From Country
Matilda's Give Back to the Mujaay Ganma - Yurall Native Nursery this Australia Day
Matilda’s considers Australia Day as a day to give back. All proceeds from the day will go to support Mujaay Ganma Yuraal Native Nursery at Bowraville. Yuraal Native Nursery sprang from a desire among local Bowraville Elders to create an enterprise where young custodians can learn about traditional Gumbaynggirr plants, foods, language and practices. The nursery provides a pathway for non- Indigenous and Indigenous community members to engage with the important work of caring for Country via Mujaay Ganma’s Native Seedbank and Bush Regeneration team.
A little background… Mujaay Ganma Foundation Aboriginal Corporation’s overarching objective is to improve the wellbeing of Country, community and families. Caring for Country is fundamental to the wellbeing of the culture and the people.
Other Mujaay Ganma initiatives:
- Working with people at ‘end of life.’
- Providing cultural support for people affected by cancers.
- Regenerating of Country informed by custodial knowledge.
- Creating a Native Seedbank.
- Building the Yuraal Native Community Garden.
Come along and enjoy a meal infused with native flavours open this Australia Day 12pm-2pm and 5pm – late
Valley Feature
Local students, Grace Stuart and Mia Morrison charity work in Fiji
Macksville High School Students, Grace Stuart and Mia Morrison have taken a step out of the Nambucca Valley and travelled to Fiji to engage with Fijian schools and orphanages. They flew to Fiji on Monday the 22nd January and will remain there for approximately two weeks. This volunteer trip to Fiji was masterminded by the girls as a way to engage with local schools, orphanages, and communities of Fiji.
Their journey includes volunteering at Treasure House Orphanage, immersing themselves into the culture of the Coral Coast village, help by teaching at Nawai Secondary School in Nalovo, and volunteering at Drasa Secondary School in Lautoka. This project will enable the girls to learn more about different cultures.
The Nambucca Valley community played an essential part in supporting the girls on this trip, with Nambucca Valley Rotary assisting by helping raise funds through various channels, including Rotary raffles. Macksville High School and community donations were also given to the girls to help contribute to the costs of the trip. A goal Grace and Mia wish to obtain from this journey is to bring two Fijian exchange students to the Nambucca Valley in order for them to also experience a different educational environment and culture.
Congratulations to Grace and Mia on this amazing initiative, we wish you all the very best!
Our stories
Nambucca Valley Dairy Farming legend, Greg Desmond talks all things dairy.
The Valley Hub sat down with Nambucca Valley Local, Greg Desmond and asked him a few questions about the life of a Dairy Farmer.
Tell us a little about yourself Greg. I was born in Macksville. Eldest of three children. Went to school in Medlow at Taylors Arm then high school at Macksville. When I finished school I was offered a job by Neville Spear in the then known Bananacoast Community Credit Union. I Started in an area called Member Chequing, then moved into Payrolls and Securities in Head Office. At the time it was fortunate that the Macksville Branch was also located at the front of the building in Cooper Street (Head Office) so from time to time I was also exposed to frontline counter work. In my 9 years at the Credit Union I moved through the ranks to eventually relieve and manage Branches throughout the area.
You grew up on a Dairy farm, what took you back to to it and how long have you been doing it for now? I left the Credit Union when it was obvious there was a future to go back to the farm as the property next door was more than likely coming up for sale in the coming years. Combining the existing family farm with the new purchase made this a viable business opportunity for myself and my wife Deb. In all, I have worked full time in Dairying for 27 years, but when you are born and bred on a dairy, even though I did get off the farm for a while, I was always there to help if things were under the pump.
What is your favourite thing about Dairy Farming? I enjoyed every facet of Dairying, probably the most was working with and moving stock around and gaining an understanding of what works for a cow, for them to give you their best production outcome without abusing them.
From a business point of view it was “CASHFLOW” – having that monthly milk pay.
What is the most challenging thing about Dairy Farming? Having no control over our product.
What is the most funniest thing that has happened to you whilst being a Dairy Farmer? The funniest thing I have experienced is watching 250 cows going the wrong direction and I only have to whistle for them to hit the reverse button. Having said that, it doesn’t always happen either but a great feeling when it does.
What is something you can tell us about milk? Not the best marketing idea this one, but Milk is actually blood and is only white because of the process it is put through by the cows mammary gland (Udder).
Do different cows have different tasting milk? What is your favourite? I think different breeds have different flavours and textures, this can also be a reflection of what the cows are eating. My favourite is Illawarra Shorthorn, but I’m probably biased.
What is your advice to any up and coming Dairy Farmers? Look after your number one asset… your Cows!
EDUCATION – BOWRAVILLE CENTRAL SCHOOL FAREWELL’S TWO OF THEIR FINEST.
Megan Cochrane.
At the end of the 2023 School term, Bowraville Central School bid the fondest of farewells to Megan Cochrane, their Community Liaison Officer and all-around Bowraville Central School superstar. Megan is hanging up her education hat and is retiring.
BCS stated “Megan has been an outstanding contributor to our school during her incredible career with us, which has spanned nearly 30 years. From serving our students, parents, carers and community in the front office, to promoting our school so wonderfully through our various media platforms, Megan has worked tirelessly with tremendous talent and commitment. She has achieved great things.”
Megan will be dearly missed. Best wishes for your retirement!
Dianne Smith.
Dianne Smith has taught at The Bowraville Central School for 36 years and there is nothing that she doesn’t know about this wonderful place and the very important work that the team does there.
BCS states “She has been a truly outstanding classroom teacher, coordinator, and innovator of education and community engagement throughout her stellar career. Di is a teacher who has demonstrated exemplary dedication to her students and she has worked tirelessly over the decades educating and guiding literally thousands of young Australians who have later gone on to contribute truly great things to our nation. We owe her a debt of gratitude for this towering and indispensable contribution.”
Dianne will also be hanging up her education hat and retiring. She will be dearly missed.
All the very best for your retirement Dianne.
Love your local
The Journey Back to the Valley for Young Local Dentist, Dr Joshua Fitzgerald.
Nambucca Valley Local Dr Joshua Fitzgerald has completed his 5 year long degree in Dentistry at James Cook University in Cairns QLD and has decided to bring his expertise back to the Valley. As a part of his degree, Dr Josh Completed 2000 hours of practical experience. In 2023 he spent six months in Mackay Base Hospital with a focus on restorative dentistry and oral surgery. He then spent a further six months at Cairns Base Hospital, which emphasised emergency and oral maxillofacial surgery training. Dr Josh has now taken the plunge and invested into the Nambucca Valley community by taking over the Macksville Dental surgery in Wallace Street Macksville.
After months of renovations and preparing his fabulous new and innovative surgery the doors are OPEN the public. Dr Josh’s Surgery offers General Dental Services with an emphasis on preventative and restorative dentistry.
Macksville Dental is open Monday – Friday from 8am-5pm and Saturday mornings 8am-1pm.
Dr Josh’s books are filling fast, be sure to call the Surgery to book your appointment. Phone 02 6568 1005.
Spotlight on
Elk on 38
THRIVE THERAPY COLLECTIVE
Thrive Therapy Collective is a new counselling clinic servicing the Nambucca Valley. The team at Thrive knows how challenging it is to access affordable therapy that fits in with busy families. For this reason, Thrive is a mobile therapy clinic offering Saturday and after-hours appointments.
Their Counsellors are fully qualified, insured, and registered with the Australian Counselling Association, each specialising in their areas of interest. From adolescence and neurodiversity, through to the perinatal period, Thrive endeavours to provide services that focus on every stage of family life.
To connect with Thrive Therapy Collective, head to:
Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61552723057969
Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/thrive_therapy_collective/
AVI Security are Now Servicing the Nambucca Valley
AVI Security was founded in 2019 with the intention of bringing improvements to the regional security industry . After over ten years of experience working in Security, owner and founder, Cameron, could see in many regional areas the standards of security could be improved upon to meet the same offerings as the city regions. It was with this motivation he founded AVI security with the aim of bringing a change to the current regional standards and to modernise the regional industry in order for everyone in the regional areas to have the same piece of mind as those in the larger Metro areas.
AVI has partnered with Seniors Card to give a further 10% discount on services to those at a higher risk in the community.
Cameron’s told The Valley Hub, “We believe that everyone should be able to feel safe and secure in their homes and businesses. AVI stands for ADVANCED, VERSATILE, INTEGRATED, we ensure that we use the latest technology available to us to provide the greatest level of services to our clients.”
“We are able to tailor our security services and packages to suit everyone in the regional areas as well as cater to their budgets. It is to that end we work with each of our clients individually to ensure that we can integrate into their operations as seamlessly as possible.”
AVI provide a full range of security services including Alarm Systems, CCTV and offsite monitoring services in collaboration with a technical provider. This is in addition to Alarm Response, Patrols, Guards and Secure Logistics services.
AVI are your one stop security service provider for the regional areas between Coffs Harbour and Forster.
NSW M/L: 000108237
Inside knowledge
Become a Member of The Valley Hub
The Valley Hub are excited to offer Businesses and Not For Profit Organisations access to a strong social media platform that celebrates the Nambucca Valley and a website with a ‘What’s Happening’ calendar, Monthly Newsletter and Business/Community Directory through our memberships. We pride ourselves in bringing The Valley Hub Podcast to the Nambucca Valley and making it accessible to all members. We are currently putting together The Valley Hub Magazine that will be released seasonally in print and E-form, celebrating all the Nambucca Valley has to offer.
As a member you will receive:
- 5 free ads on social media.
- 12 months free access to the events calendar
- 10 percent discount on all advertising in The Valley Hub magazine.
- Free listing on The Valley Hub Website.
- Access to all tools and educational material on The Valley Hub Website.
Stunning photo above by James Lander
What's on in the Valley
Events Coming in January/ February 2024
Jan 2024: Highlight events
January 2024 - Nambucca Valley Summer Rolls
January 2024 - Nambucca Valley Country Music
February 2024- Joey Leigh Wagtail and Zac Gunthorpe
February 2024 - LTC Playgroup Nambucca Heads
February 2024 - LTC Playgroup Macksville
February 2024 - LTC Playgroup Scotts Head
February 2024- Jason Lowe
EMPLOYMENT in the NAMBUCCA VALLEY
Let the games begin
Set your Brain to our Monthly Trivia Quest.
The answers will be shared next month – let us know how you fared.
JANUARY QUESTIONS
- When is the Summer solstice in the Southern Hemisphere?
- When is the Summer solstice in the Northern Hemisphere?
- What does the phrase ‘Dog days of Summer mean?’
- When is Summer in Australia?
- What was Summer originally called in Old English?
- Can you fry an egg on the pavement in Summer?
- What star sign are you if you were born between December 22nd and January 19th ?
DECEMBER ANSWERS
- Germany.
- Pigs head and mustard.
- White.
- 25th December.
- Germany.
- Jesus Christ Crown of Thorns.
- Boxing Day was a traditional day off for servants in which they received a Christmas box from their master.
Valley publications
Stay in touch with other Valley publications available.
