With harvest in full swing and a general bye in pennants last week-end, the bowling club was very quiet, however two of the senior gentlemen of the club met and enjoyed a late afternoon game on Sunday.
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Next Saturday Kukerin will host Newdegate in the continuation of the pennant competition. This promises to be a very competitive game with last season’s grand finalists who have also begun the season in good form.

There will be no organised pennant practise this week during harvest.  The green is always available to members who have the time and wish to get a little extra form.

Best wishes to Beverley Davidson who travels up to Perth this week to play in the over 60’s Ladies State pairs.  
Article by Phil Adams

Saturday Fours
We hosted Darkan on the weekend.  G. Jose, Shane Hall, M. Lathwell and G. Bate-up jumped out of the blocks but went down by two at the end of the game. A new skipper for the club. Malcolm Roberts, B. Hannah, Boo Temby and Russell Hall who was doing a little whinging at the start of the game but due to his credit, held his head high and played a good game.
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Then S. Hughes, Justine Hughes, P. Payne and G. Cronin weren’t so good but played better in the last half of the game. Not far away for a win we hope. Thanks for Justine Hughes for being our leader, she played an awesome game!

Sunday Triples
We played triples on Sunday. S. Hughes, B Hannah and Rowdy. And did Stephen Hughes have an armchair ride.  His nick name is Jason Recliner. If Bob wasn’t there Rowdy was. Then there was the team that came second! Goofy, Jose and M. Lathwell and Jose is not a leader, skipper only and team mates weren’t real flash either!
Article by ‘Goofy’ Grant Cronin

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING OF ELECTORS & ANNUAL REPORT
The Annual General Meeting of Electors is to be held on: Tuesday 26th November 2019
Time – 7.00pm
Where – Council Chambers, Dumbleyung
Purpose of meeting and order of business:
• Confirmation of Minutes of EGM held on 5 February 2019
• Receive Shire Presidents Report 2018/2019
• Receive Auditors Report 2018/2019
• Receive Annual Report 2018/2019
• General Business
Copies of the Annual Report for 2018/19 are available at the Dumbleyung Shire Office, Dumbleyung Library, Kukerin Library and the Shire Website www.dumbleyung.wa.gov.au
Copies will also be available at the meeting.
Thank you, Shire of Dumbleyung
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FUNDRAISING OPPORTUNITY - EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST - HORSE PADDOCK LEASE
Expressions of Interest are invited for a three-year lease of the land known as the ‘Horse Paddock’. The lease will run from 1 March 2020 to 28 February 2023 and will be given on the proviso that once during the three years a legume crop is grown and a one tonne per hectare lime program is carried out within the first year of the lease.
Expressions of interest close at 5:00pm on Wednesday 11 December 2019 and are to be sent to the Shire for the attention of Ms Zoey Eyre, PO Box 99 Dumbleyung WA 6350 or emailed to zeyre@dumbleyung.wa.gov.au.

SHIRE OF DUMBLEYUNG SALE OF UNUSED MATERIALS (FENCING)
The Shire of Dumbleyung proposes to dispose of the following fencing materials surplus to the requirements of the Fence Road Project and is seeking offers to purchase the material.
The cost to replace these materials is estimated at between $7,500 and $8,000. A reserve price has been set, and the materials will not be sold if this is not reached.
Persons wishing to purchase the materials should provide a written offer, addressed to the undersigned, and delivered to the Shire Administration Office or emailed to ceo@dumbleyng.wa.gov.au by 4.00pm Friday 16 November 2019, stating the amount being offered for each separate lot.
Lot 1
15 x 200m rolls of Southern Wire Fastlock 6/90/45
Lot 2
26 - 3.5”x 2.16m prefab strainers
55 - 1.5”x 3.25m struts
17 - 1.5” x 2.2m struts
Inspection of the materials can be arranged by contacting the undersigned or Calvin Shotter, Manager of Works and Services on 9863 4012.
Peter Crispin, Chief Executive Officer, PO Box 99, Dumbleyung WA 6350

EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST COUNCIL CHRISTMAS CATERING
The Shire of Dumbleyung is seeking expressions of interest to supply food and catering services for the Council Christmas Dinner in December.
When: Thursday 19 December 2019 at 7pm
Where: Shire of Dumbleyung Council Chambers
Numbers: 30-40 people (numbers confirmed closer to date)
Budget: Maximum $40 per head
3 Course Meal comprising of Appetisers,
Main Course and Desserts required.
To register your interest please submit a menu to Zoey Eyre by 4.00pm Monday 2 December 2010 by post to: Shire of Dumbleyung, Attention – Zoey Eyre, PO Box 99 Dumbleyung WA 6350, dropped in to the administration office or emailed to zeyre@dumbleyung.wa.gov.au
For further information please contact Zoey Eyre on 9863 4012 or email zeyre@dumbleyung.wa.gov.au

BUILDING A SHED, HOUSE OR ANY OTHER STRUCTURE ON YOUR FARM OR IN TOWN?
The Shire of Dumbleyung requires that a Building Permit be issued prior to the construction of a shed, patio, pergola, carport, garage, outbuilding, new dwelling or additions to an existing dwelling, grouped dwelling or additional dwellingboth in town and on farms. Please visit https://www.dumbleyung.wa.gov.au/building for further information and contact the 9863 4012 prior to commencing any works to ensure you have the relevant approvals.
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PREPARE YOUR HOME AND PROPERTY FOR THE BUSHFIRE SEASON The below website links contain everything you need to know about fire safety. Can’t access the links? Just contact the shire office if you have any questions. ARE YOU READY | FULL WEBSITE http://areyouready.wa.gov.au/ CHECKLIST PREPARING YOUR PROPERTY http://www.dfes.wa.gov.au/safetyinformation/fire/bushfire/BushfireChecklists/DFES_Bushfire_Checklist-Preparing_your_property.pdf PREPARE ACT SURVIVE GUIDE http://areyouready.wa.gov.au/documents/14467-PAS-2014-WEB.PDF
RESTRICTED BURNING PERIOD 19th September to 31st October
1st February to 31st March Restricted Burning Period – It is unlawful to set fire to the bush during this time except in accordance with a permit obtained. The Restricted Burning Period can be varied i.e. shortened, extended, suspended, reimposed by the Shire 14 days at a time if seasonal conditions require.

PROHIBITED BURNING PERIOD 1st November to 31st January Burning is also prohibited on Good Friday and Easter Sunday Prohibited Burning Period – means that the time of the year during when it is declared by the Minister to be unlawful to set fire to the bush. Protective burning and burning to harvest clover can be carried out during this time only in accordance with a permit obtained. REMINDER: BE FIRE SAFE ANNUALLY BY NOVEMBER 1 (Mowing and fire breaks)

HOUSES FOR RENT
Well aged units available for rent:
42A Manser Street, Kukerin: 2 Bed, 1 Bathroom $150 per week
23 Manser Street, Kukerin: 2 Bed, 1 Bathroom $150 per week
1/32 Bath Street, Kukerin: 2 Bed, 1 Bathroom $150 per week
2/32 Bath Street, Kukerin: 2 Bed, 1 Bathroom $150 per week
27B Manser Street, Kukerin: 2 Bed, 1 Bathroom $150 per week

FACILITY & EQUIPMENT HIRE
When hiring facilities, plant and equipment from the Shire, please complete the paperwork and pay the bond and hire fee at the office. On returning equipment, please contact the office for an inspection and refund of the bond.

FUNDING TO IMPLEMENT REVEGETATION and PROTECTION OF NATURAL BUSH areas.
The 2019 Community Stewardship Grant application Rehabilitating Natural Assets in Dumbleyung - implementing conservation works was successful.
The Dumbleyung Landcare will be given the full amount requested, $ 53 872 to implement this project.

This grant will help purchase 53,000 trees and 12 km of fencing across eight farming properties and the project is to be implemented in 2020.

 The State Program received 214 applications from across WA, 100 small project applications valued at $2.7 million and 114 large project applications valued at $26 million AND only $7M was on offer by the State Government for this annual release of funds allocated for the protection of the environment.
 
LCDC SUBSIDISED TREES
A reminder to all rate payers of the opportunity to secure seedlings using the LCDC subsidy of up to $250. Your order must be a minimum of 1,000 seedlings and placed via the Landcare Office. Saltbush is a good option and can be planted for that autumn grazing gap. If you are interested in securing seedlings of Eyre’s Green or Anameka saltbush you must order NOW as supplies will be limited. Contact Claudia on 0429612447 or ​landcare@dumbleyung.wa.gov.au

This Remembrance Day was even more poignant after a visit to the Somme region earlier this year.

After a quick google search for accommodation near Pozieres we were encouraged to find a wonderful Bed and Breakfast, Number 56 at La Boisselle France, a village up the road from Pozieres.  Even more fortunate was the realisation that the hosts were war historians and able to organise personalised tours of the region. With the aim of seeing where Eric’s grandfather had served in WWI, this was a blessing. George Gossage lied about his age so he could enlist in 1917.  Like so many returned soldiers, he never spoke to his family about his experience so there was very little information to go on.

The house was situated on the side of the road which was once the German front line and overlooked Mash Valley. From our window, Thiepval could be seen in the distance with its respectful glow at night.  Side note – Eric did manage to stand in front of a header harvesting the thick barley crop on Mash Valley and was ecstatic to be picked up by the French farmer whose wife immediately invited us to dinner on the realisation that his grandfather had fought in the war.  We were warmed and humbled by this beautiful gesture and although unable to attend, we received lovely gifts the next day.  Our hosts explained that this was a typical reaction to Australian visitors. Whilst Eric’s limited French (Merci) didn’t make for great conversation with the farmer, he was pleased to be introduced to the son, home helping for harvest, who spoke excellent English. We will probably stay in touch with this lovely family for the rest of our lives.
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The Australian National Memorial at Villers-Bretonneux was excellent and we spent many hours there.  Housed discreetly underneath the majestic Australian War Memorial, the Sir John Monash Centre museum is an interactive experience and one of the best we have ever attended. We were able to stay an extra day and attend a commemoration service at Pozieres where we met the local Mayor and the Director of the Sir John Monash Centre. It staggered us how much respect was given to Australians and that this service was typical for the region.

Apparently, it is known that it is far easier to research someone who served and died in service, than someone who very fortunately returned home. George was enlisted in the 43rd Battalion as a reinforcement.  As such, this young lad didn’t even have the luxury of being with fellow West Australians as this was a South Australian battalion.

A visit to Le Hamel where there was an extremely bloody battle and many fatalities for the 43rd made us more aware of the battalions experience. Many years were spent barely moving the front line in this region and it was staggering to actually see the metres fought over and hear of the harsh conditions soldiers were exposed to.  We saw the sites in lovely summer weather, but this obviously wasn’t the case for those involved and our hosts encourage visitors to see the area during the depths of winter to get a small taste of the reality soldiers faced.

Lochnagar Crater was just a stroll away and it is visited dawn, noon and night.  It draws one in. The site of the demise of the infamous Red Baron was pointed out and many memorials and grounds visited, including an animal memorial.

It was sad to leave the region and our new friends. In the midst of a heatwave that shut down Paris, we headed north to Ypres, Belgium to attend the playing of the Last Post which is played every evening despite the weather. Hearing the buglers play at Menin Gate was a very moving experience.  As one does on holidays, Eric had bumped into one of the buglers whilst asking directions on the way from the train station and chatted to him after the service.

Being able to research fellow 43rd Battalion recruits from WA, we found two of similar age whose names were sadly on Menin Gate. We left red poppies by their names and this still brings a tear to our eyes.

The research division at In Flanders Fields museum, Ypres, was an excellent resource and we were able to ascertain where the 43rd Battalion fought prior to France. We managed a personalised tour of the Ypres Salient and the area of the Third Wave at Passchendaele where George’s battalion was involved and where he may have received his gunshot wound.

Whilst the museum itself was interesting, the To End All Wars? An Assessment of the First World War temporary exhibition was well worth a visit and gave an insight into the deals made pre-war and the carving up of the countries post war. This display led to far more understanding of how and why the Second World War eventuated.

We would highly recommend a visit to the region if you ever find it possible. Alternatively, there is a wealth of information available online and wonderful resources available to assist in researching your loved one. LEST WE FORGET.
Article by Eric and Davina Gossage

Last Tuesday, 5th November, the ‘Race that stops the nation’ stopped Kukerin Rural Services from its usual business of ag chem sales to see a Melbourne Cup Luncheon hosted instead. The grain and pet food shed was transformed into a buffet lunch with a TV (resting on a table of 44 gallon oil drums) broadcasting the annual Melbourne Cup Horserace. With food catered for/by the KRS staff and hot food courtesy of the Kukerin General Store, a glass of bubbly on the cards and sweeps on the table, the normal attire of work boots and dungarees were transported to Fashions of the Fields at Flemington!

Although harvest was on the go for majority of clients we had a good turnout of clients come along and enjoy the sponsored event.

Congratulations to the winners of the sweep, Jacki Ball and Roisin Ball and also to our Best dressed Man Ryan Taylor and his partner Best Dressed Fillie, Tori Denn.

Thank you to all our clients for your continued support and from all of us at Kukerin Rural Services. We hope you enjoyed the lunch.

Happy harvesting!
Article by Roisin Ball

The Dumbleyung CRC has received a large number of bags dropped off for the Share the Dignity Christmas appeal and would like to thank all those who have been able to donate.  This Friday November 15th is the last day for collection so if you have a new or pre-loved bag with female essentials please leave at the CRC who will then deliver to Williams for collation.

Items to include could consist of soap, a personal note or item, shampoo, conditioner, toothpaste, toothbrush, sanitary items, deodorant or components of any of these.  “It’s not the bag or even the contents, it’s knowing that someone thinks I am worthy”.
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For more information about the campaign visit www.sharethedignity.com.au    

Kukerin Tennis Club has just completed a major resurfacing project of their six tennis courts. The former hard courts are now state-of-the-art Laykold Master Gel courts. Mark Tucker and his team from West Coast Synthetic Surfaces made a few trips down from Perth to be able to complete the project.
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On Monday the 28th October the project really started. The rain did mean it took a bit longer than initially anticipated. As it turned out rain was probably a good thing meaning there were plenty of members not busy harvesting so able to come in and help. In total 20 different community members donated a combined total of 152.5 hours.

A massive thanks to everyone who helped out! Without all the help the project wouldn’t have been able to have been done in the same way, so thank you! There were lots of different steps in getting the courts to the fantastic finished project they are now. This included sanding, grinding, spraying, sweeping, mixing, carting then spreading.

The Kukerin Tennis Club has worked hard over the past five years cropping the community block to have a significant contribution towards the total cost of the project. With thanks to the Bain Estate Future Fund, the project was able to be completed. An official opening of the courts will be announced at a later date for all to come and have a hit!
Article by Amy King, photos by Paul King

Each year in November we recognise National Ag Day, this year recognised on Thursday November 21. National Ag Day is all about recognising the Agricultural Industry and all its great achievements from helping to feed and clothe a growing global population, protecting our environment, creating jobs in rural and remote countries plus so much more!

Our day to day lives are all small parts to a much bigger picture helping to #GrowforGood! How are we growing for good? Check out these facts found at www.agday.org.au

• We (Australia) grow 93% of our own food supply – making us the 6th most food secure nation on earth
• In the 5 years to 2016, Australian Agriculture grew its indigenous employment by 26%
• Two thirds of the people fed by Aussie Farmers live outside of Australila

To celebrate 2019 #NationalAgDay we’d love to see/receive your farming and harvest photos to create a dedicated #NationalAgDay photo collage in the Quack Chat (issue to be published November 20). For your photo to be published simply send them to admin@dumbleyungcrc.com, share them to our Dumbleyung CRC Facebook Page or hashtag #DumbleyungCRC.
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Happy snapping!