing down their front 

yard after the freaky hail storm on 29 July 08. 

20

✄ 

Gas - A Serious Issue 

OON Subscription form 



The extraction of methane gas from coal seams as an 

energy source is very new in Australia and the science remains 

uncertain. 

The first step to developing a Coal Seam Methane Gas 

(CSM) field is to drill core holes from which you take geological 

core samples of the coal seam; which is what Sydney Gas are now 

doing in the Wollombi Valley. 

If a sufficient amount of methane is found in the core 

sample, then the next step is to put a pilot gas well at the top of 

the hole they have drilled. The pilot gas well is used to assess the 

feasibility of establishing a production gas field; which is what they 

now plan to do in the village of Broke. 

An established production gas field will typically cover an 

area of 30 – 40 square kilometres and consist of 200 – 300 gas 

wellheads, each on top of their own hole with security fences, 

access roads and methane gas pipelines traversing the landscape. 

Methane gas is found in the coal seam where it is held in 

the coal by water pressure. 

To extract the methane, the pressure must be reduced 

which is done by removing the water from the coal seam via the 

wellhead. This water has high concentrations of dissolved salts and 

other solids such as heavy metals. This water must not be allowed 

to contaminate the local environment but has to be transported 

away by road tanker. As each coal seam is effectively a groundwater 

aquifer, significant volumes of water can be produced from each 

well; as much as 100,000 litres per day. The total volume of water 

to be removed cannot be predicted and this dewatering process 

can take up to 18 months for each well, as has been the case in 

Queensland where large CSM gas fields have already been 

established. Imagine the numbers of road tankers coming to and 

from each wellhead. 

Extracting such large volumes of water from the coal 

seam aquifer often depletes natural watercourses, groundwater 

reserves and other aquifers. Sydney Gas try to downplay this risk, 

but the evidence shows that the risk is significant and it cannot be 

predicted what effect it will in fact have on this local environment. 

As well as dewatering the coal seam aquifer, it is also 

necessary to fracture the coal seam. The combination of reducing 

the pressure and fracturing causes the methane to be released 

from the coal and, ideally, flow up the pipe to the wellhead. 

However, there have been cases where the methane finds other 

paths to flow through cracks in the overlaying rock and vent 

hundreds of metres away from the wellhead as happened at Stroud 

near Gloucester in 2005 and, most notoriously, at Powder River 

Basin in USA. If the methane seeps up through the soil it anoxidises 

the soil, killing all vegetation. If the methane vents into a 

watercourse, as is now happening in the Cataract River south of 

Sydney, or into a groundwater reserve or aquifer it will pollute the 

I would like a 12 month subscription to OON via ❑ Email ($12) or ❑ Post ($35) 

Name Phone number 

Postal address 

water. If the methane vents into an enclosed space, such as a 

private house or school, it becomes a very serious hazard. Methane 

gas is odourless and displaces oxygen thereby causing suffocation; 

methane is also flammable and explosive in enclosed spaces, which 

is why coal miners have always feared it. 

The probability of these things actually happening cannot 

be properly evaluated but they remain a definite risk. The NSW 

Department of the Environment is extremely concerned that there 

is a limited regulatory framework for this activity and development 

has progressed without serious consideration for the environment. 

In other words, The Petroleum (Onshore) Act 1991, which governs 

the Coal Seam Methane Gas industry in New South Wales, is in 

need of serious revision. This flawed legislation is further 

compounded by the reckless attitude of the Minister of Primary 

Industries and the Minister of Planning who ultimately have the 

power to issue exploration and production licences without 

reference to any other authority. 

Added to these environmental risks, the legislation makes 

it very difficult to prevent the exploration licence holder from 

operating on private land. So, regardless of the private individual’s 

views and their own efforts to safeguard the environment for 

which they feel responsible as custodian, they would have to 

expend very large amounts of money in legal fees if they wanted to 

try and stop such a development. The alternative is a community 

blockade as seen recently succeeding on Liverpool Plains. 

Coal seam methane gas does produce about 30-40% 

lower carbon emissions than coal so it can be argued that it is a 

considerate step in the right direction. However, there are known 

to be very large reserves of methane in areas where there are no 

local communities to be put at risk, where there are no important 

water catchments already under stress and where there are not 

pristine natural environments needing protection. Further, 

coalmines already burn off huge quantities of methane as a 

necessary precaution for mining coal, so why not make use of that 

resource? Sydney Gas argues that a gas field is a better option than 

a coalmine for the Wollombi Valley. Well, you could just as easily say 

that a gas field is a better option than having a new international 

airport in the Wollombi Valley. 

Further background information can be found in the news section 

of the WAGE website www.wage.org.au 

Sean Gough 

Chairperson – WAGE sgough@wage.org.au 02 4998 3103 

Peter Firminger 

Vice-chair – WAGE peterf@wage.org.au 02 4998 3388 

Email address 

Post this form and a cheque payable to WVPA Inc./OON to OONSubscription c/o Wollombi General Store, NSW, 2325 or 

enclose this form and cash in an envelope and pop into the OON box at the Laguna or Wollombi General Stores. 

21

Carl Hoipo 

Historian 

and Valuer 

Ph: 4998 8327 Fax: 4998 8175 

Email: hoipo@iinet.net.au 

House Painter 

& Handyman 

No job too small. 

Local and reliable with 

over 25 years experience. 

Lionel King 

02 4998 8141 



Nicola Hamilton 

No. 1351486 

Certified Practising Conveyancer 

Member of the Australian Institute 

of Conveyancers (NSW) 

‘Lochnei’, 406 Yango Creek Road, Wollombi 

Phone: (02) 4998 3308 

Email: nhconveyancing@bigpond.com 

Peter Udodzik 

Electrical Contractor 

Lic No. EC12504 

Ph: (02) 4998 8769 

Mob: 0407 067 567 

Fax: (02) 4998 8789 

Cedar Creek Road, Cedar Creek NSW 2325 

BORE PUMPS ● IRRIGATION SYSTEMS ● WATER TANKS ● HOUSEHOLD PRESSURE SYSTEMS 

LAWN MOWERS ● RIDE-ONS ● BRUSHCUTTERS ● BLOWERS ● CHAINSAWS ● PUMPS ● PIPES ● FITTINGS 

Now the DIXON distributor for 

the Wollombi Valley. 

Full design, installation and maintenance service available. 

CONTACT YOUR LOCAL SPECIALIST DEALER ON 4373 1466 

780 Peats Ridge Road, Peats Ridge NSW 2250 Fax 4373 1467 

22

OON 0908:OON 0608.qxd.qxd - Wollombi Valley Online

You also want an ePaper? Increase the reach of your titles

Delete template?

Save as template?