Big celebration: CWA president Pam Dein and life-time member, Jean Geyer cut the birthday cake to celebrate 78 years of the Association in Wauchope.The Countrywomen’s Association held a specialcelebration last week in Wauchope for their 78thbirthday.

Helping to blow out the candles was local lady, Jean Geyer,a life member of the CWA, a patron of the Association, and90 years young.

“I’ve been in the CWA for 50 years,” she said proudly, wearing her CWA 50thmedal.

“There are so many things you can do -cookery, any handicraft you like,drama and singing, and each year, we study two different things.

“This year, it’s blueberries and cedar trees.”

Jean has written and directed plays, and acted in them. “We have such a lot of fun,” she said.

The CWA in Wauchope would love to see more members.

Their knitters and quilters meet every Monday at 10am in their building beside the libraryto make Wrap With Love blankets for people in the Third World.

They’re grateful to ‘ghost knitters’ who knit squares for quilts and leave them at members’ doors. And to Pearson’s Transport in Port Macquarie who bring the finished quilts to Sydney to be sent abroad.

Guest speakers at the birthday lunch were Colleen and Gary Waterson from Blaze Aid, who help needy farmers.

After natural disasters, Blaze Aid volunteers help farmers recover physically and emotionally.

Colleen said: “We help them build fences and we help with their mental state. The suicide rate is high.”

Blaze Aid has 7000 volunteers across Australia, mostly grey nomads who are over 65 and are prepared to travel.

They organise a camp and have co-ordinaters who instruct the volunteers.

Colleen and Gary have done five camps all around Australia. “It’s so rewarding. We now do farm sits, as well, so that farmers can get a break,” she said.

The charity gets a lot of donations andvolunteers give up their precious time to help others.

If you’re interested in joining or helping the CWA, please ring Pam Dein on 65853736.

(Photo on page 14)

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UP HIGH: Lachie Williams wins a line out and throws the ball down to Bob Scott in the Tricolurs minor semi-final win over West Wyalong. The Tricolours progress to the qualifying against Temora this weekend. The Cootamundra Tricolours are just one win away from the 2016 GrainCorp Cup grand final.

The team travels to Temora this weekend to face the Tuskers in the qualification final. The winner progresses to the grand final against Blayney the following weekend.

The Tricolours could not be in a better position heading into the qualification final. The team is coming off the back of a dominant win over West Wyalong in the minor semi-final.

In the West Wyalong game the Tricolourswere up at half time so coach Mick Gay had the luxury of resting a number of players in the second half.

As the scoreline favoured the Tricolours for the majority of the game Gay did not have to send out some of his key players who were nursing niggling injuries on the bench.

The rest for those who played and those with injuries is extremely beneficial in preparation for the Temora clash.

Alex Hardie, who captained the side when they last played Temora, also returns this week so a full strength Tricolours side will take to the field on Saturday.

Also in the Tricolours’ favour is the fact that they easily beat Temora 36-5 when they last played back in round 14.

On top of all of this is Temora’s current form slump. The Tuskers scraped past Grenfell in their final regular season gameand were humiliatedby Blayney 38-3in the major semi-final.

There could not be any more factors in the Tricolours favour heading into the qualifier.

The opening ten minutes of the Tricolours win over West Wyalong was some of the team’s best football all year, the Tricolours scored three times.

First, Josh Hudson scored from a rolling maul. ThenRob Lindon miraculously caught the ball at his feet and poppedit up to Isaac Mitchell who set Bob Scott off down the touch line.

Finally, cohesive play from the forwards allowedthe backs to spin the ball out to Berkeley Hardie who ran round the Weevils’ defence to score as well.

If the Tricolours can replicate that sort of play Temora do not stand a chance.Gay knows that the team can win.

“We’ve got a pretty good chance. We need to maintain our defence,” he said.

With everything going in the Tricolours favour in the lead up to the game it will be important not to underestimate the opposition.

The Tuskers have a number of players returning from injury for the clash and will have home-ground advantage. The game promises to be a true test for both sides and the grand final berth will be well won.

Kickoff is at 2.30pm with the match acting as the curtain raiser for the women’s grand final.

Temora will take on West Wyalongwhich sees the top two teams from the regular season face off.

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REVIEW: Mayor Rod Fyffe [right] and city chief executive office Craig Niemann say a four-year review has saved the city money and led to a culture of positive change. The City of Greater Bendigo says a four-year independent review will bag a total of more than $4 million in savings for city coffers.

But the city’schief executive office Craig Niemann said a cultural of institutional change was the biggest outcome from the reviewundertaken in 2013.

“It’s a ‘can do’ attitude, it’s a positive approach to change, thatyou can’t be afraid of change,” MrNiemann said.

“The Local Government Act is going to change next year, there is going to be a change of council, there’ll be a whole host of different things happen so it’s about how the organisationresponds to that.”

The review was the first major initiative of the current council after it was elected in 2012. In June 2013 the Independent Review Committee gavecouncil until this October to adopt 69 recommendations.

They includeda personnel evaluation system totrackthe performance of the city’sdirectorates, units and individuals, new framework for evaluating, prioritising and funding capital works and improvements tosystems for logging, tracking and handling customer inquiries and complaints.

From July 2013 through June 2017 the costs of the process are expected to exceed $2.3 million, with $1.2 million spent on additional staff, more than $100,000 spent on staff training and more than $400,000 spent on software and communications equipment.

However, the city saidsavings in the same time periodwould exceed $6.6 million, with more than $4.8 millionshaved from expenditure on consultants, contractors and external services.

Mr Niemannsaid the city was committed to continual improvement through internal audits and service reviews, but that furtherindependent reviews would bea matter for future councillors.

“There was discussion at the time about whether this should happen every eight years, so perhaps every second term of council,” he said.

“Andyou could argue that councillors are are elected to do this, they are elected to make sure that I runthe organisation as effectively as I can.”

Mayor Rod Fyffe endorsed the review, saying the community had been brought into the process.

“The end result is that the organisation is, A,more efficient and responsive, B,better governed and, C,better equipped to engage with needs of a growing community,” Cr Fyffe said.

This story Administrator ready to work first appeared on Nanjing Night Net.

WHILE retail beef prices might now be sitting tight, chicken continues to flex its muscle on the domestic market.

In the June quarter, indicative retail chicken prices declined 13 cents and are now tracking 28c down year-on-year, according to the latest Australian Bureau of Agricultural and Resource Economics and Sciences (ABARES) data.

Chicken sits at $5.31 kilogram retail weight, compared to beef’s $19.16/kg, which has waivered little from the previous quarter.

Australian Meat Industry Council representative Trevor Hill said beef had declined significantly as a percentage of turnover in his Adelaide stores, replaced mostly by chicken.

“Twelve months ago beef accounted for 33 per cent, equal with chicken. Now chicken is 38pc and beef 28pc,” he said.

“Butcher shops have to sell something to stay in business.”

MLA chief marketing and communications officer Lisa Sharp said given cattle prices had continued to surge to new highs in the third quarter of 2016, retail beef prices may again come under pressure.

However, beef’s share of fresh meat sales had remained ‘quite stable’ overall, despite the price pressures, she said.

“We know Australians love their beef – it has been a staple on the dinner table for decades – and we know Australian families still want to keep Aussie beef on their plates because of its quality and nutritional benefit.”

Emerging trends included consumers switching the types of cuts they usually purchased, she said.

“Rather than the traditional steak, some of these other cuts include rump, bolar blade and shin,” she said. “Mid-week family favourites such as sausages and mince remain popular.The great thing about beef is the wide variety of cuts available across the whole carcase. There is a cut of beef to suit every occasion and every budget.”

Hunter Valley butcher Robert Constable said offal was also doing well at the moment.

“I’ve heard that across the board from wholesalers,” he said.“I haven’t got any oxtail left this week and cheeks, kidneys, and lambs tail are in much higher demand.

MARKET COUP: Chicken sales are showing marked improvement as the price of beef starts to take its toll on consumers.

“I think it’s a sign of the ‘let’s eat cheaply’ culture of today.”.

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Signage at Alexandra Hills warning off bike riders is regularly ignored.

A COUNCIL and police blitz on unlawful motorcycle use will start soon, with fines to $6000.

Police and council officers will target areas likethe Bayside Conservation Area, Redland Track Park, Scribbly Gums Conservation Reserve off Vienna Roadand the Greater Glider conservation management area, Capalaba.

Unregistered trail bikes,mini-bikes and even converted lawn mowers are regularly ridden in conservation reserves and onstreets surrounding Hilliards State School, Alexandra Hills, including Hanover Drive,Nanette Court, McDonald Road and Fisher Street.

Fines for unlawful use of motorcycles in reserves can range up to a maximum of $6095 if prosecuted or $609for an infringement notice

Mayor Karen Williams said motorbikes were a potential hazard to riders and other users of trails including walkers, runners and cyclists.

She said mountain bike riders had been attracted in increasing numbers toRedlands conservation areas and the crack down on illegal activities would be city wide.

The use of motorcycles and quadswas unlawful and clearly signed in conservation areas.

“The fact that a number of trail bike users are entering the conservation areas through more remote access points or damaging fencing to gain access means they clearly understand this,’’ she said.

“The acronym MTB (mountain bikes) signed in our track parks and conservation areas applies to non-motorised mountain bicycles (a legitimate activity in council reserves) and not motorised bikes.

“Motorised trail bike use in conservation areas is damaging towildlife and plants insensitive environmental areas and is potentially dangerous to other legitimate users.

“Motorbikescan cause severe erosion,including damage to carefully designed trails that have taken years of efforts to establish and maintain.’’

Cr Williams said council appreciatedthat motorised trail bike riding was a popular pursuit and a skilled sport.

“It is for this reason that council has co-invested in regional trail bike facilities established on 745hectares of land at Wyaralong, about 25 kilometers west of Beaudesert,’’ she said.

“Councillors and users recently helped celebrate the opening of new trail head facilities at the Redland Track Park in Cleveland.

“These trails are important community and conservation resources that help attract key events and visitors to the city.Council …asks that all users respect these areas.”

Council and police launch crack down on illegal trail bike riders.

For cycles, not trail bikes.

This story Administrator ready to work first appeared on Nanjing Night Net.

In battle: Key stakeholders in the live cattle trade at the Roma Saleyards have expressed great dissatisfaction over certain aspects within the recently introduced buyer fee.A move from the Maranoa Regional Councilto introduce a buyer fee at the Roma Saleyards has been met with stiff opposition from various stakeholders in the livestock trading scene.

Maranoa Regional Council Roma Saleyards chairperson Peter Flynn said the fee, introduced on July 1,addressed unsatisfactory revenue and return figures from the saleyards.

“Last year the Roma Saleyards turned over 335,000 head which was by far the highest number in Australia,grossing$308 million.Our gross return on that was less thanone per cent so we had tothink of how we could increase revenue to the Maranoa Regional Council from the saleyards,” he said.

“We had a recommendation from the saleyards advisory committee in May that we introduce a post sale handling fee of $1 per beast plus GST that was unanimously agreed on by the committee.

“The only difference waswhen we looked at a projection for 2016-2017 and noticed plant numbers were expected to drop from 335,000 to 260,000 we increased the fee to $1.40 per beast plus GST.”

Cr Flynn said the saleyards advisory committee consistedof representatives for vendors, buyers, livestock agents, police, workplace health and safetyand council itself and livestock agents in particular offered robust debateagainst the price rise.

“We were a new council and fees and charges had to be adopted in June before the budget so there wasn’t a lot of time to go back to stakeholders and discuss it,” he said.

“In saying that, the agents have been quite vocal not about the fee itself but the fact we expect them to charge it.

“We’ve given them a three month moratorium where the Maranoa Regional Council is issuing the charges until October 1.”

Cr Flynn said if council reviews proved the process was “tracking well,” come October 1 the Roma Saleyards would move to invoice the appropriate selling agent who would then be responsible for collecting the fee.

When queried, Cr Flynn said there was so far no evidence of any negative impact to sale results.

“We turned over $32 million at the saleyards last month and we’ve seen records broken at recent store sales. In the last two weeks we’ve put through 12,000 head so we’re well and truly on track to hitour predicted numberof 260,000.”

Dissatisfaction is rife amongbuyers and livestock agentsand while theRoma Saleyards combined agents association declined to comment they confirmed they were currently seeking legal advice on the matter.

This story Administrator ready to work first appeared on Nanjing Night Net.

This year’s Olympics could well be touted the “Olympics of legends”.

We’ve seen some incredible performances in the first week of the Rio de Janeiro event –which is also the first time an Olympics has been held in South America.

The swimming meet got off with a bang thanks to SA’sown Kyle Chalmers.

“King Kyle” set the pool alight with his blistering 100-metre freestyle win, which had the whole of SA on its feet.

But how about Michael Phelps?

Has there ever been an athlete like that man?

Phelps famously announced his retirement after the 2008 Beijing Olympics –only to make a return to swimming a year later.

The US swimmer is undoubtedly the star of the pool –and Olympics –where his wins took his gold medal tally to a record 23.

He already held the record for most gold medals –nine was the previous best, held by four other athletes –and so this was merely the icing on the cake for the man whose name will surely be permanently etched into the history books.

But there have been other major moments, perhaps unlucky to share the limelight with the God-like Phelps.

American Katie Ledecky was dominant in the women’s swimming.

And what about Simone Biles, the US’ top gymnastic talent?

And who could ever forget Usain Bolt?

The speedy Jamaican virtually jogged his way through the 100-metre heats and semis, before sealing a convincing third win in the event –the only person to have ever done so.

He’s now eyeing the 200 metres –and he will most likely add that to his incredible list of achievements too.

But we can’t forget our other local talents who have put in some incredible performances.

Of course Murray Bridge’s own Murray Cod, James McRae, stroked his way to a silver medal in the men’s quad sculls.

From bronze in London to silver in Rio, can he make it gold in Tokyo?

Gawler’s Jack Bobridge and Callum Scotson have been impressive on the bike track –already securing a silver in the 4000m team pursuit.

And then there is SA’s golden girls Anna Meares, who has added to her medaltallyandJessica Trengove, who finished a credible 22ndin the women’s marathon on Sunday.

That’s just week one –imagine week two!

This story Administrator ready to work first appeared on Nanjing Night Net.

ASSURED: The Health Department has reiterated there will be no job losses as a result of bed reductions at Goulburn Base Hospital. File photoTHEHealth Department has reiterated there will be no job losses as a result of bed reductions at Goulburn Base Hospital.

The bed closures,includingtwo from the medical ward and five from the surgical ward, were announced inaleaked memo to staff from the Southern NSW Local Health District last week.

The bed closures promoted concerns from some staff it would lead to job losses orincreaseworkloads on nurses in other areas.

But on Tuesdaya Southern NSW Local Health District spokesperson said no jobs would be lost at the hospital.

“The Local Health District and the Goulburn Health Service will undertake daily monitoring of staffing requirements and there will be no job losses as a result of any bed reductions,” the spokesperson said.

“Any reduction in the number of beds in the medical and surgical wards will not impact the high level of service provided to our patients.

“Beds will reopen as required in line with patient demand and the level of patient needs. When required, additional staff will be engaged to ensure staffing levels are maintained as per the NSW Nurses and Midwives’ Association directives.”

“Goulburn Base Hospital works continuously to ensure a high quality of patient care. Hospital management responds on a daily basis to increases and decreases in demands for hospital beds.”

A unionmeetingis being held atthe hospital on Thursday to clarify the situation.

This story Administrator ready to work first appeared on Nanjing Night Net.

SEWN UP: You can learn dressmaking skills at classes on offer in the Hills.

SPEAKING CONTEST: Do you want an opportunity to see some great presenters in action? IBM/Cumberland Forest Toastmasters Club presents the Area M2 Humorous Speech and Table Topics Contest on Saturday, September 3 at the IBM Building,FA3.01 Seminar Room, 55 Coonara Avenue, West Pennant Hills. Be entertained and inspired as you watch some of this area’s best speakers represent their club. Cost is $10 which includes afternoon tea. Toastmasters develops a person’s communication and leadership skills within a fun, positive learning environment. Details: email [email protected]论坛 or phone 0402 409 996.

PASS IT ON: Volunteers with IT knowledge are needed to tutor senior citizens.

TRY IKEBANA: Create stunning floral works in the Japanese tradition. This class will introduce you to the philosophies and design concepts of Ikebana so you can develop your own technique and style. It’s on Thursdays, 12.15pm-2.15pm, at Learning in the Hills, 92 Seven Hills Road, Baulkham Hills. Details: 9639 7918.

DAFFODIL DAY: A national day of hope, Daffodil Day is on Friday, August 26 and Hills residents are encouraged to show their support. Buying a daffodil pin, volunteer to help, donate onlineor text HOPE to 1999 8877 to donate $5/sms and dedicate a virtual daffodil to someone you know. Details:梧桐夜网daffodilday南京夜网419论坛 or call 1300 656 585.

KEEP IT SIMPLE: The Japanese art of Ikebana features elegant arrangements.

DRESSMAKING: Tutored class for beginners to advanced. Learn the operation of a sewing machine and layout, cutting, construction and finishes to making garments. Monday to Saturday classes both morning and evening at Learning in the Hills, 92 Seven Hills Road, Baulkham Hills. Details: 9639 7918.

COMPUTER PALS: Are you reasonably literate in the daunting world of technology? Then Computer Pals for Seniors – The Hills, a non-profit organisation, invites you to become a member, not only to expand your knowledge, but to share your expertise one day a week, for two or three hours. No teaching experience is necessary, and full training will be offered. The centre is in Castle Hill. Details: 9899 9131 or 梧桐夜网users.tpg南京夜网419论坛/cphills.

LEARN CROCHET: A tutored class for people who would like to learn or would like to meet others who crochet. Learn the different stitches of crochet and how to make squares, scarves and more. Every Friday, 9.30am-11.45am at Learning in the Hills, 92 Seven Hills Road, Baulkham Hills. Details: 9639 7918.

This story Administrator ready to work first appeared on Nanjing Night Net.

MEMORIES: Jeff Kenyon is an assistant at the Returned Services League’s military museum. Memories of the Vietnam War are never far away for Mr Kenyon.

A wise observer remarked that there are two kinds of people in the world –those who have been to war and those who have not.

Jeff Kenyon, 71, fought in the Vietnam War and was on the edge of the famous Battle of Long Tan for which the 50th anniversary of victory will be commemoratedtoday.

Luck played a key role in Mr Kenyon’s war –he was called up as one of the early ones in the conscription lottery then, by chance, was not thrown into the muddy, monsoonal battle in a rubber plantation that gave the name to the yearly Vietnam Veterans’ recognition day, Long Tan.

“You carried yourrifle as your best friend,” he said, looking back on his 12-month tour of duty based in the Australian stronghold of Nui Dat in 1966-67.

He was an infantry rifleman, occasional machine-gunner, and sometime “tail-end Charlie” on patrol with 5thRoyal Australian Regiment which linked with 6RAR whose members wereambushed by the North Vietnamese Army and Viet Cong in the plantation.

“You were scared at all times. You held it together. It could be your turn next. You just didn’t know,” Mr Kenyonsaid.

“You were always wound tight,even in camp. The camp was a barbed-wire fence and you were in enemy territory for 12 months.

“Even when you went back for a rest, you were still more or less on high alert because they could attack any time and they did.

“I consider myself lucky. The enemy was going to attack a month earlier when they was only a battalion, 5RAR, there and 6RAR came six weeks later.

“The 6RARtook all of it. If we had been needed, we would have gone there. Onthe night of Long Tan, some of our machine-gunners went out in the armoured personnel carriers to help.

“Some of us went through to the 6RAR lines to protect their area. You could hear the battle that day and night. Artillery fire was going all the time.

“At the beginning of the battle we were watching a show with Little Pattie and Col Joye and, halfway through, we all had toget back in our tents.

“Little Pattie was shipped out straight away. We went from a resting position into a war position.

“If they got through 6RAR, they would have swept right through the task force and there would have been a lot more casualties.

“The 6RAR soldiers walked into an ambush. They were patrolling and came across a couple of Cong. Shots were fired and they followed them.

“There were a lot heroics that dayby brave men. The helicopter pilots were brave. They went out when they were ordered not to in monsoonal rain. They hovered above the trees to drop ammunition to our soldiers who were almost out of bullets.

“Four or five Port Pirie men were in 5RAR. It could have been 5RAR doing the patrol instead the others–you just don’t know.

“It is the luck of the draw.”

This story Administrator ready to work first appeared on Nanjing Night Net.