The entire student body of Gunning Public School joined a small group of local land carers recently to plant some 180 native trees along Meadow Creek.  This young and inexperienced work force, formed into small groups of mixed ages with adult helpers, accomplished their task in just two hours under the firm but cheerful guidance of Greening Australia’s Jeni Delandre.

The project is a partnership between Jerrawa Creek Landcare, Upper Lachan Shire Council, Greening Australia and South East Local Land Services.  One of the organisers, Jerrawa Creek Landcare secretary Bob Spiller said “This planting is part of a three stage project aimed at demonstrating just how beautiful and productive our creeks and rivers can be through the sensible use of native trees, shrubs and other plants.”

LAKE DUNLEY

When the project is completed there will be a public riparian walk from Barbour Park up to and around the sewage treatment plant, now known to landcarers as Lake Dunley after Council stalwart Dennis Dunley who has been a big contributor to the project.

The Werribee sewage works in Melbourne is a major mecca for bird spotters due to the large number of species found there.  A recent walk around the Gunning project site by Greening Australia’s bird expert Nicki Taws recorded 33 species of bird so this area could well become an environmental attraction for tourists and locals alike.

Thanks go to Craig Southwell and Mark Medway of Bailey’s Garage for bussing the young workers to the site, John Weatherstone from Oolong Bush Fire Brigade for the fire tanker to water in the new plants and for donations from Rea at the Merino Cafe towards the al fresco lunch at Barbour Park after the plantathon.

VISITORS HELPED

Earlier this month, Margaret and David Garrett of Epping in Sydney stopped for a cuppa in Gunning.  Experiencing a dizzy spell, Margaret took a nasty tumble as she tried to step up on the kerb.  Within moments help was at hand.  Michael Brown and Tom Roche rushed out from the nearby Sophera audio workshop to set her on her feet.  Carolyn, the locum pharmacist was called to check the damage with an incipient black eye already showing.

Next stop was the Merino Cafe for a restorative cuppa and a bite to eat.  There they were well looked after by staff including Mardi Lees who also persuaded Margaret and David to stay the night, booking them in to the Gunning Motel where Peter and Elizabeth ensured they had a comfortable overnight stay.

WENT OUT OF HER WAY

After their meal Margaret went to see Gunning Community Care’s Community Nurse Janine Rath who went out of her way to help the older couple.  Next day Margaret and David had an uneventful drive home and were happy to be back in their familiar surroundings by midday.

Margaret has sent an email to thank everyone who helped them out on the day.  She said that her energy has been at a low ebb since the fall.  As well as the black eye, her coccyx was cracked, making it very painful to walk.

Margaret’s email closes with “We still have fond memories of Gunning and the people we met there. Kindest regards to you all, Margaret and David.”

Gunning’s Good Samaritans can take a bow – well done!

GARDENS AND LANDSCAPES

Whether you are on a tiny village block or have a huge rural garden, a special combined free event planned by Jerrawa Creek Landcare and Gunning Garden Club should set you on the right gardening track.

Jennie Curtis and Renai Palmer of Fresh Landscape Design will introduce you to all the basics you need to achieve that dream garden.  They will be complemented by Greening Australia’s Graham Fifield who will show how the wider landscape and your garden can be combined in a beautiful and productive whole.

PROBLEM PATCH?

Have you got a problem part of your garden that you just do not know what to do with?  Please send a digital photo of the area with a few words on what is troubling you to spillers263@bigpond.com and Jennie will try to include suggestions for transforming it in her presentation.  Your anonymity will be protected so nobody need know about your barren desert or weedy wilderness!

The event is in the Gunning Shire Hall, Wednesday 8 October, 6 for 6.30pm with light refreshments available.  The early evening timing of the event is so that keen and aspiring gardeners from busy families and commuters who may be tied up at weekends, can attend. It should finish by 8.30pm.  For further information please contact either Rosemary and Bob Spiller on 4845 8217 or Greg and Anne Walmsley on 4845 1219.

This is a great opportunity to unleash your inner gardener!

DOUBLE TAKE

On my early morning walk around the village I was stopped in my tracks by an unusual sight at Barbour Park – three alpacas having a green pick!  Turns out that Steven O’Keefe and his family were returning from the National Alpaca Show in Bendigo.  On a recommendation from a friend, they decided to break their journey at Gunning before heading down to mountain to home in the Shoalhaven town of Berry.

Steven is a close colleague of Rob Harborne who is the co-ordinator of the alpaca section of the Gunning Show and says that he is seriously thinking of coming to the annual Gunning Show on 22 February 2015.  If you are interested in anything to do with alpacas in the region why not check out www.alpacasouthern.com.au.

COMING UP

Sun 19/10 OcTUBAfest Gunning Shire Hall, Tickets @ Gunning Ag

Sat 25/10 Marli Martin fund raiser dinner, Gunning Shire Hall, tickets Gunning Service Centre/Gunning Early Learning Centre.