Weekenda' - Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year - Broke Fordwich
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Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year
Linking the Communities of Broke Fordwich Bulga & Milbrodale December 2018..
‘weekenda’
Holiday
accommodation
opens in Broke
fordwich
Climate changing the
taste of wine
From the Editor
HOW NOT TO LEAD A HORSE
Linking the Communities of Broke Fordwich Bulga & Milbrodale
Broke Fordwich Rainfall
TO WATER November 48.5 mm
BY now, the inhabitants of Year to date 323 mm
our little drought-menaced the mines and held by the
subregion could be excused Council (as well as the wind-
for anticipating some tan- fall from Council’s abject and sewage project, with this
gible activity involving the surrender of Wallaby Scrub slug over and above the Vol-
Singleton Council master Road) could well be allocat- untary Planning Agreement
plan for potable water con- ed to the connection expense amount of $11-million. Who
nection. It would seem, for the homes involved. It’s moved the goal-posts?
rather, that Council worthies pretty simple really—with A meeting between the
have seriously underestimat- decades of coal-dust and Council and the mining
ed the community reaction to other nasties whirling around company agreed to delete
the extortionate connection our environment from the the sewer and retain the wa-
fees that have been mooted mines, is it not reasonable ter supply. The Bulga Mil-
A nother nail in the Council coffin of public trust and accountability can be measured by the
laughable inclusion of Bulga in their general scorecard of positive property enhancement
by dint of town water supply.
for this scheme. that an infinitesimal slice of brodale Progress Association
their grotesque gains over reminds us that the original
Different estimates from dif- those years go to replacing
ferent landholders, of course, the polluted tank-and-dam spirit of the PAC-Council
but tens of thousands of deal was for this infrastruc-
infrastructure which is all we ture to be outside of the
dollars in some cases (many have ever known?
of us have quite a stretch VPA.
between the road and the Critics may well dismiss Another nail in the Council
house) have proved a major these concerns as ‘just an- coffin of public trust and ac-
deterrent overall. As many other anti-Local Govern- countability can be measured
have observed, such sums ment rant.’ Not, I suggest, as by the laughable inclusion of
cover hundreds and hun- long as you can take a trek Bulga in their general score-
dreds of Wetawi’s excellent along that long, sinister road card of positive property
emergency drops—in my that led to the expansion of enhancement by dint of town
case, I have had recourse to Mount Thorley Warkworth . water supply. Not Bulga,
truckloads of aqua pura less At two meetings before this dear Councillors, as any fool
than a dozen times in nearly fateful cave-in, the Council can plainly see: as the mine
20 years as a Bulganian. and the Planning Advisory nears, with the once pro-
Commission charged the tected Saddle Ridge assum-
The bigger issue is the fact mine with financing a water
that money sourced from ing the dimensions of the
Continued page 6
2 December 2018
Linking the Communities of Broke Fordwich Bulga & Milbrodale
Holiday management group looking
after Broke Fordwich properties
“I like people and when my the growth of the region for managed from bookings to
job is helping them enjoy some time and were really bed linen to cleaning and
their holiday experience then impressed with what the area care taking.
that makes it fun for me.” had to offer in the way of
Weekenda manages holiday
Weekenda owner Pete its locality, the scenery and
rental properties all over
Smith was excited when the the places available to stay,”
New South Wales. They
opportunity came for he and Pete said.
have many properties in the
his wife Anne have been The company caters for two Hunter Valley region, with
running an accommodation category of clients - the holi- the list of properties extend-
booking and management day maker and the property ing along the coast as far
company for over 10 years. owner. north as Wallis Island and
“Recently we were fortunate For holiday makers, Week- as far south as Sussex In-
enough to take over the man- enda provides an easy on- let including homes in the
agement of several Broke line booking system. Blue Mountains and Snowy
Fordwich properties. This mountains.
For property owners Week-
was so exciting for us be- enda offers the convenience For more information:
cause we‘ve been watching of having their property weekenda.com.au
This delightful pizza oven bake-out is part of holiday accommodation,
Roviana which is one of three wonderful offerings on River Flats Estate -
Carinya featured on the cover and Tara Cottage below
December 2018 3
Linking the Communities of Broke Fordwich Bulga & Milbrodale
Above: Tara Cottage one of three stays available on River Flats.
Echo Hill 5 bedroom accommodation on large acreage and vineyard
4 December 2018
Linking the Communities of Broke Fordwich Bulga & Milbrodale
Rosa house (above) and Rosamund house (below) are on Rosamund Hill
Estate both with 5 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms and next door to Greenway
Cellar Door
December 2018 5
Linking the Communities of Broke Fordwich Bulga & Milbrodale
From the Editor - continued from page 2
surrounding moonscape, you goes and the unaffordability the original proposal, but
can almost hear the value of of Council’s plans becomes (to paraphrase The Ancient
your domicile dropping with more transparent, I feel that Mariner)
every grinding, crashing bite a ‘wetter’ forecast is not Water, water, everywhere
the shovel mauls from our on for our little patch of
environment. Ask any real paradise—not because, as And not a drop to drink
estate agent. Council has suggested, we Dollars, dollars everywhere
Summarising, as dithering are apathetic and opposed Into John Street parking
sink.
Milbrodale and Bulga hit
Council
With their ‘mine-to-pay’ no-
tion
Response?
As idle as a painted ship
Upon a painted ocean.
(Tom Jackson with
apologies to Samuel Taylor
Coleridge)
JAZZ IN THE VINEYARDS - 24th November 2018
GRAPEVINE GATHERING – 1st December 2018
A DAY ON THE GREEN (John Farnham) - 1st December 2018
SHANIA TWAIN - 8th December 2018
THE RED HOT SUMMER TOUR 2019 - 2nd February 2019
RNB VINE DAYS - 2nd February 2019
JOHN BUTLER TRIO & MISSY HIGGINS - 16th February 2019
Red hot Chilli Peppers - 23 February 2019
KYLIE - 16th March 2019
WINE MACHINE - 23rd March 2019
A Little Bit of Italy In broke 13 & 14 April 2019
6 December 2018
Linking the Communities of Broke Fordwich Bulga & Milbrodale
December 2018 7 Linking the Communities of Broke Fordwich Bulga & Milbrodale
Climate change ‘creeping up’ on
winemakers and putting pressure on
grapes
Winemaker Bruce Redman says they have seen distinct climate differences in the
various decades, and the past 18 years had tended to be drier and warmer.
(Supplied: Redman Wines)
publication of the 2019 Aus- “We
Hotter, drier summers mean tralian Wine Vintages book, are seeing higher alcohols
many wine grape growers an independent review. and this is the result of ripe-
have to harvest their grapes ness and also, to a degree,
earlier, resulting in riper the result of some berry
wines with higher alcohol Mr Geddes said that, due to shrivel, depending on the
content. climate change, wines were grower.
riper and richer and had “We were tasting one day
Compressed vintages are a higher alcohol content and
real challenge through the and the wines that were 14.5
that impacted upon the style per cent of alcohol … a lot
wine production chain and of wine.
many growers are having of them were actually 15.5
to change grape varieties as “The climate change issue is [per cent alcohol].
average temperatures rise. one of sudden heat spikes as “Alcohol at 11 per cent
well as continuing heat and versus alcohol at 12.5 per
Master of wine Rob Geddes high temperatures and that is
has tasted more than 5,000 cent versus 15 per cent is the
an issue,” he said. biggest way for a consumer
over the past year for the
8 December 2018
Linking the Communities of Broke Fordwich Bulga & Milbrodale
weather and our vintage
comes forward too much and
we start harvesting too early
then obviously, the grapes
are going to be riper and
there will be different char-
acteristics in the wine,” he
said.
“What we are finding is that
we are getting pretty similar
characteristics in terms of
aromas and flavours, but we
are tending to find that in the
past 20-odd years the alco-
hols have probably tended to
creep up from around 13 to
13.5 to 14 per cent by vol-
ume.
“With the slightly higher
alcohol you tend to get a
slightly sweeter mid-palate
and perhaps a little bit of a
Rob Geddes says Australian wines are richer and
richer style of wine, which
riper and have higher alcohol content due to warmer isn’t necessarily a bad
temperatures. thing.”
(Supplied Rob Geddes)
He What can growers do to
to judge body.” adapt to climate change?
said they had seen distinct
Winemaker Bruce Redman climate differences in the Emeritus Professor of plant
of Redman Wines in Coona- various decades, and the past science and viticulture Ste-
warra, South Australia, has 18 years had tended to be phen Tyerman from the
been involved in the wine drier and warmer. University of Adelaide said
industry for more than 40 the impact of climate change
years. “If we get too much warm
“We are seeing higher alcohols and
this is the result of ripeness and also,
to a degree, the result of some berry
shrivel, depending on the grower.”
December 2018 9
Linking the Communities of Broke Fordwich Bulga & Milbrodale
Berry Shrivel is a cell death phenomenon believed to be caused by high temperatures
and water stress. (Supplied: Stephen Tyerman)
was a double whammy. up on us,” Dr Tyerman said. water stress both induce this
He said grapes were not An additional challenge for cell death phenomena in the
only developing earlier and growers was berry shrivel, berry.”
ripening in a hotter time of occurring when the cells He said the stages of grape
the year, allowing the sugars inside the grape start to die, development were very
to accumulate more rapidly, reducing the grape’s capacity sensitive to temperatures
temperatures were rising and to hold water. and depended on the grape
putting further pressure on “This cell death phenom- varieties and advised select-
the grapes. enon occurs in many wine ing varieties more tolerant of
“They [wine grape growers] grape varieties but it’s very higher temperatures.
should be very concerned prominent in shiraz,” Dr Dr Tyerman said there were
about climate change; it’s in- Tyerman said. different techniques to adapt
sidious the way it is creeping “So high temperatures and to warmer temperatures,
“They [wine grape growers] should
be very concerned about climate
change; it’s insidious the way it is
creeping up on us,”
10 December 2018
Linking the Communities of Broke Fordwich Bulga & Milbrodalealthough many were still in a of Ricca Terra Farms, Ashley Water concerns
trial stage. Radcliff, grows 35 different Dr Tyerman said water
varieties at their vineyards. would become a big problem
and he expected droughts to
“My view is become a lot more frequent
that climate and intense.
change is hap- “We have to be a lot more
pening and careful in how we regulate
that’s why we irrigation but it’s not to say
have planted that we can’t,” he said.
so many dif-
Mr Redman said having to
ferent varie-
irrigate vines in Coonawarra
ties,” he said.
at the end of the growing
“Our focus has season had become the
been on south- norm.
ern Italian “About 20 years ago, most
varieties and seasons we didn’t need to ir-
Portuguese rigate at all or in fact a lot in
and Spanish Coonawarra was dryland,”
varieties that he said.
Ashley Radcliff is growing 35 different varieties we feel are
of vines that he feels are better suited to the better suited “Now almost 100 per cent of
warmer climate. (Supplied: Ricca Terra Farms) to a warmer Coonawarra has some sort of
climate.” supplementary irrigation to
make sure to keep the cano-
He suggested using water Mr Radcliff said the main pies nice and green up until
to mist into the canopies to growers in the Riverland of harvest time.
cool down them down dur- South Australia had adapted
to heat waves by growing “We are cognisant of the
ing heatwaves.
larger canopies and plant- fact that [global warming]
“Shading is a big deal,” he is happening and are look-
said. ing varieties on certain
rootstocks that were more ing at different management
“If you want to put in over- drought tolerant. practices to help negate the
head shading, that’s a big effect.”
expense but it does have a “Where the heat spikes can
cause problems is actually in ABC Rural
big impact to reduce some of
the final wine, so you need Jessica Schremmer
the negative effects of high
temperatures.” to make sure that during the
heat spikes your vines are
well prepared.
Mediterranean varieties “You get a good canopy and
Owner and general manager you have ample water.”
December 2018 11
Linking the Communities of Broke Fordwich Bulga & MilbrodaleJoin the vigneron for tastings
of Classic Aged wines with
stunning views over
Yellow Rock and the
Broke Fordwich Valley
Open to the public
Private tastings &
corporate groups catered for
Wheelchair accessible
Cellar Door
1133 Milbrodale Rd, Broke
Fordwich, Hunter Valley NSW
Vigneron: Dave Fromberg
0474156786
12 December 2018
Linking the Communities of Broke Fordwich Bulga & MilbrodaleAGRICULTURAL
AND VITICULTURAL
CONTRACTING AND
MANAGEMENT SPECIALISTS
a G PLUS
Fertilizing, mulch,
and compost spreading
Spraying
Slashing
All tractor operations
Post ramming
Fencing, entrances and yards
Property Management
Vineyard & Olive Specialists
PO Box 123,Broke NSW 2320
SERVICING YOUR
Phone/Fax 02 65791084
LOCAL AREA
Mobile 0409 450 506
December 2018 13
Linking the Communities of Broke Fordwich Bulga & MilbrodaleFurther increase in sales to China
surprises winemakers
China has again Yalumba manag-
shown its domi- ing director Nick
nance as Austral- Waterman, in
ia’s most valua- South Australia’s
ble wine market, Barossa Valley,
with new figures said the sustaina-
showing export ble growth of ex-
value into China ports had proven
increased by 42 surprising.
per cent in the “I think there
past 12 months. new ways of living.” was a lot of
Wine Australia’s export Shiraz popular with consum- expectation in general by
report shows total exports ers the wine industry, but I think
to Greater China hit $853 most people would not have
million in value, which is Red wine varieties were predicted such exponential
significantly higher than the once again a big winner, growth,” he said.
next-best United States on accounting for 74 per cent
of export value and outper- “It is moving from what has
$461 million.
forming white wine domesti- traditionally been seen as a
Total Australian wine ex- cally. healthy option, and now it is
ports also showed substan- becoming more of a lifestyle
tial growth across the board Mr Clark said Australian red option as well.
from the 12 months ending varieties, including the popu-
“As the country’s population
September 2017, with value lar shiraz, had struck a chord becomes wealthier, we are
growing 13 per cent to hit with Chinese consumers.
seeing it move away from
$2.44 billion and just under “Red wine resonates strong- the five-star hotels and tier
800 million litres in volume. ly in the China market, and one cities, and into the gen-
Wine Australia chief execu- it is over 90 per cent of our eral restaurant trade.”
tive Andreas Clark said the exports,” he said.
Despite trailing more tra-
rise of the Chinese market in “The success we have had ditional markets like the
particular had been signifi- is because we have really United States and the United
cant for the local industry. worked hard in the market. Kingdom, Mr Waterman said
“The story in China has been “We had seven years of the growth in China looked
quite remarkable,” he said. negative value growth, so in likely to take out top spot for
“There is a real emerging the last three years we have his winemaker in the coming
wine culture … there is still been in positive growth terri- years.
a long way to go in China. tory.” “I envisage within the fore-
“It is all part of the trend to Ferngrove has pursued a seeable future it will become
westernisation that is hap- unique approach to market- the largest market for us by
pening there, and exploring ing its wine in China value,” he said.
14 December 2018
Linking the Communities of Broke Fordwich Bulga & MilbrodaleOur Wildlife
Channel – Billed Cuckoo (Scythrops novachollandiae)
Also known as the rain bird.
Huge pale grey cuckoo with large, curved, straw coloured beak, red skin around eye, tail
with dark terminal band, tipped with white. Immature birds are paler, no red around the eye,
and scalloped buff on wings. Single pairs or small flocks, very shy and keeps to heads of
leafy figs; harassed by other birds; often first noticed by call, Flight strong, hawk like, with
regular beats, often high up like a flying cross. Reclaimed juveniles are sometimes seen
with adult pairs.
They are raucous, repeated, rising shout ‘oik’ or ‘awk’; flying or perched; often at night.
They live in rain forest, open forest and woodland. Breeds from August until December.
They lay up to 5 buff, blotched, purplish brown eggs in other bird’s nests including the
Magpie, Currawong and magpie and crow. Channel Bills leave the raising of their young
chicks to the host parent then reclaim them once they are flying.
They are summer breeding migrants from Indonesia –PNG widespread in Queensland and
NSW.
Channel – Bills arrive in Australia August – September and depart March – April.
I love the sounds these birds as it nearly always means there is rain on the way
We have had calls about huge cuckoo chicks being attacked by Magpies or even Willy
Wagtails where in fact they are feeding the Cuckoo chicks.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.
Elizabeth
“Joeys Retreat”
December 2018 15
Linking the Communities of Broke Fordwich Bulga & MilbrodaleBulga Water supply plans cause
problems for locals
Hedweld founder Ian Hedley vember 2018. The reason for way too many bad decisions
and Bulga resident, has built this is the fact that the resi- made by Singleton Council
a multimillion-dollar mining dents of the Bulga region are in relation to this project.
engineering business over unaware of what you pro- Please allow me to list such
the last few decades and is pose to present to Council. blunders;
a consistent supporter and We would hope that it is not
advocate of the Bulga com- The first public meeting
munity. at Bulga Community Hall
where false information on
When several millions of the proposed scheme was
dollars were made available publicly presented and it was
to the Bulga area as part of very obvious that the Coun-
the local mining companies’ cil employee tasked with
recompensation scheme, this presentation was either
Mount Thorley Warkworth ill-informed or unqualified in
Voluntary Planning Agree- this subject. The presentation
ment (MTW VPA), some of of the proposed scheme con-
the funds were ear-tagged tained untruths that where
to supply town water to the identified by Bulga residence
area. and subsequently this project
Singleton Council took re- was scrapped in favour of a
sponsibilty to distribute the Hedweld founder and CEO second proposed project.
funds and the following let- Ian Hedley “....tax payer
monies squandered on an Before Bulga residents
ter from Ian to Paul McKoy, inappropriate project that
where consulted, a second
Project Engineer, Water and fails to address the wider
community’s real needs.” project was embarked on by
Sewer Network sums up the Singleton Council employ-
problematic progress of the what you put forward at the ees which saw the Singleton
funding. Following Ian’s last community information Council purchasing vacant
letter is a press release from
evening, as to feedback I land opposite side of the
Singleton Council have received, this proposal road from the Bulga Tavern
was not generally acceptable for a water source and water
“Good Afternoon Paul to the majority of residents. treatment plant. Was a con-
For the residence of the sultant paid for this blunder?
I find it disappointing that I hope not as they only had
you are giving less than two Bulga and wider region, to ask a local if there was
working days of notifica- this is an important project
tion to the community of that has not been well man- water on that site to find out
aged by Singleton Council that this project was doomed
an agenda item that will go to fail.
before council at Mondays employees. While I accept
Singleton Council’s ordinary that you cannot please eve- Then there is another new
meeting on Monday 19 No- ryone, there has already been proposal that has been
16 December 2018
Linking the Communities of Broke Fordwich Bulga & Milbrodaleshared with the residents, Bulga regional residents that ject has been prolonged by
and that is to bring water have their drinking water ex- poor decisions, that Single-
from Mount Thorley Indus- tremely negatively impacted ton Councillors will consider
trial area. I have a business by dust from the nearby the wider Bulga community
in the industrial area that is Yancoal Mine. and contribute some of their
already negatively affected I also wish to advise you retained MTW VPA monies
by low water pressure and that, to my knowledge, that or the proceeds of the clo-
insufficient water supply for there are only two privately sure of Wallaby Scrub Road
emergency firefighting water owned properties left in the that both have had signifi-
supply. This has forced land- Bulga village that are not cant negative impact on the
owners in the Mount Thor- owned by Yancoal. Those Bulga regions community.
ley Industrial Area to put in being our family home and Unfortunately I am still trav-
water storage and booster that of our next door neigh- elling home from overseas
pumping equipment at their bour. With the current pro- and will not be available
“ ...the only winners have been the consultants who have been paid
... $500,000.00 to come up with three failed projects”
posal as presented at the last to request public access at
own expense. For my com- Singleton Council presenta- Mondays meeting. Instead I
pany Hedweld, the cost of tion at Bulga Community request that you consider the
compulsory booster pumps Centre, it would appear that content of this email before
and water storage now ex- the only real winners of this Council moves a motion that
ceeds one hundred thousand latest proposal will be Yan- will see tax payer monies
dollars ($100,000.00). Has coal. squandered on an inappro-
this proposed project been priate project that fails to ad-
researched adequately, or is It is my understanding that
Singleton Council has had dress the wider communities
this another project doomed real needs.
to fail. I question the wis- Government funding for this
dom of this latest ridiculous project for a number of years General Manager Jason Lin-
scheme. and to date the only winners nane, I appreciate the fact
have been the consultants that you and I have some
From a personal opinion, I who have been paid hand- history in relation to Mount
can not understand how a somely (to the tune of five Thorley Industrial area water
very effective private irriga- hundred thousand dollars, supply. I am sure we both
tion scheme (the PID) can yes $500,000.00) to come up want to put this behind us.
be built and maintained by with three failed proposed This water project however
private consortium to sup- projects. Do Councillor’s ap- is a matter of great im-
ply irrigation quantities of prove this excessive waste of portance to the remaining
water to a large area south tax payer money? real residents of the Bulga
and west of Singleton and regional community and
Council cannot provide a I do hope that, despite the
relatively small project to excessive time that this pro- Continued next page
December 2018 17
Linking the Communities of Broke Fordwich Bulga & Milbrodaletherefore the project should and Bulga was decided at B covering 14.8 kilometres
not be determined by Local last night’s ordinary meeting between Broke and Bulga
Government employees that of Singleton Council. (servicing 186 properties
are isolated from regional Community consultation, under the entire scheme).
communities concerns. I particularly with the Mil- “Following last night’s
would once again ask that brodale community, will also resolution, Council staff will
consideration be given to continue while a date for now proceed to engage a
local concerns and that you construction is dependent consultant to undertake de-
personally make yourself on further grant funding for tailed designs for the Broke
available to meet with the the estimated $11.3 million to Bulga option, based on
regions residents to discuss project. the number properties served
this matter before it is dealt and associated economic and
A report to the meeting said
with by Council. I am happy other benefits,” she said.
Council received a 50 per
to organise this meeting if
cent funding contribution “Cost estimates have put the
required.
for the Bulga Water Supply cost of the project at $11.3
I trust that the Singleton Scheme for up to $1.4 mil- million, including a 30 per
Council will consider the lion in February 2017, how- cent contingency, and the
needs of the Bulga commu- ever issues identified in the simple fact is Council can-
nities future requirements in planning phase had resulted not afford to fund the project
relation to a reliable source in cost implications for the without passing on addition-
of clean and affordable wa- project. al rate increases or taking
ter. additional loans.
Community workshops held
in September also raised “That’s why the resolution
Regards, concerns about the cost of included deferring construc-
Ian” the base charge and con- tion until Council can secure
struction of service lines to
additional grant funding
dwellings to connect to pota-
to help cover the consider-
ble water supply. able cost, and for Council to
Singleton Katie Hardy, Council’s Man- work with State Government
Council: Detailed ager Water and Sewer, said agencies to identify and
designs to be the outcome from last night’s apply for appropriate grand
meeting paved the next steps funding.
drawn for Bulga in the future of the project. “There will also be ongo-
Water Supply Two options for the route ing community consultation,
for the transfer water main particularly with the people
of Milbrodale, who could
Detailed designs for the Bul- were presented Councillors,
connect to the water network
ga Water Supply project will with Option A covering 9.7
kilometres between Mount under Option B.”
be undertaken after a pre-
ferred route for the transfer Thorley and Bulga (servic-
water main between Broke ing 108 properties under the
entire scheme) and Option
18 December 2018
Linking the Communities of Broke Fordwich Bulga & MilbrodaleDecember 2018 19 Linking the Communities of Broke Fordwich Bulga & Milbrodale
Big oil and gas producer Woodside
calling for a carbon price
Woodside boss sector and
Peter Coleman manufactur-
says the time for ers, so I am
Australia to act on not going to
climate change is talk about
now where the
Woodside has Business
joined other re- Council is go-
source giants BHP ing with this,”
and Rio Tinto in he said.
calling for change “We think it
Mr Coleman says Woodside boss Peter Coleman: “We need a price is time for
individual com- on carbon, we need to ensure that the most effective Woodside
energy gets into the system.” to step up,
panies may help
change broader It is a major reversal from we think it
corporate resistance to a car- the company’s stance several is time for industry to step
bon price years ago, when it’s then- up, it is difficult for industry
chief Don Volte campaigned associations to do that them-
Speaking on the ABC’s The against the Gillard govern- selves.
Business, chief executive ment’s emissions pricing
“ A market-based carbon price could minimise the costs of a low carbon
transition by making clear the marginal cost of reducing emissions across all
sources.”
Peter Coleman said the time scheme.
to act on climate change was “Hopefully by coming out
now. Mr Coleman’s stance will and talking about this in a
likely make for some awk- very clear and thoughtful
“We need a price on carbon, ward conversations at the way there will be others that
we need to ensure that the Business Council where he will come behind us and say
most effective energy gets sits on the board. yes, we are of the same view
into the system,” he said. and we will start to develop
The council was another
“Our legacy needs to be one very vocal critic of Austral- momentum over time.”
that both our children and ia’s previous carbon price, Rio Tinto’s boss Jean Sebast-
our grandchildren are proud but Mr Coleman said he ien Jacques told The Busi-
that their parents gave to wouldn’t be trying to change ness in late October that the
them and that opportunity is the council’s stance. company remains steadfast
now, so we think there is a in its support of putting a
will to act, the time is now, “I accept that the Business
Council represents many, price on emissions.
and we need to start having
good policy debate.” many members with diverse “Our policy has not changed.
views both in the resources We believe in climate
20 December 2018
Linking the Communities of Broke Fordwich Bulga & Milbrodalechange, we believe in carbon
pricing,” he said.
“We will convey our mes-
sage to whoever is in power A great night out
in Australia, in the US, in
Canada and in China to
make sure that our views are
Bingo
well understood. We want as
a part of the mining industry
to be a part of the solution to
climate change.”
In the same week BHP re-
leased a report stating that a
“market-based carbon price
could minimise the costs of
a low carbon transition by
making clear the marginal
cost of reducing emissions
across all sources.”
Last week software billion- Christmas Bingo
aire Mike Cannon-Brookes,
who has started a social me-
December 3rd
dia storm with his campaign
for a clean energy future Lots of prizes
titled “#fairdinkumpower”,
is also planning to push for a
carbon price. @ 6:30 Bulga Community
“The biggest kind of thing Centre
we can do I guess is put in
place a carbon price,” he told
ABC’s 7.30 program. All welcome
“Regardless what you think
of that science, if we wait to Contact
see if the scientists are right
or not, it will be too late to
act. So, prudence dictates
Phil Reid 0438 865 064
that we think about what
contribution we can make,
individually and collectively, Bring a plate to share
to mitigating the effects of
climate change.”
December 2018 21
Linking the Communities of Broke Fordwich Bulga & MilbrodaleSingleton Evangelical Church
is a genuine community of people
from all cultures, ages and walks
of life. Not just for Singleton
residents, but for all those who
want to hear God’s word and
share the amazing impacts of His
love. You are most welcome to
come along to Sunday Church
9:30am at Singleton Public
School, Elizabeth St, or even try
one of our smaller groups or
Youth Groups.
For more information 6573-4198
or www.singletonchurch.org
22 December 2018
Linking the Communities of Broke Fordwich Bulga & MilbrodaleDecember 2018 23 Linking the Communities of Broke Fordwich Bulga & Milbrodale
The robot that staves off loneliness for
chronically ill children
A Norwegian startup com- Dolva, a 26-year-old who interplay and group dynam-
pany has created an automa- studied computer science ics that are a critical part of
ton that helps children with and interaction design at school life.
long-term sickness be part of Oslo University, is not one Dolva realised just how
normal life again of them. She and her two important and neglected this
As a rule of thumb, the best co-founders – Marius Aabel issue of social solitude was
ideas are the simplest. That’s and Matias Doyle – are all when she met a woman who
about utility. As their com-
easy to forget in an age of pany name suggests, they are lost her teenage daughter to
rapid technological innova- looking to end human isola- cancer. She and her partners
tion, when the tendency is tion. It’s a massive undertak-researched the problem,
to be led by capability rather ing, but they’ve started with speaking to children with a
than need. a distinct and overlooked multitude of different health
group: sick children. conditions and came up with
For as Karen Dolva, co-
founder of the Norwegian When a child suffers a long- an answer: a telepresence
startup No Isolation, says: term or chronic illness, one robot called AV1.
“There are a lot of engineers of the greatest psychologi- A plain white bust, with a
who don’t want to make cal problems they confront vaguely sci-fi robot visage,
something useful – they is isolation from their peers it was designed to sit on a
want to make something and schoolmates. It’s pos- vacated classroom desk and
cool.” sible to keep up with school- be the eyes and ears of the
work, but not the social sick child at home in bed.
24 December 2018
Linking the Communities of Broke Fordwich Bulga & MilbrodaleThe child can see and hear As a teenager, it is incred-
the UK alone. Dolva envis-
the teacher and the rotating ibly reassuring to know this
ages a situation in which
head of the robot also offers assistive technology is avail-
schools buy or hire several
a 360-degree view of the able and can help me forge
robots that are transferred
class. my future.”
between pupils as and when
The AV1’s head flashes blue Jade, who plans to go to uni- the need arises.
when the child wants to ask versity, something she feared But she’s not stopping with
a question and there is even she wouldn’t be able to do, sick schoolchildren. The
a whispering mode that ena- speaks of AV1 as female, be- next group she wants to
bles the child to speak, way cause users tend to award a bring out of social isolation
out of the teacher’s earshot, gender to their robot, as well is senior citizens. The solu-
to a neighbouring classmate. as customise it. She’s even tion No Isolation is working
When I met Dolva in a north given hers a name – Bee – on, says Dolva, is going to
London cafe, I tried out the and its own Facebook page. be very different to AV1.
system by speaking, via an For someone as housebound “Kids have a base,” she says.
AV1, to her colleague in as Jade, Bee offers more “With school, there’s a net-
Oslo. By the use of elemen- than a presence in a class- work. You don’t necessar-
tary controls on a laptop, I room – she also provides ily see that with seniors. Of
was able to look around the a window on the world at course there are also mobil-
Oslo office and chat to the large. Her mother takes Bee ity issues, memory loss and
company secretary. for journeys in the car, where technology fear. Seniors are
she can chat to her daugh- a much more diverse group.
It’s hardly a breakthrough ter, who can see the passing A 12-year-old is very much
in technology, but the early streets, and to coffee shops, a 12-year-old. Two 85-year-
signs are that it could have where strangers often stop
profound effect with its olds can be extremely dif-
and ask questions. ferent in their motivation
target consumers. Just over
200 of the AV1s are being “The best times I’ve ever and what family they have
used in Scandinavia, a few in had with Bee have been around them.”
Holland and there is already when I didn’t even feel like Dolva’s dream is to end so-
one user in Britain. In 12 I was using her,” says Jade. cial isolation completely and
months’ time, Dolva expects “I just felt like I was really it doesn’t matter how long it
that figure to be between there.” takes. This is one startup that
2,000 and 4,000. For her, the AV1 is useful is not looking for a quick
“I have security now be- and cool. buy-out.
cause of AV1,” says Jade in Something like one in a “It’s a problem we’ve dedi-
an email. “She gave me hope 100 children are away cated our lives to,” she says,
in a very dark time. She has from school for at least two with a tear in her eye. “It’s
allowed me to make com- months a year, so the market what we’re going to be do-
mitments that previously I for AV1 is potentially very ing for the next 50 years.”
would have been too worried large, with around 35,000 Andrew Anthony
about not being able to meet. pupils fitting the criterion in
The Observer
December 2018 25
Linking the Communities of Broke Fordwich Bulga & MilbrodaleBULGA
COAL
Environment and
Community Contacts
Ralph Northey - Bulga Coal
Environment and Community Manager
T: 6570 2539 M: 0418 439 874
ralph.northey@glencore.com.au
Community complaints line
24 hours a day, 7 days a week
1800 332 693
You can also view our approvals, management plans
and environmental monitoring data on the website.
Go to www.bulgacoal.com.au and click on
the Publications tab on the menu.
26 December 2018
Linking the Communities of Broke Fordwich Bulga & MilbrodaleBRANXTON CROQUET
CLUB
IMPROVE YOUR BODY AND MIND
SATURDAY AND TUESDAY FROM 9a.m.
John Rose Avenue, Branxton
(turn left on New England Highway at
first traffic lights in Branxton)
All welcome
For further information on this
great no-contact sport contact
Chris Robertson
Secretary
0418 427 320
6574 7194
December 2018 27
Linking the Communities of Broke Fordwich Bulga & MilbrodalePaul Woods
Licensed Plumber,
Drainer,
Drainer, Gassfitter
Gasfitter
&
Roofer
0404 488 462
Putty Rd
Milbrodale
Lic ## 219717C
Lic 219717C ,,
ABN 6579
ABN 6579 8335
8335 847
847
28 December 2018
Linking the Communities of Broke Fordwich Bulga & MilbrodaleBroke Village Recreation Grounds
Community access information:
A great spot to enjoy the great outdoors
Free BBQ with sheltered picnic tables
Tennis courts with lights for night use
Netball court
Basketball court
Children’s play equipment.
The Grounds are located at the end of
Cochrane Street.
The hut at the grounds is available for the
community’s use for no charge.
If you wish to use the facility please make a
booking with Wendy on 65781334.
The key for the Hut can be picked up at the
Broke Village Store with a deposit of $20.00
which will be returned when the key is re-
turned.
December 2018 29
Linking the Communities of Broke Fordwich Bulga & MilbrodaleCOMMUNITY GROUPS AND ORGANISATIONS
Broke Bulga Landcare Broke Community Hall Palliative Care
Group Inc.
COMMUNITY GROUPS Kathleen Everett (02) Volunteers for Singleton
AND ORGANISATIONS
C/o President, Wendy 6579 1470 & Cessnock
Lawson Kath Watkinson (02)
PO Box 120, Broke 65722121
NSW 2330 Broke Public School
Principal/P&C Private Irrigation (PID)
Broke Fair Committee Association, admin@bfpid.com.au
Secretary, Maxine Cochrane Street, Broke Water On/Off 1300 767
Alexander 118
alexandermaxine6@ Bulga Milbrodale PID Admin
gmail.com Progress Association Saywells
President - John Krey 12 Vincent St
Broke Fordwich Wine 6574 5376 CESSNOCK
& Tourism PO Box 1032, Singleton office@saywells.com
President Jody Derrick 2330
Secretary, Mike Wilson bmpa.contact@bigpond. St Andrews Anglican
secretary@ com Church Broke
brokefordwich.com.au Parish Secretary at 6571
Bulga Community 1414
NSW Rural Fire Service Centre Inc.
Hunter Valley District President/bookings St Marks Anglican
2161 Putty Road Bulga Claudette Richards Church
2330 65745 495 C/o Marie Mitchell
Phone 6575 1200, Fax Secretary Belinda Inlet Road, Bulga NSW
6575 1299 Passlow 0427 305 519 2330
email huntervalley. Treasurer Phil Reid 0438
team@rfs.nsw.gov.au 865 064 The Immaculate
Manager: Conception Catholic
Superintendent Ashley Justices of the Peace Church Broke
Frank. Tom Jackson 6574 5266 Paul O’Toole
Graham Farish C/o Broke Post Office,
Broke Rural Fire 0414842327 Broke NSW 2330
Brigade
Captain: Paul Myers Milbrodale Public Wildlife Rescue,
C/o Broke Post Office, School Rehabilitation and
Broke NSW 2330 Putty Road, Milbrodale Release
NSW 2330 www.wildlifeaid.org.au
Bulga Rural Fire 0429 850 089
Brigade National Parks and
Captain: Adrian Wildlife Service- Upper
Gallagher 6574 5100. Hunter Area Bulga and
Permit officers: Scone
A Gallagher 6574 5100 Peta Norris, Putty Road,
and B Anderson 0417 Bulga
403 153 NSW 2330 6574 5555
30 December 2018
Linking the Communities of Broke Fordwich Bulga & MilbrodaleTrades Services Directory
CARRIER - General GOURMET FOODS Plumbing
John Lamb Marian Waite Paul Woods
6574 5205 6579 1063 Licensed Plumber,
Mob 0427 695 468 Mob 0409 791 063 Drainer, Gasfitter &
marian@riverflatsestate. Roofer
CATTERY com.au Putty Rd Milbrodale
Jan Pennell 0404 488 462
6579 1450 Mechanical &
Automotive POOL & YARD
CLEANERS Services MAINTAINANCE
Professional Hunter Val- Beyond Broke Anthony Smolenaers
ley Cleaning Group Mechanical & Automotive 65791228 or 0400 367025
Hospitality and private Jason McCraw
cleaning Licensed Motor Vehicle Vineyard Services
0439 841 487 Repairer Bright Vine Services
huntervalleycg@gmail. 0414 264 515 Vineyard consulting
com beyondbrokemechenical. 0410625540
com.au jennybright@bigpond.
COMPUTERS & com
COMMUNICATION PIANO LESSONS www.brightvineservices.
Bruce Cowan Jan Pennell com.au
6579 1130 6579 1450
WINE MAKING
PRINT & DESIGN Michael McManus
BINK Creative 6579 1400
4990 3230 Mob 0403 014 787
Advertising Rates
Linking the Communities of Broke Fordwich Bulga & Milbrodale
The Cockfighter Editorial:
Business Card 90 mm x 50 mm $2
Tom Jackson: 6574 5266
Quarter page 90 mm x 135 mm $5
Eden Anthony 0407 069682
Half page 185 mm x 135 mm $10
jeraharvest@icloud.com
Full Page 185 mm x 270 mm $15
0407 069682
jeraharvest@icloud.com
December 2018 31
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