www.thesentinelnews.com.au Have your say on Clarence Town’s Future The Clarence Town Structure Plan and Streetscape Master Plan are now on public display for community feedback. These plans are designed to guide the next 30 years of Clarence Town’s future growth, enhancing infrastructure, improving public spaces, and ensuring the town remains a great place to live, work, and visit. What’s Included in the Plans? • Clarence Town Structure Plan – A long-term vision outlining land use, housing, commercial development, and public facilities to support the growing population. • Streetscape Master Plan – Focuses on improving the look, feel, and functionality of Clarence Town’s main streets, including better pedestrian pathways, parking solutions, green spaces, and town aesthetics. The draft reports are available for public viewing on the Dungog Shire Council website and at various locations, including: • Dungog Shire Council Admin Building (198 Dowling St, Dungog) • Dungog Library (17 Mackay St, Dungog) • Clarence Town Post Office (4/116 Prince St, Clarence Town) View the draft plans & more info online here: www.dungog.nsw.gov.au/Council/ Council-Documents/Plans-and-Strategies/ ctstructureplan Have Your Say – Public Submissions Open Until 12 March 2025. Community feedback is crucial in shaping these plans. Article continued on page 7... CLOSING DATE FOR NEWS & ADS IN OUR NEXT ISSUE IS 10TH APRIL 3 Community & Events 3 Editorial & Calendar 4 Community Builders Opportunity Workshop 5 From the Lion’s Den, First Responders & Courthouse Museum 6 Tennis Club 8 Book Recommendations & Dolly Parton Library Program Update 10 Clarence Town Op Shop & Treasure Centre 12 IT & Business Services 13 Dungog Chamber of Commerce 14 Rural Fire Service 15 Council Insights 16 Parson’s Pen & Our Churches 20 Our Schools 20 Clarence Town PS 23 Glen William PS 24 Contact Directory In this Issue CLARENCE TOWN • GLEN OAK • GLEN MARTIN • GLEN WILLIAM • LIMEBURNERS CREEK • WALLAROBBA • BROOKFIELD MARCH / APRIL 2025 CIRCULATION 1400 Community Builders Workshop PAGE 4 Community Gym Plans Feedback WANTED PAGE 7 Fire Rating CHANGES Be Prepared, Stay Alive! RFS PAGE 14 Local Trudy Balstad HONOURED COUNCIL INSIGHTS Page 15 Rainfall Report* (mls) 2025 Jan 341 2024 Dec 23.2 Nov 47 Oct 39 Sept 73.6 Aug 53 July 46.6 June 94.8 May 166.8 * Source: BOM, Clarence Town Rainfall Station 061010
WWW.THESENTINELNEWS.COM.AU Why shop elsewhere when there is so much to offer on your doorstep? 22 grey street, Clarence town Ph: 4996 4555 Back to School Why shop elsewhere when there is so much to offer on your doorstep? 22 grey street, Clarence town Ph: 4996 4555 Embrace the cooler weather in the garden Clarence Town
COMMUNITY & EVENTS PAGE 3 Community Events Calendar Welcome to the heart of Clarence Town! Discover local happenings, cultural events and opportunities. To list your local event for free, email thesentinel2321@gmail.com JULY The Sentinel Editorial Plans, Projects & Plenty to Say! Can you believe it’s already March? Feels like we were just packing up the Christmas decorations, and now we’re dodging Easter eggs in the supermarket aisles. There’s plenty happening around town, and much of it involves shaping the future of Clarence Town. Dungog Council is gathering community feedback for its 30-year strategic plan, thanks to a successful grant application. The Community Builders program is off and running, and the CTPA is pushing ahead with plans for a community gym. These are big moves that could shape our town for decades – so if you have an opinion (and let’s be honest, who doesn’t?), now’s the time to speak up! We all have different interests and perspectives, and the more voices in the mix, the better the outcome. So, whether you’re passionate about local facilities, future developments, or just want to make sure Clarence Town stays the place we all love, get involved. If you’ve got a community event or newsworthy tidbit to share, I’d love to hear about it! Drop me a line at thesentinel2321@gmail.com Until next edition x Cathy Schneider MARCH Thurs 6th 6.30pm: Clarence Town Progress Association meeting. Clarence Town Community Centre. Tues 11th 6pm: Clarence Town Lions Club meeting. Clarence Town Bowling Club. Sat 15th 6pm: Kokoda Trail Trivia Night Fundraising Event. See ad left for details & to book. Thur 27th 5.30-9pm FREE Community Builders Opportunity Workshop. Clarence Town Bowling & Recreation Club. See article pg 4. Sat 29th 8am-12pm: Clarence Town Markets, hosted by the Lion’s Club. Clarence Town Bowling Club. Located in the Hall of Arts if wet. APRIL Tues 8th 6pm: Clarence Town Lions Club meeting. Clarence Town Bowling Club. Mon 14th SCHOOL HOLIDAYS start for public schools Fri 18th GOOD FRIDAY PUBLIC HOLIDAY Sun 20th Easter Sunday Mon 21st EASTER MONDAY PUBLIC HOLIDAY Thurs 24th BACK TO SCHOOL for public schools Fri 25th ANZAC DAY PUBLIC HOLIDAY Sat 26th 8am-12pm: Clarence Town Markets, hosted by the Lion’s Club. Clarence Town Bowling Club. Located in the Hall of Arts if wet. May 31 Reconciliation Dungog film event at The James Theatre, Dungog. For info, follow facebook.com/ReconciliationDUNGOG/ Aug 29-31 Sculpture on the Farm Dungog Exhibition. 150 sculptures displayed at Dungog Common. See sculptureonthefarm.com for details. APRIL UPCOMING... Save the Date!
WWW.THESENTINELNEWS.COM.AU You’re Invited! The Clarence Town Community Builders Team is a group of volunteers dedicated to drive change in our community, proudly supported by Rural Aid and Bank of Ideas. We invite you to participate in a Community Opportunity Workshop – an event run by the community, for the community. What is this workshop about? This is your opportunity to share your vision, ideas, and aspirations for Clarence Town’s future. Your input will help shape the direction of our town and strengthen our sense of community. The more voices we have, the greater the opportunity to develop a cohesive vision that reflects our collective hopes and needs. Questions to consider: • What do you care about in Clarence Town? • What big ideas do you have for our town? • What would you like Clarence Town to look like in 5 years? In 10 years? • What are you passionate about? • What would you like to see improve or change? Join the Community Opportunities Workshop This will be a roundtable discussion designed to explore fresh ideas and priorities for our town. Everyone is welcome! The more perspectives we have, the more dynamic and effective our community vision will be. Topics for Discussion Some key areas of focus will include: • Economic Development This ‘Community Opportunities Workshop’ is an opportunity for the people of Clarence Town to get together and think about our current directions as a town and discuss where we’d like to go in the future. It is open to everyone : the MORE people involved, the greater the opportunity to develop a cohesive vision. We will discuss topics such as economic development, tourism, children, the aged, the environment, agriculture, growth and decision making processes - in fact, any issues you believe may have an impact on the future of our community Your opinion & input matters! Trudy Balstad 0409 645 469 or Sacha Anderson 0428 185 868 This event is designed to be a positive forum for local people! BOOK ONLINE with QR code or call: COMMUNITY BUILDERS COMMUNITY OPPORTUNITY WORKSHOP Clarence Town Thursday 27 March 2025 Clarence Town Bowling Sport & Recreation Club Prince St & Durham Street, Clarence Town 5:30pm | Light Dinner 6pm-9pm | Workshop INITIATIVES FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF ENTERPRISING ACTION AND STRATEGIES • Arts and Cultural Growth • Sports and Recreational Opportunities • Tourism and Local Attractions • Aged Care Services and Support for Seniors • Environmental Initiatives and Community Gardens • Streetscape Beautification • Agriculture and Sustainable Growth • Future Decision-Making for Our Community • And anything else you care about Who Should Attend? Everyone! We encourage participation from: • Community Groups • Business Owners & Employers • Parents & Families • Teenagers & Young People • Long-Term Residents • New Residents • Seniors & Retirees • Anyone with a passion for our town’s future! This event is designed to be a positive, forward-thinking forum for local people to come together and collaborate on a shared vision for Clarence Town. Date & Time: Thursday, 27th March 5.30 - 9.00pm Light Dinner / Refreshments will be provided Location: Clarence Town Bowling & Recreation Club We look forward to seeing you there and hearing your valuable ideas! For more information, please contact Trudy Balstad at ctowncommunitybuilders@hotmail.com If you are unable to make the session on 27th March there will be other opportunities to contribute and participate. There will also be posts and information on facebook.
COMMUNITY & EVENTS PAGE 5 Clarence Town First Responders (CFR) Answer the Call: Join Clarence Town’s First Responders Clarence Town’s Community First Responders continue to respond to calls for medical assistance via 000 calls to NSW Ambulance. In 2024, we responded to over 200 calls from our community. We are still keen to chat with enthusiastic members of the community who live within the general Clarence Town area who would like to join our team. We particularly are interested in people who are available through the week during business hours. Do you have a few hours a week that you could offer to help with emergency medical first response in Clarence Town? Call me for a chat. Brad Elloy, CFR Coordinator 0417 651 577 Clarence Town Lions Club Report From the Lion’s Den Welcome to our first Lion’s Den article for 2025! The Lions members have had an active start to the year, making a positive impact in our local community. Our recent markets were a great success, with plenty of visitors and perfect weather to enjoy the day. We also want to extend a big congratulations to our valued member, Trudy Balstad, for being named Dungog Shire Citizen of the Year. This well-deserved recognition highlights her dedication to our community. Lions Clubs are one of Australia’s largest community service providers and are involved in a diverse range of exciting initiatives throughout Australia and the World. Some of the main project’s are : • Disaster and Emergency Relief • Medical Research • Youth Leadership Funding • Environment • Vision and Hearing • Lions Hearing Dogs. Clarence Town Lions Club always welcome new members. Meetings are held monthly at Clarence Town Bowling Club on the 2nd Tuesday of the month at 6.00pm. For more information please follow us on FACEBOOK: @ Clarence Town Lions Club – Bill Pitkin Home Care Packages Respite for Carers Social Groups Live your best life with care at home Quality home care for seniors for over 30 years OUR SERVICES Plus much more! More information: neighbourcare.org.au 4992 3348 Nursing & Allied Health Low Cost Transport Meals on Wheels Clarence Town & District Historical Museum Assoc. Young Ambassadors Earn Citizen of the Year Honours The year began with a special moment at the Dungog Shire Australia Day Ceremony, where our two young ambassadors, James Ryan and Jack McBlane, were recognised for their continuous dedication to the museum. Both shared the Young Citizen of the Year Award for 2025, a well-earned honour for their contributions. In another highlight, the museum proudly nominated Trudy Balstad for the Citizen of the Year Award, which she won in recognition of her exceptional community involvement. Additionally, the museum received a $150 donation from the Erringhi Hotel Trivia Competition, which will be used to support our ongoing initiatives. Planning for this year’s events began at our February meeting, setting the stage for a promising year ahead. Stay tuned! Open the 2nd Sat of each month, 10am–2pm or by appointment. Chris O’Neill, Museum Committee Secretary, CTmuseum@outlook.com 0491 346 491
WWW.THESENTINELNEWS.COM.AU Clarence Town Bowling, Sport & Recreation Club Ph- (02) 49964222 Email - admin@clarrobowlo.com.au Socials - FB: Clarence Town Bowling Club IG- @clarencetownbowlingclub_ OPENING HOURS: Monday - From 2pm Tuesday-Sunday - From 11am TUESDAY- Euchre 6:30pm Bingo! 6:30pm start, $12 for 20 games & 2 jackpot sheets THURSDAY- Bingo 11:30am start, $12 for 20 games & 2 jackpot sheets FRIDAY - Meat & Voucher Raffles, Members Draw & Live Music (tickets on sale at 6pm and drawn at 7pm) SATURDAY - Meat Raffles (tickets on sale at 2pm & drawn at 4pm) LAST SUNDAY OF EVERY MONTH - Meat & Voucher Raffles + Members Draw (tickets on sale at 5pm and drawn at 6pm) HAPPY HOUR - Wednesday & Thursday 4-6pm & Saturday 2-4pm Maria’s Kitchen Opening Hours: Lunch: 12:00-2:00 Thursday- Sunday Dinner: 5:30-8:00 Tuesday- Sunday Courtesy Bus runs Every Friday & Saturday from 5pm! $5 per person return trip, call the club and follow the prompts to book a ride! Clarence Town Tennis Club Ace Your Tennis Game in 2025... As we return to school for 2025, Clarence Town Tennis Club is getting back into the swing of things. Saturday morning Hot Shots for the kids has started up and we have a good number of our wonderful young people having a hit of tennis. The Spring Night Social competition has also resumed with a healthy number of teams playing. We have a great club and would love to see many more people taking advantage and playing tennis throughout the day during the week and on weekends. Clarence Town & District Tennis Club welcomes players of all ages and all standards to enjoy the 2 court complex next to the Bowling Club. Become a member and join our programs - competition and junior hotshots activities on offer plus social hire available. Members Court Hire Fee is $10 ph day or $15 ph night usage. Non Member Court Hire Fee $15 ph day or $20 ph night usage. To make a court hire booking or for more info contact: Brad (0417 651 577), Gai (0419 600 219) Going on Holidays? Can’t take your pet with you? Pet Accommodation Phone Sue on 4996 5528 Dogs and Cats - $15.00 per day Sorry—we are CLOSED GOOD FRIDAY and CHRISTMAS DAY Clarence Town Tennis Club Our AGM was held in June and the same members were returned to the committee positions. We have not run a night competition through Winter however we are preparing for the upcoming warmer weather and our Spring night competition. This will start when school term three commences and I am taking names now for anyone keen to have a game.. It is a social night competition so no sheep stations. Our Hot Shots has continued through winter with reduced numbers due to other sporting commitments and we look forward to seeing our young people back with us as those sports wind up for the year. postSee you on the court. Brad (0417 651 577), Gai (0419 600 219) Dannii Jeffery 0411 444 242
COMMUNITY & EVENTS PAGE 7 Feedback submissions can be made via: • Post: Dungog Shire Council, General Manager, P.O Box 95, Dungog, NSW, 2420 • Online Submission Form: https://au.openforms. com/Form/47ee4248-ecce-444d-9a63- f5726b15c0b2 Upcoming Information Sessions Want to learn more or ask questions in person? Council will be holding an information session on Tuesday, 4th March from 4.30-6.30pm at Clarence Town School of Arts. We encourage you to take part and provide feedback. Begin your journey to a better life! Improve your Strength & Flexibility Nourish your Body, Mind & Spirit Thursdays 5pm in the Anglican Church Hall Please call Maggie 0467 325 034 YOGA Community Gym, Have Your Say! The Clarence Town & Districts Progress Association (CTPA) is exploring the development of a community gym at Clarence Town and creating a 'Concept Plan' for its development. We need your feedback to help shape this project! Your input will help determine potential services, pricing, and facility needs. Please take 2-3 minutes to complete the survey per the link below. https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/RD59NY7 The Survey link is also on our Facebook page: www.facebook.com/Clarence.Town.Progress.Association Article continued from cover... DRAFT Clarence Town Structure Plan 46 Structure Plan Report – Page 45 shows land uses and actions.
WWW.THESENTINELNEWS.COM.AU Book Recommendations Shelf Life Looking for your next page-turner? The Sentinel’s curated book recommendations make finding the perfect read a breeze – for adults and kids alike! The Butterfly Collector by Tea Cooper – Reviewed by Anne Higgins This historical novel is one of many written by Tea Cooper, teacher, journalist and farmer. Set in the Hunter Valley the main character Theodora Breckenridge discovers a yet unknown species of butterfly near Morpeth and the plot twists and turns with a fifty year old mystery involving a missing baby and an inevitable romance. The novel ranges from the 1800’s into the 1920’s and the societal restrictions placed on women play an important role. A good read with the horrors of the story based on real events. Hello Baby by Mem Fox – Reviewed By Anne Fisher “Hello Baby” is an engaging picture board book aimed at young children written by Australian author Mem Fox, and illustrated by Steve Jenkins. This book introduces a variety of animals through cut-paper illustrations and an engaging rhyming text. A gecko, a hippo and a zebra are amongst the cleverly depicted animals. Readers are involved with the story when asked questions like “Are you a monkey with clever toes?” which relate body features like noses and eyes to themselves, and traits like “hilarious and hairy” and “wicked wink”. The final question is personal and special “Are you my treasure?” The answer of course is “Yes!“ Brought to you by “Books & More,” 232 Dowling St, Dungog. Explore our $5 book collection and support Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library. Open Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. Contact Anne Higgins at 0403 029 181. 66 Dungog Shire babies enrolled. Enrol your baby today... The Dolly Parton Imagination Library program, rolled out by Dungog Early Literacy, ensures children receive a new, age-appropriate book each month by mail, until they turn five. Along with each book, families receive a ‘Tip Sheet’ offering guidance on how to make the most of the story. Best of all, this program is completely free! Baby Health Nurses from Hunter New England Health are distributing enrolment forms when they see new mums and their babies, broadening the reach of the program. Dungog Early Literacy, supports the program by raising money to ensure that ongoing funds are available. They have support from a range of community organisations across the Dungog Shire and many individuals who have become sponsors. To support one child in the program costs $108 per year. Dungog Early Literacy is extremely grateful to Clarence Town Lions Club for their support. They have donated funds to cover the cost of 5 children for a year. The Clarence Town Post Office crew have been very helpful assisting with enrolments. We also have individuals from Clarence Town who are sponsors of the program. If you would like to enrol your baby in this program, become a sponsor or want more information, please call Anne Higgins on 0403 029 181 or email: dungogearlyliteracy@gmail.com Dungog Early Literacy also has a Facebook page providing information and hints about how to enhance time spent reading with your young child. Follow us @Dungog Early Literacy 29 Grey Street, Clarence Town www.shineclarencetown.com.au 0491 209 114
COMMUNITY & EVENTS PAGE 9
WWW.THESENTINELNEWS.COM.AU Clarence Town Op Shop & Treasure Centre Shop, Save & Support – All in One Visit! Fill a bag for just $15! That’s right – clothes, shoes, linen, hats, and more, all for one low price. Plus, browse our fantastic selection of household items, children’s toys, and games – you never know what treasures you’ll find! We’re still collecting 8-ply wool for Wrapped with Love, ring pulls from cans, wheelchairs, and postage stamps for Missions. Every little bit helps, so if you have any to spare, we’d love your donations. A warm welcome to our newest volunteers, Ian and Kerry. We’re so glad to have you on board and appreciate your help in keeping our Op Shop running smoothly. Come and visit us on Wednesday mornings from 8.30am to noon. Whether you’re looking for a bargain or just stopping by to say hello, we appreciate your support. Follow us on Facebook: @OP SHOP Anglican Church Clarence Town to stay updated on our latest deals and finds! Gillian Finch 4994 9168 / 0477 326 142 St. John’s Anglican Church, Cnr of Grey & Queen Sts 8 N & S HARPER MOBILE MECHANICAL REPAIRS Proudly servicing Clarence Town and surrounding districts since 1990 with friendly affordable Service Phone Neville and Sue 0438 192 736 We come to you for your convenience. License No. MVRL29983 when speaking into life’s complexities. Especially in our own eneration, where uniformity of opinion seems to be a more significant endeavour for certain activists than freedom of speech ever was. This sad development has at its core a reluctance to be corrected over anything. A reluctance to listen carefully to another point of view or allowing one’s own preconceived ideas to be freely challenged with intelligent discussion. It seems in many quarters, as a society we have lost (or at least are losing) the art of disagreeing well, a principle that has historically separated civilised society and barbarians. The sad fact is that a society that encourages and majors in merely uniformity of opinion, does so at the peril of truth. Truth no longer has traction in a society where uniformity of opinion reigns supreme, and as a result things like justice, freedom of expression and freedom of speech - die. Author and critic of soviet era Communism, Alexander Solzhenitsyn knew well the effects of uniformity of opinion when taken to its logical conclusion. His book the Gulag Archipelago is chilling in its description of what can happen when freedom and truth is replaced with State enforced uniformity of opinion. Why do I mention these things? Because it was the Lord Jesus himself who claimed to be the truth. “I am the way, the truth and the life” Jesus said. In John 8:31-32 he also said, “If you hold to my teaching, you really are my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” Our society needs to hear these words of our Saviour as much now as in anytime of the past. Courage to be obedient to God’s Word is what it takes, and a resolve the withstand the negative press, loss of privileges or outright persecution that comes our way when we do. Christianity is still changing peoples’ lives, and many are being saved for an eternity of paradise by the grace of God. But all that comes at a cost, as indeed it should. After all, our Lord stayed faithful and obedient to the Father, obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. Each time we are criticised or maligned for our opinion based on our Christian faith, in some way we participate in the sufferings of Christ. And while that hurts, we are called to stand firm, knowing it is for the sake of the truth. The Truth that is personified in the life, death, and resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ. Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. 2 Cor 1:2 In Christ, Rev Allan D Welch Clarence Town Presbyterian Church Cuppa N Chat in the hall at 51 Dowling St, Dungog from 9.30 am to 11 am. Op Shop open each Friday 8.30 am to 2 pm and on Market Days 8.30 am to 1 pm. Thanks Margaret Flannery 22 Robyn Keller Religious Marriage Celebrant 02 4996 4061 0400 033 873 robynak@aapt.net.au It is your wedding DRESSMAKER Specializing in Alterations DEBBIE 0448 999 625 Clarence Town PROMPT SERVICE Q debbiehammond24@dodo.com Wauchope: Shops 2&3, 43 High Street, Wauchope NSW 2446 6586 4462 Taree: 144 Victoria Street, Taree NSW 2430 6557 8910 david.gillespie.mp@aph.gov.au davidgillespie.com.au DavidGillespieMP Authorised by Dr David Gillespie MP, National Party of Australia, 144 Victoria Street, Taree NSW 2430. Dr David GILLESPIE MP Federal Member for Lyne DELIVERING FOR OUR COMMUNITY For more information about community project funding, assistance with Federal Government services or to have your say on our Vision 2030 Plan visit www.davidgillespie.com.au
COMMUNITY & EVENTS PAGE 11 22 It is your wedding DRESSMAKER Specializing in Alterations DEBBIE 0448 999 625 Clarence Town PROMPT SERVICE Q debbiehammond24@dodo.com
WWW.THESENTINELNEWS.COM.AU Individual Tax Returns, Small Business Accounting & Self-Managed Super Funds Stuart Flinn - CPA & Tax Agent 0407 956 264 stuart@flinnaccounting.com.au Facebook factchecking, Microsoft Increases and Cloud Storage Crackdowns... Facebook will no longer fact-check news articles, citing the ineffectiveness of past efforts. Expect this change to lead to a rise in fake news! Meanwhile, Microsoft has raised the price of its Office 365 subscription by 40% to cover growing artificial intelligence development. As of January, the price for Office 365 has increased to $179 per year. Google and Microsoft are tightening cloud storage policies, causing issues for users who exceed their limits, including email disruptions or file deletions. Google offers 15GB free with Gmail, while Microsoft provides 5GB free or 1TB with Office 365. Additional storage requires payment. Looking for Expert IT Services? Phillica specialises in computer repairs, virus removal, hardware and software troubleshooting, networking, printing, and photo editing, Visit us at 410 Tarean Road, Karuah, or call Phill on 4987 0188. Phillica Sweet Technology PAUL CLARKE & ASSOCIATES Official Rainfall 2023 Clarence Town Rainfall Station
9 SOLICITOR W J Enright & Prentice Solicitors & Conveyancers 124 Dowling Street, Dungog. 2420 Phone: 4992 1730 Email: mail@felixprentice.com.au To get in touch our email is CTmuseum@outlook.com , Our phone number is 0491 346 491 , or you can reach us through Facebook. known. While this continued, there was a chance to have valuables appraised by an expert. Once again, Cotton Sax entertained us with his eclectic mix of songs and instrumental tracks. The local scouts provided a BBQ and there was coffee or fresh ice cream available. Young James provided tours as required and young Jack took photos of the event. Two weeks later, the Museum hosted morning Tea and BBQ lunch for the Dungog Rattlin’ Bones and Engine Groans Club AGM and Ordinary Meeting. The museum also received a $100 donation from this Club. Yours truly wore two suits from the 1970’s and by an interesting coincidence, one of our lovely Senior Citizens had known the owners of these suits, John Morris OAM, Foundation member of the Maitland Repertory Theatre, and Mr N Pyle, from when she was growing up in Rutherford! A gentleman from Queensland sent some information about his German descendants who arrived at Clarence Town in 1855. They are the Heinz family and the Krohmann family. Their connections here seem tenuous. They remained only a short time here, although owning a block of land in Marshall Street till 1910, before finding much success at Hill End in goldmining and very successful at real estate in Woollahra in Sydney. Chris O’Neill (Secretary) earliest. 2023- Council’ 45%. ignored. Sam Benson 0467 051 502 The Dungog District Chamber of Commerce This month’s Sentinel will go to print just ahead of DDCC’s networking dinner meeting at Clarence Town. We are looking forward to a good turn out to hear Dungog Shire Council’s Planning Department presentation regarding the draft plans for Clarence Town. This meeting also includes a presentation by Matt Clinch from Gloucester Chamber of Commerce regarding a data tool, Spend Map. This is a program we hope we can introduce across the Dungog Shire which tracks spending through debit and credit cards in region. Spend Map can supply powerful information regarding visitor spending coming in and also spending going out of the Shire. Great economic data for businesses and businesses still in the setting up stage. March will be a busy month in the Shire with Community Opportunity Workshops (COW) being held by the Community Builder’s team. The Chamber fully supports the Community Builders program and encourages all to be involved with your local cluster workshops, from the youth of the district right through to senior citizens. Clarence Town’s COW event is to be held on Thursday 27th March with preceding events that week for various organisations. The Chamber is looking forward to the information gained and plans coming out of the various clusters. Dungog District Chamber of Commerce endeavours to represent and support business and community across the Dungog Shire. If you would like to find out more about becoming a member of our organisation and its benefits, please contact secretary@ddcc.org.au For more info see our socials or website www.ddcc.org.au IT AND BUSINESS SERVICES PAGE 13 Turn Your Vehicle Into a Moving Billboard! Drive your brand further with bold, eye-catching signage that reaches customers everywhere you go. FULL VEHICLE WRAPS – PARTIAL WRAPS – DECALS – ONE WAY VISION – LETTERING – REFLECTIVE SIGNAGE – UTES – SEDANS – HATCH BACKS – SUVS – VANS – WAGONS – MINIVANS –SEMI TRAILERS – TRUCKS – BOX TRAILERS – HORSE FLOATS – CAMPERVANS – BOATS Contact Justin on 0431 000 330 justin@schweaverandson.com.au servicing dungog shire, maitland, port stephens and newcastle The Tooth Whisperer Horse Dentist Brad Whalan EqDT www.thetoothwhisperer.com.au CLARENCE TOWN 0417 245 244 7 ’s, ’s. ’, – big 4996 5528 St David’s Presbyterian Church Clarence Town. In late August a few of the members of CTPC attended the launch of the highly acclaimed movie ‘Sound of Freedom.’ The movie itself has been the subject of much discussion as it is based on a true story where children are rescued from human traffickers. Sadly (but probably unsurprisingly) certain elements within Hollywood have been highly critical of the movie and attempted to undermine its legitimacy by trying to link it to conspiracy theorist organisations. Much of what the movie depicts is based on actual real-life events – something Hollywood has never really majored in. Gets one thinking though, why would Hollywood want to undermine a movie that shines a light on such a dark issue? Considering the history of some in the movie making business, methinks they dost protest too much perhaps? After some initial delays, CTPC is back on track again with our Church building project. God willing work will commence in the not-too-distant future. But in other exciting news we are holding a Christmas at Claro Pressies event on the 18th of November this year. This will be a fun day in the sun for families to come and enjoy a jumping castle, petting zoo, camel rides, The Pretty Amazing Jono, sing carols along with music provided by Maitland City Brass Band, and hear a talk about the real meaning of Christmas! Further details out soon. From the pulpit, we finished our series on the Song of Songs – what an awesome series that was. It generated heaps of discussion and surprised many at how great God’s good design for our sexual relationships within the covenant of marriage can truly be! We are currently in another series continuing to look closely at John’s gospel, to be followed by a series in Genesis focusing on Joseph – a man after God’s own heart. We continue to pray for our town, our leaders, country, and world, both in private and when we meet together and, all the more as we see the great Day of our Lord Jesus approaching. “And what does the LORD require of you? To do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God.” Micah 6:8 In Christ, Rev Allan D. Welch 0402 387 690 Need a Venue for a party, wedding or function ? Why not hire the Hall? The Clarence Town School of Arts Hall in Grey Street has everything right in the heart of town. If you want to have your function at home, why not hire tables, chairs and anything else we can help you with. Phone Michael: 0420 757 656 Phone: Robyn Barco 0412 673 386
WWW.THESENTINELNEWS.COM.AU New South Wales Rural Fire Service Knowing the Fire Danger Rating may save your life! Fire danger ratings have changed recently, they are now simpler and easier to understand. By using the latest science and technology they provide a more clear and accurate rating to save properties and lives. The fire danger ratings give you an indication of the consequences of a fire, if a fire was to start. The higher the rating is the more dangerous the conditions will be. WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW The fire danger ratings have four levels which are: NO RATING On days when there’s minimal risk, the white bar meaning ‘No Rating’ will be used. MODERATE • Plan and Prepare • Most fires can be controlled • Stay up to date and be ready to act if there is a fire. HIGH • Be ready to act • Fires can be dangerous • There’s a heightened risk. Be alert for fires in your area. • Decide what you will do if a fire starts. If a fire starts, your life and property may be at risk. The safest option is to avoid bush fire risk areas. EXTREME • Take action now to protect your life and property • Fires will spread quickly and be extremely dangerous. • These are dangerous fire conditions. • Check your bush fire plan, is your property is fire ready? • If a fire starts, take immediate action. If you and your property are not prepared to the highest level, go to a safer location well before the fire impacts. • Reconsider travel through bush fire risk areas. CATASTROPHIC • For your survival, leave bush fire risk areas. • If a fire starts and takes hold, lives are likely to be lost. • These are the most dangerous conditions for a fire. Your life may depend on the decisions you make, even before there is a fire. • Go to a safer location early morning or the night before. • Homes cannot withstand fires in these conditions. • You may not be able to leave & help may not be available. Report any fires to 000. For Permits phone 4996 4454. DO NOT LIGHT FIRES WITHOUT A PERMIT. Your Bush Fire Survival Plan, Fire Danger Ratings, Bush Fire Alerts and Neighbourhood Safer Places can be found at www.rfs.nsw.gov.au PREPARE, ACT, SURVIVE. Stay safe until next time, Di Bennett OAM Lower Hunter Zone Community Engagement Team OPENING HOURS Monday to Friday 9am - 5pm Open SOME Saturday mornings 9am - 11.30am We cater for all your pet, farm, equine medical and surgical needs We provide comprehensive mobile and farm services for small and large animals, including consultations, vaccinations, routine surgery, ultrasound, x-ray, dental and pathology. Additionally, we offer a wide selection of quality pet foods, accessories, natural health products, and various parasite control products. Call 4996 4441 28 Grey Street, Clarence Town| Dr Jasmin Klocker BVSc & Assoc.
20 Bridge Street, Muswellbrook NSW 2333 upperhunter@parliament.nsw.gov.au (02) 6543 1065 Authorised by Dave Layzell MP, 20 Bridge Street, Muswellbrook NSW 2333 Funded using Parliamentary entitlements. HOW I CAN HELP YOU Gloucester Dungog Singleton Muswellbrook Aberdeen Scone Broke Branxton Luskintyre Lorn Bolwarra Maitland Vale As your State MP I can make enquiries and representations on your behalf for matters involving NSW Government departments and agencies. Upper Hunter Electorate Office Dave Layzell MP MEMBER FOR UPPER HUNTER COUNCIL INSIGHTS PAGE 15 Dungog Councillors Report Clarence Town: Honouring Heroes, Building Futures Australia Day Award Winners A huge congratulations to Trudy Balstad, our 2024 Citizen of the Year! Trudy’s generosity and kindness have had a profound and lasting impact on our community for all the hard work she does. Also, congratulations to Samantha Bean, Environmental Citizen of the Year and to Jack McBlane & James Ryan, Young Citizens of the Year. New Clarence Town Bridge Dungog Shire Council has awarded Bridgeworks (Aust.) Pty Ltd the tender for the detailed design and construction of the new Clarence Town Bridge. The new dual-lane bridge will feature a pedestrian walkway, upgraded road approaches, and improved footpaths, ensuring safer and easier access across the Williams River to Clarence Town. It will complement the heritage listed Brig O’Johnston Bridge, which will remain open to traffic throughout the construction process. The final design of the bridge will be completed in the coming months, with construction expected to begin in April/May. The project is set to take up to 24 months to complete. Clarence Town Structure Plan Following feedback from community workshops held last year, the Draft Clarence Town Structure Plan and Streetscape Master Plan were placed on public exhibition from 12th February until Wednesday, 12 March 2025. The draft Plans outline a strategic vision for sustainable growth, improved live ability, and enhanced public spaces in Clarence Town. These Plans provide a framework for the town’s future development and growth over the next 30 years. The Plans are displayed on Council’s website and feedback can be submitted there also. A hard copy can still be viewed at the Clarence Town Post Office. During February Council held a series of in-person sessions with the draft Plans on display to allow the community to provide your feedback. A final session will be held on Tuesday 4th March at the Clarence Town School of Arts between 4.30pm and 6.30pm. Your local B Ward Councillors: James Campbell 0484 599 709 james.campbell@dungog.nsw.gov.au Steve low 4996 4022 steve.low49@gmail.com
WWW.THESENTINELNEWS.COM.AU St. John’s Anglican Church 36 Grey St, Clarence Town Pastor: Rev Kimbalee Hodges Service Times: Every Sunday, Holy Communion at 10am How is everyone coping with the wet, the heat and the humidity? Nothing like an Australian Summer! At least we were blessed with the rain. It was starting to become very dry. Our Annual Pancake night will be on Tuesday 4th March from 6pm in our air-conditioned church hall. Batter supplied. Please bring along a topping of your choice. It is a great evening and you will be very welcome. Our annual Harvest Festival will be on Sunday, 6th April. Our Service will be at 10am and the auction of goods will commence following the service. The proceeds from the sale, will go towards our Mission projects. Donations of produce and cooking would be much appreciated. Our Easter Services will be at 10am on Good Friday (18th April) and 10am Easter morning. Thank you so much Nigel for coming to our rescue and mowing the lawn! You are a treasure. Sue Flannery Licensed Builder Specialising in renovations, extensions and all forms of concreting - including structural and specialty formwork Call Aaron | 0488 113 062 | Lic 349914C aaron@tayloredconstructionsolutions.com.au St. Patrick’s Catholic Church 41 Rifle St, Clarence Town Pastor: Rev Andrew Doohan Service Times: Every Sunday 8am The year is already flying by and before we know it, Easter will be here. Our preparation for this holy time will be our Lenten group meeting to be held in the church for 6 weeks prior to Easter. Times and dates to be advised. Our prayers for rain have been answered and the grass is looking much greener. We ask that God continue to bless our Parish and congregation, and all those in our area. God bless all, Marilyn Amos From the Parson’s Pen Over the last few week there was a lot of comment on the Social Media sites about the sermon by the Episcopal (ie Anglican) Bishop of Washington DC about her plea to President Trump for “mercy” on the immigrant, the needy and the like. She was criticised by many for “bringing religion into politics” and these people insisted that Church and State had to be entirely separate. HOWEVER, “religion” itself is a word of contested origin. It comes from two Latin words, “re” meaning “about, concerning” and “ligio”, meaning “to bind”: hence “religion” meaning “about that which holds things together”. Consider the ligaments, those pieces of biological matter which literally hold your skeleton together and without which you might be a twitching mass on the floor! Therefore “religion” is that system of belief, that moral code, which gives meaning, purpose and direction to your life. The Bishop of Washington was doing nothing more than giving expression to that moral code, derived from the teachings of Jesus of Nazareth (see “The Sermon on the Mount”) which is incumbent upon all Christians and which is itself derived from the moral code of Judaism, and which provides the basis for action for followers. It challenges the philosophy of “ME at the centre of everything” and refutes the idea that any action, personal or corporate, is based on “what’s in this for me”. Every religion, Christianity, Judaism, Islam, Buddhism, Hinduism and more, has its moral teaching embedded in the Scriptures of that tradition. That moral teaching is remarkably similar between all the major religions and we can find common purpose as we deal with justice, equity, foreign aid, domestic matters…… AND, if we are to be faithful to our religion, it is incumbent upon us to speak the truth to the public square, which is what the Bishop herself was doing, and which we all must do in our own lives and actions. (Fr) George Mainprize
OUR CHURCHES PAGE 17 WHY CHOOSE FAIR DINKUM BUILDS FAIR DINKUM BUILDS SHACKS AND SHEDS 40581987 2342 The Bucketts Way, Booral shacksandsheds@fdbuilds.com.au © Stramit Corporation Pty Limited, ACN 005 010 195, Australia, 2024. FAIR DINKUM BUILDS™ is a trademark of Stramit Corporation Pty Limited, ACN 005 010 195, and is used under licence by FBHS (Aust) Pty Ltd, ACN 126 232 504, trading as Fair Dinkum Builds. A member of the Fletcher Building Group. Stramit® is a trade mark of Stramit Corporation Pty Limited ACN 57 005 010 195. ShedSafe® and the ShedSafe® logo are trade marks of Australian Steel Institute used with permission. COLORBOND® is a registered trade mark of BlueScope Steel Limited. ABN 16 000 011 058. DESIGN YOUR OWN CUSTOM STEEL SHED, PATIO, CARPORT OR HOME WHY CHOOSE FAIR DINKUM BUILDS FAIR DINKUM BUILDS SHACKS AND SHEDS 40581987 2342 The Bucketts Way, Booral shacksandsheds@fdbuilds.com.au © Stramit Corporation Pty Limited, ACN 005 010 195, Australia, 2024. FAIR DINKUM BUILDS™ is a trademark of Stramit Corporation Pty Limited, ACN 005 010 195, and is used under licence by FBHS (Aust) Pty Ltd, ACN 126 232 504, trading as Fair Dinkum Builds. A member of the Fletcher Building Group. Stramit® is a trade mark of Stramit Corporation Pty Limited ACN 57 005 010 195. ShedSafe® and the ShedSafe® logo are trade marks of Australian Steel Institute used with permission. COLORBOND® is a registered trade mark of BlueScope Steel Limited. ABN 16 000 011 058. DESIGN YOUR OWN CUSTOM STEEL SHED, PATIO, CARPORT OR HOME
WWW.THESENTINELNEWS.COM.AU Clarence Town Presbyterian Church 29 Marshall Street, Clarence Town Pastor: Rev Allan D. Welch Service Times: 10am Gathered Worship every Sunday. From the pulpit, after a short stroll through John’s Gospel we commence a thematic series titled, “Life after Death.’ This seven-week series covers the topics of: ‘Hope in the Afterlife’; ‘Where do we go when we die’; ‘The Return of Jesus’; ‘Judgement’; ‘Hell’; ‘Heaven’ and ‘Our Resurrected Bodies’. All are encouraged to come and hear this series on a most fascinating part of the Christian worldview. Mainly Music (every Wed), SRE (Scripture) at Clarence Town Public School (every Wednesday from Feb 2025) and Growth Groups (Tue evenings – new format studying sermon topic for the following Sunday) are all back in the swing. (Mainly Music attendance has swelled and new enquiries will need to be added to a waiting list due to space limitations. This should be less of a problem once our new church building at rear of the existing one is completed.) “And what does the LORD require of you? To do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God.” Micah 6:8 In Christ, Rev Allan D. Welch 0402 387 690 22 Get Spruced Local painter servicing all Maitland, Clarence Town and Dungog areas * Interior and exterior painting * Water pressure cleaning * Solar panel cleaning Phone Greg - 0404 682 759 Web: www.getspruced.com.au Robyn Keller Religious Marriage Celebrant 02 4996 4061 0400 033 873 robynak@aapt.net.au It is your wedding DRESSMAKER Specializing in Alterations DEBBIE 0448 999 625 Clarence Town PROMPT SERVICE Phone Bryce 0409 250 355 4938 5441 Email: t_giuffre@bigpond debbiehammond24@dodo.com DOWNLIGHTS INSTALLED FROM - $40ea Christ Church, Dungog Dowling Street, Dungog Service Times: Every Friday 10.30am, Sunday 8.30am Sunday night service: 4th Sunday of every month at 5pm Another year is here and we have lost the first month with lots of rain and hot humid weather. We had great Christmas services and now it will be heading to Easter in the Church season. Dungog Op Shop has been busy and the rest of the year will also be the same we hope. We thank all those who donate goods to us as our customers love the variety of goods we have and we are always surprised with what we are given. We help many during the year. The Flannerys in Dungog will have a Garage Sale on the Saturday, 12th April with lots of electrical goods, and various other items. We usually have tools and other bric a brac for all those who have everything but need something different! Cuppa ‘n Chat started back in February after a little holiday. All are welcome to go to the Church Hall from 9.30am to 11am each Friday for a cuppa! Church times in Dungog are 8.30am each Sunday and 10.30am most Fridays. Sunday Nite is on the 4th Sunday at 5pm in the Church Hall. Blessings to all. Margaret Flannery
OUR CHURCHES PAGE 19 9 SOLICITOR W J Enright & Prentice Solicitors & Conveyancers 124 Dowling Street, Dungog. 2420 Phone: 4992 1730 Email: mail@felixprentice.com.au To get in touch our email is CTmuseum@outlook.com , Our phone number is 0491 346 491 , or you can reach us through Facebook. They remained only a short time here, although owning a block of land in Marshall Street till 1910, before finding much success at Hill End in goldmining and very successful at real estate in Woollahra in Sydney. Chris O’Neill (Secretary) 45%. ignored. with the CPI. Sam Benson 0467 051 502 22 Get Spruced Local painter servicing all Maitland, Clarence Town and Dungog areas * Interior and exterior painting * Water pressure cleaning * Solar panel cleaning Phone Greg - 0404 682 759 Web: www.getspruced.com.au r Phone Bryce 0409 250 355 4938 5441 Email: t_giuffre@bigpond QUALITY SERVICES Driveways Dams Arenas House Sites Landscape Supplies D6 Dozer Posi 8 & 14 Ton Excavators Hammer Tipper Hire wisemansexcavation@gmail.com Phone Bryce 0407 250 355 Email: t_giuffre@bigpond.com 13 Official Rainfall 2023 Clarence Town Rainfall Station 061010 Jan 225 ml Feb 38.3 ml March 123.7 ml April 65.2 ml May 37.7 ml June 7.0ml July 42.9ml Cheryl Gorton 5 CLR Carpets . Lounges . Rugs Carpet Cleaning DOMESTIC COMMERCIAL INDUSTRIAL Vince Willemen 0499 424 070 vince@clrcarpetcleaning.com.au BRUCE FRAPPELL SERVICES ABN 16 600 975 859 Aerated Wastewater Treatment Tank Technician Servicing most makes and models CALL BRUCE ON: 0408 861 360 Over 15 years experience in the industry I offer a full comprehensive System Report, Check and Service with competitive rates. Piano and Musical Education Specialist * Beginners welcome - all ages • AMEB Examination prep to practical theory and musician exams * HSC Performance Examination prep * 35 years piano teaching experience Ros 0414 391 747 2 The Glen Oak Doll Hospital * Valuations * Identifications * First Class Repairs * Enquiries & Advice Buying & Selling of Antique & Vintage Dolls Phone Lin today for all your doll repair needs Phone: 4996 3316
WWW.THESENTINELNEWS.COM.AU Clarence Town Primary Public School New Beginnings: Introducing the new Principal of Clarence Town Public School My name is Kim Smith, the new Principal of Clarence Town Public School and I am thrilled to have this opportunity to introduce myself to the wider community! I grew up in the Maitland area, before moving away to take up my first permanent teaching role in 2005. After 20 years teaching and leading schools in the Queanbeyan and Goulburn areas, I am so excited to return home to take up this position. We began the year with four staff development days, a crucial time for us to come together to prioritise teacher professional learning. Our teachers joined staff from all schools within the Hunter Principals Network for a morning of Explicit Teaching professional development at Francis Greenway High School. The day was opened by the Deputy Secretary Deb Summerhayes, who presented schools with a Certificate of Excellence in recognition of exceptional commitment to equity and excellence, which I proudly received on behalf of Clarence Town Public School. Students returned to school on Thursday 6 February, including 21 new Kindergarten students, bringing our school enrolment to 157. It has been a lovely couple of weeks getting to know the students and to see them settle into learning so quickly. This year our school will be led by our captains Matilda and Parker, along with student leaders Flynn, Boston, Matilda and Bridie. Our Sport House Captains were elected last week and led at our recent swimming carnival. The students had a wonderful day at the pool, with great swimming performances and outstanding behaviour, which I am quickly finding is a common occurrence here at Clarence Town Public School! I would like to thank the school staff, students and parent community for making me feel so welcome. I look forward to sharing our school journey with you all throughout the year. Kim Smith, Principal Pictured below: New Principal Kim Smith (centre) pictured participating in Explicit Teaching Professional Learning along with the Hunter Network of Schools.
OUR SCHOOLS PAGE 21 NOW OPEN! Mechanical Repairs Log Book Servicing Rego Inspections Air-Conditioning 347 Glen Martin Rd, Glen Martin. Fully licenced and insured. Free pick up and drop off available within 10kms Please call 0466384613 to make a booking. With years of experience in the industry, we provide reliable, efficient, and professional service – wherever you need it. We specialise in: On-Site Repairs & Maintenance – No need to tow your own equipment, we come to you! Caterpillar Equipment Specialists - Expert diagnostics and repairs for all CAT machinery. Air Conditioning Repairs - Stay cool and comfortable while you work. Routine maintenance to keep your machine reliable. Licensed and insured. 23 Opening Hours Monday to Friday 8:30 – 5:00pm Saturday 8:30 – 12:00 noon Shop 2, 116 Prince Street, Clarence Town, Phone: 4996 3300 Fax:4996 3344 Did you know you can now order your medicines through an app? Clarence Town Pharmacy has partnered with MedAdvisor, an app in which you can see all your prescriptions in the one place and order them with just a few clicks! You can order your medications at any time and set reminders to take your medication. To get started bring your phone and prescriptions to the pharmacy and we will supply your unique sign up code.
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