There may be discussion of no AFL this season and gyms and indoor sporting areas may be closed for the meantime, but glass half full, the Stubbs Park Committee look to provide great sporting facilities for the future.

Like last year the Stubbs Park Committee are planning to put a crop in at Ken & Robbie McDougall’s block south of Dumbleyung (Bibiking Road). This year the program has been upped to 200ha with canola to be sown. Though before the crop goes in the committee have organised a busy bee. They need your help to remove rock piles and fences in preparation for seeding. Loaders and trucks are needed, and any assistance would be greatly appreciated.

The busy bee is scheduled to take place next Wednesday April 1 at 1pm and you can meet in the paddock. If you can help and/or for more information/directions please contact Lee Smith on 0427 637 242.
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Last year’s efforts saw a 377T of Rosalind Barley delivered to CBH at Dumbleyung – a great effort by all involved and an awesome contribution by the community to help secure funding for the planned upgrades to our current sporting ground/facility. Building a bigger, brighter and sport filled future for many generations to come.

The C Word, COVID-19/Corona Virus. You’ve no doubt heard it on the radio, seen it discussed on the TV or read it on online and unfortunately, the CRC will be impacted by the rapidly changing environment of COVID-19 with changes to our opening hours and services.

As you are all aware Australia has entered into unchartered territory and we write this as we face trying and unprecedented times. The impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in a decision which we believe follows the Government and Health advice and regulations and is a priority for the safety and wellbeing for everyone in our community.

Effective as of 4.30pm today (Wednesday March 25th 2020) the Dumbleyung CRC will be closing its doors to the public and ceasing the delivery of face to face services, including the Dumbleyung Public Library, until further notice. CRC Coordinator, Ally will be working behind the scenes checking emails and answering the phone (we plan to divert the CRC phone) to help those we can remotely.
The Quack Chat will continue to be published on a Wednesday to help share any local updates and any news stories. Though no hard copy versions will be available (that means no in store collection or posted Quack Chats until further notice) and the format may be slightly different/condensed.
We plan to be more active online to keep you, our community connected! So please like/follow us on Facebook (search Dumbleyung CRC) and/or visit our website www.dumbleyungcrc.com. Free wifi will also be available 24/7 from just outside the building to access Centrelink, myGov etc. online from your own devices.

What does this mean for upcoming workshops and events?
Regrettably, tonight’s ‘Effective Meetings ToolKit’ workshop will be our last workshop/event held locally and we will utilise video conference technology to bring this course to those who have registered. To date, next week’s AusChem Accreditation course is going ahead though the location has been moved and will now be hosted and facilitated on campus at Katanning TAFE (not in Dumbleyung). Please contact Katanning TAFE to confirm your registration on 9821 6444 and for further updates. All other future workshop/events have been placed on hold.

We want to reassure you that while working remotely, we are committed to doing what we can to help you, ensure the health of all (staff and community) and the ongoing future of the CRC.
Please continue to show that strong community spirit we know is within our Shire, look out for one another, care for your neighbours and show kindness and support. Stay calm and stay healthy!
Article on behalf of the CRC Committee

Amidst no power, social distancing and recent thunderstorms the grand final for the Dumbleyung - Toolibin Tennis Association proceeded last Sunday 22nd March 2020 at Dudinin. This event may have been the last group sport played in the district prior to the shut downs due to the Corona virus/Covid-19 pandemic.

Showing what a resilient group of community minded people can do, the Dudinin Tennis Club not only hosted the much anticipated final in trying circumstances but also managed to come away with a convincing win. Western Power had chosen grand final day to do major works and change a number of power poles on the main line. Whilst not the most convenient timing, locals did a Pollyanna, grabbed a generator, and were appreciative that they may have reliable power moving forward.

After last year’s loss to Kukerin at Kukerin, Dudinin were keen to give it all they had. Captains Clinton Mullan and Jo Doney had spent a lot of time in the tactical think tank, working around a few injuries and old man issues. Their careful planning paid off. Although the games were close, Kukerin was 10 sets to Dudinin’s 12 sets going into the ever popular and hard fought mixed.

Dudinin coupled up well and won all but 2 sets in the mixed, running away with a solid win; the final result being Dudinin 22 sets 184 games to Kukerin 12 sets 165 games.

The set score doesn’t give justice to Kukerin and the excellent tennis played with long deuce games and many a tie-breaker.

Presentations were held outside, which worked well considering the limit of 1 person per 4 square metre inside and the 1 metre social distancing stipulation.

Association President, Kukerin’s Nigel Faulkner, presented ‘The Flag’ to Dudinin Captain Clinton Mullan. It will look great next to the other flags proudly displayed in the club house. The shield seemed to be missing in action yet again, and rumours were that Kukerin thought they might be keeping it so forgot to ‘pop it in the car’.

Jamie Dare and Megan Henry attended the day and worked with the captains to run the courts.
The food was exceptional and enjoyed by all. Gloves, hand sanitizer and paper towels (and fortunately enough toilet paper) were the order of the day.

Apparently, it’s about the tennis, but the food does come a very close second! Special mention to Elise Mullan and Mel Miller who went beyond the call of duty given the circumstances and organised magnificent pulled pork and coleslaw gourmet buns which attendees managed to squeeze in after the incredible afternoon tea spread supplied by both clubs, chased by a myriad of savouries provided by the host club.

Carmen Bairstow, Dumbleyung, was awarded the coveted Liz and Owen Dare shield for the most number of sets won over the season with 26 sets. The joint runners up on 24 sets were Kukerin’s Ross Gooding and Nathan Ditchburn.

Jamie Dare presented the shield on behalf of his parents and as Carmen was unable to attend due to self isolation Megan Henry read Carmen’s heartwarming speech (see full speech in Sports Update).
Well done to both Dudinin and Kukerin. Congratulations to all finals players and those absent who helped get the team there.

Best wishes and thoughts to all of the tennis community, here and across the world, and all in general, as we continue to self isolate and go closer to lock down. May you stay safe, well and sane. Don’t forget that a tennis ball is an amazing item and can be used for so much more than just playing tennis, including muscle and stress relief. Stay connected and share your favourite tennis ball moment!
Article by Davina Gossage

​BAIN ESTATE APPLICATIONS CLOSE 3 APRIL 2020 at 12noon
Bain Estate Applications close 3 April 2020 at 12noon.  For those applying, please remember to contact Mary-Ann Davidson before submitting your application on 9863 4012.
Further information can be found athttps://www.dumbleyung.wa.gov.au/bain-estate-future-fund
In May 2013 the Shire of Dumbleyung was the sole beneficiary to the Estate of Ian Bain. The will contained a wish that the money be used to assist sporting groups, emergency organisations and hospital services within the shire; however the wish does not impose an obligation to restrict spending to these three areas. The intention of Council is for the Bain Estate Distribution to be used for the benefit of the shire over a thirty year period of time. The aim is to distribute the money to the community in similarly equal distributions over the thirty year period, taking into account the time value of money.
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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 $140 per week

​READ THE MOST RECENT LAKE EXPRESS NEWSLETTER HERE:https://mailchi.mp/edb16b9fde33/shire-newsletter-lake-express-2862557 

A group from Katanning, lead by Ella Maesapp hit the road recently to re-discover those old salinity management sites, and find out what the long-term impacts have been.

 “Every site we visited was at least a decade old.” said Ella Maesepp of Katanning Landcare. “We were sure there was much to be learnt from trial sites that were in the spotlight back then; We wanted to hear from those host farmers and find out, warts and all, how management techniques set up all those years ago have fared long term and been integrated into day to day farming operations.”
There first stop was to view the deep drainage channels that Todd Gray, farmer from North Moulyinning installed in late 2007. Todd presented a comprehensive picture of the scenario he was facing prior to the drains. He explained to the Group of the seven years preceding the drain where he didn’t put a crop in because it was un trafficable and even after 7-8 mm of rain, puddles appeared everywhere. Initially it was the waterlogging that was the problem forcing the tractor driver to navigate around 1-2 ha of puddles when ripping up the paddocks was still practised according to Todd.

He indicated where the trees located nearby were planted in 1991 by his Aunty and himself as that was the first bit of salt that popped up after he had come home.

After the drain was installed it didn’t take long for the waterlogging to stop and according to Todd, it’s made a huge difference, saying it may not fix all the salt, but it certainly has helped and also given us options.

 Silverosa lucerne had been established and was going well until the flood in 2017 which destroyed the stand. Todd had four good years of using it for grazing and was very happy with it. He is willing to have another crack at it this year.

The pilot drainage system that starts on Todd’s farm block to the North of this site has been a lot of hard work to get it right and the best thing is all the farmers agreed to be on board when they were approached with the initial idea. At a meeting held last year the farmers support was re enforced when every Landholder in the scheme attended a drainage meeting.

Originally there were 14 farmers involved and it started in the early 2000’s when the Shire and the Waters and Rivers commenced working together to design a pilot drainage scheme.

A grant from the WA Government for about $1.2 million was the catalyst to move forward with the concept plan. The scheme was originally for 52 km and took about six months to put in. The design specified 5:1 batter to make the water move faster but this design lowered the banks too much, which allowed flood water to flow into the drain and caused breaches where it had been graded too low. During maintenance the banks were made higher.

The volume of water taken out of the profile has made a huge difference to these paddocks.  It’s not an insignificant cost but Todd believes it’s well worth it.

Todd explained that he has probably saved a good 100 ha and in the process the waterlogging has stopped where there wasn’t salt, it has been amazing how fast the turnaround has been.

The drainage system empties out into a natural creekline on another one of his farms, located south of the Dumbleyung / Lake Grace highway which was cleared in 1908 and started going salty in 1910. The water goes about 200 m into the farm and evaporates during summer.

The drains have stabilised since the ungrazed bluebush has grown in the fenced area and Todd anticipates that maintenance is only going to be a once in decade, providing there is no other flood events!
Drone photo courtesy Peter Clifton, South West Catchments Council.

Cheers Corona! And we don’t mean that in a fun, celebratory way, but rather a ‘gee thanks’ how does Covid-19 affect me and my community. As we write this article there are currently no known confirmed Covid-19 cases in regional Western Australia and to help keep the virus at bay in our community here’s a few things you can do to help reduce the spreading of the disease.

1. Stay calm – look after your health and be cautious!
2. Social distancing - reduce contact between you and others as the virus can spread from person-to-person. Be sure to wash your hands frequently (as ScoMo mentioned, sing happy birthday twice for the duration of your hand washing). Cover your cough or sneeze, dispose of tissues and use alcohol based sanitiser. If you feel slightly unwell, avoid people and lay low at home until you’re feeling better or have been tested.

 
How to pass time when social distancing at home?

• Do that 2000 piece puzzle in the back of the games cupboard
• Re-organise your ‘everything’ cupboard or draw
• Stocktake your clothes ready to donate when you finish ‘social distancing’
• Find your green thumb and get out in the garden

 

1. Self-Quarantine/Isolation - If you think you’ve been in contact with someone who’s infected and/or you’ve just returned from overseas be sure to follow the protocols as directed by the Department of Health.

 
So what can we do locally? Here’s a few tips to still support local whilst keeping the risk to yourself and others to a minimum.

• Click and Collect – Feeling unwell/really worried, place an order via phone/email or fax as both the Kukerin General Store and Dumbleyung General Store can assist to package your order for you.
• Eat out but eat at home – Unsure about going out and enjoying a meal? Then order it takeaway. Takeaway meals are available from the Grand Olde Dumbleyung Inn (GODI), the Kukerin Hotel, along came Henry Café, Dumbleyung Club and the Dumbleyung Roadhouse. See the contact details for each business below.

GODI – 9863 4817
Kukerin Hotel – 9864 6338
Along came Henry Café – 0459 635 638
Dumbleyung Club (Mila) – 0429 634 092
Dumbleyung Roadhouse – 9863 4072

• Can it be done remotely? – Need something actioned but want to reduce your interaction with others, send an email or phone ahead. For example, need something printed? Send  it to the CRC via email and we can get that ready for you to just pop in and collect.

 
Overall, keep supporting local where you can, be cautious and remain calm. It’s currently business as usual just with a few extra health precautions including washing your hands often, keeping your work space clean and keeping distance where necessary. Should anything change keep an eye out in the Quack Chat for updates as we receive them from businesses and/or follow particular business Facebook pages/websites.
 
For more information be sure to visit the Department of Health website (https://www.health.gov.au/news/health-alerts/novel-coronavirus-2019-ncov-health-alert)
 
Information for this article was sourced from the Australian Government, Department of Health Website.

We have the Term One school holidays sorted! Big and little kids will be occupied with something for everyone! A sell out last year, CRC trainee Ella will again be hosting the ‘mini Picassos’ of our Shire for a Marble Canvas Painting Workshop. The perfect treat for our ‘littler’ community members we’ve organised an Easter Bunny Teddy Picnic.  
 
Details for both events below. Registration essential for the event/workshop to proceed and minimum numbers may apply.
 
Marble Canvas Painting Workshop – designed for both boys and girls this workshop is aimed at children aged six and older. An interactive and all equipment included workshop - attendees/mini picasso’s will be able to take home their amazing artwork (perfect to hang in their room or gift to mum for Mother’s Day).
WHERE: Dumbleyung CRC
WHEN: Tuesday April 21st, 2020
COST: $15 per person
 
Easter Bunny Teddy Picnic – an all ages event pack your sleeping bags and Easter bunnies/teddy bears and join us for an indoor picnic and movie viewing of, Peter Rabbit (PG) at the CRC. Includes popcorn, fruit box and children’s activity book (plus an Easter Egg or two!). Children 4 and under must be accompanied by an adult.
WHERE: Dumbleyung CRC
WHEN: Friday April 17th, 2020
COST: $5 per person
 
To register for both/either of these events please contact the Dumbleyung CRC on 9863 4829 or email admin@dumbleyungcrc.com by Wednesday April 15, 2020.

Please note this event/s is subject to cancel/change pending the growing concerns and changes of the Corona Virus (Covid-19) as per Government guidelines.  

There was plenty of cheering, fun and great sportsmanship coming from the Dumbleyung Swimming Pool last Friday 13th when Dumbleyung, Kukerin and Nyabing Primary Schools gathered for the 2020 Interschool Swimming Carnival.
 
With a cool change in the weather, swimmers and spectators kept warm by swimming their hardest and fastest or by cheering the loudest! The biggest cheers and applause were left til the end of the day and heard throughout town as Dumbleyung Primary School took home first place with 457 points, Nyabing Primary School second on 383 points and Kukerin Primary School third on 368 points.
 
Two records were broken! Congratulations to Nyabing Year 6 Medley Relay and Year 6 Freestyle Relay. For full results please see Dumbleyung, Kukerin or Nyabing School newsletters.
 
An exciting day on the school calendar doesn’t happen without lots of organisation and preparation. A big thank you to all those assisted in the lead up to and on the day of the event! Further thanks to Pool Manager, Heather Bartram who made sure the grounds were immaculate and ready for all the swimmers and visitors!