continuing a 134 year tradition the burrawang general … · june 2016 continuing a 134 year...
TRANSCRIPT
June 2016
CONTINUING A 134 YEAR TRADITION
In January 2015 the Burrawang General Store Café closed for business and underwent renovations under the watchful and creative eye of the owners Erica and Andrew Leeming. As the subsequent months unfolded, various village residents were seen pacing the streets, gathering in small, nervous huddles comparing their various symptoms of coffee withdrawal. So it was with great relief in November 2015 that the espresso machine was cranked into action again, and since then, it has not cooled. I recently had a chance to sit down with Erica and chat about life at the Burrawang General Store Café since she and Andrew took over the reins in January 2015.Originally the Burrawang General Store was a significant place in the heart of Burrawang residents and the neighbouring areas. Built in the 1860’s during the boom days of Burrawang it serviced the surrounding agricultural communities selling a variety of produce, groceries and hardware. This was the hub of village life and saw everyone pass through the doors at one time or another.
The Burrawang General Store Café is Open for Business
Luckily for us, Erica has maintained the heritage legacy of the building both inside and out. When you visit, you appreciate immediately the age of the building as you set foot on the sandstone steps. These have been worn down by the hundreds of feet passing over the threshold in the last 150 years or so. The outside of the building retains it Victorian gothic façade with decorative barge boards and iron roof and veranda.The inside is no less impressive: with the wooden floors, wood panelling on the walls, the long shop counter and especially the beautiful vaulted wooden ceiling. In the middle of the room, the iron stove has been restored and will no doubt warm many a local bottom during our chilly winter months.
The early settlers of the area relied on the General Store for the majority of their day-to-day provisions. Research has revealed that the Burrawang General Store was established c1867 and is still operating in its original building. The General Store was purchased in 1891 by Frank McGrath. Frank was born 17 March 1862, son of John McGrath and Elizabeth McGrath, who was a noted horsewoman. Frank was probably the first white child to be born in Burrawang and in securing that distinction, a grateful country awarded him a land grant. In later years, Frank was active in the area where he canvassed members for future agricultural shows to be held at Burrawang and Robertson from 1885. His father, John McGrath was an early settler in Burrawang. Up till 1862 Burrawang and its environs were primeval forest — the same primeval forest that Captain Cook would have met with had he ascended the Macquarie Pass or crossed the Cambewarra Mountain. In 1862 a band of intrepid settlers comprising Messrs. John McGrath, Hanrahan, and Hindmarsh sr., Cullen, Wilson, Walsh, Gilroy and Whyte trekked over the Jamberoo Mountain afoot in quest of land. They found a country of big timber and fertile soil stretching between the mountain and Wingecarribee Swamp. The rich fat soil was the deciding factor and they staked claims (selections) there. John McGrath resided at “Russell Hill” Burrawang where he farmed his 80 acres with 2 horses, 40 cattle, and 3 pigs.(source: rootsweb.ancestry.com; Trove - National Library of Australia)A look at some common food items shows that some are relatively more expensive today, some are relatively cheaper and some are about the same. In 1901 a loaf of bread cost about 2 cents (equivalent to $1.00 in 2001), while the actual price a hundred years later was about $2.30; milk was 3 cents a litre ($1.50) compared with $1.40 ; 180 grams of tea cost 6 cents ($3.00) compared with $3.40; potatoes
June 2016Burrawang Herald News
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were 2 cents ($1.00) a kilogram compared with $1.30; eggs were 12 cents a dozen ($6.00) compared with $2.90, and rump steak was 14 cents a kilogram ($7.00) compared with $12.50 a century later. (Source Australian Bureau of Statistics Year Book Australia 2001)And so to today and our Burrawang General Store, now Café: Erica is passionate about bringing an interesting and a sometimes surprising eating experience to her customers. This approach reflects her international travels and places that she and her family has lived. For example, her early years were spent on a dairy farm in the beautiful Kyogle area. As the youngest of four siblings she spent time with her mum cooking. Her mum’s reputation as a baker of biscuits, tarts, sponges and pies was wide spread and many a visitor was well fed at her kitchen table. In her kitchen on baking days Erica recollected her Mum could be seen in a cloud of flour whipping up a mountain of goodies that greeted their visitors and the children when they returned from school. Erica still refers to her Mum’s cookbook and her Gran’s as well. These country women have certainly imparted their passion for wholesome and delicious food in Erica. Over the years, while living in Singapore and then in Boston, plus many holidays in other far off places, Erica has been collecting ideas and recipes as her Mum and Gran did before her. These ideas have inspired the menu at our Café. Exotic and different ingredients comfortably sit alongside the old favourite of bacon and eggs and the very popular savoury mince (just like Mum’s); such as jalapeno cornbread, black bean fritter, pico di gallo (from Mexico a fresh, uncooked tomato based salad), southern fried chicken (marinated for 24 hours in buttermilk), coconut rice pudding, apple molasses, house cured salmon, kasundi (a fiery Indian condiment) and many more exciting flavours and textures to tickle our taste buds. However, one must not forget the favourites, the milk bar hamburger (yes it does
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June 2016Burrawang Herald News
have beetroot on it) and fat chips, a perfect salad of iceberg lettuce wedges, avocado and bacon with blue cheese dressing, and a variety of crispy thin pizzas.Erica sees the role of the café is to support the community and be a meeting place where the residents and visitors can gather and enjoy a good meal. Erica is very positive about the future of the café and has a wealth of ideas for new and exciting dining opportunities. The success of the café to date is its staff, “they are my best asset” said Erica. Erica and the chef are always looking for ways to prepare local produce, innovate and expand on the old favourites, but above all, deliver fresh, well cooked food that offers quality and a great dining experience in a warm and happy environment. So don’t be a stranger - come to the Burrawang General Store Café soon. Address: 11 Hoddle St, Burrawang NSW 2577Phone: (02) 4886 4496Open: Everyday 8.00am to 5.00pm
Hello All,Welcome to the June edition of The Burrawang Herald. Following the last issue, we received many positive comments and feedback all thanks to the ongoing support of our contributors and those who work behind the scenes doing the layout, folding and delivery of the Herald to your mail box.In this edition of The Herald, we are featuring The Burrawang General Store Café. During a recent conversation with Erica Leeming the owner and operator of the Café I was keen to find out what her interest is in food and hospitality. Along the way, I discovered some interesting historical facts about the Store and food in generalAlso, you will enjoy articles from our usual contributors – The Book Review, Crystal Ball’s Stars, Russell’s Ramblings, The Library, The Progress Association, The School of Arts and the Primary School and many others - all have something interesting to share.I would like to thank a new resident to the village – Steven Young for his kind offer to assist with the layout of the Herald. So if you meet him, and his family, at a local function make sure you make them welcome as well as many new faces in our thriving community.I hope that you enjoy this issue of The Herald – there is something for everyone.
Please drop me a line as I am keen to hear your feedback and suggestions for future editions. [email protected] Box 3029, Robertson NSW 2577Happy reading,Elizabeth VarleyThe Editor
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Burrawang Wildes Meadow Progress Association Update
In my last newsletter I told you that the Progress Association Committee had met with the Council’s GM, Ann Prender-gast, and her two deputies, to discuss matters of concern to our community. I am pleased to be able to tell you that we have moved forward on almost all the matters we raised.
Two Committee members, Jon Hill and Grant Sherborne, are working with the Council’s Traffic Engineer to install signs on Church Street to Wildes Meadow to warn traffic of agricultural vehicles.
The Council’s Assets Branch has been made aware of the potholes on the surface of Church Street by the cemetery. As you will have noticed, efforts have been made to fill the holes and these will continue. The Council recognises the need for a long term solution and is scoping a reconstruction project, however reconstruction works will not happen in the 16/17 financial year so we will all have to take care driving past the cemetery at least for another year.
The Council’s Traffic Committee discussed Line Marking on Pearson’s Lane and Wildes Meadow Road in February, and agreed that a centreline will be painted on Pearson’s Lane from Belmore Falls to the Illawarra Highway.
You may have noticed the improvements to the playground on Hoddle Street, Burrawang. Dangerous trees have been removed, and some undergrowth cleared. The playground is to be given a complete facelift before the end of this financial year, with replacement swings and new landscaping.
In the last newsletter I said that we had been discussing with the Council what to do about the trees under power lines on Hoddle Street. The Council conducted a survey on our behalf and concluded that 21 of the Acers, planted some years ago by the Progress Association, had been irretrievably damaged by contractors and should be removed. Even if the power lines were removed these trees have been permanently deformed. The Council will remove the damaged trees in the next month or two. Happily, all except one of the Photinias are viable. Two of the Acers which will be removed will be replaced by Photinias of the same species. You may be interested to know that in total 102 trees have been planted on Hoddle Street over the
years, and the planting on the street is such that even when the 21 Acers are removed the street will look green and attractive.
There are two other subjects worth mentioning. You may have noticed roadworks in Barrett Street.The lane was laid by a corrupt contractor who included asbestos with the road fill. To ensure the safety of residents the lane is being resurfaced.
The Progress Association’s AGM will take place at 10am on July 30th in the School of Arts. Anybody interested in standing for the Committee or for one of the officers positions needs to complete a nomination form. To obtain a form either email the site below or contact the Returning Officer, Russ Watman, 3 Crown Street Burrawang
As ever, if you have any comments on the above, or wish to raise issues, please send an email to the Progress Association : [email protected]
Alex CampbellPresidentBurrawang Wildes Meadow Progress Association
HOTEL NEWSFishing and Social Club Family Fireworks Night
Sunday 12th JuneDetails at Hotel
Annual Bonville Golf Tour in our 14th year.A great time had by all in Coffs Harbour and the overall
winner was Mike Bolton
May Milestone Birthdays40th - Roe McDonald60th - Gillian Stone
80th - John Challenor
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Burrawang Herald News June 2016
Russell’s Ramblings
It was great to see such a marvellous attendance at the ANZAC Day services in Burrawang and Robertson this year. These services serve to remind us that the freedom we tend to take for granted has in fact been won at a very high price.
I am not a returned serviceman, in as much, I did not see active service but I did National Service training at the time of the Korean War. Some of our officers were taken over to Korea and we were told that if further reinforcements were needed we would be the next to go. As it turned out we were not needed.
National Service was a 5 year program; starting with 14 weeks full time at Ingleburn, then local training sessions, 3 weekends per year in the bush at Meryla or Belanglo for the next 2 years, plus 2 weeks at Singleton each year. We were then placed on reserve for the remainder of the 5 year period. Most of us were not keen on being there, but there is no doubt that the training and discipline did us the world of good.
It was not all hard work as there were inter-unit sport competitions and various parade ground events to test our skills against the other companies.
For whatever reason, I was selected in our company parade ground squad and we came second out of 5 companies. Our instructor was unimpressed that we did not win, and told us so. He was a Scotsman with a big broad accent and none of us understood what he said.Another memorable incident was when our Sergeant was instructing us in the art of crossing a creek with our full equipment, and he fell in, as did three of us while trying to help him out.
We enjoy great freedom in Australia, and we must never forget the sacrifices that were made to enable us to do so.
ANZAC Day 2016
Frankie and Oscar Lobban, Lady Judith Green, Grace Clay, Rory McGee, Rrv Graham Thomas, Mr G Hoare
Frankie and Oscar Lobban
Back row: Mr J Bourne,Ms M Laval Frankie Arpadi-Lobban, Mickey O’Connor, Sequioa Haberle, Le Zhu,
Beatrix Davies, Ella O’Connor, Aurora Hoare.Seated: Harper MacDonald, Zoe Brain, Griffin Davies, Tom Morton,
Leo Zhu
Feral Fighters 2016
In 2015, South East Local Land Services launched the Feral Fighters campaign, an initiative to strategically target feral animals at a region scale through strategic, coordinated group baiting and control programs. Two baiting campaigns were conducted during autumn and spring. Feral Fighter participants received free pesticide training and the first 30 meat baits for free.Feral Fighters will continue in 2016 with two baiting campaigns to be held in autumn and spring targeting wild dogs and foxes. It is recommended for land managers to bait for a minimum two weeks to ensure that all target animals in the area have had exposure to baits to maximize local population reduction.The autumn campaign will commence in May, with an allocated week for bait distribution to each control area, set out in the schedule below.
Table 1: Feral Fighter 2016 autumn bait distribution schedule
Control Area Bait DistributionParma/Nowra Hill and surrounds(Shoalhaven River and south to Wandandian)
Week commencing Monday, 2 May 2016 (replacement baits can be requested weekly thereafter subject to appointment)
Berry and surrounds(Shoalhaven River and north, including Cambewarra and Kangaroo Valley)
Week commencing Monday, 9 May 2016 (replacement baits can be requested weekly thereafter subject to appointment)
Milton and surrounds(Conjola to Bawley Point)
Week commencing Monday, 16 May 2016 (replacement baits can be requested weekly thereafter subject to appointment)
Southern Highlands Week commencing Monday, 23 May 2016 (replacement baits can be requested weekly thereafter subject to appointment)
Illawarra(Foxground and north to Wollongong)
Week commencing Monday, 30 May 2016 (replacement baits can be requested weekly thereafter subject to appointment)
More informationCharles Signorelli, Senior Biosecurity OfficerSouth East Local Land Services Clarence House, Level 1, Clarence St, Moss Vale NSW 2577 M: 0418 241 251E: [email protected] W: www.lls.nsw.gov.au
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Burrawang Herald News June 2016
ROBERTSON $395,0003 Bedroom brick veneer house, town water,
sewered, wood fire, and gas heating
“Wishaven” Moss Vale $1,195,000 1 Acre, 5 bedroom master built home attached double garage adjoining. Overlooking Throsby Park
. “Twin Creeks”, Robertson $3.4M153 Acres, historic renovated home + attached self-contained flat, spring feed creeks & bore, machinery & hay sheds, quiet rural location
To Let: Kangaloon 5 bedroom house $560 per week
RJ Mackey Real EstateOpen 7 days, Ph. 02 48 851 329 BH & AH
Burrawang Herald News June 2016
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Autumn Pest Control Programme
Dear all
South East Local Land Services has announced its 2016 autumn pest control programme. Details are set out in the message below from LLS. This is an important initiative for our area where the control of foxes is needed. The programme will be more successful if as many rural landholders as possible are involved. Those who have an interest in participating can contact Evelyn, whose contact details are given below. The control programme uses 1080 poisoned baits which are administered under strictly controlled conditions. These conditions include; the posting of notices on properties laying baits, the prior notification of neighbouring properties and competency testing of landowners placing baits. At the completion of the programme, unused baits are collected and disposed of safely. Notwithstanding these precautions, pet dogs might possibly stray onto a property where a poisoned bait has been laid. Such events are rare but can be prevented by pet owners taking a few simple precautions.• Take notice of where the bait is being used. The
properties will be posted with notices explaining the poison and the period during which baiting is happening.
• Watch your letterbox for a neighbour notification which will alert you if a nearby property is setting out poison baits.
• Keep your dog from straying onto neighbouring properties – especially those participating in the programme.
Feel free to contact me ([email protected] ) if I can provide additional information. Paul ShanahanVice-PresidentBWMPA
Burrawang Rural Fire Brigade
The Burrawang Rural Fire Brigade held its AGM on the 4th of March, which was healthily attended. Steve Horton was re- elected as Captain with Colin Munro the new brigade Deputy Captain. Geoff Kleemann remains the Treasurer and Phillipa Drewett remains the President.The brigade would like to welcome Jenny Shepard as the new secretary and thank out going Secretary Antonino Iaccarino for his great effort and support.The brigade would also like to thank all the volunteers from the community who assisted during the Easter Markets. It remains an extremely important fundraiser for us and we couldn’t do it without your help.The fire season is now officially over with the local area having a largely uneventful season on the fire front. The Brigade has recently responded to a number of motor vehicle accidents and a small grass fire. Members have also been assisting in local hazard reduction burns designed to remove built up fuel loads in areas of concern ahead of next summer. Permits are no longer required to conduct burns until October 1, although we would like people to be mindful of the size and location of burn piles before lighting them. If anyone has any concerns about a burn they wish to conduct, please contact the fire shed. It’s always better to check it out first rather than under lights and sirens!Recently, the number of people attending training on Wednesday evenings has been particularly strong. We currently have 8 new members training including 2 junior members. If anyone is interested in learning more, or if you just want to see what we do, everyone is welcome to come to the fire shed on Wednesday evenings at 7.30. If anyone has any questions or would like to know more, please feel free to call Phillipa on 0419 426 874.Thank you for your continuing support of the Burrawang RFS.
Fire Officers in the Fire Engine 1916
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June 2016Burrawang Herald News
What Burrawang Needs To Know About Hume Coal
This year Hume Coal will lodge its plans for an underground coal mine in the Southern Highlands. If approved, it will be the first coal mine on such a massive scale in the area.The whole of the Southern Highlands will face potential impacts on our air, water, sustainable agriculture, tourism jobs, and environment.For example, Burrawang is located close to the Unanderra rail line that Hume Coal is proposing 24/7 rail operations with 8 trains with 44 coal wagons each & every day.The transport of coal by train through our villages raises the potential risk of air contamination from micro particulate, which doesn’t exist here at this time. And if one greenfield coal mine is approved in the Southern Highlands, then others will inevitably follow. Think of the Hunter Valley and picture that surrounding Burrawang!Hume Coal’s plan presents potential risks to families & residents of Burrawang including:• coal train movements & impacts• groundwater drawdown• environmental damage• job losses• water supply
Coal Trains Hume Coal’s 24/7 operations will see some 352 coal wagons travel every day on the Unanderra line. 8 trains a day with 44 coal wagons passing through New Berrima, Moss Vale, past Burrawang & through Robertson before going down the escarpment. This could create serious disruption at any level crossing including nearby Sheepwash Road and Robertson, as well as other crossings across the Highlands. Coal train movements could also potentially result in serious coal dust consequences.
Groundwater DrawdownAn independent groundwater study, peer reviewed by the UNSW Water Research Lab, estimates that groundwater
may be lowered by as much as 100 meters over an area of 200 sq. kilometers.Hume Coal admits the impact on groundwater covers an area of 300 sq.km. These impacts may include groundwater bores and water sources running dry or being seriously compromised.At Community Information Sessions, Hume Coal consultants admitted that where farmers lost bores, they would be financially compensated. As one farmer said, ‘how do I water stock with cash?’
Environmental DamageBecause the coal sits right under the aquifer, removing coal is like taking a plug out of a bath. This could result in 5 and 20 gigalitres of water flooding into the mine each year. 5 gigalitres is the same as 1,200 Olympic swimming pools.Toxic rejects from the mining process will be pumped back underground and could permanently mix with our groundwater. This could have potential impacts on the water security of Sydney, as the aquifer is part of the Sydney basin catchment.
Job lossesMany existing long-term jobs in tourism and even more jobs in agriculture could be lost if the Highlands becomes a center for coal mining. For example, 2300 sustainable tourism & agriculture jobs could be lost. Conversely, the project will only create 300 jobs, not all at the same time, staggered over decades and for experienced workers only.
Drinking waterLocal drinking water and feeder streams could suffer from significant water loss affecting Medway Reservoir. This reservoir supplies 8200 residents in Bowral, Mittagong, New Berrima & Berrima.
Want to know more?battleforberrima.com.aufacebook.com/battleforberrimaThis article was provided by the Battle for Berrima
Join us on the 4th Wednesday morning each month at the boardwalk between George and Harman Streets
Contact Cath Ward 0405 151 651
June 2016Burrawang Herald News
BOOK REVIEW- BY PJW
The removal of any Prime Minister by his own party is fraught with drama and so it has been for Tony Abbott. Whatever the reason: that he had lost his way, the government’s need for renewal, a shameful betrayal - his fall has been the subject of much speculation, some of it lurid.
However, my task is not to review Abbott’s Prime Ministership but the most prominent account of his fall, Niki Savva’s The Road to Ruin. It has attracted controversy for its depiction of Abbott’s close, even dependent, relationship with his chief of staff, Peta Credlin. Perhaps this is just salacious gossip; perhaps it is the key to understanding the dysfunction and doomed dynamic of his leadership. I don’t know; but I can report that Ms Savva’s book is disappointing. It is poorly edited, organised and written.
I am always distracted by a clumsy or egregious mistake in the opening pages of a book. On page 4 the author remarks “but hubris never goes punished”, and my copy was the third edition! Of course, the cliché itself does not inspire confidence. Ms Savva is also prone to refer to Ms Credlin with such colourful but awkward phrases as “the faux-leopard wearer whose paw prints MPs saw . . .” The tone, at times, is that of a (rather bitchy) teenager’s diary.
The book is replete with personal anecdotes that begin interestingly but just dissolve; they seem to serve no purpose other than inform the reader of Ms Savva’s proximity to powerful people. She is also somewhat, shall I say, selective in her sources and method. She accepts an implausible and self-serving account of Bronwyn Bishop’s earnest attempts to apologise for her helicopter fiasco despite being thwarted by an obstructive PM’s office. Most sensible observers would attribute the delay (in apologising) to Ms Bishop’s arrogance or Mr Abbott’s misplaced loyalty; but Ms Savva has an agenda to prosecute.
Apparently Ms Savva did not put her allegations and interpretation of events to Abbott or Credlin because, she has said, she knew they would deny them; that may well be the case but it is an appalling failure of journalistic ethics. In the end, prurient curiosity and speculation aside, Ms Savva’s thesis seems to be that Abbott fell because he did not consult widely and became too reliant on one powerful staffer. This is pretty thin gruel.
After more than thirty years of relatively stable governments, the past three Prime Ministers’ terms have been rudely and abruptly truncated. Perhaps this speaks to something toxic in our contemporary political culture. No person, be it Rudd, Gillard or Abbott, rises to be PM without devoting decades to their ambition. To have it snatched away by their erstwhile supporters must be a humiliating and devastating experience - these are Shakespearean themes. But Ms Savva is not interested in analysis or human stories; she is only interested in the tawdry intrigues, peccadilloes and machinations that go on behind closed doors, and reminding us that she was nearby.
If journalism is the first rough draft of history, The Road to Ruin is a very rough draft indeed.
“And tell sad stories of the death of kings;How some have been deposed”
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June 2016Burrawang Herald News
Two Dogs Walk Into A Library…Pets Helping Kids Tell Tales at Bowral Library
No, it’s not the set up for a joke. Bowral Library has recently introduced a wonderful pet-therapy based reading program, PAWS’n’Tales. Run by registered charity, PAWS Pet Therapy, PAWS’n’Tales is aimed at supporting children with reading difficulties aged 4 and 8 years by providing a safe, relaxed and non-judgmental environment for them to build their confidence and improve valuable literacy skills. Pet-assistance based therapies have proven to be remarkably effective across a number of fields, and the success of the PAWS literacy program lies in enabling children access to the benefits of the unconditional acceptance found reading alongside a canine companion. So far, RJ and Olivia, the Reading Assistance Education Dogs, have been a big hit at the Library. Easily identified by their bright purple scarves, the dogs and their owners visit Bowral Library once a week over the school term to read with children registered for the program. The dogs and their dedicated owners undergo training with the PAWS Pet Therapy team and operate on a volunteer basis, a greatly appreciated contribution to the community.To launch the program in the Wingecarribee Shire, Bowral Library held a PAWTY on March 17. The event featured a meet and greet with RJ and Olivia, afternoon tea and a toy sleepover.
Bowral Central LibraryMon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri: 9:30am - 6:30pmSat: 9:30am - 4pm Sun: Closed1300 266 235
The PAWS’n’Tales program kicks off again Tuesday May 3, and will run for nine weeks over the school term. For additional information, or if you’d like your child to participate in the program, please contact Sharon from Paws Pet Therapy at [email protected] to register.
The Rural Outreach & Delivery Service (ROADS) mobile library service makes scheduled visits to towns and villages across the Shire.You can borrow from the mobile library, or you can request your items online or on Bookmyne, and then collect them when ROADS is scheduled to visit your stop. Make sure you choose ‘Mobile Library’ as your pick up location.
Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov DecWeek 1 Thursday10:00 - 11:00 Avoca 9 7 4 1 13 10 811:30 - 12:30 Burrawang 23 21 18 15 27 24 222:00 - 3:30 Robertson 29
Mobile LibraryInformation & Disclaimer
This publication is intended to be a Village Newsletter for the distribution
of general information and events, not a Broadsheet for political comment. Whilst opinions expressed do not necessarily represent the present Committee of the Association, any information submitted to the editor
which is likely to offend or concern a member or a resident, will be withheld
form publication.Correspondence in relation to this should be addressed to the Editor.
PO Box 3209, Robertson 2577
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June 2016Burrawang Herald News
Burrawang School of Arts
The major event in the last three months was another hugely successful Easter Market, held on a stunningly beautiful Burrawang day. Don’t we turn it on for the visitors! As always, the locals came out to help and a big thank you to all who contributed time and energy to the day’s running.As you may be aware, there were some significant traffic problems and it is clear that there is a need to stop and have a real think about the future of the market. Up till now it has been run jointly by Burrawang Primary School P&C and the School of Arts and both committees have agreed to hold a public forum to present some options for the future and to elicit the opinions and ideas of the local residents. We urge you to come along and have your say. 6.00pm Thursday 2nd June at the SOA.The next large fundraiser at the School of Arts is the annual Ball, held on the Queen’s Birthday Weekend in June. This year the theme is Black and White and as always, there will be great music, food and raffle prizes. Tickets for the ball and raffle are on sale now, so catch up with one of the committee members if you’d like to join in the fun.Don’t forget Movie Night – The last Friday of each month, a classic movie is shown in the hall. Don’t worry about the winter cold, the heating is turned on so it’s warm and cosy inside. Come along and relive the good old days at the cinema, with ice-cream at interval included in the $10 ticket!If you’re new to Burrawang or want to keep up with what’s on at the School of Arts have a look at the village website: burrawangvillage.comHope to see you at one of the local events over the next 3 months.
Annie Jones President School of Arts
Some of you attended a presentation in the School of Arts in March given by NBN.
NBN will by the end of the year have erected a transmission tower in Burrawang which will provide more than 470 properties in the local area with the NBN wireless service. Coverage will extend about 7km north west from the village to Iona Park Road, 4 km west, 6 km south to Nowra Road, and more than 5 km to the north east.
The service is designed to provide access to a fast, affordable and reliable internet service which should not suffer from fluctuations at times of maximum usage such as the evenings. Unlike ADSL (fixed line) services, where broadband speed is adversely affected by distance from the exchange, the NBN will offer consistent download speeds of up to 50Mb/sec and upload speeds of up to 20Mbs.
By comparison, current access speeds for ADSL technologies vary from user to user, depending on distance from the exchange, and can in some cases, particularly in rural areas, involve download speeds less than 1Mbs.
Once the tower is operational, residents can access the service by contacting an Internet Service Provider (ISP) and purchasing an appropriate fixed wireless package.
The ISP will install receivers (paid for by NBN) and NBN will conduct a signal strength test and provide a “service test guarantee”.
Any property that does not receive and adequate wireless signal will be offered the alternative NBN satellite service.
For further information consult the NBN website: www.nbnco.com.au/
Alex CampbellPresidentBurrawang and Wildes Meadow Progress Assoc
Burrawang Herald News June 2016
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Burrawang Wildes Meadow Progress Association
We are working hard for you – street trees, playgrounds, parks, village amenities,Working with local and state government for you.
No problem too big or too small!
Are you new to the area?Has your Membership lapsed?
Want to renew your membership now?
2016/2017 Financial Year - $10 individual /$20 familyName(s): ………………………………………………………………………………… Address: …………………………………………………………………………………Telephone: ………………….……………..……… Mobile: ………………..………… Email: ……………………………………………………………………………………
PAYMENT OPTIONS: 1) Electronic Funds Transfer: Burrawang Wildes Meadow Progress Association BSB: 062 511 Account: 1010 0930 Reference: Your surname 2) Cheque Payable to ‘Burrawang Wildes Meadow Progress Association PO Box 3209 Robertson NSW 2577 3) Enquiries to email [email protected]
St David’s Burrawang
My family and I have lived in the Southern Highlands for a grand total of four months now, and they have been four months of driving around corners and saying, ‘Wow!’ This could just be the most beautiful pocket of Australia
(maybe the world!).I love seeing the change of seasons
sweep over the countryside – the leaves turning red and yellow, the
camellias blooming – and, of course, nothing beats a good rolling mist in the
morning.It couldn’t be more different to where
I last lived. The Middle East is not well known for its vegetation (apart
from palm trees). But while it doesn’t have any cliffs or waterfalls, the desert
around Dubai has a mesmerizing beauty all its own.
The variety and complexity of the world never fails to astonish me. I think it
points to a designer who delights in his creation.
Come and hear more about that creator at St David’s Anglican Church,
Burrawang, at 5pm on every third Sunday of the month and weekly at St
John’s Robertson.
Graham ThomasMinister
St David’s Burrawang and St John’s Robertson
Services: 5pm, 3rd Sunday of the month
Contact: Megan Moore, Ph: 02 4886 4402
Burrawang General StoreOpen 7 days 8am to 5pm
Breakfast all day, lunch until we close02 48864496bgsc.com.au
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June 2016Burrawang Herald NewsAre You Paying the Right Price for Electricity?
Over recent years there has been a proliferation of electricity retailers. They are licensed nationally by the Australian Energy Regulator who maintains a register of 63 licensed electricity suppliers and 28 gas suppliers.
These companies purchase energy from the generators and retail it to consumers. Generation, transmission, distribution and meter reading functions are the same regardless of the retailer.
Retailers are often willing to provide a discount to customers just for the asking. Our inquiries indicate that a 16% discount is readily available to most customers with an additional 4% to 7% potentially negotiable for premium customers. A combined discount of 22% seems to be the maximum achievable and is possible from a number of suppliers.
Power companies do not readily disclose their criteria for premium customers but it appears that it is not necessarily related to purchasing large quantities of electricity. Rather – premium customers are those with whom the company find it easy to deal. This means that a good payment record is fundamental to getting a premium discount. Several companies (not all) require a direct deposit arrangement as part of a highly discounted arrangement. The discount does not normally require the customer to enter into a binding contract for supply. All the retailers we spoke to allow the customer to abandon the arrangement if they wish.
If you are looking to secure a discount from your retailer, the best way is to call their customer service number and ask for it. In many cases you will need to get past the first line of customer service agents. They don’t have the authority to negotiate discounts and seem to work with scripted responses to your questions. However, it is relatively easy to get your call escalated to the next level where you can have a discussion with someone who is in a position to make a decision. (AGL call this second line of service agents the “Resolutions Team”). You will need to have a recent bill (preferably several) in order to answer the questions.
This information was researched by:
Paul ShanahanVice PresidentBurrawang and Wildes Meadow Progress Association
Advertise in The Burrawang Herald
Every quarter reach over 500 residents and visitors to our village
Advertising rates per year• Inside pages - Banner190 x 60mm
- $550pa • Inside pages - Double business
card 120 x 90mm - $250pa • Inside pages Single
business card 90x 50mm - $175 Please send your enquiry [email protected] call Elizabeth on 0412 340 071
You are invited to
The Burrawang School of Arts
BLACK & WHITE BALL
JUNE 11th 2016
Start Time 7PM
Tickets: $95 Each, tables of tenOnline bookings only at
burrawangvillage.com/whatson
Please note that there is no BYO. Alcohol available for purchase from
the cash bar
For any enquires, please contact Gail Dolphin on 0412 651 782 or
email [email protected]
June 2016Burrawang Herald News
14
We have been working hard at planting and growing a variety of plants in our vegetable garden. Now it is time to enjoy cooking with the produce! Our junior class made fennel salad and spinach pizzas. Yum!
On Thursday the K-2 class made a pizza. For our learning in measurement, Mrs Bevan taught us how to measure the water, oil, salt, yeast and flour to make the pizza. We also took turns to measure. Some people did know how to make pizza but some people didn’t know how. First we washed our hands and then we went to the staff room to make
The Burrawang Public School News
As a class we read the book, The Lost Thing by Shaun Tan and watched the short film. Students created their own ‘lost things’ on a sepia background of industrial designs, in the visual style of the book.
Character Description – EllaThere once was a boy with hair the colour of lemons, which was very rare to find in Russia. He stood in the cold, just outside his doorstep, breathing in the frozen air. His hair was the brightest shade of yellow you could find and his haircut fell over his face, just reaching to cover his left eye. His pants were ripping and were rising to the middle of his shin. His skinny t-shirt quivered in the wind. He needed a new one. When you take a look at what’s left of his shoes you would have been disgraced. His soles were failed by every step. Back up to the head, his eyes were a gorgeous dark brown near the colour of black. This boy may have been poor but he had the spirit and heart of the most caring person in the world, poor or rich.
the dough so it had time to rise. After that we went to our veggie garden to pick and wash the parsley, basil and spinach. When we walked back to the staff room, it was time to grate the cheese. Leo, Iona, Griffin and I did that. Indigo, Jesse, Evelyn, Jonathan, and Sophie chopped the spinach with knives. Then we put the tomato paste, cheese and spinach on it. Finally it was time to put it in the oven and we waited
and then it was lunch. It was ready to eat! Yummy and delicious!Written by Harper, Evelyn and Leo.
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June 2016Burrawang Herald News
The National Assessment Program – Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN) is an annual assessment for students in Years 3, 5, 7 and 9.NAPLAN tests reading, writing, language conventions (spelling, grammar and punctuation) and numeracy. The assessments are undertaken nationwide, every year, in the second full week in May, over 3 days.These exams give schools an indication of how they are going in relation to other schools, as well as showing growth of individual students
Principal’s Message Burrawang Public School
from Year 3 to 5, Year 5 to 7 and from Year 7 to 9.There is always a lot of media input around NAPLAN results and sometimes this has a negative impact on the value of NAPLAN. Comparing schools should not be the main purpose of NAPLAN data. It was designed to be used by schools as a tool in improving the quality of student learning. Last year our school received some wonderful results, topping the state in the Writing assessment. While this of course validates the wonderful work our school does, it is only part of what we do.The data schools receive from NAPLAN is quite specific and teachers can use this data to identify strengths and needs of individual students and school groups, and use this to plan future learning. In a school such as Burrawang, this data is useful in terms of individual students, and ensuring they have growth in their learning, but as our groups are quite small, collective school data is not always the most reliable in terms of looking at trends. Small schools’ data is not published as it would be easy to identify individual students’ results, and this goes against privacy policies.At Burrawang we certainly take into account this important piece of information, but utilise a variety of ongoing data in the classroom to plan lessons and track progress. This is important for all students K-6, not just those in Year 3 or 5. After all, NAPLAN is only one piece of data showing student progress on one day in time. We also know that NAPLAN doesn’t measure many other aspects of learning that are vitally important, such as creativity, problem solving, critical thinking and collaboration. Our focus is on developing life-long learners, not students who just do well in exams. NAPLAN is an important part of our education system when used by teachers to improve student outcomes, but it is not everything
Michelle LavalPrincipal
What a Mess – TiagoAAAHHH!!! Volcano explosion! Oh sorry. Hi I am Bob and right now there is a volcano erupting so I will have to go on a boat to another land. Ok I am on a boat now. I think I am going to……AAHHH!!! Tsunami! Look! A getaway helicopter. Ok now I am in a helicopter flying to a very safe land which is going to be…...AAAHHH!!! Cyclone! Pull up! Pull up! I am going to make an emergency landing to the police. Hopefully there is no more things to stop me from getting to the…...AAAHHH!!! Earthquake! I know a place that is safe from these things. It’s my house. What a mess!
Character Description - Le Beethoven was born on 16/12/1970 in a city called Bonn in Germany. He had his loving mother and grandfather but his father did not love Beethoven. He thought he was ugly but still taught him just for money. His mother and grandfather thought he was going to be a fine musician and he was one of the greatest ever. Although he was a reckless, stubborn man he composed some of the greatest music ever. He wore tailcoats and a scarf. He liked the colour green and his favourite food was macaroni and cheese. Some people say he liked fish more than meat and his hair was brown then turned grey. He was 1.69 metres tall.
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June 2016Burrawang Herald News
The sun was out on Easter Saturday and so were the crowds at the Burrawang Easter Markets. With over 160 stalls down the main street there was plenty on offer for everyone in attendance. By all accounts, it was the busiest markets that anyone could remember. Many thanks to all those in the community that helped organise the markets and man the many posts on the day. The markets couldn’t happen without the support of the entire village. The event provides the school with one day of the year in which to raise funds to help provide the best possible opportunities for our local kids, as well as allowing many of the local groups and organisations to also raise money to help keep them going. So, thank you.
A Cracking Day Brings Record Crowds To The Burrawang Easter Markets
If you are like me and love cryptic crosswords
Have a go at unscrambling these anagrams to reveal some famous
people.
1. Churlish nit clown2. Seen alive? Sorry, pal3. Brainy lot4. Recharge that tram5. Old West action6. I am a weakish speller7. Did color in a nave8. Angel of the reclining9. Pay Mr. Clean-cut10. Error on bidet
Answers on Page 18
As the markets have grown over the years, so too have the logistics, costs and pressure on the village and the traffic in and out of the village in particular. As such, a recent decision, in consultation with the School of Arts committee, has been taken to do a comprehensive review of the markets to hopefully put some structures in place that will protect the long- term future of the event. Even though the markets have been a primary fundraiser for the School and the School of Arts over the years, they really are an entire community event. To reflect this, there will be a town hall meeting to discuss some options for the future direction of the markets. Please note Thursday 2nd June at 6.00pm in the School of Arts. I would like to encourage as many of you as possible, particularly members of the various local organisations, to attend.Thank you again for your support of what was another wonderful Burrawang market day.
Rob MacdonaldP&C President.
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June 2016Burrawang Herald News
BURRAWANGTENNIS CLUB NEWS
Our Monday night competition has been completed, the final being held just after Easter with the following result:Winners: • Colin Munro• Adam Hook• Carol Hill • Alison Sommers• Runners Up:• Fred Latham• Phil Lavers• Sharon Donovan• Tammy WhatmanAnother fun & successful competition was had by all, with a number of our players improving a great deal by the end of the season. A new comp will be ready to commence the week after the long weekend in October. More details will be available in the next issue of the Herald.Our Thursday Ladies team is still travelling along nicely having some lovely autumn weather to play in.Any information regarding or hiring required of our courts can be done through the Secretary, Carol Hill on 0429430305.
BURRAWANG / REVELS HOCKEY CLUB
Thank you to everyone that supported the Burrawang / Revels Hockey Club by buying raffle tickets on Easter Saturday Market Day.Winners:1st – Tim Hewitt2nd – Neriade Barnely3rd – GayleThe club will also be holding a bingo night in June at the Burrawang School of Arts. All welcome – come along for a fun night!
Archery is an all year round sport. ‘Come and Try’ sessions are held every Sunday at the burrawang Park. All equipment needed is provided. Everyone is welcome from 10 years of age upwards. Allow 80 mins approx. $20 per person. For session times, bookings or for any further information please call on 0434151283 or e-mail [email protected]
Have you ever thought of trying archery? Well now is your opportunity to try it out. There are people out there who 80 years plus who enjoy the sport of archery. Rosewood Archers is a recurve target archery club which was set up in 2015 to promote archery in the southern highlands. We cater for people of all ages from 10 years upwards ranging from someone who has never held a bow to the most experienced and elite archers. Being the first recurve only club in Australia since the introduction of compound bows back in the 1970’s, our discipline, whether social or competitive is Olympic recurve archery. Taking 3 years to prepare the club with all the correct foundations in place and with the full support of the Wingecarribee Shire Council, the Burrawang Park was selected. It’s a fantastic location to promote this sport in the Southern Highlands. Rosewood Archers is at this stage in its infancy, but the origins of this club date back to 1603 in England. The club bears the symbol of the 3 upward crossed arrows. Rosewood Archers is affiliated with Archery NSW and Archery Australia. All coaches have Archery Australia accreditation. Apart from Beginners Courses, the focus of Rosewood Archers for 2016 is the introduction to recurve archery where anyone can come along and try archery on a Sunday at one of the ‘come and try’ sessions under the supervision of a qualified instructor. All equipment is provided. Whether you come alone or in a group everyone will be well looked after. For more information or to reserve a place contact Rosewood Archers on 0434151283 or e-mail [email protected]
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June 2016Burrawang Herald News
TRIVIA ANSWERS(1) Winston Churchill, (2) Elvis Aaron Presley, (3) Tony Blair, (4) Margaret Thatcher, (5) Clint Eastwood,
(6) William Shakespeare, (7) Leonardo da Vinci, (8) Florence Nightingale, (9) Paul McCartney, (10) Robert De Niro
Geminis, I checked and double checked (and thought about triple checking but ate a biscuit instead) – and I asked myself, “Romance? AGAIN?”, but it’s not all unicorns and rainbows so it’ll be interesting at least. It may be that the new object of your affection, or the big step you’re taking with the current one, needs a closer look. Remove the rose-coloured designer specs, grab your BFF and ask them for an honest opinion. Once you take the next step, you’re committed so… get it right. There may also be the pitter patter of tiny feet, which in my case means mice, but in yours, could be dirty nappies… or maybe a new couch. Certainly there’s something big arriving. I’m hazy about the details. Lastly, someone close to you has some good luck in which you get some benefit. Otherwise, what’s the point, right?
Your Lucky StarsBY Crystal Balls
Dearest Cancer peoples, this year you will take control and you’ll do it with absolute confidence. Your legendary willpower is the absolute key for your life over the next twelve months. While I hesitate to use the term ‘soulmate’ (ugh, so much ickiness there), there’s a person in your life who will be of massive value as a mentor. It’s entirely up to you if you wish to take it further… and I don’t need to know the details if you do *wink*. Not only will you succeed brilliantly at whatever project you start, it’ll grow into something even bigger which means you need to look after Number One and make good life choices to keep you going for the long haul. What’s a good life choice? I always go with chocolate, but remember, this is not professional advice (I’m not insured).
Oh dear, Leo. Time for some emotional sobriety; you’re going to need to be informed, patient and oh-so-mature about commitment this coming year, and not just emotional commitment. When you’re offered a new opportunity, think about it before your attention is distracted (“Oooh! Shiny thing!”) and it’s gone to someone more receptive to a new idea. This will be a Big Thing, so dedicate the time and energy it needs. Somewhere along the line you’ll be offered a fabulous freebie – definitely take it. So, what else do you need to look after? You. More specifically, your body. Now I’m hardly the best example but it’s you we’re talking about here (and besides, can I rock a turban or what?!) so find a fitness routine that works for you and stick to it. Live your life according to your clothing labels – handle with care, stay out of hot water and avoid contact with damaging chemicals. I’d also suggest staying out of tumble dryers but I’d hoped you already knew that.
May 21- June 20
June 21 – July 22
July 23 – August 22
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June 2016Burrawang Herald News
Burrawang School of Arts Film Night
Friday 26 August 2016 7.30pm
Burrawang School of Arts Film Night
Friday 29 July 2016 7.30pm
Burrawang School of Arts Film Night
Friday 24 June 2016 7.30pm
Burrawang School of Arts
Film Nights
June 2016Burrawang Herald News
What’s On CALENDARJune 2016
July 2016
August 2016
20
Wed 1,8,15,22,29 7.00 - 9.00 pm Rural Fire Brigade Training – The Fire Shed
Phillipa Drewett0419 426 874
Thurs 2 6.00pm The Burrawang Easter MarketsCommunity Meeting - All welcomeSchool of Arts
Rob Macdonald [email protected]
Thurs 9 5.30pm School Of Arts Monthly meeting
Annie Jones 0418 272500
Sat 11 7pm Black & White Ball Burrawang School Of Arts $95ph. Tickets online
http://www.burrawangvillage.com/whatson
Friday 24 7.30pm Movie Night - School Of ArtsUnder The Tuscan Sun
Michael Kelly 4886 4323
Saturday 25 6pm Scarlett Runner DinnerAvoca Community Hall : Lot 404 Bresnahans Lane, Avoca VillageCost: $65 a head. Cash at the door. BYO
To book: [email protected] 0429007580
Wed 6,13,20,27 7.00- 9.00 pm Rural Fire Brigade Training – The Fire Shed
Phillipa Drewett0419 426 874
Thurs 14 5.30pm School Of Arts Monthly meeting.
Annie Jones 0418 272500
Friday 29 7.30pm Movie Night - School Of ArtsShall We Dance
Michael Kelly 4886 4323
Saturday 30 10.00am Burrawang Wildes Meadow Progress Association – AGM and Morning TeaSchool of Arts
Wed 3,10,17,24 7.00- 9.00 pm Rural Fire Brigade Training – The Fire Shed
Phillipa Drewett0419 426 874
Sat 6 9.30am School of ArtsAGM/Morning Tea.
Annie Jones 0418 272500
Friday 26 7.30pm Movie Night - School Of ArtsSeparate Tables
Michael Kelly 4886 4323